foundationsof information systems

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MODULE 6 – THE INFORMATION SYSTEMSMODULE 6 – THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROFESSIONPROFESSION

Introduction

We have covered quite a lot of ground in this subject. Cast your mind back

to week 1 when we suggested that information systems are all around us

and that every day, we probably interact with several information systems

without even realising it. We contextualised information systems then as

having a business purpose and that this was the core foundation. As we

progressed, we considered the elements—the data elements—and how

they come together, imbued with meaning to become the information

that is produced by information systems. We paid particular attention to

the multitude of data that is captured and made every day and that there

is no one person in the world who could use it all; in that vein we

considered the hierarchy of data used it to derive the most valuable of all,

knowledge.

We then broke from contextualising to discussing the specific systems that

are in use in contemporary enterprises. We focused on the functional

aspects of business and illustrated with several examples how

information systems support—and even drive—the business. We

suggested that the customer is the reason for any firm to exist and that

firms need to understand their customers intimately if their business

efforts are going to remain profitable. We then moved to introducing and

overviewing the Internet and how its evolution has moved from a network

of computing systems designed to withstand a nuclear strike to one of the

most important platforms for supporting business and commerce. To that

end, we discovered business models of the imagination age and focused

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on how information systems has supported and driven its development to

the present moment.

Our discussion then changed gear and we moved from discussing the

many positive aspects of information systems toward an evaluation of

how things can go wrong. In that context we discussed frameworks of

information security, threats, vulnerabilities and then how we go about

protecting our informational assets. The protection of them is a fairly

important feat since there is a huge amount of effort and money gone

into establishing the informational assets initially. The key to protecting

them, however, involves less technology than it does policies and human-

oriented measures as we saw in the final discussions of module 5.

As we embark on the final module in this subject, it is important to take

stock of all you have covered in in the subject to date. It is providing a

platform to build on in the remainder of your Master or Graduate Diploma

of Information Systems. In the future, you will consider databases,

networking, systems analysis and design and requirements engineering

among other important subjects. But you also will need to work out what

sort of professional you are going to be and how you will remain

connected and sharp so that you can contribute to the profession and to

society more broadly. You see, information systems as a profession is a lot

like an accountant or a lawyer; people will come to you for advice and

your expertise. It is incumbent on you, then, to ensure you discharge your

duty to your clients and to society with integrity.

In this final module we will discuss professional ethics and the emergent

themes in the information systems field.

Learning Outcomes

Reading and studying this module and fully attempting all of the learning

activities will help you to:

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consider and define what is meant by ‘profession’ and synthesise

the key elements;

explain the need for continuing professional development;

argue the case for professional ethics;

discuss contemporary ethical issues concerning information

systems; and

consider and discuss contemporary and emergent issues.

In order to attain these learning outcomes, be sure to come to class (or

attend webinars when scheduled) having read the module content—

including the readings—and having made a solid attempt of the activities.

It is essential that you do this as your classes are not designed to instruct,

but to enrich your understanding of your self-directed learning through

collaborative exercises, getting formative feedback and challenging your

assumptions. You should come to class (or the webinars) fully prepared to

contribute to the learning of others as well. You should discuss this

approach with the learning facilitator if you’re unsure.

Contents in the Module

There are two parts to this module, 6.1 and 6.2. In the first part we posit

your future as an information systems professional and the need for

ongoing development and ethical compliance. In the second half, we

consider the emerging themes and technologies that will continue to

ensure this field of information is as exciting as ever and will keep you

interested, entertained and employed.

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C L I C K H E R E T O R E T U R N T O M O D U L E T O PC L I C K H E R E T O R E T U R N T O M O D U L E T O P