22605 Accounting Information Systems

Subject level: Undergraduate

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:

1. Understand how personal computers and computer-based Information Systems supply essential information supporting management decision making at all levels of management.
2. Build basic quantitative business models utilising spreadsheet software to support management decision making.
3. 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

Assessment item 1: Class tests / examinations (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Presentation (Individual)

Assessment item 3: Class test on Databases (Individual)