Students

COMP1750 – Introduction to Business Information Systems

2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Frances Louise
frances.louise@mq.edu.au
Contact via Unit email: comp1750@mq.edu.au
To be announced on iLearn
Lecturer
Shan Chen
shan.chen@mq.edu.au
Contact via Unit email: comp1750@mq.edu.au
To be announced on iLearn
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides students with a basic understanding of the content of information systems; the types of information systems; the current roles of information systems in organisations; and the opportunities and business impacts of information systems. The unit also provides an overview of the tools, techniques and frameworks used to build information systems; the range of information technologies used to support information systems; and the ethical responsibilities of both the information system professional and the private user of information. Every business has an information system. These systems are a fundamental component of the business and provide the business with the information its people need to operate and manage the business. This unit lays a foundation for students to use information systems in the context of accounting, marketing, and finance, or develop business information systems that organisations want and need.

Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in your learning process  
  • ULO2: Describe how information systems can be used to improve business performance  
  • ULO3: Use basic information technology applications, including basic computer management, e-mail, web browsers, web-page creators and productivity software  
  • ULO4: Demonstrate an understanding of how such applications work, to a level where you can learn new material without requiring formal training  
  • ULO5: Use a 4th-generation programming environment to script IT applications.  

General Assessment Information

We strongly encourage all students to participate actively in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation enhances your learning experience and contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.

 

Assessment Information

Business Presentation

This is an individual assignment to be submitted on iLearn as a video presentation.

MS Access Assignment

This is an individual assessment to be submitted on iLearn. The assignment must be completed using Microsoft Access.

Final Exam

This is an individual formal examination that will be conducted on campus and invigilated. The time and place will be published on https://iexams.mq.edu.au/ closer to the date.

 

Release Dates

  • Business Presentation: to be released no later than week 2
  • MS Access Assignment: to be released no later than week 7
  • Final Exam: information and sample questions are to be released no later than week 13

 

Requirements to Pass this Unit

To pass this unit, you must:

  • Attempt all assessments, and
  • Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50%.

 

Late Assessment Submission Penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark of the task) will be applied for each day a written report or presentation assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. The submission time for all uploaded assessments is 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period will be provided to students who experience a technical concern. For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, please apply for Special Consideration. Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted

  • Business Presentation – YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
  • MS Access Assignment - YES, Standard Late Penalty applies
  • Final Exam - NO, unless Special Consideration is Granted

 

Special Consideration

The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable, and significantly disruptive and may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Business Presentation 25% No Friday, 28/03/2025 11:55 PM
MS Access Assignment 25% No Friday, 30/05/2025 11:55 PM
Final Exam 50% Yes Exam Period

Business Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 26 hours
Due: Friday, 28/03/2025 11:55 PM
Weighting: 25%

 

Propose a technology based on a business case study that considers the business function, strategy, and other business aspects.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate foundational learning skills including active engagement in your learning process  
  • Describe how information systems can be used to improve business performance  

MS Access Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Friday, 30/05/2025 11:55 PM
Weighting: 25%

 

Create and modify a relational database according to the business requirements. Manipulate data for analysis and reporting purposes.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Use basic information technology applications, including basic computer management, e-mail, web browsers, web-page creators and productivity software  
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how such applications work, to a level where you can learn new material without requiring formal training  
  • Use a 4th-generation programming environment to script IT applications.  

Final Exam

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

This assessment will test your overall understanding of Information Systems in a business context. It assesses your understanding of various business aspects and how they determine the suitable system and your ability to assess the potential and risks of adopting technologies. Be able to showcase your skills and understanding of the technologies used in the practical classes.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Describe how information systems can be used to improve business performance  
  • Use basic information technology applications, including basic computer management, e-mail, web browsers, web-page creators and productivity software  
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how such applications work, to a level where you can learn new material without requiring formal training  
  • Use a 4th-generation programming environment to script IT applications.  

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Each week, you should engage and participate in:

  • a two-hour lecture
  • a one-hour practical

For details of days, times and rooms consult your personal timetable.

Week 1 Classes

Note that both the lecture and practical classes commence in week 1. 

 

Methods of Communication

We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can sent to the unit email (comp1750@mq.edu.au).

 

Texts and Materials

Notes are available each week on iLearn, but they are intended as an outline of the lecture only and are not a substitute for your own notes or reading of any textbook or other additional material.

  • Textbook:
    • Experiencing MIS, Global Edition (8th edition) by Kroenke and Boyle (without MyLab) (ISBN: 9781292266985 for hardcopy or ISBN: 9781292724577 for eBook)
  • Alternative textbook (available via Leganto)
    • Experiencing MIS, Global Edition (7th edition) by Kroenke and Boyle (without MyLab) (ISBN: 9781292163574 for hardcopy or ISBN: 9781292163581 for eBook)

 

Technology used and required

  • Microsoft Excel (available for free for MQ students)
  • Microsoft Access (available for free for MQ students)
  • Alternative access to software via AppStream.

 

Unit Schedule

Outline of Topics

  1. The Importance of MIS
  2. Business Processes, Information Systems, and Information
  3. Organizational Strategy, Information Systems, and Competitive Advantage
  4. Hardware and Software
  5. Database Processing
  6. The Cloud
  7. Processes, Organizations, and Information Systems
  8. Social Media Information Systems
  9. Business Intelligence Systems
  10. Information Systems Security
  11. Information Systems Management
  12. Information Systems Development

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

To enable students more time to focus on learning, understanding and reflecting on the content of our unit, we have revised the assessment structure as follows. There are now only three assessments: a presentation, an assignment, and a final exam. Although no marks are associated with attendance, all activities provide you with key content designed to help you understand the content and complete the assessments.

Unit information based on version 2025.03 of the Handbook