BIS100
Business Information
Systems
Unit Moderator[Peter Zhao]
UNIT OUTLINE
Trimester 3, 2010
CRICOS Provider Code 02042G
Table of Contents
Page 1 of 18
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 3
ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION ................................................................. 3
TEACHING STAFF .............................................................................................................. 3
UNIT MODERATOR ............................................................................................................ 4
UNIT SYLLABUS ................................................................................................................. 4
LEARNING OUTCOMES ..................................................................................................... 5
LEARNING ACTIVITIES ...................................................................................................... 7
STUDENT FEEDBACK ........................................................................................................ 9
LEARNING RESOURCES ................................................................................................... 9
Text .................................................................................................................................................... 9
TEXT BOOK ...................................................................................................................... 10
Recommended Texts: ..................................................................................................................... 10
ASSESSMENT DETAILS ................................................................................................... 11
Assessment Summary..................................................................................................................... 11
Worksheets ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Assignment Individual...................................................................................................................... 13
Semester Test ................................................................................................................................. 13
Final Examination ............................................................................................................................ 14
Referencing Style ............................................................................................................................ 15
Guidelines for Submission: .............................................................................................................. 15
Assignment Marking ........................................................................................................................ 15
Plagiarism Monitoring - (include this section if it applies) ................................................................ 15
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES............................................................... 17
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION............................................................................................ 17
Telephone Contacts: ....................................................................................................................... 17
UNIT STUDY CALENDAR ................................................................................................. 17
Page 2 of 18
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Business Information Systems 100 (BIS100).
ESSENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Unit Title
Business Information Systems
Unit Moderator
Peter Zhao
Credit Value
25
Co-, Pre- and Antirequisites
Office Productivity Tools – Basic Skills
Web Browser – Basic Skills
PC – Basic Skills
Additional requirements
Core Unit status
If you are taking this unit as a required (core) unit in your
course of study, you may be terminated from your
course of study if you fail this unit three times.
Ancillary Fees and
Charges
All fee information can be obtained through the CIC
website or CIC brochure or from level 1 reception.
Unit Website
The CIC student Portal is the unit website. Visit
www.cic.wa.edu.au
Tuition Pattern
1.5 hour lecture / seminar, and
2.5 hour workshop
Study Load
4 hours contact (plus up to 7 hours private study)
Mobile Phones
TEACHING STAFF
The lecturers and their email for this unit are
Page 3 of 18
1. Peter Zhao (pzhao@cic.wa.edu.au)
2. Anthony Mullins (mull@learning.wa.edu.au)
3. Damion Candido (cand@learning.cic.wa.edu.au)
Your lecturer will assist you with your learning and any problems or difficulties you may be
experiencing while undertaking this unit. They will mark your assignments and provide
feedback in relation to your progress in this unit. You will be able to contact your lecturer
through the student Portal. Your lecturer is also available for an extra hour per week for
individual consultation. Please check with your lecturer for their availability. Consultation
times are also listed on Moodle under the unit name.
UNIT MODERATOR
Every unit also has a person who is responsible for the overall administration of that unit.
This person is the Unit Moderator. If you cannot contact the person who is teaching you
(named above) or if you have further queries about this unit, you may wish to contact the
Unit Moderator for this unit. Their contact details are below: [insert only the details
required]
Unit Moderator:
Email:
Peter.zhao@curtinCollege.edu.au
UNIT SYLLABUS
BIS100 provides an overview of Business Information Systems (BIS) and Business
Information Technology (BIT), different types of BIS and BIT and their role in
organisations and contribution to organisational success. This introductory unit explains
how technology is used appropriately to develop BIS that effectively support, enable and
enhance business and organisational processes. BIS100 provides an introduction to the
different activities and tools used to develop, maintain, and operate effective BIS.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this unit the expected learning outcomes for a successful
student and the associated Curtin graduate attributes developed or assessed in this unit
are summarized in the tables below
Learning Outcome
LO1
LO2
L03
LO4
LO5
Explain the roles of IT in organisations.
Describe different types of IT, their benefits when used in businesses and other
organisations, and what characteristics make them successful.
Understand and provide definitions for basic terminology of the IT field as used in
businesses and other organisations.
Identify and describe which kinds of IT would be helpful in a particular organisational
situation.
Appreciate and explain the fundamental activities, techniques, and tools used in
developing and implementing IT in organisations.
