22605 Accounting Information Systems

Faculty of Business: Accounting
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Undergraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject introduces the role of information systems in supplying both qualitative and quantitative financial information to management within large organisations. Extensive practical experience on PCs allows students to be fully productive in their subsequent first internship.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

Understand how personal computers and computer-based Information Systems supply essential information supporting management decision making at all levels of management.
Build basic quantitative business models utilising spreadsheet software to support management decision making.
Build and be able to search basic data base management systems.

Contribution to graduate profile

One of the main roles of the core in the Bachelor of Accounting is to prepare students so that they are able to take maximum advantage of their first Internship and lay a proper foundation for further professional studies. The knowledge and understanding gained in this subject will enable students to undertake productive professional work during their first Internship. In particular, this subject develops in students the ability to access and critically analyse business information that is typically delivered in computer-based systems.

Teaching and learning strategies

Intensive teaching of this subject takes place during the first 2 months of the Bachelor of Accounting course, before Autumn semester starts. All classes are held in computer labs, with students able to follow and practice at their computer as each lesson proceeds. Extensive after-class access to computer labs is provided to allow students the time and space to develop their skills and to learn from each other.

Content

Introduction to business computing: business models, data processing and information systems; introduction to spreadsheets
Information gathering and information presentation: Internet searches – using search engines, and presentation software
Spreadsheet operations: using formulas, spreadsheet structure, spreadsheet presentations, charts and graphs
Spreadsheet applications: date functions, statistical analysis & forecasting, financial functions, logical functions, lookup tables, spreadsheet macros
Database operations: database creation, tables and data entry, data retrieval, creating reports

Assessment

Class tests / examinations (Individual)	65%
In-class tests covering spreadsheet operations and applications, as well as the role of computers and information systems. Addresses objectives 1 and 2.
Presentation (Individual)	15%
Each student is required to give a 3-5 minute presentation on an assigned IT topic, using presentation software. Addresses objective 1.
Class test on Databases (Individual)	20%
In-class test covering database operations and applications. Addresses objective 3.

Security of assessment is assured through having 85% of the assessment being invigilated tests.

To pass the subject, students must achieve at least 50% of the final overall grade.

Recommended text(s)

Bainton, B., Kay, J., Moysa, L. and Pazmandy, G., Commercial Computing, Using Microsoft Office, ABC Publisher, Sydney Australia, 3rd Edition, 2001.

Indicative references

Williams, B. K., Sawyer, S.C., Using Information Technology - A Practical Introduction to Computers & Communications, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill, 2003.

Capron, H.L. and Johnson, J. A., Computers, Tools for an Information Age, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, U.S.A., 7th Edition, 2002.

Beekman, G., Computer Confluence, Exploring Tomorrow's Technology, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, U.S.A., Standard Edition, 2002.