SUBJECT DETAILS Year 1 BIT101 Introduction to Information Technology
This subject is an introduction to Information Technology, providing the students with the introductory theory required to understand the components of computer systems, the operations of the systems and business application software. It discusses the functions of computer systems and the interaction between hardware, software and the computer user. It develops knowledge of how data is prepared for computer processing and how it is represented and processed at a basic machine level.
BIT102 Internet Concepts and Infrastructure
This subject offers students an overall understanding of the Internet, its development & its network infrastructure, as well as the services available on the Internet. Besides that, students are also exposed to the World Wide Web information network and the associated search technologies. In addition, the students will learn to design and develop their own web pages using HTML. To balance theoretical knowledge with real life experience, hands-on lab sessions are incorporated into the course.
BIT103 Introduction to Database Systems
This subject offers students an understanding of database concepts and its components, covering the history of database management, Database Management System functions, various data models, database administration and new database trends. Distributed databases, client/server systems, data warehouses and Object-Oriented Database Management Systems are also examined. This subject also provides students with a good foundation in SQL and modelling techniques, with lab sessions to reinforce the understanding of SQL. Based on a simple case study, the students will gain knowledge in implementing an E-R conceptual model, creating a small database to store data as required in the case study.
BIT106 Introduction to Programming in Java
This unit introduces computer-programming techniques in the modern programming language Java. Since Java is an object-oriented language, the unit also includes fundamental object-oriented concepts that underlie modern software engineering such as objects and classes. By mastering the topics presented in this course, students will gain valuable problem-solving skills and Java knowledge that will enable them to become proficient in object-oriented programming.
BIT107 Introduction to Data Communications
This subject is a fundamental study of the areas of networks, interconnectivity and industry standards. Students should note that this subject covers many topics, albeit in outline, and requires wide reading.
BIT108 Discrete Mathematics
Discrete mathematics is sometimes viewed simply as the mathematics that is necessary for decision making in non-continuous situations. Discrete mathematics includes sets, functions and relations, matrix algebra, combinatorics and finite probability, graph theory, finite differences and recurrence relations, logic, mathematical induction and algorithmic thinking. Other topics relevant to computing are Boolean algebra, the mathematics of social choice, linear programming, and number theory.
MGT101 Principles of Management
The dynamic nature of today's organisations means that managers require certain knowledge, skills and competencies to manage them effectively. The aim of this subject is to provide students with an introduction and overview of management within organisations. The subject will examine management principles, concepts and theories, and give students an appreciation and understanding of various challenges facing managers of organisations in today's competitive global environment.
MKT101 Principles of Marketing
MKT101 has been designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of marketing. It focuses on the relationship between organisations and the consumer, expressed through the marketing mix. Essentially, studies are concentrated on the nature and behaviour of supplying organisations, the nature and behaviour of the consumer and the various marketing mix elements which are used by organisations to satisfy the needs and wants of consumers. While the subject has a theoretical base, practical application of the marketing concepts to real world situations via a specific project is an essential part of the course.
MC100 Social and Business Communication
This course provides a thorough understanding of the basic social and business communication skills needed for effective communication. The course also provides an orientation to basic communication theories and discusses the fundamentals of interpersonal, written, speaking, listening and other communication skills which are important in social and business settings.
Year 2
BIT207 Systems Analysis and Design
This subject introduces systems analysis and design concepts for modern business information systems. It is an introductory subject that provides an overview of the processes in the Systems Development Life Cycle for the development of an information system. It describes the roles and responsibilities of the systems analyst and provides an overview of the various tools and techniques used in analysis and design from inception to the deployment of the information system. It looks also at enterprise information systems and the current issues and challenges faced by systems analysts today.
BIS201 Management Information Systems
This subject aims to promote an understanding of the role of information technology in the strategic planning of an enterprise. It also promotes an understanding of the interaction of information technology with the structure and culture of an enterprise. In addition, it provides an understanding of the need for, and the techniques of, introducing change and innovation into an organisation, especially the introduction or expansion of information technology.
BIS202 Electronic Commerce
This subject examines the constantly changing field of electronic commerce. It is aimed at students who do not have any prior knowledge or experience of electronic commerce. It aims to help students to learn key business and technology-related issues of e-commerce from the basics.
COM200 Managerial Communication
This subject introduces students to the basic theory, skills and application of managerial communication. It discusses three broad categories of fundamental management skills: (a) personal skills; (b) interpersonal skills; and (c) group skills. Two additional skills involving applied communications are also included: conducting interviews and conducting meetings. The students are guided to understand and accept the need to change, what to change and to apply the change in specific contexts.
MGT201 Organisational Behaviour
The subject centres on the behaviour and management of people in work situations. The focus is on the management perspective in organisational behaviour. It identifies the problems associated with the management of human behaviour. It illustrates the process of managing people in the work place to deal with problems and issues at the individual, group and organisational level, as well as the interactions among them. It also emphasises the application of concepts, theories and insights of organisational behaviour.
