Course coordinator
Dr Shahrzad Roohy Gohar
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
As global competition intensifies, organisations that leverage the power of information systems thrive.
This course explores the use and management of information systems within organisations, introducing key information systems components such as computer hardware and software, processes, information systems development, implementation and operation in organisations.
It provides both analytical and practical experience with spreadsheets, data management, and other business applications to address real-world business problems.
In an increasingly competitive global business context, the fundamental business challenge remains the delivery of value to customers on a competitive cost basis. Increasingly this challenge is being met via the continuing improvement of all business processes through information systems. Information systems are critical to success in the modern business world. This introductory course is designed to give you an overview of the role of information systems in business with an emphasis on business processes and types of information systems, design of information systems, databases and business intelligence, and so on. The course will also provide practical experience with Excel.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
None
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is an introductory course in business information systems. As such, no prior knowledge is assumed.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MGTS1201 or BISM7202 or MGTS7202
Course contact
Lecturer
Dr Shahrzad Roohy Gohar
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Feras Abou Moghdeb
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to introduce students to the critical role of information systems in supporting business activities and decision-making. Students will gain foundational knowledge of information systems, business processes, information systems development, data management and business intelligence, Microsoft Excel, and an overview of a selection of transformative information systems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the terminology and concepts that are the fundamental building blocks of current and emerging business information systems.
LO2.
Analyse and evaluate the role of business information systems in organisations.
LO3.
Utilise problem solving strategies to analyse and solve authentic business information system challenges.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique | Information Systems Analysis Report | 30% |
2/04/2026 3:00 pm |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Excel Workbook
|
30% |
Progressive In-Tutorial Worksheets - Week 2 - Week 10 Final Excel Workbook - 3PM - 8/05/2026 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Information Systems Analysis Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
2/04/2026 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment will centre on evaluating your understanding of information systems.
You will be required to answer questions in essay format, based on a case study.
Please note that this is an individual assignment and will be progressively discussed in weekly seminars.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
To be submitted via the Submission icon in the assessment link on the Blackboard course.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Excel Workbook
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Practical/ Demonstration, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Progressive In-Tutorial Worksheets - Week 2 - Week 10
Final Excel Workbook - 3PM - 8/05/2026
- Other conditions
- Longitudinal.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03
Task description
This assessment will center on evaluating your understanding of Excel
The assignment specifications will be distributed around Week 6.
You will be required to work on a provided excel spreadsheet following provided instructions to answer given questions.
Please note that this is an individual assignment and will be progressively discussed in weekly seminars.
AI Statement:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This is an invigilated, closed-book exam held on-campus focusing on work covered in the course.
The exam comprises short answer, multiple choice and problem solving questions.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to the University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
The Final exam is not a hurdle assessment.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Course overview - Introduction to Information Systems (IS) for a Sustainable Future Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Value, Competition, Strategy and Business Processes Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Information Systems (IS) in Organisations Learning outcomes: L02 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Enterprise Systems and Business Processes Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Information Systems Development (ISD) Approaches Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
IS Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Industry Guest Lecture Series Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
ISD Discussion and Excel Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday 3rd April 2026 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Data Management and Fundamentals of Databases Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Data Modelling and Relational Databases Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Data and Information Systems (IS) in Organisations: An Introduction to Business Intelligence Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Business Intelligence: Infrastructures and Methods Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 4th May 2026 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Business Intelligence through Artificial Intelligence (AI) Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion and Excel Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Decision-making: Power, Responsibility and Risk Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
IS Theory Discussion, Excel work and Practice Exam Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Course Revision and Final Exam Preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Course Revision and Final Exam Preparation Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout course learning activities.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.