To introduce students working within a public sector records and information management context to understand the basic concepts which underpin RIM and to relate these to their own activities;

To enable students to recognise the nature of their own contribution to meeting organisational objectives;

To enable students to recognise the broader, societal context in which public sector RIM professionals operate.

(LO1) Analyse the relationship between RIM principles and theory and their implementation in their own working environment

(LO2) Explain the benefits and justify the costs of effective records management

(LO3) Demonstrate awareness of current issues and challenges in records and information management and in the specific working environment

(LO4) Demonstrate awareness of current issues and challenges in records and information management and in the specific working environment

(LO5) Analyse the relationship between RIM principles and theory and their implementation in their own working environment

(S1) Business and customer awareness basic understanding of the key drivers for business success – including the importance of innovation and taking calculated risks – and the need to provide customer satisfaction and build customer loyalty

(S2) Positive attitude/ self-confidence A 'can-do' approach, a readiness to take part and contribute; openness to new ideas and the drive to make these happen

(S3) Problem solving/ critical thinking/ creativity analysing facts and situations and applying creative thinking to develop appropriate solutions.

(S4) Self-management readiness to accept responsibility (i.e. leadership), flexibility, resilience, self-starting, initiative, integrity, willingness to take risks, appropriate assertiveness, time management, readiness to improve own performance based on feedback/reflective learning

Topics covered may include:

Key concepts (records, records management, information);

Overview of the life cycle and the continuum/models and approaches to RM;

The relationship between records management and information management, records management and archives management;

Justification and benefits of effective records management;

Organisational risks associated with poor records management;

Ownership and safekeeping issues;

Legal and compliance issues;

Sectoral, national and international contexts of records management in central government and the wider public sector;

Policy, programme and procedures for creation, retention, disposal, transfer and preservation;

Organisational place of records management;

User needs;

The development of the profession / records management staff and their roles;

Professional ethics;

Current issues in records management.

Group-work:
A campus-based introduction to the module syllabus.

Distance learning:
Students work through a series of directed readings, information gathering and analytical and reflective exercises which both test their academic understanding and ability to relate theory to its implementation in practice.
Notes: Learning materials are provided in paper and through Canvas.