Overview
This course introduces business information systems as integrated arrangements of people, processes, data, hardware, software, and networks that support organizational operations, management, strategy, and innovation. Students examine transaction processing systems, management information systems, decision-support systems, enterprise systems, customer relationship management, supply chain systems, cloud computing, mobile technologies, collaboration platforms, databases, business analytics, dashboards, artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging digital business models.
The course develops systems thinking and practical skills in data management, process mapping, requirements analysis, feasibility assessment, implementation planning, user adoption, and change management. Students investigate the data life cycle, data quality, database fundamentals, information security, privacy, access control, cybersecurity threats, business continuity, ethical technology use, governance, and relevant legal and regulatory responsibilities. Practical activities include spreadsheet and database exercises, process-mapping activities, case analysis, cybersecurity scenarios, and preparation of a systems proposal aligned with organizational requirements.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the principal components of business information systems and their relationships to organizational goals.
- Distinguish operational, managerial, and strategic uses of information systems across business functions.
- Map business processes and identify the information requirements of relevant stakeholders.
- Interpret basic business data, database outputs, and management dashboards to support organizational decisions.
- Explain fundamental database, data-life-cycle, analytics, cloud, automation, and artificial intelligence concepts.
- Recognize information-security, privacy, ethical, governance, legal, and business-continuity risks associated with technology use.
- Evaluate information-system solutions against business requirements, feasibility constraints, risks, and expected organizational benefits.
- Develop a structured systems proposal addressing requirements, process alignment, implementation, user adoption, and change management.
- Communicate information-system concepts and recommendations effectively to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quiz | Online quizzes (5 × 2%) | 10.00% |
| Assignment | Spreadsheet and database exercises | 15.00% |
| Deliverable | Business process map and information-needs analysis | 15.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Case analysis of information-system alignment and risk | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Systems proposal | 20.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 2 NCEA Level 2 English credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
