Unit rationale, description and aim

In today's dynamic digital business environment, information technology and information systems are challenging organisations to adapt to growing global competition. Employers look for talented staff who are able to help businesses gain a competitive advantage by achieving operational excellence, developing new products, services and business models, providing outstanding customer service, and improving decision-making capabilities. Understanding of information systems, how they work and how they are managed is essential to harness their potential power in any organisation and business environment.

This unit is an introduction to information systems in different types of organisations and businesses. It explains how and why information systems are critical to achieving organisational goals. Different types of information systems are examined and contemporary issues relevant to information and information systems are discussed, including ethical challenges and opportunities to contribute to the common good. The unit also provides an overview of information and communication technologies and includes a practical introduction to spreadsheet, database and ePortfolio systems. It is relevant to students in all fields of study.

The primary aim of the unit is to empower learners with fundamental knowledge of business information systems and basic practical IT skills, in order for them to become informed and responsible users of IT, acting for the common good of humanity while being immediately successful when joining an organisation.

2025 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit

Prerequisites

ACCT100 Introduction to Accounting Or BUSN104 Money Matters ; BUSN111 Working with Technology , BUSN112 Managing Markets , BUSN113 Managing People and Organisations

Incompatible

ISYS228 Fundamentals of Business Information Systems

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Examine the roles, types, functions and key compon...

Learning Outcome 01

Examine the roles, types, functions and key components of information systems in a range of practical business settings

Critique how data and knowledge is organized and m...

Learning Outcome 02

Critique how data and knowledge is organized and managed within information systems and the use of business intelligence in organisations recognising the responsibility to the common good

Develop skills and tools for learning and managing...

Learning Outcome 03

Develop skills and tools for learning and managing knowledge using Web 2.0, social computing, and networking technology.

Apply practical technology skills using database s...

Learning Outcome 04

Apply practical technology skills using database software applications to real-life IS problems

Demonstrate effective presentation skills by showc...

Learning Outcome 05

Demonstrate effective presentation skills by showcasing achievements and growth in IS theoretical and application knowledge using an ePortfolio.

Content

Topics will include:

  • introduction to information systems.
  • business usage of information systems.
  • business intelligence, knowledge management and specialized systems
  • electronic commerce and supply chain systems.
  • software: systems, application software, and cloud computing.
  • computer hardware, telecommunications, and networks.
  • organising data and information.
  • the internet, the world wide web, web 2.0, and social networking.
  • ethics and privacy.
  • e-waste and green computing.   
  • Data and knowledge management.
  • Data management tools.
  • EPortfolio design.

Assessment strategy and rationale

The assessment strategy for this unit is based on the need to determine authentic student achievement of the learning outcomes. 

We will use an ePortfolio to evidence development of practical skills in spreadsheets, database and, ePortfolio. Students will develop fundamental knowledge of business information systems and their associated issues, including those issues relating to human rights and our stewardship responsibilities. A reflective report and a case study allow students to be engaged in a simulated business environment, aiming to integrate theory and practice. In accordance with professional accreditation requirements, the final examination assesses attainment of required knowledge, skills and dispositions.

Overview of assessments

Assessment 1: This assessment task consists of 60...

Assessment 1: This assessment task consists of 600-800 words reflective report and a spreadsheet developed in the context of a business case scenario. This task requires students to critically apply their knowledge in data and knowledge management and business intelligence and demonstrate their practical spreadsheet skills.

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO4

Assessment 2: This assessment task consists of 60...

Assessment 2: This assessment task consists of 600-800 words reflective report and a database developed in the context of a business case scenario. The reflective report is expected to be enhanced based on the feedback from assessment 1. This task requires students to critically apply their knowledge in networking, social computing, Web 2.0, and demonstrate their practical database skills.

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO3, LO4

Assessment 3: At the end of the semester, student...

Assessment 3: At the end of the semester, students prepare a presentation and submit a business report. The aim of this presentation is to assess students’ oral and written communication skills that involves effective and efficient transfer of information. Students are also required to write a business report that will assess their skills and knowledge of business information systems in organisations including e-waste and green computing.

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO4, LO5

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The standard mode of delivery for this unit is multi-mode. However, the unit may also be offered in online and intensive modes according to University and student requirements. In multi-mode or online the unit will be delivered over a twelve-week semester or equivalent study period. 


Students will have access to all primary learning materials online through Canvas, along with formative and summative assessments, all of which will be available online, so as to provide a learning experience beyond the classroom. While there are no formal classroom lectures for this unit, students taking the unit in multi-mode will be required to attend weekly two-hour workshops, which will include a seminar and specific tasks related to achievement of the unit learning outcomes. 


Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation and assessment preparation.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Bidgoli H, 2017, MIS, 7th ed., Cengage Learning, Boston MA 

Gray H, Issa T, Pye G, Troshani I, Rainer RK, Prince B & Watson HJ. 2015, Management Information Systems, 1st Australasian Edition, John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd, Australia. ISBN: 9781118646021

Laudon JP & Laudon KC 2017, Essentials of Management Information Systems plus MyMISLab with Pearson eText, 11th or 12th global ed. Pearson Higher Ed., Harlow, England

Laudon KC & Laudon JP 2016, Management Information Systems, Global 14th ed., Pearson Higher Education, Harlow, England

Laudon KC & Laudon JP 2015, Management Information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm, Global 14th ed., Pearson Higher Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ

Pearlson KE, Saunders CS, Galletta D, 2016, Managing & Using Information Systems: A Strategic Approach, 6th ed, John Wiley & Sons, NY/ ISBN: 1119244285

Rainer RK, Prince B, Watson HJ, 2016, Management Information Systems, 4th ed, Wiley. ISBN: 1119330408

Rainer RK, Prince B, 2017. Introduction to Information Systems, 7th ed, Wiley. ISBN: 1119403502

Rainer RK, Prince B, Cegielski CG, 2014, Introduction to information systems: supporting and transforming business, 5th ed., Wiley, Hoboken, NJ

Stair R & Reynolds G, 2016, Principles of Information Systems, 12th ed., Cengage Learning, Boston MA

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