Unit Outline
BFA221
Accounting Information Systems
Accelerated Study Period 3, 2023
Mitali Panchal
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
College of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Mitali Panchal
Email: Mitali.Panchal@utas.edu.au
 
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
The rise of digital technology in the modern economy has seen the need for knowledge and skills in relation to Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Information Systems (IS) becoming crucial, central and critical components of any business related degree program. There is a need for business students to exhibit their understanding of IS and ICT and its application in a business environment. This unit provides an introduction to accounting information systems and information communication technology, as well as their design and use. It covers the key accounting systems and processes which support an organisation's business and enhance its decision-making capabilities. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the underlying information technologies and topics covered including emerging technologies and business models technologies. Students will interact with popular accounting information systems during this unit.
Intended Learning Outcomes
As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.
On completion of this unit, you will be able to:
1.
Explain the principles of accounting information systems and ICT and how they are designed.
2.
Apply the principles of information systems and ICT to produce useable information for decision making.
3.
Communicate financial information in a range of modes to professional audiences.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
To be determined.
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
On Campus
Workshop
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Lecture (On Campus)
Pre-recorded lecture videos
1
Weekly
Workshop
2-hr workshop, fortnightly, commencing in Week 2
2
Once only (6 times)
Other
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Online
Online Class
Introductory 1-hr workshop, Week 1
1
Once only
Independent Learning
Pre-recorded lecture videos
1
Weekly
Online Class
1-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 2
1
Weekly
Independent Learning
5-hrs independent learning
5
Weekly
Attendance / engagement expectations
If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.
 
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics regularly hosts Masterclasses and Industry Engagement and Employability Events, which students are encouraged to attend. Registration and details will be available via the College of Business and Economics channel on the Uni App and/or via your Unit Coordinator. 
 
 
How will I be Assessed?
 
For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.
Assessment schedule
ASSESSMENT TASK #
ASSESSMENT TASK NAME
DATE DUE
WEIGHT
LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:
Assignment Case Studies
Week 7
40 %
LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Invigilated Respondus Test
Week 8
20 %
LO1, LO2
Assessment Task 3:
Exam
Exam Period
40 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Assignment Case Studies
Task Description:
This assessment will consist of two parts. Part A entails using Xero and getting Xero advisor certification and providing a reflection of your experience. Part B will entail using Excel to perform a data analysis task for the same small business and a related discussion.
Part A is due in week 7 and Part B is due in week 12.
More information will be provided on MyLO.

Task Length:
TBA
Due Date:
Week 7
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Document an organisation's accounting information system.
LO2
2
Evaluate the adequacy (risk) of an organisation's accounting information system AIS and ICT processes and controls.
LO2
3
Recommend improvements to an organisation's accounting information system AIS and ICT processes and controls.
LO2
4
Use accounting information systems and ICT to analyse data and produce useable information that can be efficiently and effectively communicated.
LO2
5
Communicate in the English oral and written forms using professional language and standards common to business professionals.
LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: Invigilated Respondus Test
Task Description:
This test will be invigilated with the Respondus Lockdown browser. Information about downloading the browser will be provided on MyLO.
This test will cover the learning materials and related skills and knowledge in weeks 1 to 7.
Details of the test will be provided in week 5.

Task Length:
90 minutes
Due Date:
Week 8
 
Weight:
20 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Explain accounting information systems and ICT related terms and approaches.
LO1
2
Explain the impact of accounting information systems and ICT on current and emerging accounting practices.
LO1
3
Explain how accounting information systems and ICT support the management of an organisation's environment, business model and risk.
LO1
4
Document an organisation's accounting information system.
LO2
5
Evaluate the adequacy (risk) of an organisation's accounting information system and ICT processes and controls.
LO2
6
Recommend improvements to an organisation's accounting information system and ICT processes and controls.
LO2
7
Use accounting information systems and ICT to analyse data and produce useable information for decision making.
LO2
 
Assessment Task 3: Exam
Task Description:
The exam will enable you to demonstrate your breadth and depth of understanding across all the unit material.
The exam will be invigilated with the Respondus Lockdown Browser.
An information sheet with details about the exam will be posted on MyLO.

Task Length:
3 hours
Due Date:
Exam Period
Weight:
40 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Explain accounting information systems and ICT related terms and approaches.
LO1
2
Explain the impact of accounting information systems and ICT on current and emerging accounting practices.
LO1
3
Explain how accounting information systems and ICT support the management of risk in an organisation.
LO1
4
Document an organisation's accounting information system.
LO2
5
Evaluate the adequacy (risk) of an organisation's accounting information system and ICT processes and controls.
LO2
6
Recommend improvements to an organisation's accounting information system and ICT processes and controls.
LO2
7
Use accounting information systems and ICT to analyse data and produce useable information that can be efficiently and effectively communicated.
LO2
8
Communicate in the English written form using professional language and standards common to business professionals.
LO3
 
 
 
How your final result is determined
To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.
 
Submission of assignments
Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.
 
Requests for extensions
If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.
 
A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.
 
The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.
Late penalties
Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.
 
Review of results and appeals
You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.
 
 
 
Required Resources
Required reading materials
You will need to purchase the following etextbook:
Romney, M, Steinbart, P, Summers, S and Wood, D, 2021, Accounting Information Systems (Global 15th edition), Pearson Education, Essex, United Kingdom.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase the ebook for this text at the following publisher web address:
https://www.pearson.com.au/9781292353289
Once purchased, you will receive a Vitalsource Bookshelf redemption code. You will need to create a Vitalsource account at: https://www.vitalsource.com/en-au/login.
You can then redeem the code you purchased and access the book through this account or download the App to your phone, tablet or computer.  (As will be noted below, you will need to bring a laptop computer to all face to face learning sessions and if you are a completely online student you will need a computer with camera.)
A printed version of the textbook can also be purchased from the abovementioned site or other online book sellers.
 
Recommended reading materials
Considine, B, Parkes, A, Olesen, K, Bount, Y and Speers, D, 2016, Accounting Information Systems (5th  edition), John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd, Milton, Queensland.
Geralinas, U, Dull, R, Wheeler, P, 2018, Accounting Information Systems (11th International Edition), Cengage Learning, South Melbourne.
Hall, J, 2013, Accounting Information Systems (8th  edition), South-Western Cengage Learning, Mason, Ohio, USA.
Richardson, V, Teeter, R and Terrell, K, 2019, Data Analytics for Accounting, McGraw-Hill Education, New York, USA.
 
Other required resources
In the learning sessions for this unit you will be required to use a variety of software.
You are requested to bring a fully charged, internet enabled laptop computer to every learning session.