This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully undertake information systems analysis. Lectures and tutorials provide coverage of the concepts, skills, methodologies, techniques, tools and perspectives considered essential for systems analysts working with modern information systems and their development.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. explain basic systems theory and the context within which information systems analysis is carried out
2. elicit information system requirements
3. construct process, logic, and data models using traditional modelling techniques
4. demonstrate an understanding of object-oriented modelling using UML
5. apply “Soft systems” aspects and techniques in systems analysis
6. apply principled investigation and ethical judgement in systems analysis, consistent with the ACS Code of Ethics.

Research-Led Teaching

This course integrates research publications with industry reports to provide a comprehensive understanding of information systems analysis. The carefully curated readings balance theoretical frameworks from leading academic journals with practical case studies and industry best practices. This research-led approach ensures students develop both theoretical depth and practical competence, preparing them for the complexities of real-world systems analysis.

Field Trips

Not relevant

Additional Course Costs

No additional cost

Examination Material or equipment

There will be a centrally timetabled invigilated exam.

More information on examination will be made available on Canvas at least 2 weeks before the examination period.

Required Resources

All required resources and readings will be advised on Canvas.

Recommended Resources

Systems Analysis and Design, Global Edition

Author: Kendall, K. & Kendall, J.

Publisher: Pearson

Edition: 10th

ISBN: 9781292281476

Availability: Campus Bookstore & Online

• AUD79.95 for the eBook/eText version from the publisher; Print AUD118.87
• Amazon Australia Paperback AUD83.25

Link to publisher page - Link to ANU Library catalogue

The course convener has requested that a copy of this eText be reserved in the library for 2 hour short term loan.

Please also note that previous editions 9th and 8th are also accepted.

 It is essential that you have ready access to a copy of this text or an appropriate alternative

• This is the second year the 10th edition is being used, so buying second-hand 9th edition is a good alternative.
• 8th edition is also acceptable

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,

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.

Other Information

Support of students: The University offers a number of support services for students. Information on these is available online from http://students.anu.edu.au/studentlife/.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course Administration & Introduction to Systems Analysis- Read Chapter 1 of text
2	Elements of Systems Theory & Concepts of Information - Read lecture notes and watch lecture video provided
3	Project Selection, Feasibility and Management - Read Chapter 3 of text and lecture notes, and watch lecture video
4	“Soft” Techniques - Read lecture notes provided, and watch lecture video	Assignment 1.1: Due Friday 20 March 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
5	Requirements Determination - Read Chapter 4 & Chapter 5 of text and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video
6	Process Modelling -Read Chapter 7 of text, and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video	Assignment 2.1: Due Thursday 2 April 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
7	Process and Logic Modelling - Read Chapter 9 of text, and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video	Assignment 1.2: Due Friday 24 April 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
8	Data (Entity-Relationship) Modelling - Part 1 - Read Chapter 8 of text, and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video	Assignment 1.3: Due Friday 01 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
9	Data (Entity-Relationship) Modelling - Part 2 - Read Chapter 8 of text & and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video
10	Object-oriented analysis & UML - Part 1 - Re-read Chapter 2 & begin reading Chapter 10 of text and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video	Assignment 1.4: Due Friday 15 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
11	Object-oriented analysis & UML - Part 2 - Continue reading Chapter 10 of text, and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video	Assignment 2.2: Due Friday 22 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
12	Moving from Analysis to Design & System Development Methodologies - Read Chapter 2 & Chapter 6 of text, and lecture notes, and, and watch lecture video, Prepare for exam during examination period.	Assignment 1.5: Due Friday 29 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time
13	No teaching / End of semester examination period	Assessment 3: Final examination to be scheduled during the examination period.

Tutorial Registration

There are no tutorials for this course. Instead, a weekly seminar of 3 hours will be delivered.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Before Exam Assignments (Individual - 40%)	40 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Course Reflection Assignments (Individual - 10%)	10 %	*	1,2,3,4,5
Final Examination (Individual - 50%)	50 %	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* 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

The teaching mode for Semester 1 2026 will be face-to-face, on campus. All course materials related to the seminars will be made available on Canvas course sites. Participation is expected in all classes and assessments.

Attendance at seminars, while not compulsory, is expected in line with "Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning," Clause 2 paragraph (b). Where students will not be able to attend a seminar, they should advise the Convenor and discuss how to otherwise address the learning materials.

Examination(s)

There will be a centrally timetabled invigilated exam.

Extenuating Circumstances Applications (ECA)

If you have missed your examination due to illness, incapacity or misadventure, then you should submit an ECA. An application form must be completed and lodged within five business days of the original date of the assessment. Evidence addressing the cause of any delay must be provided with the application. 