Page 5 of 18
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
Assessments Discipline
Thinking Information Comm. Technology Learning International Cultural
Professional
/ learning
Knowledge Skills
Skills
Skills
Skills
to Learn Perspective Understanding Skills
outcomes
Assignment
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Weekly
Worksheets
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LO1
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LO2
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LO3
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LO4
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LO5
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Page 6 of 18
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Learning Module 1 - The Value of IT and Overview
Learning Unit 1 - Value of IT and Unit Overview
This learning unit considers the question of whether IT should be considered as a means to gain
competitive advantage or just as a utility (Nicholas Carr) and what are the implications of the way IT
is flattening the world (Friedman).
Learning Unit 2 - What are Information Systems (IS) and ICT Infrastructure (TI)?
This learning unit considers what IT, IS, and TI are and, in particular, the nature of information
systems, as well as comparing IS and TI to Computer Science (CS), Software Engineering (SE)
and Computer Engineering (CE), and discussing roles and careers in IS and TI.
This learning unit also introduces the "Information Systems Description Framework." A process and
format that students can use to describe an information system. This framework and skill are the
focus of the assignment.
Learning Unit 3 - Creating Business Value with IT
This learning unit discusses Porter's Five Forces Model and Three Generic Strategies leading into
a discussion of the value chain and value chain analysis, in particular so we can learn how IT can
create business value (and competitive advantage) for businesses.
This learning unit also introduces the "Creating Business Value with IT Framework." A process and
format that students can use to create business value within a business by selecting a part of the
value chain to use ICT and information systems to achieve a desired business strategy.
Learning Module 2 - Creating Business Value with IS
Learning Unit 4 - Creating Business Value with Information Systems
This learning unit focuses on core functional information systems (like accounting and human
resources information systems) and explain how they create business value within the value chain,
as well as discussing various forms of e-business (B2B, B2C, etc.)
Learning Unit 5 - Creating Business Value with Information
This learning unit focuses on explaining what databases, data warehouses, data mining, business
intelligence and decision support systems are and how information obtained from these systems
can create business value and competitive advantage within the value chain.
Learning Unit 6 - Creating Business Value on the Demand Side
This learning unit focuses on the demand side of the value chain, particularly on sales force
automation systems and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, explaining what
these are and how they can create business value (and competitive advantage) within the value
chain.
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Learning Module 3 - Creating Business Value with L/SCM and ERP
Learning Unit 7 - Creating Business Value on the Supply Side
This learning unit focuses on the supply side of the value chain, introducing and defining logistics
and supply chain management, and particularly SCM systems, explaining what they are and how
they can create business value and competitive advantage within the value chain.
Learning Unit 8 - Creating Business Value with ERP
This learning unit focuses on the advantages of integrating the various information systems
described previously with materials management and other systems into enterprise resource
planning (ERP) systems and how this can create business value and competitive advantage.
Learning Unit 9 - Creating Business Value across the Value Chain: A Case Study
This learning unit presents a case study (Dell) starting with the consumer entering the Dell web site,
through purchasing a laptop, procurement of the parts, manufacture of the laptop, and final delivery
of the laptop (and satisfaction survey),showing the power of IT across the value chain.
Learning Module 4 - Creating Business Value with ICT Infrastructure
Learning Unit 10 - Creating Business Value with ICT Infrastructure
This learning unit focuses on the information and communication technology infrastructure that
supports the information systems, discussed previously, in particular the management and support
of the technological infrastructure to create business value and competitive advantage.
Learning Unit 11 - Creating Business Value with Outsourced ICT Infrastructure
This learning unit focuses on issues associated with the outsourcing of the technological
infrastructure itself, the development of the information systems, or just the management of the
technological infrastructure, to create business value and competitive advantage.
Learning Module 5 - Future Trends in IT and Unit Windup
Learning Unit 12 - Future Trends in IT and Unit Windup
This learning unit focuses briefly on future trends in IT. It also winds-up the unit, which includes a
review of the unit materials, concepts and skills learnt, where to go from here in IS and TI, and a
discussion of the examination format.
IT Literacy
The unit includes the instruction in and use of a number of the following Web 2.0 technologies by
the students (and the academic staff) to assist with achieving the unit learning outcomes:




Blogs - reading IS, IT, L/SCM and unit-related blogs
LinkedIn - creating a LinkedIn profile and connecting with other students and staff
Podcasts/Vodcast - listening to (and watching) IS, IT, L/SCM and unit-related podcasts and
vodcasts
Google Docs - using the Google word processing, presentation and/or spreadsheet tools
Page 8 of 18
Information Literacy
The unit also includes the instruction in and focus on advanced Internet search techniques (using
Google and Wolfram Alpha) as well a framework for evaluating information (the CARROTS
framework).
