This revised unit is consistent with the demands of the information industry for graduates able to demonstrate understanding of information communities (also called virtual communities) and how these operate as markets for information content including multimedia content. The unit fulfils a need for exploration of theory and practical examples of critical success factors in the development of information products and services. The insights gained are translated into practical competencies required for information enterprise i.e. recognising information needs and opportunities, and organising responses to these which are appropriate, creative, and financially viable.

2005: Existing unit IMS3010 Information Enterprise Management and Marketing is being updated to fit into the new BITS degree structure with new FIT unit code.

FIT3071 Information Enterprise Management and Marketing is an elective 3rd level unit in the Caulfied BITS major in Systems Development.

There is no comparable unit in the faculty.

This unit gives students an understanding of virtual communities and their operation as market for information content.

C1. Understand the nature and operation of information communities and information markets, and recognise information needs and opportunities

C2. Understand the factors and relationships to be considered in developing and providing information products and services

C3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of selected theory from business and the social sciences

A1. Develop attitudes, values and beliefs supporting ethical behaviour in the information sector

A2. Develop an awareness of "digital divides" and issues of social justice in relation to information provision and access

P1. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and critique cases from the information industry

P2. Demonstrate the ability to propose and justify new or improved information products or services in response to needs or opportunities

S1. Gain understanding of the collaborative behaviours and interdependencies which contribute to notions of community

ASCED Discipline Group classification: 091301 Librianship and Information Management

This unit seeks to equip students to participate effectively in the development of information products and markets, whether as employees, team members, contractors, or self-employed practitioners. It uses an integrated theoretical and case-based approach. The contexts considered range from for-profit corporate endeavours to community information networks. The unit draws on theory from business and the social sciences to examine the organisational characteristics of information communities (also called virtual communities or human networks), and on practitioner experience in the information industry. It examines how information communities operate as markets for information content including multimedia content. The unit examines the role of the information professional as entrepreneur. It identifies critical success factors in the development of information products and services. The insights are translated into practical competencies required for information enterprise.

This unit seeks to equip students to participate effectively in the development of information products and markets. It uses an integrated theoretical and case-based approach. The unit draws on theory from business and the social sciences to examine the organizational characteristics of information communities, and on practitioner experience in the information industry. It examines how information communities operate as markets for information content including multimedia content. The unit examines the role of the information professional as entrepreneur. It identifies critical success factors in the development of information products and services.

• Castells, M. (2002). The Internet galaxy: reflections on the Internet, business and society. Oxford University Press.
• Shapiro, C. & Varian, H. (1999). Information rules: a strategic guide to the network economy. Harvard Business School Press.

On campus

• Lectures and tutorials (3 hours)
• Assignments
• Email interaction

Lectures and tutorials will supplement the delivery of the unit to students via the unit homepage on the World Wide Web. Communication between students and teacher will be undertaken face-to-face where possible, but generally through communication tools such as email, internet conferencing, and telephone. Readings are to be drawn mostly from the World Wide Web and also from printed resources. As the class itself will consciously operate as an information community, this - with readings and discussions - will address objectives C1, A1-A2. Examination of both on-line and print information sources (including trade publications) will support attainment of objective C2. Critical analysis of theoretical literature will address objective C3. Week-by-week introduction of industry case-examples will support objectives P1-P2. Work on product innovation for simulated or real situations will also address objective S1.

• Examination: 2 hours (50%)
• Other assessment modes (50%)
  • Assignment(s)
  • Email contributions

• Examination: C1-C3, A2
• Assignments: C1-C2, A1
• Regular email contributions analysing and reflecting upon issues affecting information communities/markets and their operation: P1-P2, S1

12 hours of study per week, comprising:

• Lectures/Seminars - 3 hours per week
• Assignments/Practical work - an average of 5 hours per week
• Reading and private study - 4 hours per week

• Hi-tech lecture theatre for 2 hours per week
• Hi-tech seminar room for 1 hour per week

Nil

Nil

• 1 lecturer for 3 hours per week
• Teaching assistant for hours proportional to enrolment

Nil

Adequate copies of at least the recommended texts listed above

FIT

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

36 credit points of 1st year units or equivalent