Managing Communication, Information and Decision-Making (P00610)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-P00610

The aim of this course is to provide an holistic understanding of the role and function of information in the communication and decision-making processes of organisations. The course addresses the contribution made by communication and information to strategic decision-making in organisations and in particular decision-making in the management of training and development.
Various models of communication, information and decision-making systems are introduced to provide an understanding of the limitations of the rational approach, the concept of risk and the consequent difficulties for system design, management and use.
There is a particular emphasis on information systems as crucial to supporting planning, setting objectives, the allocation of the organisation's resources and their control and for measuring the effectiveness of resource use. Data analysis, data flow modelling and methods of data storage cover the basics needed for an understanding of database applications and spreadsheet modelling.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 8 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Candidates will demonstrate an informed understanding of:
i. communication concepts, systems and processes
ii. systems design methodology and the use of databases and spreadsheets
iii. the financial statements and the flow of money in an organisation
iv. the strategic role of Information Systems, Information Technology in communications within an organisation
v. organisational decision processes
vi. the implications for management of data protection legislation.

Assessment Information

An analytical report of 5000 words arising from a communications, information and decision-making audit of a selected organisation. In relation to the training and development function/s within the selected organisation, it will examine communication systems and processes; organisational decision processes; systems design methodology and the strategic role of Information Systems