Presentation Format
The unit includes a weekly lecture (1.5 hours) and a weekly workshop (1.5 hours).
The workshop is a combination of tutorial and then practical class held in a computer laboratory.
Weekly Lecture
The lecture includes detailed slides and involves interactive and engaging activities.
The material covered in a lecture is then covered in more depth and from different perspectives in
the workshop
Weekly Workshop
The workshops commence in tutorial format involving discussion led by the Workshop Leader and
then progress to guided and independent practical work led by the Workshop Leader
The workshops are held in a computer laboratory, to allow the effective use of computing and
Internet resources for practical (curriculum-related) and general tasks.
STUDENT FEEDBACK
Students will be invited to participate in on-line surveys of their satisfaction with this unit and the
College and from time to time, an in-class survey of their lecturer conducted by the Deputy
Academic Director, Academic Director of the lecturer themselves.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Text
You will need to purchase the following textbook from the Curtin Bookshop in order to complete this
unit
Title: Creating Business Value with IT
ISBN: 9780070285118
McGraw-Hill Publisher
2009
Page 9 of 18
This is a custom textbook design specifically for this unit. The textbook is also available on CD (for
a reduced price) from the Curtin Bookshop (if not on display please ask for it at the counter).
Software
Web Browser – Recent version of Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or compatible Web browser.
Google Docs or Microsoft Office 2007 suite – Word 2007, Excel 2007, PowerPoint 2007 – available
in the student PC labs in Building 402.
COURSE NOTES / MOODLE
Course notes, assessment details such as due dates, weighting of assessments and other details
relating to course material are accessed via the Moodle tab on your student portal.
TEXT BOOK
You will need to purchase the following textbook in order to complete this unit:
You will need to purchase the following textbook from the Curtin Bookshop in order to complete this
unit
Title: Creating Business Value with IT
ISBN: 9780070285118
McGraw-Hill Publisher
2009
This is a custom textbook design specifically for this unit. The textbook is also available on CD (for
a reduced price) from the Curtin Bookshop (if not on display please ask for it at the counter).
Recommended Texts:
Page 10 of 18
ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment Summary
The assessment for this unit consists of the following items.
Assessment Tasks
Worksheets (Individual)
Assignment (Individual)
Semester Test (individual)
Final Examination (Individual)
TOTAL
Worth
Due
Unit Learning
Outcome Assessed
20%
Ongoing
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4,
LO5
15%
Friday Week 6
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4,
LO5
15%
Week 10
Workshop
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4,
LO5
50%
See Exam
Timetable
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4,
LO5
100%
Worksheets
Worth: 20%
Due: Ongoing
The unit includes a series of weekly worksheets that follow on from what you were taught in the
previous weeks lectures. The worksheets are electronic (within BlackBoard) and can be worked on
anywhere you have Internet access (e.g. at home and at Curtin).
The worksheets are primarily to assist you and to keep you on track with your learning (what is
called formative assessment). You will receive a mark of 0% for poor performance, 1% for average
performance and 2% for good performance on each of the worksheets.
The weekly worksheets will be started with the guidance of your Workshop Leader in your
workshop and need to be completed by you and submitted online before the next workshop. There
are 10 worksheets for a maximum total mark of 20%.
Please remember to SAVE your worksheet answers regularly using the save buttons to the right of
each question and at the bottom of the page (to save all answers). When you have completed the
worksheet submit it by using the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page.
Page 11 of 18
Although you can SAVE many times (and you are encouraged to do so frequently to prevent loss of
your answers) you can only SUBMIT your answers once. Once you have submitted the answer
you cannot make any further changes.
Please ignore the marking scheme in the electronic worksheets themselves. The multiple choice
questions will be corrected automatically, but once the solutions are released is up to you to check
your answer against the solutions for short answer and essay-style questions.
Assignment 1 Marking Criteria
The following is a draft of the guide to be used to mark the first assignment based on the one from
last semester. The actual assignment and guide will be made available via CICPortal and may be
different.
Max
Marks
Your
mark
Criteria
Comments
Information System Descriptions
 General Description of
Information System(s)
 Details of Inputs, Outputs,
and Boundary
 Details of Processors and
Data Stores
 Details of Users and Info.
Processing Tasks
 Figure (drawing) representing
Information System.
Total
20
20
20
20
20
100
Days late
Late submission deduction (5% per day,
> 7 days late 0 mark)
Adjusted Mark
/100
Final Unit Mark
/ 15
Page 12 of 18
Assignment Individual
The first assignment will involve describing (and drawing) an information system (or information
systems) following a simple description framework that will be provided.
