YEAR
2015
SEMESTER
1
UNIT TITLE
Information Systems
UNIT CODE
WDB1005
PRE-REQUISITES
Nil
CREDIT POINTS
N/A
MODE OF DELIVERY
Off Shore
LOCATION
Onshore
UNIT COORDINATOR
Wendy Lyle

Wendy.Lyle@vu.edu.au

99199228
OTHER TEACHING STAFF
TBA
DESCRIPTOR
This unit of study introduces students to the nature and types of Information Systems and their importance to business processes. The unit provides an introduction to the principles that need to be applied in the development and application of effective Information Systems in business.

This unit aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to have a working understanding of the fundamental concepts of Information Systems and their role in business processes, which play a significant part in the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation’s performance.
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LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Analyse fundamental concepts to extrapolate the issues and benefits of information systems.
2. Explain the nature of data, the characteristics of good quality information and the importance of knowledge in identifying, anticipating and solving problems and substantiating professional decision making.
3. Compare the potential contribution of information systems to the competitive advantage of different organisations.
4. Apply structured problem-solving skills to determine the role, purpose and contributions of an effective information system development life cycle as it supports core dynamic business processes. Apply skills to manage data and information using personal productivity applications.
5. Employ effective interpersonal skills to work collaboratively to research and effectively communicate an evaluative review of information systems through written and oral business presentations.
UNIT CONTENT
1. Foundations of Information Systems Technology
2. Business Organisation and Structure
3. Strategic Use of Information Systems
4. Introduction to Networks and Data Communication
5. Microsoft Office Skills
6. Writing Resource Proposals
7. Information Systems for E-Commerce
8. Managing the Information System – Ethics
9. Developing Information Systems, Processes and Implementation
LEARNING IN THE WORK PLACE
40% of the assessment in this Unit of Study will relate to Learning in the Workplace. Learning in the Workplace activities that will be included in this Unit of Study are:
1. Research Project
TEACHING & LEARNING STRATEGIES
This is a unit of study where learners are responsible for managing their own time in completing prescribed reading, undertaking further research and completing assessment tasks. Students are expected to participate in practical problem solving sessions, usually through team work, in class, and through case study analysis. Students are supported through regular in-class contact, such as lectures, tutorials and workshops and are expected to participate in online learning activities, peer discussion and review, and self-reflection. For every classroom-based contact hour it is expected that students will undertake another two hours of self-directed work.
This subject will be taught 5 hours in a computer laboratory per week. Activities will comprise teacher-led instruction and discussion, selected activities, demonstration by both the teacher and students.
It is expected that you will spend approximately ten hours per week studying this subject (including classroom time). This time should be made up of reading, research, working on exercises and group work, and other assessment tasks. In periods where you need to complete assignments or prepare for tests, the workload may be greater.
The Unit is supported online through VU Collaborate, a web-based content Management system. You access it at www.vu.edu.au (via MYVU - Student Portal). You will find Information, assignments, activities, detailed lecture outlines, and other useful materials and resources which will be progressively made available to you