This module acquaints students with the main issues surrounding the development and utilisation of information systems within the financial services sector. The module also focuses on the deployment and use of contemporary industry standard technology and critical internet related tools and techniques used to satisfy organisational goals within the financial services sector.

1) To  familiarise students with the main issues in the development of information systems in the financial service sector;

2) To develop an awareness and understanding of how new technology can be used to satisfy the objectives of organisations operating in the financial service sector;

3) To provide an understanding of the technological and resource issues relating to the syllabus;

4) To develop an awareness and understanding of the role of legislation on the manner in which new technology is accessed and deployed;

5) To familiarise students with the potential risks that new technology can inflict on the organisation and how such technology can be used to protect the organisation;

The syllabus is taught in the context of Financial Services

An overview of contemporary personal/organisational computer architecture;
Databases and associated applications: data-warehouse, data-marts, on-line analytical processing (OLAP) and Business Intelligence Systems;
Personal office productivity software;
Decision support systems, Expert systems;
Knowledge Management Systems;
Communication channels and media (Social Networking);
Network technologies – Thin Client, Thick Client;
E-commerce - models/strategy/legal framework, e.g. B2B, B2C, C2C, C2g,B2G, Electronic Commerce Regulations;
E-commerce/m-commerce in financial services;
Systems Development and the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC);
Security and IT risks;
Legal issues: Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Electronic Communications Act;

The module will be delivered through lectures and tutorials.

There will be one two-hour lecture per week supported by directed reading.

There will be a one-hour per week tutorial (Computer Workshop). The teaching in the tutorial workshop will be conducted with a constructivist approach whereby students will be expected to complete tasks. They will engage in practical on screen exercises using industry standard software applications such as the Excel spreadsheet and the Access database

A variety of teaching tools will be used including presentations, group discussion and various web applications.

The students will gain direct hands on skills in the one-hour computer workshop – The 2 hour lecture has a considerable ‘interactive’ feel in that the computer presentation station in the lecture theatre will facilitate broad technological concepts being broadcast to the group and enable direct student interaction.

Students will be required to produce a reflective learning log that will be appended to the final assignment to support the development of their PDP.

With respect to current QAA benchmarks for ‘Finance’:

1) The student will understand how computerised’ financial systems are designed and operated;

2) The student will make extensive use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and its pertinent functions;

3) The student will make use of a range of appropriate software applications including database technology, word processing, spreadsheets and other Internet/communication technology;

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Evaluate and appreciate the scope and requirements of  critical new technology employed in the implementation of a computerised information system;

2. Analyse and apply technological tools in the construction of suitable decision making information system(s);

3. Critically appraise the efficiency and economic costs of new technology used in the financial service sector;

4. Understand techniques and technologies currently being employed by professional Information System developer thus ensuring that students knowledge has critical currency;

5. Explain the application and pertinence of contemporary legislation with respect to the use and deployment of a computerised information system thus enabling the student to appreciate the legal context of modern information systems;

6.     Appreciate how sustainability is advanced in the delivery of the module learning material and the assignment due to its digital format, the manipulation of which in turn enhances the student skill set with respect to handling digital information;

1. Diagnostic and formative assessment will take place on a weekly basis in computer workshop tutorials to develop analytical/IT skills;

2. Summative and formative assessment will take place through an individual case scenario assignment with a deadline of week 11;

3. Summative assessment will take place at the end of the semester with a 75 minute in class test;