The assignment requirements and marking guide document for this assignment will be available on
CICPortal when needed. You will be required to upload your assignment document into CICPortal
(more details on how to do this will be given in the assignment).
Worth: 15%
Due: Friday Teaching Week 6
Semester Test
The Semester Test will be held in your workshop timeslot and will be a partial mock examination
(i.e. it will be somewhat like the final examination although it is for real marks). It will give you a
good indication how you may go in the final examination.
The semester test will be completed on the computers in the workshop, using the same technology
used for the electronic worksheets. It will be a closed book test. The class will go for the usual
hour and a half but the test will be for one hour.
The format of the test will be similar to that of the final examination and will include:
1. some multiple choice questions like those in the electronic worksheets related to each of the
learning units,
2. some short answer questions like those in the electronic worksheets related to the each of
the learning units,
3. an information system description question NOT to be answered in the semester test but to
just show you what it would be like, and
4. a structured business analysis and systems solution question for a business case study like
those considered in many of the lectures (two case studies to choose from)
The focus of this test is on parts 1, 2, and 4 (since part 3 was covered in the Assignment). This
workshop will also include a brief discussion before the test on examination tips and techniques,
and a short debriefing discussion after the test on how you went.
More details will be available from the unit staff during the weeks preceding the Semester Test.
Please make sure you do not miss the workshop that week. Special arrangements will be made for
distance education and online students.
Page 13 of 18
Worth: 15%
Due: Teaching Week 10 Workshop
Semester Test Marking Criteria
Max
Marks
Criteria
18 Closed Answer Questions
(Multi Choice, True/False,
Matching etc) (1 Mark Each)
Your
mark
Comments
18
0 = Incorrect
1 = Correct
9 Short Answer Questions
(3 Marks Each)
0
1
2
3
=
=
=
=
27
No Attempt
Poor
Average
Good solution
Creating Business Value with IT
Question
 Step 1 – Perform Value
Chain Analysis
 Step 2 – Determine Business
Strategy and Process
 Step 3 – Determine
Information Systems Needs
 Step 4 – Determine ICT
Infrastructure Requirements
Total
5
5
5
5
65
Final Examination
The final examination is worth 50% of your total marks for this unit and will include questions as
discussed above for the semester test, although it will also include an information system modelling
tasks and be twice as long (2 hours rather than 1 hour).
Page 14 of 18
The final examination will be held during the formal examination period. It will be a closed book
examination (no additional resources will be allowed into the examination venue). It is your
responsibility to check the date and time of the final examination on the Curtin website.
Officially released results for this unit are published on CICPortal. Please remember that you final
grade and mark is determined by the Board of Examiners not by the Unit Coordinator(s).
Referencing Style
Students should use the [insert preferred referencing style here] referencing style when preparing
assignments. More information can be found on this style from the Library web site:
http://library.curtin.edu.au/research_and_information_skills/referencing/index.html
Guidelines for Submission:
All assignments must be accompanied by the CIC Assignment Attachment Form (or cover page).
All assignments must be received by 5pm on the Friday of the week due.
Assignment Marking
Students should allow a 2 week marking turnaround for written assignments.
Plagiarism Monitoring - (include this section if it applies)
Some (or all) assessments in this unit may be monitored for plagiarism using Turnitin plagiarism
detection service (see http://turnitin.com). Students who do not want assignments retained in the
Turnitin database, must lodge a special request prior to the submission date. Please advise the
Unit Moderator if you do not wish to have your assignment retained.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Curtin International College (CIC) is committed to ensuring that all students behave with academic
integrity. Therefore, it is essential that you understand the principles underlying academic integrity
and behave in a manner according to these principles. It is expected that students act honestly
when they undertake all learning and assessment tasks
You must be aware of the differences between these terms in the context of work done in this unit.
Plagiarism refers to using the words and ideas of another person without acknowledging the
source. Plagiarism is not permitted and considered an offence. Failure to acknowledge the sources
you have used by using both in-text and end-text referencing will compromise the mark you receive
and may result in a ‘0’ mark. One of the main ways to avoid plagiarism is learning how to reference
correctly.
Information
about
referencing
is
available
on
the
CIC
portal
at
http://learning.cic.wa.edu.au/ or you can obtain a flyer from the Level 2 foyer.
Page 15 of 18
Collusion occurs when students produce the final work together, but submit the work under
individual names, giving the impression that the final work is wholly that of the individual claiming
authorship. If students lend/borrow assignments and use ideas from another student’s assignment,
this is deemed to be collusion. This is a deliberate attempt to deceive the lecturer or tutor. Collusion
is not permitted and considered an offence. ALL students involved will be penalised.
