Computer Applications in Business & Finance

This course unit surveys the range of applications software used in business and finance and gets candidates to develop applications using a spreadsheet.

1. Introduce candidates to typical applications software used in business and finance.
2. Introduce the types of costs and benefits of applications software together with common issues in its implementation.
3. Explore the role of applications software through case studies from the finance and retail sectors.
4. Develop the candidate’s practical ability through the creation of simple applications using the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet including Visual Basic for Applications.

1. Describe typical applications of software in business and finance.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the cost and benefits involved in the adoption of IT sufficient to discuss and review its impact upon the organisation.
3. Critically analyse a case study and explain how the software contributes to the success of the operation.
4. Explain the potential and limitations of software for information systems.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of legal, ethical, social, economic and political consequences of the use of IT for individuals, organisations and society.
6. Use Microsoft Excel to develop solutions to simple business needs and incorporate simple macros using Visual Basic for Applications.

Syllabus Content

A survey of the range of typical applications software.

General business applications, sales order processing, stock control, accounts, payroll, e-mail, electronic diaries, EDI, e-commerce. Database applications, spreadsheet models, GIS. Real-time transaction processing, booking and inquiry systems, tele-sales, banking (ATM, CHAPS, BACS)retail (EPOS, EFTPOS).

The nature of contribution: efficiency, effectiveness, strategic. Types of costs and benefits, different stakeholders. Common issues in its adoption: legal, ethical, moral, social, health and safety, economic and political.

Modes of operation: batch, interactive, transaction and real-time. Methods of data capture, verification and validation. Analysis of case studies from the finance and retail sectors to explore the role and significance of computer applications.

Types of software: system, application, bespoke, specific and generic packages. The stages of the system life cycle. Overview of the variety of techniques and methods. Planning and project management. Security needs and risk management. The concept of quality in software systems.

Spreadsheet principles, formula, functions, sort, formatting, charts, pivot tables, macros, printing, object linking and embedding. Creation of simple applications using Microsoft Excel. Creation and amendment of simple macros using Visual Basic for Applications.