Introduction |
|
 |
CMT4120 provides a general introduction to the development of computer software using object-oriented techniques. In particular it teaches the use of the Java programming language. This module is provided as part of the MSc programme for three reasons. First, software development is an important component of business information technology. Second, we contend that some knowledge of software development is important for all computer professionals, event those that do not become directly involved in programming. Third, the concepts and insights gained from following this course will support the student's understanding of the other course modules in the programme. The fact is easily overlooked that commercial use of computers (in fact all use of computers) is possible because of the efforts of software developers. Software development is an important and rewarding part of the commercial IT field. While this MSc programme does not aim to train computer programmers, experience has shown that a significant number of our graduates do go on to become professional software developers in the commercial sector. We feel that the broad understanding of business IT they gain by following this programme makes them better able to understand and adapt to the environment in which they work than graduates of other computing disciplines. Even those graduates who do not intend to become professional programmers often find themselves working with and around programmers, often as project managers. Too often in business we find that the management of complex software projects is under the control of people with little understanding of the day-to-day work of the people they manage. We contend that one should be at least an adequate programmer to be an effective manager of programming projects. The manager should understand at the very least that the production of good quality software is difficult, requiring skill, knowledge and a good deal of hard work, and this is certainly something the student will learn from CMT4120. The IT industry changes very rapidly, and the computing professional must develop strategies to cope with this pace of change. One such strategy is to become more aware of the theoretical foundations of IT. It is difficult to develop this theoretical understanding by being an end user of software. To encourage ease of use, modern computer systems and software have been developed in such a way that the technical details of the operations they are performing are concealed from the end user. Most software users, even very competent ones, have only a superficial understanding of what the computer is really doing. However, programming requires a deeper level of understanding. Learning to write computer programs encourages the student to confront theoretical and technical aspects of computing that are normally concealed. This strengthens the student's understanding of the key concepts and principles that will be required to adapt to a rapidly changing industry.
RITSEC -
Global Campus |