Collaboration describes an activity in which students have been given permission to work together
to accomplish a task. You are usually asked to submit a joint assignment under joint names.
However, make sure you are clear about how your lecturer wants you to report on the outcomes.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with the rules covering collusion, collaboration
and plagiarism. Failure to comply may result in serious penalties, the failure of the assignment in
question and possibly failure in the unit. If you have any questions about this please contact your
lecturer who will be pleased to explain or refer to the CIC Plagiarism Policy which is located on
the CIC Website at: http://www.cic.wa.edu.au/go/college-policies
THE ENGLISH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EDP)
EDP is a free 7 week course consisting of one 3-hour class per week. This course will help you to
develop the language skills required for you to communicate well in an academic and professional
environment. The skills taught will help you to write and speak more effectively, including sentence
structure, grammar, essay and report writing. Lecturers also offer assistance with assignments.
You can enrol in the EDP program in the same way you choose your other units, however classes
start in week 2.
Free individual assistance (such as assignment checking) is also available. If you wish to see an
Academic staff member to help you with your assignment, you will need to download the form (CIC
Individual Assistance Form) from the Portal [Handbook/Forms and Documents/Study Support]
and take it to your lecturer. Once your lecturer has filled out the form, you will need to go to level 1
reception and make an appointment.
ACADEMIC MASTER SKILLS WORKSHOPS (PREVIOUSLY
KNOWN AS STUDY SKILLS)
The Academic Master Skills workshops are a great way to help you get more out of your studies at
CIC and later at Curtin. The workshops cover skills that are very useful to helping students get
better grades and use time more efficiently. They run throughout the trimester and most
importantly, they are free.
Workshops are available on Mondays and Thursdays and consist of a one hour session. Topics
covered include how to manage your time, how to study effectively, how to research and reference,
how to deliver oral presentations and how to write essays and reports.
For the workshop schedule please refer to the CIC Events Calendar by clicking on the
Events@CIC Tab on the Student Portal or pick up a flyer from Level 2, in Building 205.
Page 16 of 18
STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and
procedures relating to their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:

the College’s policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity,

the College’s policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities,

appeals, and grievances resolution,

student feedback,

other policies and procedures
See http://www.cic.wa.edu.au for comprehensive information on all of the above.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Telephone Contacts:
If you have a query relating to administrative matters such as:


requests for deferment of study
difficulties with accessing online study materials
obtaining assessment results
Please contact level 1 reception personally or call 9266 4888.
UNIT STUDY CALENDAR
If you have a printed copy of this document, you may like to tear off this final page and keep the
Study Calendar handy as you work through the unit.
Trimester 3, 2010
Week
1.
2.
3.
4.
Page 17 of 18
Begin Date
Lecture/
Seminar
Pre-readings
Tutorial/Other
Assessment
Due
The Value of
IT and Unit
Overview
Learning Unit 1 –
Custom
Textbook
Workshop
Overview and
Setup
NA
What are IS
and TI?
Learning Unit 2 –
Custom
Textbook
The Value of IT
and Setup
Worksheet 1
Creating
Business
Value with IT
Learning Unit 3 –
Custom
Textbook
What are IS and
TI?
Worksheet 2
Creating
Business
Value with
Learning Unit 4 –
Custom
Creating Business
Value with IT
Worksheet 3
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Page 18 of 18
Information
Systems
Textbook
Creating
Business
Value with
Information
Learning Unit 5 –
Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value with
Information
Systems
Worksheet 4;
Creating
Business
Value on the
Demand Side
Learning Unit 6 –
Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value with
Information
Worksheet 5
Creating
Business
Value on the
Supply Side
Learning Unit 7 –
Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value on the
Demand Side
Worksheet 6
Creating
Business
Value with
ERP
Learning Unit 8 –
Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value on the
Supply Side
Worksheet 7
Creating
Business
Value across
the Value
Chain: A Case
Study
Learning Unit 9 –
Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value with ERP
Worksheet 8
Creating
Business
Value with ICT
Infrastructure
Learning Unit 10
– Custom
Textbook
Semester Test
Creating
Business
Value with
Outsourced
ICT
Infrastructure
Learning Unit 11
– Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value with ICT
Infrastructure
NA
Future Trends
in IT and
Windup
Learning Unit 12
– Custom
Textbook
Creating Business
Value with
Outsourced ICT
Infrastructure
Worksheet 10
Final Examination
Assignment
Worksheet 9