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| Centre HomeWhat is Socio-InformaticsInformatics and the Knowledge EconomyAbout careers and employment | |||||||||||
What is Socio-Informatics?To the Knowledge Economy computer driven systems are what the nervous system is for the human body – it is not the body, but without it there exists neither knowledge nor action.Informatics is the generic name given to this ‘nervous system’. It is also the generic name of the academic discipline that focuses on the design of computer driven systems and their integration with organisational and societal systems. Informatics professionals analyse, design, install and manage such systems. Their work is frequently described with the metaphors ‘knowledge architecture’ or ‘knowledge engineering’. To do this properly, a deep understanding of technology must be combined with a deep understanding of societal and organisational dynamics and of knowledge systems. It is customary to study Informatics in Science or Commerce faculties. Uniquely in South Africa, Stellenbosch University offers academic access to Informatics also via the Social Sciences faculty. That is why we call the subject Socio-Informatics. In Socio-Informatics we study Informatics at the same level and intensity as in Commerce or Science faculties. The difference comes with the supporting subjects. Drawing on Social Sciences, students of Informatics enrich their studies with expert knowledge of social theory, human cognition, politics and leadership. Socio-Informatics responds to a growing recognition that the failure of Information systems can frequently be ascribed to inadequate understanding of the human and social dimensions of such systems. Information about the BA Programme in Socio-Informatics can be found on page 78 of the Faculty yearbook Read more on the right about: » Sosio-Informatics the Subject » Socio-Informatics the Programme » The BCom Focusarea in ISM | Background and Context
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