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ACCG2050 – Information Systems and Data Analytics for Accountants

2026 – Session 1, Online-scheduled-In person assessment, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Binh Bui
binh.bui@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
40cp at 1000 level or above​
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

The aim of this unit is for students to understand the impact that information systems have on business processes and provides the foundation for further studies in accounting, audit and business information systems units. Topics covered include business processes, systems development, internal controls, ethics and cybersecurity, and the role of accounting, accounting information systems and information systems more broadly. The material is presented through a business lens, exploring the benefits and limitations of information systems in organisations. The emphasis in this unit is placed on students understanding the critical role that information systems play in supporting business functions.  Students will evaluate the critical nexus between the business and the information systems functions to be able to take advantage of existing and emerging technologies. In this unit students will develop teamwork, presentation and critical thinking skills using case-based materials. 

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: Evaluate the role of Information Systems and Accounting Information Systems in supporting the business processes of an organisation 
  • ULO2: Discuss the importance and benefits of systems development methodologies and evaluate the role of ethics and ethical decision making within the Accounting Information System context. 
  • ULO3: Analyse risks and develop control plans pertinent to primary business activities. 
  • ULO4: Demonstrate effective communication and interaction skills through the delivery of oral presentations and engagement in group discussions 

General Assessment Information

If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.

Example 1 (out of 100):

If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.

Example 2 (out of 30):

If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.

Extensions

Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.

Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Formal examination: Test 45% No Week 13 Individual No Observed
Skills development: Information systems and data analytics 15% No 17/04/2026 Individual Yes Open AI
Professional practice: Business information systems 40% No Week 5 and Week 10 Individual and Group No Open AI

Formal examination: Test

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed

The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your ability to solve problems related to information systems and data analytics for accountants.

 

You will participate in a formal test.

 

Skills in focus:

  • Discipline knowledge
  • Critical thinking and problem solving

Deliverable(s): Test

 

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the role of Information Systems and Accounting Information Systems in supporting the business processes of an organisation 
  • Discuss the importance and benefits of systems development methodologies and evaluate the role of ethics and ethical decision making within the Accounting Information System context. 
  • Analyse risks and develop control plans pertinent to primary business activities. 

Skills development: Information systems and data analytics

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 17/04/2026
Weighting: 15%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI assisted?: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop your skills in Information Systems and Data Analytics for Accountants.

 

You will complete tasks relevant to key topics in the unit.

 

Skills in focus:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving 
  • Digital skills
  • Discipline knowledge
  • Communication skills

Deliverable(s): Individual written tasks [2000 words]

 

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the role of Information Systems and Accounting Information Systems in supporting the business processes of an organisation 
  • Discuss the importance and benefits of systems development methodologies and evaluate the role of ethics and ethical decision making within the Accounting Information System context. 
  • Analyse risks and develop control plans pertinent to primary business activities. 
  • Demonstrate effective communication and interaction skills through the delivery of oral presentations and engagement in group discussions 

Professional practice: Business information systems

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Week 5 and Week 10
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop skills essential for designing, implementing and managing business information systems.

 

You will collaborate in teams to solve practical challenges and explore team dynamics.

 

Skills in focus:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Collaboration skills
  • Digital skills
  • Work readiness

Deliverable(s): Written report [max 2500 words]

 

Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the role of Information Systems and Accounting Information Systems in supporting the business processes of an organisation 
  • Discuss the importance and benefits of systems development methodologies and evaluate the role of ethics and ethical decision making within the Accounting Information System context. 
  • Analyse risks and develop control plans pertinent to primary business activities. 
  • Demonstrate effective communication and interaction skills through the delivery of oral presentations and engagement in group discussions 

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.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

Students need to purchase subscriptions to access the required textbooks via Wiley Business Now. Wiley Business Now (ipublishcentral.net)

The textbooks used are:

Blount, Alison Parkes, Brett Considine, Karin Oleson, Y. Accounting Information Systems. (5th Edition). Wiley Global Education Australia, 2015. 

Rainer, R., K. and Brad Prince. Introduction to Information Systems, International Adaptation. (9th Edition). Wiley Global Education UK, 2022

Stone, Cox, Gavin, Carpini. Human Resource Management (11th Edition). Wiley Global Education, 2024.

Dzuranin, Ann C., Geerts, G., Lenk, M. Data and analytics in accounting: An integrated approach (1st edition). Wiley & Sons, 2022.

Unit Schedule

Week

Topic

Reading (in Wiley Business Now subscription)

1

Introduction to Accounting Information Systems

Chapter 1, Rainer 9ed

2

Organizational Strategy, Competitive Advantage, and Information Systems

Chapter 2, Rainer 9ed

3

Customer Relationship Management and Supply Chain Management

Chapters 10& 11, Rainer 9th

4

Internal Controls

Chapters 8 and 9, Parkes 5ed

5

Data and Analytics in the Accounting Profession

Chapter 1, Dzuranin 1ed

6

Data analytics skills and tools for accountants

Chapter 2, Dzuranin 1ed

Chapter 12, Rainer 9ed
7 Revenue cycle Chapter 10, Parkes 5ed

8

Expenditure Cycle

Chapter 11, Parkes 5ed

9

Systems development and acquisition

Chapter 13, Rainer 9ed

10

Ethics and Cybersecurity

Chapter 3, Rainer 9ed

11

Documentation and Financial Reporting

Chapter 12, Parkes 5ed
12 HR management and Test Review Chapter 1, Stone 11ed

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/

Academic Success

Academic Success 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.

Unit information based on version 2026.03 of the Handbook