Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Essay - 2,500 words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Reports - equivalent 2,500 words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Submission of specified resit essay - 2,500 words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Submission of specified resit report- equivalent 2,500 words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Explain and provide critical comment on the context and definitions, background and evolution of the principles of Knowledge and Information Architecture.
Critically analyse the relationship between frameworks and theories for information architecture and the study of users and organisations.
Relate a critical analysis of the available and developing technologies for information management and information architecture to current practice and existing developments.
Demonstrate a critical knowledge of information and knowledge structures and organisation.
Apply a critical analysis of theory and technology to the application of design and strategy principles to the development of policy, procedures and design for IA
Visually represent information and knowledge structures.
Apply techniques for identifying trends and opportunities along with elements of uncertainty, risk and change.
Brief description
Information and knowledge architecture is a requirement for a robust underpinning for technological developments in how we treat information in our society and how we engage tactically with information and knowledge in organisation. A useful definition of Information Architecture is: ?'rn emerging discipline and community of practice focusing on bringing principles of design and architecture to the digital landscape.? (Rosenfield, L.; Peter, M. Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites; O'reilly & Associates, Inc.:Sebastopol, CA, 2002.). It further necessitates a solid technological insight into what is possible and the implications of any technological strategy. From this understanding it is possible to fully exploit the opportunities provided for handling knowledge and information as organisational and societal assets. For example mobile apps, social media, open data, knowledge sharing, mashups, augmented reality and big data.
Content
1. Introduction to frameworks of understanding for information and knowledge
2. Theory and practice of information arrangement and illustration of information processes.
3. Approaches to for sorting and organising: defining the formal and the informal methodologies
4. Evolving techniques for information structuring (including ontologies and taxonomies, folksonomies, metadata).
5. Specialised schemes and structures for records and information governance.
6. Architecture and the user: Ideas and theories of user, user behaviour and information need.
7. The organisation of information by collaborative and democratic methods; access and accessibility.
8. Designing for change and evolution: approaches to open data and sharing.
9. Designing information based on formal and informal practices.
10. Exploration of technology as a support for information architecture variations. May include the web, mobile and newly arising technologies. Consideration of 'rechnology as opportunity? and 'rechnological balance: risk and uncertainty?.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | An incidental element within this module. |
| Communication | Methods of representing Knowledge and Information Architecture problems solutions will be covered in the module. The essay and report elements for the assignments will assess the communication skills of students on this module. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Reflection upon learning skills will be encouraged. Assignment feedback will allow further reflection. |
| Information Technology | Appreciation of the role of technology and technological methods will be developed in the module. Presentation of coursework will rely upon the use of information technology. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Consideration of the skills developed in the module will be explored in relation to career options. |
| Problem solving | The lectures introduce problems related to the subject, which are then analysed and presented in the assignments |
| Research skills | The lectures are a starting point for the content, the assignments rely upon identification of information, and its processing. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Ability and knowledge gained with regard to theoretical and practical Knowledge and Information Architecture |
| Team work | This will be developed through activities within the delivery of the module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7