For further information about this and how to apply, please visit: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/extenuating-circumstances-application

Assessment Task 1

Before Exam Assignments (Individual - 40%)

Before Exam Assignments

Due date

There are five Before Exam Assignments, comprising 40% of your final course mark. Details and due dates of each of these assignments are given below:

The course includes five open-book assignments scheduled before the final exam, designed to reinforce your understanding of information systems analysis concepts. Each assignment will require you to create and analyse various diagrams and models that are essential tools in systems analysis, such as entity-relationship diagrams, data flow diagrams, and UML models. These practical exercises build directly upon concepts covered in our seminars, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to concrete system analysis scenarios.

Please note that you are required to attempt to answer the assignment questions individually and submit your answers to Canvas by the due dates and times mentioned below:

Assignment 1.1. (Based on the course material covered in seminars week 1, 2, 3 and 4).

• Release date: 17 March 2026
• Due date: Friday 20 March 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time

Assignment 1.2. (Based on the course material covered in seminars week 5 and 6).

• Release date: 31 March 2026
• Due date: Friday 24 April 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time

Assignment 1.3. (Based on the course material covered in seminar week 7).

• Release date: 24 April 2026
• Due date: Friday 01 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time

Assignment 1.4. (Based on the course material covered in seminars week 8 and 9).

• Release date: 05 May 2026
• Due date: Friday 15 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time

Assignment 1.5. (Based on the course material covered in seminars week 10 and 11).

• Release date: 19 May 2026
• Due date: Friday 29 May 2026 @ 23:59 Canberra Time

Form of submission

The Before Exam Assignment tasks are to be submitted using the course Canvas site. Each of your submissions MUST include the following three components:

• (1). Following declaration:
• "I declare that this work:
• is original, except where collaboration (for example, group work) has been authorised in writing by the course convenor in the course outline and/or Canvas site;
• is produced for the purposes of this assessment task and has not been submitted for assessment in any other context, except where authorised in writing by the course convener;
• gives appropriate acknowledgement of the ideas, scholarship and intellectual property of others, including use of AI tools insofar as these have been used;
• in no part involves copying, cheating, collusion, fabrication, plagiarism or recycling.”
• (2). 'Tracked changes' version of the assignment. This version should capture your editing history and progression—including how you have interacted with, refined, or built upon content generated by AI tools.
• (3). Polished version of the assignment (i.e., without tracked changes)

Only submissions in Microsoft Word format (e.g., .doc or .docx) with Tracked Changes enabled will be accepted. Please keep a copy of the submitted work for your records. Unless specifically noted in the instructions, handwritten work will not be accepted or, if submitted, will not be marked.

Failure to include any of the three required components (the declaration form, the tracked-changes version, and the polished version) will result in a mark of zero. Students are responsible for ensuring that all components are submitted together in a single document; page limits apply only to the polished version.

Your assignment answers will be rated on a 0 to 5-point scale:

• 0 = No work is submitted
• 1 = (Answer with major problems: 20% of the assigned marks for that question). The response is present but lacks essential elements or contains significant errors; the explanation is incomplete or does not relate to the given question
• 2 = (Answer that needs work: 40% of the assigned marks for that question). The response includes some required elements but misses important details; the explanation shows limited understanding and is only partially relevant to the context of the question.
• 3 = (Good answer: 60% of the assigned marks for that question). The response adequately addresses the required elements with generally correct explanations; it demonstrates a reasonable understanding and relates to the question.
• 4 = Great answer = 80% of the assigned marks for that question: The response thoroughly covers all required elements with clear, accurate explanations; it demonstrates a strong understanding and is well-contextualised to the question
• 5 = Outstanding answer = 100% of the assigned marks for that question: The response not only covers all required elements thoroughly but also provides exceptional insight or original analysis; it demonstrates a profound understanding with exceptionally clear and insightful explanations that are perfectly contextualised to the question, exceeding standard expectations.

While individual questions will not receive detailed written comments, you will receive general feedback on the first assignment before the mid-semester break. This approach encourages you to actively engage in weekly seminars and consultations, where you can obtain detailed, personalised feedback through discussion with teaching staff. Once each assignment has been marked, results will be released via the gradebook feature on Canvas within 10 working days.

Submission Method

Soft copy (.doc, .docx) via Canvas TurnItIn

Marking criteria and Rubrics will be made available on Canvas two weeks prior to Week 1 of the semester.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task
• Submit the deliverable in a format that preserves ‘tracked changes’ (e.g. MS Word, Apple Pages, or similar) that shows the progression of academic effort and contribution towards completing the task.

Return Date: Feedback and marks will be returned within ten working days of submission; feedback on Assignment 1.1 will be returned by 31 March.

Extension requests. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances where relevant supporting documentation is provided and the lecturer is notified in a timely manner. Late submissions are accepted but will incur a penalty of 5% per business day unless an extension has been formally approved. Submissions more than 10 business days late will receive zero marks.

Assessment Task 2

Course Reflection Assignments (Individual - 10%)

There will be two reflection assignments totalling 10% of the mark, each comprising 5% of your total mark.

