This course aims to provide students from all business disciplines with a general background of BIS. An understanding of BIS is important to the work of business professionals because BIS serves as a bridge between management and operation. For instance, accountants use information systems for business reporting; financial managers use information systems for market forecast; sales managers and marketers use information systems to track customer purchases and to promote new products; information systems designers build and deliver new information services; and executive managers use strategic information systems to determine the company’s strategic position. Mastering both business and technology skills and knowledge builds job opportunities, because they can better contribute to shaping their company's strategy and operation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of information systems, and explain the reasons for the current design and use of information systems
2. Demonstrate an understanding of and interpret the personal, social and business implications of using information systems
3. Observe and explain the real-world use of information systems, citing practical examples
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of modelling information systems processes and outcomes
5. Evaluate and critically analyse problems

Research-Led Teaching

Students undertaking this course will be introduced to some of the fundamental principles and phenomena that underpin many theories of information systems practice and research. Students will learn how these principles and phenomena manifest themselves in real world activities, behaviours and interactions. Where feasible, students will be introduced to relevant academic and industry literature.

Field Trips

No field trips

Additional Course Costs

No additional course costs

Examination Material or equipment

Please refer to the Wattle site for more information.

The Final Examination will be held during the semester 1 2020 examination period. Examination information will be provided closer to the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/

Required Resources

Reading material will come from a variety of sources. We will use textbooks for core foundational and background material, and academic and practitioner literature for grounding in breakthrough topics. The required text is:

Baltzan, P., Lynch, K. and Fisher, J. 2015 Business-Driven Information Systems, 3rd edition (Australian version) McGraw-Hill ISBN 9781743762079

The textbook is available from the campus bookshop or as an e-book. A copy of the textbook will be held in the ANU library reserve & short loan collection.

Recommended Resources

You may find the following texts useful as support material. Most of these can be found either in Chifley Library, Hancock Library or the campus bookshop. Latest editions are usually the best.

Applegate, L. M., Austin, R. D., McFarlan, F. W., Corporate Information Strategies and Management: Text and Cases, McGraw-Hill Publishers

Alter, S., Information Systems: Foundation of E-Business, Addison Wesley

Benson, S., Standing, C., Information Systems: A Business Approach, John Wiley

McNurlin, B., Sprague, R., Information Systems Management, Prentice Hall

Ellyard, S. et al., Communication for IT, Access Series, McGraw-Hill Publishers

McKenna, B., Thomas, G., Waddell, N., Australian Guide to Corporate Communication: A Practical Handbook on Effective Writing and Speaking, Social Science Press, Australia

Mohan, T., McGregor, H., Saunders, S., Archee, R., Communicating as Professionals, Thomson

Stair, R. M., Reynolds G., Principles of Information Systems, Latest Ed., Cengage Learning

Magazines and Journals

• Communications of the ACM (Hancock Library)
• Wired Magazine (National Institute of the Arts Library)
• The New Scientist (Hancock Library)

Websites and online references

• Association for Information Systems – http://www.aisnet.org
• Bartleby (full text reference books online) – http://www.bartleby.com/

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1: Course Introduction, Overview and Philosophy
2	Week 2: Information Systems Concepts	Required readings: Baltzan, Chs 1 & 2
3	Week 3: Technical Fundamentals	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 5
4	Week 4: Electronic and Mobile Business	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 3
5	Week 5: Decisions, Processes and Support	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 4 Assessment: Proposal due (teamwork)
6	Week 6: Interactive Design, Development and Project Management	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 6
7	Week 7: Business Intelligence	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 8
8	Week 8: Public Holiday (No lecture)	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 11
9	Week 9: Information Security and Ethics	Required readings: Baltzan, Ch. 7
10	Week 10: Infrastructure and Sustainable Technologies	Assessment: Final Report due (Individual)
11	Week 11: Organisations and Enterprise Systems	Baltzan, Chs 9 & 10
12	Week 12: Conclusion and Summary

Tutorial Registration

Workshop enrolment will begin two weeks prior to the commencement of semester 1. Information on how to enrol in a workshop will be posted onto the course Wattle page.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assignment Proposal	30 %	27/03/2020	03/04/2020	1,2,3
Final Assignment	30 %	15/05/2020	29/05/2020	1,2,3,4,5
Final Examination	40 %	04/06/2020	02/07/2020	1,2,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected for all classes and assessments. Both lectures and workshops will be offered face-to-face weekly.

• Lectures are scheduled for two hours and begin in week 1.
• Workshops are scheduled for one hour and begin in week 2. Workshops consist of small classes of approximately 20 students and provide an opportunity for students to interact with teaching staff and each other.

Examination(s)

Examination information will be provided closer to the examination period at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/

Assessment Task 1

Assignment Proposal

There will be one main assignment during the course worth 60% of the marks. The assignment will be submitted and graded electronically through Wattle.

The purpose of the assignment is to investigate, analyse, evaluate and report on specific topics associated with both current use and projected use of technology within an applied field. The assignment is a project comprising two stages: stage 1) proposal 30% and stage 2) final project 30%.

The Assignment Proposal is due in week 5 and involves teamwork. Instructions regarding the assignment rubric, word limits and teamwork will be provided in the first lecture. In week 2, students will self-select into teams of 2 to 4 students with the assistance of tutors and will remain in those teams during stage 1 of the project.

Assessment Task 2

Final Assignment

This is the final stage of the assignment which builds on earlier aspects of the project. Submission will be online through Turnitin in week 10 and worth 30%. The final assignment requires individual effort by students (not teamwork). For the Final Report, you will be required to write a position paper with four statements to information systems (IS) professionals. Your paper will present your position on a topic of importance to the application area and make good use of the architecture specified in the Proposal. In preparing the position paper, you will need to carry out further investigations. 

Assessment Task 3

Final Examination

A single, closed book, 2 hour examination worth 40%, covering all course content, with answers in short essay style, to be held during the end of semester examination period. The format of the exam will be discussed in lectures and sample questions will be provided. Please check https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/ for exact date.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item.

All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task details above

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students