CDMHC09-Managing information: developing systems, decisions and communications

Module Provider: School of Continuing Education
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: M
Terms in which taught:
Module Convenor: Mrs G Kilner
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: g.kilner@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
This module aims to equip managers with the knowledge and skills to manage and enhance the use of information in the health and social care sector. It aims to help managers identify how and where they can influence existing information management processes as well as how to approach the development of new systems and strategies.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students will be able to

• Critically evaluate information requirements, sources and systems of relevance to the service. Reflect on potential future developments and their impact
• Identify and critically assess how information management processes can be enhanced through the influence of managers
• Employ information at appropriate stages of decision making and critically reflect on the benefits and challenges involved
• Apply a framework to implement a local information strategy in the context of national and corporate strategies
• Critically compare the traditional technical approach to information systems development with the socio-technical methodology.

Additional outcomes:
• Analytical and evaluation skills should be developed
• Application of academic concepts to their professional environment should enable students to reflect on their work as managers
• Reflective skills should be developed to support personal and professional development

Outline content:
The module consists of four themes:
1) Information in support of care
2) Information, decisions and communication
3) Making information work for you
4) Developing information and communication systems

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Teaching is through distance learning materials

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures
Tutorials/seminars
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)	200
Total hours	200
Number of essays or assignments	1
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework

The module is assessed through the completion of one 5,000 word assignment requiring the application of academic concepts to the students professional role/context


Relative percentage of coursework:
100%

Examinations
There are no examinations


Requirements for a pass
A mark of 50% overall.


Reassessment arrangements
re-assessment after confirmation of failure by external examiner