PIS601

Principles of Information Science

The module delves into the application of information and technologies in information-intensive environments. Students will understand the information continuum, information lifecycle processes such as production, storage, sharing, and consumption; social, cultural, economic, legal, and technological contexts for understanding information processes; the roles of information professionals and agencies, and their place in the larger information marketplace; current and emerging information technologies that shape the information economy. Students will develop skills and knowledge to create, acquire, organise, communicate, and use information.

PIS602

Organisation of Knowledge

Students will understand theoretical foundations, historical approaches, and current practices for organizing knowledge. The module includes the organisation of both print and electronic information, including use of Resource Description and Access for cataloguing. Use of Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress for classification. Emphasis is on research advancing the philosophical understanding of knowledge organisations and theoretical and practical implications. Students will develop competencies in cataloguing and classifying both print and digital information resources for easy access.

PIS603

Introduction to Knowledge Management

This module examines the knowledge management life cycle, how knowledge is created, captured, organized, diffused, and implemented in an organization. Knowledge Management examines all aspects of knowledge within all types of organizations, including knowledge creation, documentation, codification, sharing, and how these activities promote innovation, learning, effectiveness, and profitability. Students will develop skills and competencies to craft an organisational knowledge management strategy.

PIS604

User Studies

This module will result in students identifying information needs, seeking information that will address those needs, searching various information sources, retrieving information, communicating and collaborating with others concerning an information need or information resources. This module also reviews important information retrieval (IR) theories and models, and examines various IR applications. Students will get knowledge on IR foundations such as document indexing or query expansion/optimization strategies, as well as understand overall system architectures for selected IR applications. The students are expected to develop a robust search strategy and conducting a comprehensive literature review.

PIS605

Web Design and Content Management Systems

This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge of web design and web content management for effective utilization. Students will also learn the skills and technique in creating an informative website. The module will also explore some of the popular content management systems like Word press, Jooomla and Drupal. Students explore content management systems for creating, publishing, and maintaining digital content. Usability, accessibility, and standards-based web design are emphasized. Topics to be Covered- Web design principles; HTML and CSS basics; information architecture; content management systems; usability and accessibility; web publishing and maintenance.

PIS606

Knowledge Management Practices

The module explores the best Knowledge Management (KM) practices performed by organisations from the creation, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge. The KM strategy in organisations to use intellectual capital and knowledge-based asserts to improve their capacity to add value to the business will be interrogated. The module will also examine the theory and practice in organisations for specific knowledge management methods which exist for problem solving, dynamic learning and decision-making process.  Students will develop competencies to harness available knowledge to support decision making, policy and practice

PIS607

Introduction to Linux operating systems

This module will equip students with a good working knowledge of Linux using both the graphical interface and command line, covering the major Linux distribution families. Quite a number of open source digital library initiatives are native to Linux operating systems.  Thus, equipping students with Linux skills enables them to administer and manage various digital information projects. The module introduces the Linux operating system and its relevance to information and knowledge management environments. Students gain hands-on experience with Linux file systems, command-line operations, and basic system administration. Open-source concepts and security fundamentals are introduced. The module enhances technical skills required for managing information systems infrastructure. Topics to be Covered- Linux fundamentals; file and directory management; command-line operations; process management; user permissions; basic system administration.

PIS608

Research Data Management

This module covers data management and curation knowledge that support the long-term preservation, access, and reuse of research data. Students will learn how to effectively manage data, optimise research outputs, increase the impact of research, and support open scientific inquiry. Students will be better equipped to manage data throughout the entire research data lifecycle from project planning to the end of the project when data ideally are shared and made available within a trustworthy repository. Students will learn both fundamental concepts and practical skills required to perform essential duties that are pertinent to data management.

PIS609

Integrated Information Management Systems

This module will equip students with knowledge and skills to the concept of Integrated Information management   Systems (ILMS). Students will have knowledge on the component units of such systems, the status of Integrated information Systems in various library settings, evaluation criteria for proprietary and open source systems. Practical experience in evaluating and using the user interfaces of selected integrated library systems will be provided in weekly lab sessions.

PIS610

Research Methods in Information Science

This module will enable students to appreciate and advance their understanding of research through critical exploration of research language, ethics, and approaches. The module introduces the concept of research, ethical principles and challenges, and the elements of the research process within quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Students will use these theoretical underpinnings to begin to critically review literature relevant to their field or interests and determine how research findings are useful in forming their understanding of their work, social, local and global environment.

PIS660

Dissertation/ Research Project (Compulsory)

Students will produce an original and academic written scientific work on creative, problem-based and product-based original research. Students will come up with research-based solutions to practice, product development and service in Information Science and Knowledge Management. The students will be expected to demonstrate the implications of their final research output to policy, practice, service enhancement, product development and innovation in the discipline of Information Science and Knowledge Management. The  module requires students to conduct an independent research project in information science or knowledge management. Students develop a research proposal, conduct a literature review, and apply appropriate research methodologies. Data collection, analysis, and interpretation are undertaken systematically. Findings are presented in a scholarly dissertation demonstrating postgraduate research competence. Topics to be Covered- Research proposal development; literature review; research design and methodology; data collection; data analysis; dissertation writing and presentation.

ICT Project Management

Students will have a specific understanding of the project management function within the context of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) organisations.  The nine knowledge areas of project management from the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) are considered. This module offers students the opportunity to critically evaluate the project lifecycle and to develop the knowledge and skills needed to apply established project management principles and techniques. Students will also examine the critical risk factors in managing a project, including those that relate to scope, time, cost, and communications. The programme also addresses the unique challenges presented by the international nature of the ICT-driven environment, whereby project teams tend to be distributed across multiple time zones and cultures.