Course image Business Modelling and Business Architecture
Master of Science in Information Systems (eGovernment)
Business Modelling and Business Architecture

1.     Course description

 This module provides understanding of the role of business architecture and modelling in relation to business development. The methods, techniques and processes generally used in the IT-based business development are discussed in this module. It also focuses on business architecture in relation to software architecture and enterprise architecture

 

2.     Learning Outcomes

 A. Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

  1. The role and responsibilities of the business architect;
  2. The role of business modeling in relation to business development;
  3. The relationship between business architecture, software architecture and enterprise architecture;
  4. The relationship between information flows and business processes;

 

B. Cognitive/ Intellectual Skills/ Application of Knowledge

 At the end of the programme students should be able to:

  1. Have the ability to use theory, methods and techniques for modeling;
  2. Have the ability to follow a structured method to analyze and describe business processes;
  3. To analyze and evaluate business processes,
  4. To analyze and evaluate different designs of business architecture.

 

C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

  1. Have the ability to choose appropriate modeling techniques relevant for a specific business-modeling situation.

 

D. General transferable skills

At the end of the programme students should be able to:

  1. Have the ability to understand the organization and its requirements and to translate them into general requirements for IT-solutions.

3.     Indicative Content

        i.            Introduction to the concepts of business architecture and business modeling: The unit presents the concept of business modeling and the purposes for modeling a business. It provides arguments for why UML is suitable for business modeling and what elements are required in UML to do business modeling.

      ii.            Methods and techniques for modeling and business modeling: The unit describes patterns that can be used to resolve typical problem situations that can arise when modeling the structures and relationships (including rules) between resources. It also describes the different views of a business model. It defines the techniques and diagrams used to capture a specific aspect of a business, and provides examples to illustrate their use.

    iii.            Process oriented approaches for business modeling and business development: This unit defines high quality, well-proven, and easy-to-use patterns that are used to model business processes. It also defines the different categories of process patterns, and covers important areas such as layering, decomposition, interaction, process type and instance, and workflow.

    iv.            Business architecture in relation to software architecture and enterprise architecture: This unit defines the major concepts used in business modeling: processes, goals, resources, and rules. It also introduces the Eriksson-Penker Business Extensions that are defined using the standard extension mechanisms in UML to facilitate business modeling.

 

4.     Learning and Teaching Strategy

A course handbook will be provided in advance and this will contain in depth information relating to the course content. This will give an opportunity to the students to prepare the course. The lecture materials will be posted on the web page that will also contain comprehensive web links for further relevant information. The module will be delivered through lectures, tutorial/practice sessions and group discussions. In addition to the taught element, students will be expected to undertake a range of self-directed learning activities.

5.     Assessment Strategy

In-Course and End of Module assessment add up to 100% and covers:

  • Theories about Business Modeling & Business Architecture 1&2 is examined individually through written report; 
  • Applied Business Modeling is examined in group through active participation in a modeling seminar;

As this is a Theoretical and Practical module: The Final assessment shall include 50% of continuous and 50% of End of Module assessment.

The assessments shall be made 50% each for practical and theoretical aspects.

For Example:

one quiz (5%), one/two practical assignment (10%), one mini project for presentation (10%), one tutorial session (5%), short practical test (10%) and a short written test (10%) followed by final assessment (50%) of End of Module Examination divided equally into practical viva-voce and theoretical examination.

6.     Assessment Criteria:

For the assignment, criteria will be drawn up appropriate to the topic, based on the learning outcomes.