INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT
(University of Sierra Leone)
Module Title: Information and Communication Technology
Module Code: DIS111
Module Description:
This introductory module is designed to provide students of non-IT disciplines with a foundational
understanding of ICT and its role in modern business operations. It covers topics on digital devices,
computer hardware and software, networking and data management, cybersecurity, and the use of
social media and cloud-based tools for collaboration and communication, providing a sound
foundation on the basic theoretical and practical principles behind these technologies and discusses
up to date issues surrounding them, including social aspects and how they impact everyday life. The
goal is to help students understand the diverse contexts in which IT is used and the challenges
inherent in the diffusion of technology.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Describe the components of an IT system, how they interrelate and demonstrate an
understanding of the role of ICT in modern business operations.
2. Explain how IT computer hardware and software can be used to complete tasks and solve
problems.
3. Describe how the internet, the web and mobile devices have impacted people’s lives over
time, and the growth and changes in their applications over time.
4. Identify cyberthreats and explain what measures may be implemented to protect against
online threats
5. Demonstrate an understanding of networking and data management concepts, and explain
the advantages of the database approach over traditional file processing
6. Use social media and cloud-based tools for collaboration and communication.
Module Content:
• Introduction to ICT and its role in organisations
o What is ICT, IT and Information Systems, why study ICT, the history of IT and the role
of IT and IS in organisations
• Computer hardware and software
o Brief history of computer hardware, types of systems (mainframe, mini, micro, mobile
devices, etc.), peripherals – input, output and storage technologies, what is software,
types (application, system, etc.), operating systems, computer languages
• Computer networks and the internet
o Why networks? Network types, media and components, network protocols, wireless
and cellular, brief history of the internet, difference between the internet and the
web, web 2.0 and web 2.0 technologies, social media and cloud-based tools for
collaboration and communication (email, videoconferencing, interactive chat and
communication tools like Slack, Discord, etc.)
• Data management
o Difference between data, information and knowledge, why database technology
(rather than storing in spreadsheets and word docs), fundamental data concepts
(fields, records, tables)
• Cybersecurity
IPAM, University of Sierra Leone, A.J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone
o The need for IT security and cybersecurity, pillars of information security, risks,
threats and vulnerabilities, computer crime, cybercrime, hacking, phishing, viruses,
worms; security and privacy controls
• Current trends
o Artificial intelligence, machine learning deep learning
Credit Hours: 4 hours
Teaching Methods – traditional face-to-face lecture/discussion, computer-aided teaching/methods,
team-based learning, case studies and hands-on exercises.
Assessment
Examination will account for 70% of the overall grade whilst continuous assessment will account for
30%.
Learning Resources
a. Textbook:
• Richard Fox, Information Technology, Routledge; 2nd edition, 2020