Outline

Overview

Accountants are extensive users of business information systems (BIS). They also play a critical advisory and managerial role in relation to the design, adoption, evaluation and assurance of BIS to ensure that information and systems are properly governed to manage and mitigate risk, are used ethically and contribute to business value. This unit provides an introduction to current and emerging information technologies (IT) that support and enable business processes, information management, decision-making, data analysis and reporting of critical business information in accounting. In addition, associated governance, risk and compliance challenges are explored. Relationships between business processes and accounting information systems are examined to develop an understanding of the complex and changing business information environment from the perspective of different stakeholders. Students use a variety of tools, frameworks and models that assist in identifying opportunities for business value creation to ensure that strategies meet business needs.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	INFS5000
Academic unit	Business Information Systems
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sandra Dwyer, sandra.dwyer@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Mark Sercombe, mark.sercombe@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Sandra Dwyer, sandra.dwyer@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Written exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Individual assignment Written report	20%	Week 05 Due date: 18 Mar 2024 at 23:59	1500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Group assignment Written reports and presentation	30%	Week 11 Due date: 06 May 2024 at 23:59	2500 words (equivalent of)
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Individual assignment: The assignment has two parts. Part A and Part B. Students are required to critically evaluate and demonstrate proficiency in the technical skills of business process mapping and relational databases for Part A, and will additionally be required to respond to a statement or article, with an essay style format for Part B. The assignment will require careful reading of the prescribed text book and Canvas resources for the technical section and the ability to conduct library research to identify and utilise robust references to support their discussion, and draw informed conclusions for the essay section. The requirement is to prepare a written report to be submitted online.
Group assignment: In groups of 4-5 members, students are required to research and examine key facts and important issues surrounding a selected topic. Components include: prepare a written executive summary based on the research findings and participate in a creative presentation presented live in class, based on the group research and executive summary. Groups will also act as verbal inquirer’s of a presentation (and submit their questions and feedback). And finally, there is a reflective submission that has three components (weekly learning reflection, unit of study reflection, and group reflection)
Final exam: This is a closed-book exam and all topics may be examined. The exam questions may be a combination of multiple-choice, short answer/discussion and/or case study type question.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction to Accounting Information Systems (AIS)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Database concepts I An introduction to the individual assignment	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Database concepts II	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Systems mapping and business processes I An introduction to the group assignment	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Systems mapping and business processes II	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Enterprise systems and transaction cycles: the expenditure cycle	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Enterprise systems and transaction cycles: the revenue cycle	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Enterprise Systems and the Financial Cycle, and Business Intelligence I	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Business Intelligence II	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Enterprise level risk management and control challenges in the digital age	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Enterprise risk management and control challenges in the digital age II	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Group presentations and exam preparation	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Group presentations, wrap up and exam preparation	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: One lecture stream will be recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate successfully. Students should ensure they follow the Canvas modules and associated learning materials provided for online learners.
NO Group presentation recording: Additionally, group presentation recordings will not be made available. You are not permitted to record any group presentation with any device.
Public Holidays in teaching weeks this semester are: Easter encompassing Friday 29th March and Monday 1st April; and Thursday 25th April which is Anzac Day. There are no classes held on Public Holidays.
The mid-semester break (AVCC Week) immediately follows Week 6 (but note that the Friday of Week 6 is also a Public Holiday). The break is Monday 1st April - Friday 5th April. There are no classes or consultations held during AVCC week.
Weeks 12 and 13 are group presentations and require compulsory attendance for all students. An approved Special Consideration is required if a student is unable to attend one of these weeks.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Prescribed Text Book:

Parkes, A., Considine, B., Oleson, K., Blount, Y. (2016). Accounting Information Systems 5th Edition John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd

The publisher now offers an improved access and cost opportunity for students to access the text book. It is suggested that students access the Wiley website for further details
Students will need to have access to the text book to complete prescribed readings for this unit
An e-text is available in Fisher Library
All other readings for this unit will be provided in the Learning Materials on Canvas as required.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Identify and explain the impact of information technology in an accounting and business context, on the organisation's business model and critical business activities
LO2. Examine and summarise concepts of enterprise risk management, organisational governance and internal control, and the importance of these for accountants in relation to identifying, reporting and managing risk within the organisation
LO3. Analyse different roles of stakeholders and evaluate key social, ethical and cultural issues involved in the design, implementation and assurance of accounting information systems
LO4. Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts and tools for designing, documenting, and analysing business processes and internal controls using BPMN notation, basic data models, and two software packages. Practice an approach through class activities and other assigned tasks
LO5. Develop and support arguments through reading and library research
LO6. Communicate persuasively and collaborate effectively with different personalities, individually and in group settings, to achieve professional outcomes

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Intend to continue with the pitch style group presentation, Will change the weekly re-cap again to offer students an opportunity to reflect at the end of the lecture (with submission), Will continue with whiteboard name tags, Will alter the group assignment scaffolding to offer additional clarity

Additional information

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

INFS5000: Accounting Information Systems

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect