Module Information

Module Identifier
DS35720
Module Title
Knowledge and Information Architecture
Academic Year
2018/2019
Co-ordinator
Semester
Distance Learning
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  2,500 words  50%
Semester Assessment Report  Equivalent to 2,500 words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resit Essay  Specified resit essay 2,500 words.  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resit report  Specified resit report equivalent to 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.

2. Critically analyse the relationships between frameworks and theories for information architecture and the study of users and organizations.

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 organization.

Apply a critical analysis of theory and technology to the application of design and strategy principles to the development to policy, procedures and design for information architecture.

Visually represent information and knowledge structures.

Apply techniques for identifying trends and opportunities along with element of uncertainty, risk and change.

Brief description

Information and knowledge architecture is necessary as a robust underpinning for technological developments in how we treat information in our society and how we engage tactically with information and knowledge in organizations. Information architecture is an emerging discipline and community of practice bringing principles of design and architecture to the digital environment. It 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 an organizational and societal assets.

Aims

The outcomes of the module would address the need for qualified individuals who have an understanding of IT and the ability to understand information science approaches to users and information behavior, information organization and retrieval and of the relationship between these and information governance and assurance.

Content

Distance Learning materials supported by study school and online provision.

1. Introduction to knowledge and information architecture;
2. Information management intellectual legacy and current practice;
3. Knowledge management principles and practice;
4. Frameworks of understanding for information and knowledge;
5. Information arrangement visual approaches to information process and structure;
6. Knowledge and information: sorting, organizing and defining; formal and informal methodologies;
7. Organization of information by collaborative and democratic methods: access and accessibility;
8. Database structures: introduction and theory for database structures;
9. Designing for change and evolution: approaches to open data and sharing XML and RDF;
10. Knowledge architecture and the user: designing information structures and formal and informal practices;
11. Technology as a support for information architecture;
12. Knowledge and information architecture: structure and process.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number An incidental element within this module.
Communication Methods of representing knowledge and information architecture problem solutions will be covered in the module. The essay and report elements for the assignments will assess the communication and literacy skills of students on the module.
Improving own Learning and Performance Reflection on 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 course work will rely on 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 the theoretical ad practical aspects of 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 6