Module Code and Title:       IPS101            IT and Basic Problem Solving

Programme(s):                      BSc in Environmental Management (borrowed)

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor(s):                   Phub Namgay

General objective(s) of the module:

This module aims to develop a working facility with Office productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint). The module will also develop skill in basic structuring of problems, applying common sense logic and reasoning to problem solving, using appropriate tools to solve problems, and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner. 

Learning outcomes – Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic functional use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, to the level appropriate for the remainder of the time in college plus an entry-level job.
• Find data relevant to a problem.
• Assess the quality and reliability of data.
• Structure common mathematical problems.
• Solve common mathematical problems on Excel and other software.
• Approximate quantitative answers.
• Judge reasonableness for computed answers.
• Structure more complex problems, including asking the relevant questions, gathering appropriate data, analysing that data, and presenting findings. 

Skills to be developed:

• Students should develop basic IT/office productivity skills.
• Students should gain skill in structuring and solving problems, and assessing the reasonableness and usefulness of conclusions.

Learning and teaching approaches used:

The module will be conducted over 15 teaching weeks as follows:

• 4 hrs/wk lecture & practice in a computer lab in 2 x 2hr block periods.
• 4 hrs/wk outside of class, on average, for independent study and further practice.

Assessment:

Continuous Assessment (CA):     100%

Pre-requisite knowledge:

Subject matter:

1. Basics of the computer for communication and analysis
   1. Write a letter, e-mail it, file it, respond
      1. Basics of Word
      2. Basics of Internet

• File folders; search

1. Find and assess information: Internet search (e.g. Google); Sifting through / assessing quality of information; quality of the source; Categories of information/issues with each
   1. Facts: Reliability of the source; crosschecking different sources
   2. Data: Varies with the question being asked; different perspectives

• Opinion: No single answer; varies with source and perspective; different uses in different contexts

1. Revise the letter, using better quality information

1. Present the findings
   1. Written report using Word (introduction, key issues, analysis, conclusions, actions)
   2. Presentation using Powerpoint: Powerpoint basics (clear concise slides; major points only, not reading off the slides; body language and eye contact / facing the audience
2. Solving problems using basic math on the computer
   1. Introduction to Excel: types of basic problems that can be solved
      1. Calculation of a specific answer to a narrow problem (e.g. average and weighted averages, Min/Max, Count, Present value, IRR)
      2. Statistical overview of a dataset
   2. Students do a variety of problems, and solve on Excel: Identify different types of problems; set up problem/data on Excel; Assess the correctness of the answer
      1. Students select different types of problems they can solve with basic math of general relevance
         1. Budgeting and basic finance (money and consumer math): Account balances, savings and loan repayment calculations based on simple interest; estimating returns on investment, doubling time
         2. Percentages: % increases, decreases, commissions, discounts
         3. Weighted averages, e.g. marks calculation
         4. Quantitative trends over time
         5. Basic probability
      2. Assess the correctness of the answer (i.e. do estimations of the answer and compare with the calculated answer as a way of finding mistakes and approximating answers)
         1. Basic “reasonableness”: identify answers which are clearly out of the possible range of answers
         2. Do rough calculations to get approximate answers
         3. Relate to the type of possible answers (e.g. for an average, the answer cannot be outside the range of numbers in the data - look at the most frequent number in the data; e.g. for a compound interest problem, do simple multiplication for the approximation).

• More complex problem-solving
  1. Introduction to structuring a complex problem, asking the right questions, analysing the data, drawing conclusions. Examples in various subject areas:
     1. Business: Market/Customer data regarding demand for competing products
     2. Economics: Price vs. Demand

• Environment: Correlation of an environmental hazard with a health issue

1. Social sciences: Types of people for/against a particular issue

1. Final Project
   1. Student identifies a more complex problem he/she wants to analyse, and then structures the basic data collection, data analysis, and conclusions
      1. Identify the issues to be addressed
      2. Structure questions to highlight these issues and draw conclusions

• Process and limitations for obtaining survey answers (if relevant)

1. Accuracy and compiling data
2. Structuring the data analysis in Excel
3. Interpreting quantitative results and drawing conclusions

• Assessing reliability, limitations of answers

1. Student prepares a written report in Word and a presentation in Powerpoint (presentation given to student audience; other students critique the presentation)

Essential Readings:

1. Frye, C. (2014). Microsoft Excel 2013 Step by Step. Microsoft Press.
2. Simple case studies designed to teach students how to identify a problem and structure a solution.
3. Training resources on Microsoft Office, available at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/

Additional Readings:

1. Swinford, E., Melton, B., and Dodge, M. (2013). Microsoft Office Professional 2013 Step by Step. Microsoft Press.
2. Weverka, P. (2013). Microsoft Office 2013: All-in-One for Dummies. Wiley India.

Date last updated: May 30, 2015