BN110 - Information Systems Fundamentals

Credit Points: 15 credit points

Workload: 48 hours

Prerequisite: N/A

Co-requisite: N/A

Aims & Objectives

This is a core unit out of a total of 24 units in the Bachelor of Networking (BNet) and the Bachelor of Business (BBus) courses. This unit addresses the BNet and BBus course learning outcomes and complements other courses in a related field by developing students’ knowledge and skills in ICT in organisations. For further course information refer to: http://www.mit.edu.au/study-withus/programs/bachelor-networking and http://mit.edu.au/study-with-us/programs/bachelor-business. This unit is part of AQF Level 
7 BNet and BBus courses. 
 
This unit introduces students to the organisational context of Information Technology. It also introduces students to humancentred system development. Students will work in a studio-based learning environment to investigate and understand the application of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in business environments and simulate common business information systems in projects using current office automation systems such as documentation, presentation, and spread sheet software tools.  
 
This unit will cover the following topics: 

  • Overview of the organisational context of ICT. 
  • Introduction to organisational structures and management. 
  • Overview of business information needs. 
  • Designing solutions to business information problems with tools. 
  • Introduction to office automation technology.  
  • Overview of decision support in business through the application of ICT. 

Learning Outcomes

The Course learning outcomes applicable to this unit are listed on the Melbourne Institute of Technology’s website: www.mit.edu.au
At the completion of this unit students should be able to: 
a. Understand the basic concepts of organisations, including business organisational structures, and the roles of individuals and groups in organisations. 
b. Understand the basic concepts of ICT as they are used in organisations and society. 
c. Apply appropriate systems analysis techniques and use design tools in solving business problems. 
d. Understand the impact of social and ethical standards in global business operations. 
e. Demonstrate an understanding of sustainability practices in the Information Systems context. 

Weekly Topics

The following table lists the topics and other activities in the unit week-by-week during the trimester. It is a guide only and there may be variations in order to accommodate any special needs of the class, public holidays or other circumstances.

Week Topics
1 Introduction to Information Systems
2 Organizational Strategy, Competitive Advantage, and Information Systems
3 Introducing Today’s Technologies: Computers, Mobile & Game Devices, Data and Information Management Systems (IMS)
4 IT infrastructure: Hardware and software; Foundations of Business Intelligence: databases and IMS; Telecommunications, the Internet and Wireless Technology
5 Connecting & Communicating online: The Internet Connecting to the Internet The World Wide Web
6 Wireless, Mobile Computing, and Mobile Commerce
7 Programs and Apps
8 Information Systems within the Organization
9 Digital Security, Ethics & Privacy
10 Human-centred development in management, business and social science
11 Social Information Systems (Their global implications and impact; Opportunities, sustainability)
12 Review

Assessment

Assessment Task Due Date  A B Unit Learning Outcomes
Formative Assignment 1 Week 3 (10/04/2022) 5% - a
In-class Test Week 7 (05/05/2022) - 10% a-c
Assignment 2 – Group Week 11 (03/06/2022) 30% - a,c-d
Laboratory Participation & submission  Week 2 – 11 (10/06/2022) 10% - a-e
Final Examination (2 hours) End of trimester   45% a-e
TOTALS   45% 55%  

Task Type: Type A: unsupervised, Type B: supervised.

Class Participation and Contribution
This unit has class participation and student contribution as an assessment. The assessment task and marking rubric will follow the Guidelines on Assessing Class Participation (https://www.mit.edu.au/about-us/governance/institute-rules-policies-and-plans/policies-procedures-and-guidelines/Guidelines_on_Assessing_Class_Participation). Further details will be provided in the assessment specification on the type of assessment tasks and the marking rubrics.

Presentations (if applicable)
For presentations conducted in class, students are required to wear business attire.

Teaching Methods

NOTE: All School of Business units 3-hour workshops Flipped Classroom Mode.

Textbook and Reference Materials

Text Book

  • Ramesh Behl, James A. O’Brien, George M. Marakas, Management Information Systems, McGraw-Hill Education, 2019.

References: 

  • R. K. Rainer, B. Prince, Introduction to Information Systems, 6th Ed., Wiley, US, 2015.
  • S. M.  Freund, M. Z. Last, P.J. Pratt, S. L. Sebok, M. E. Vermaat, J. T. Campbell and M. Frydenberg, Discovering Computers & Microsoft Office 2016, a fundamental combined approach. Cengage Learning, 2017. 
  • J. J. Parsons and D. Oja, New Perspectives on Computer Concepts. 16th ed., Cengage Learning, 2013. 
  • R. K. Rainer, E. Turban, and R. E. Potter, Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business, 5th ed., Wiley, 2013, 
  • S. Zimmerman and B. B. Zimmerman, New Perspectives on Microsoft Office 2013, Stamford: Cengage Learning, 2014. 

Adopted Reference Style: IEEE. 

Graduate Attributes

MIT is committed to ensure the course is current, practical and relevant so that graduates are “work ready” and equipped for life-long learning. In order to accomplish this, the MIT Graduate Attributes identify the required knowledge, skills and attributes that prepare students for the industry.
The level to which Graduate Attributes covered in this unit are as follows:

Ability to communicate Independent and Lifelong Learning Ethics Analytical and Problem Solving Cultural and Global Awareness Team work Specialist knowledge of a field of study

Legend

Levels of attainment Extent covered
The attribute is covered by theory and practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students always play an active role, e.g. workshops, lab submissions, assignments, demonstrations, tests, examinations.
The attribute is covered by theory or practice, and addressed by assessed activities in which the students mostly play an active role, e.g. discussions, reading, intepreting documents, tests, examinations.
The attribute is discussed in theory or practice; it is addressed by assessed activities in which the students may play an active role, e.g. lectures and discussions, reading, interpretation, workshops, presentations.
The attribute is presented as a side issue in theory or practice; it is not specifically assessed, but it is addressed by activities such as lectures or tutorials.
The attribute is not considered, there is no theory or practice or activities associated with this attribute.