Due Date

The due date for course reflection assignment 1 is: Thursday, 2nd April 2026 at 23:59 Canberra Time

The due date for course reflection assignment 2 is: Friday, 22nd May 2026 at 23:59 Canberra Time

Form of Submission

For course reflection assignment 1, you should submit two pages reflection essay on the topics discussed in the first six weekly seminars

For course reflection assignment 2, you should submit two pages reflection essay on the topics discussed after the mid-semester break

For each reflection assignment, you should submit two pages reflection essay on topics discussed in the first six weekly seminars (reflection assignment 1) and two pages on topics discussed after the mid-semester break (reflection assignment 2). Each of your submissions MUST include the following three components:

• (1). Following declaration:
• "I declare that this work:
• is original, except where collaboration (for example, group work) has been authorised in writing by the course convenor in the course outline and/or Canvas site;
• is produced for the purposes of this assessment task and has not been submitted for assessment in any other context, except where authorised in writing by the course convener;
• gives appropriate acknowledgement of the ideas, scholarship and intellectual property of other,s including use of AI tools insofar as these have been used;
• in no part involves copying, cheating, collusion, fabrication, plagiarism or recycling.”
• (2). 'Tracked changes' version of the assignment. This version should capture your editing history and progression—including how you have interacted with, refined, or built upon content generated by AI tools.
• (3). Polished version of the assignment (i.e., without tracked changes)

Only submissions in Microsoft Word format (e.g., .doc or .docx) with Tracked Changes enabled will be accepted. Please keep a copy of the submitted work for your records. Unless specifically noted in the instructions, handwritten work will not be accepted or, if submitted, will not be marked. The expected length of the polished version is typically 2 pages maximum, and you will be given guidance if more or less is expected.

Failure to include any of the three required components (the declaration form, the tracked-changes version, and the polished version) will result in a mark of zero. Students are responsible for ensuring that all components are submitted together in a single document; page limits apply only to the polished version.

Submission Method

Soft copy (.doc, .docx) via Canvas TurnItIn

Marking criteria and Rubrics will be made available on Canvas two weeks prior to Week 1 of the semester.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Students are welcome to use generative AI tools (e.g. GPT-4, DALL-E, Copilot) and other tools (e.g. Grammarly) to support their learning in a way that is consistent with the ANU Academic Integrity principles for use of GenAI. As such, please be aware of the following additional conditions for this assessment task:

• Clearly acknowledge the use of Artificial Intelligence in the relevant parts of the assessment task
• Submit the deliverable in a format that preserves ‘tracked changes’ (e.g. MS Word, Apple Pages, or similar) that shows the progression of academic effort and contribution towards completing the task.

Return Date: Feedback and marks will be returned within ten working days of submission.

Extension requests. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances where relevant supporting documentation is provided and the lecturer is notified in a timely manner. Late submissions are accepted but will incur a penalty of 5% per business day unless an extension has been formally approved. Submissions more than 10 business days late will receive zero marks.

Assessment Task 3

Final Examination (Individual - 50%)

There will be a closed-book, centrally timetabled, invigilated final examination for this course. Only permitted material will be one A4 sheet with handwritten notes on one side.

The three-hour final examination will primarily assess your comprehensive understanding of information systems analysis using a case study–based format. You will be required to analyse the case study, develop appropriate diagrams and models, and respond to a range of questions assessing your technical knowledge and critical thinking skills. In addition, the examination may include questions that are not directly related to the case study but assess your ability to apply concepts, analyse scenarios, and make informed decisions based on your learning across all seminars. The questions are designed to evaluate analytical capability and practical systems analysis skills, requiring synthesis and application of knowledge rather than reproduction of course content.

Due Date

The exam will be held during the examination period. Further details will be provided during the semester.

Form of Submission

Students will be given the question paper and an answer book at the start of the centrally invigilated exam.

They are to provide their answers in the answer book and hand them over to the invigilators when finished.

This examination will be closed-book. Students are permitted to bring one A4 sheet of notes, handwritten notes on one side only.

You should not assume that the ability to bring a notes sheet will make the examination straightforward. The examination is designed to assess your understanding and application of course concepts rather than your ability to recall information verbatim. In particular:

• The questions will not be of a type where answers can be directly copied from notes.
• Many questions will require independent reasoning, such as case analysis and the creation or interpretation of models.
• Effective performance will depend on prior understanding of the material, as there will be insufficient time to rely on notes to learn concepts during the exam.
• Accordingly, thorough preparation and conceptual understanding are essential for success.

More information on the examination will be made available on Canvas at least 2 weeks before the examination period.

Marking criteria and Rubrics will be made available on Canvas two weeks prior to Week 1 of the semester.

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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

No hardcopy submissions will be required in this course.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. 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 after 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. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Please note that the above guidelines apply to Task 1: Before Exam Assignments, and Task 2: Course Reflection Assignments.

All requests for Assessment Adjustment (including Requests for Extension and for Consideration of Extenuating Circumstances) should be submitted via ANUHub .

Referencing 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 Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Returning Assignments

Please see relevant assessment task detail 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