MDA513 - ICT Practices

Credit Points: 20 credit points

Workload: 60 hours

Prerequisite: N/A

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & Objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 12 units in the Master of Data Analytics (MDA). This unit addresses the course learning outcomes and complements other units in a related field by developing students’ specialised knowledge of professionalism and ethics. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/master-data-analytics. This unit is part of the AQF level 9 (MDA) course.

This unit provides students with insights into the professional, ethical and social issues associated with developing and maintaining information and communication systems. Students will work in a studio-based learning environment to discuss and understand the application of ethical standards, legal issues, professional practices and principles applicable in business environments. Additionally, students are required to participate actively in weekly classes. 

This Unit includes the following topics:

  • Professionalism and Business 
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Professional Communication Skills: Research, Writing and Presentation
  • Professional Ethics 
  • Legal, Social and Cultural Issues
  • IT Governance: Principles, Change and Risk Management
  • Teamwork Concepts and Societal Issues

Learning Outcomes

4.1 Course Learning Outcomes
The Course learning outcomes applicable to this unit in respect of the course being studied are listed on the Melbourne Institute of Technology website: www.mit.edu.au 

4.2 Unit Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
a. Explain concepts of management, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship in the ICT industry; 
b. Apply appropriate business communication in relation to decision making, and apply academic standards in writing reports and in the presentation of research;
c. Critically analyse ethical issues and professional standards and codes of practice in relation to business and ICT systems;  
d. Understand the role of team work, collaboration, critical thinking, decision making and life-long learning in the workplace;
e. Understand and apply good governance principles, processes, organisational culture, change and risk management in business environments.

Weekly Topics

This unit will cover the content below:

Week Topics
1 Professionalism, Management and Leadership
2 Culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in ICT industry
3 Professional Communication
4 Professional Ethics
5 Writing Professionally: Process and Style
6 Professional Research and critical thinking
7 Oral Reports and Presentations
8 Legal, Social and Cultural Issues
9 ICT Governance Principles
10 Collaboration in ICT Organisations
11 ICT Standards
12 Review/Revision

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date Release Date A B Learning Outcomes Assessed
Assignment 1 (Formative) Week 3 Week 1 5%   a
In-class test Week 6 Week 1   10% a-b
Assignment 2 Week 11 Week 7 25%   c-d
Laboratory and Problem Based Learning participation & submission Week 2-11 Week 2-11 10%   a-e
Final Examination (3 hours)       50% a-e
TOTALS     40% 60%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised.

Contribution and participation (in class) (10%)
Students are expected to attend each scheduled session, arrive on time and remain for the entire session. Adherence to this requirement will be reflected in the marks awarded for this assessment. Students are also strongly encouraged to actively participate in the class discussions and tutorial activities by answering questions, expressing their opinions, insights and their learnings from the course.

Presentations (if applicable)
For presentations conducted in class, students are required to wear business attire.

Textbook and Reference Materials

Prescribed books 

  • none

References

  • C. Hamilton, Communicating for Results: A guide for Business and the Professional. 10th ed., Cengage Learning, 2013.
  • R. Archee, M. Gurney, and T. Mohan, Communicating As Professionals. 3rd ed., Australia: Cengage Learning, 2013.
  • G. Reynolds, Ethics in Information Technology. 5th ed., Cengage Learning, 2014.
  • B. Vanacker and D. Heider, Ethics for A Digital Age. Peter Lang Publishing, 2015.
  • R. Spinello, Cyberethics – Morality and Law in Cyberspace. 6th ed., Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2016.
  • S.  Baase, A Gift of Fire – Social, Legal and Ethical Issues for Computers and the Internet. International ed., Pearson, 2013.
  • K. Zweig, W. Neuser, V. Pipek, M. Rohde and I. Scholtes, Socioinformatics – The Social Impact of Interactions between Humans and IT. 1st ed., Springer, 2016.
  • H. E. Bergeron, A Pocket Guide to Business for Engineers and Surveyors. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2009.

Adopted Referencing Style: For IEEE Style referencing guidance go to: https://library.mit.edu.au/referencing/IEEE

Graduate Attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and Lifelong Learning Ethics Analytical and Problem Solving Cultural and Global Awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.