IT systems are a complex sociotechnical mixture of technology (including hardware, software, and networking), organisations, and people. IT systems: planning for success (TM353) teaches skills for understanding and enabling success in each of these areas. The module's foundation is systems thinking: concepts and tools for making sense of the whole of a complex system, including the emergent relationships between its interconnected parts.
This module consists of three blocks.
In Block 1, you will look at:
Block 2 looks at how to create conditions for success in IT systems through:
In Block 3, you will examine how to ensure continued success in established IT systems through:
The theme of project management of IT systems, and how this links with legal, social, ethical and professional issues, runs throughout the module.
The three main teaching blocks cover key aspects of systems thinking. Each block includes a blend of printed and online text, pictures, animations, and practical activities. Specially recorded audio and video material, including interviews with leading researchers, experts, companies, and users from various countries, accompany the teaching material.
IT systems: planning for success (TM353) isn’t just about reading – it’s about learning through hands-on experience.
This module will help you to understand the:
It will give you the skills to:
This module provides many skills of vocational relevance in addition to the above, including the ability to:
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
TM353 is an option module in our:
IT systems: planning for success (TM353) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
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