CA361 Background

This is a new module this year and is developed and presented in collaboration with IBM. In previous years, one outstanding third year student was awarded a place on the prestigious IBM IT Architecture Workshop run by IBM to introduce students to the role of the IT Architect within a project framework. DCU has sent several students to the UK for this workshop in the past. Last year IBM decided to develop this workshop into a full module for adoption by Universities that had participated in the workshops. To date it has been taken up by Manchester University \ UMIST, Glasgow University and Warwick University amongst others, all leading Universities with highly reputable computing schools.

Applying for CA361

As there is a limit of 25 places on the IT Architecture, CA361 module as there will be workshops and presentations to be made. In reality places will probably be awarded on a first come first served basis. In the event of being over subscribed, places will be awarded on the basis of a letter of application. Students should send an email with a letter (MS Word) of application to Brian Stone. In the letter students should …

• say what they understand by IT Architecture (requires some investigation on the part of students)
• refer to any experience that you may have in computing.
• refer to their third year project an how they think this module  may assist them.

Students are encouraged to apply, there are 25 places available… nothing ventured, nothing gained.

CA361 Delivery

The course will be delivered by IT Architects from IBM who are seconded to DCU for this module. DCU lecturers will also be involved. The course centres around a workshop to develop an IT Architecture for an eCommerce application in a fictitious company in the retail sector. This workshop will be led by the IBM Architects. A full set of course notes and workshop materials will be supplied as well as IBM proprietary software and design tools.

CA361Assessment

Assessment will be conducted by DCU lecturers and will be based on deliverables from the workshop. 100% Continuous assessment, no written examination.

CA361 The Module

The module is delivered in 3-hour blocks of lectures and a 2-day workshop led by professional IBM IT Architects. The topics are…

• What do IT Architects do all day? [Carl Spencer]

• Qualities & Constraints [Carl Spencer, Dominic Daly, Giles Dring, Teresa Coleman]
• Tools of the IT Architect Trade [TBA]
• Enterprise Architecture [Ian Charters]
• 2 day workshop on an eBusiness development plan, led by Henry Law and Ian Charters

The course is supported by a full set of lecture notes and handouts developed specifically by IBM for this module.

CA361 Summary

This is a unique opportunity for students to interact with and learn from some of IBM's leading and most senior IT Architects from Ireland and the UK and will make an impressive addition to any CV. This promises to be a novel, enjoyable and very rewarding module.

Brian Stone

CA361 Module Coordinator

December 2007