LLS101 Leadership and Life Skills
The course assists students to explore their leadership potential as well as exercise personal and group leadership. Students will be exposed to the various skills and approaches towards building personal and group leadership.
BIT201 Object-Oriented Modelling Using UML
This subject covers the theory and practice of systems analysis and design using object-oriented concepts. Students will analyse various information systems case studies and use the Unified Modelling Language to model the system specifications.
BIT206 Concepts in Interface Design
This course provides an introduction to the concepts and techniques in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), enabling the student to develop an appreciation of the application of HCI to systems design. The student is exposed to the various techniques that can be used to develop usable user interfaces and computer systems.
BDS202 Advanced Database Systems
This subject aims to promote an in-depth understanding of the functionality and relationship between components of a DBMS. It also provides a vehicle for the promotion of practical experience in optimisation of databases appropriate to organisational requirements and resources, as well as an understanding of the application of DBMS technology for Management Information Systems.
BIT204 Computer Systems and Networks
This subject deals with the most current technology in the field of computer communications. It is intended for students who want to understand the fundamental principles as well as the critical role of performance in protocol and network design. This subject covers the details of all critical areas in data communication, WANs, LANs and protocol design, with focus on the most current technology employed in computer communication and networking.
MGT204 Asian Entrepreneurship and Innovation
This subject serves to inculcate in the students an entrepreneurial style of strategic management, ie the creative and profitable use of resources which often, at the outset, they do not control. The entrepreneurial tenets at the core of this subject are the pursuit of opportunity, managing innovation and driving change.
Year 3
BIT301 Principles of Project Management and Quality Assurance
The subject aims to promote software project management and software quality assurance with respect to the phases of the software cycle, project support functions, software development standards, the project environment, the scheduling and estimating functions, and process modelling, assessment and improvement.
BIT303 IT Management, Ethics and Security
This subject discusses ethical decision making in the IT environment and will help students to identify and make defensible choices about ethical, moral and legal issues associated with the use of computer technology in the current digital era. Moreover, it will also help students to understand how to manage the various resources of information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, particularly as it applies to security aspects and the management of information security.
BIT304 Final Year Project I & BIT305 Final Year Project II
This is the capstone subject in the BIT course. Students will work in groups to apply various skills, concepts and ideas acquired to develop a working solution. They are expected to apply their knowledge to a "live" project so as to practise planning, estimating, analysis, design and the technical aspects of project management, quality management, quality assurance, and the implementation and testing skills of a "real" software system. This subject encourages students to look beyond the course curriculum and explore current and up coming technology to develop innovative solutions capable of keeping up with the ever changing needs of the industry.
BIT310 Business Development Project
The growth of services in the creative industry over the last 10 years indicates that there is a significant potential for new and established market development. This module provides a focus on the planning to secure sustainable growth opportunities, securing new commissions, and developing new competencies in this fast moving and complex industry. Planning for growth however is only the first part of the process designed to facilitate a more detailed look into opportunity identification, opportunity analysis, selection and implementation.
BIS301 Issues in Strategic Information Management
This subject aims to promote the understanding of information systems in a wider perspective. It attempts to cover the alignment of technology with the current business needs of organisations to meet the industry standards at present, and discusses how it is likely to change in the future. It aims to help students develop a good understanding of strategic planning and is designed to meet the needs of students from different disciplines.
BIS302 Seminar in Information Systems
This unit aims to expose students to current issues in the field of information systems practice. It also provides students with an opportunity to develop their research and presentation skills. The students are required to undertake research on current practices and trends in information systems and to present their findings.
BIT302 Software Engineering
This subject studies both theoretical and practical application aspects in engineering software solutions. Software engineering is one of the most important areas of study and research in the computer science field. It is crucial for students to fully understand the countless dilemmas faced in software development and be able to apply proper standards, techniques and principles in producing high quality software solutions.
BIT309 Issues in Internet and E-Commerce
This subject offers students a general perspective of electronic commerce, and its changing and evolving landscape. It aims to provide a balanced coverage of both the technological and the strategic aspects of successful e-commerce. Students are exposed to the real-world business models as well as the latest developments at the technological frontier. To balance the theoretical knowledge with technical exposure, hands-on lab sessions are incorporated into the course
MGT302 Change Management
This unit enables students to understand the factors that affect and enhance the prospects for organisational change. Some of the problems, issues and techniques associated with organisational change are identified and discussed. The processes, strategies and techniques to improve organisational and managerial effectiveness are emphasised. It also provides an appreciation of the nature, character, pace and consequences of change taking place in organisations.
BDS301 Data Warehouse
Students are exposed to the expanding role of Data Warehousing, the strategies behind its development and the utilisation of its information to answer fundamental business questions. The topics are presented in a non-technical manner as the instructor combines basic topics such as defining a warehouse, links to legacy systems, warehouse design and implementation, migration strategies, automation techniques, tool integration and metadata and end user reporting and utilisation. This unit will also provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and deploy OLAP solutions.