Unit Outline
BFA315
Information Systems for Business
Semester 1, 2026
Paul Taranto
Tasmanian School of Business & Economics (TSBE)
Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
Unit Coordinator
Paul Taranto
Email: Paul.Taranto@utas.edu.au
 
What is the Unit About?
Unit Description
Information systems are no longer an option for businesses, they have become a necessity. Organisations are making significant investments in information systems to create business value. Information systems within organisations have evolved at a rapid rate and this unit provides students with an understanding of both the foundations of business information systems and recent developments of information systems for business.
The development of business information systems is generally a collaborative project both within a department and between other departments and this unit will discuss the challenges of working collaboratively within an organisation and develop these skills through teamwork activities and assessments. Lastly, while information systems provide a wealth of opportunity, the unit will also alert students to the risks and limitations of information systems for businesses and develop their critical thinking by demonstrating the ethical dimensions of information systems for business.
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 business value proposition of information technology.
2
Describe how information technology supports business process and the potential risks it poses to organizations.
3
Demonstrate teamwork and collaboration in the completion of a project that involves identifying and evaluating the implementation of a new information system in a business.
4
Critically evaluate the impact of information systems on individuals, organizations and society.
Alterations as a result of student feedback
 
 
 
Teaching arrangements
ATTENDANCE MODE
TEACHING TYPE
LEARNING ACTIVITY
CONTACT HOURS
FREQUENCY
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 or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, 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.
 
 
 
 
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:
Business processing modelling assignment
Week 5
30 %
LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:
Business Process Improvement Proposal with Emerging Technology
Week 8
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:
Reflective Implementation Plan
Week 13
35 %
LO1, LO2, LO4
 
Assessment details
Assessment Task 1: Business processing modelling assignment
Task Description:
Students analyse a business process within an organisational context and evaluate how information systems support or could improve that process. The task requires modelling the process and proposing improvements that enhance efficiency, control, and decision-making. Students present recommendations in a written report and oral presentation suitable for management stakeholders.
Task Length:
Report: 1,500 words (±10%) Presentation: 8–10 minutes
Due Date:
Week 5
Weight:
30 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Explain the business value of the information system within the selected process
LO1
2
Analyse how the system supports business processes and identify associated risks
LO2
3
Propose justified improvements to the process using information systems
LO3
4
Communicate recommendations effectively in a professional report and presentation
LO3
 
Assessment Task 2: Business Process Improvement Proposal with Emerging Technology
Task Description:
Students extend a previously identified business process improvement by integrating an emerging technology (for example AI, blockchain, analytics, or automation). The task requires evaluation of business value, alignment with organisational strategy, and consideration of operational and stakeholder impacts. Students present their proposal in a written report, deliver an individual presentation, and provide a structured peer review of another student’s proposal.
Task Length:
Presentation: 10 - 15 minutes Peer Review Summary: 500 - 600 words Executive Summary: 500 - 700 words
Due Date:
Week 8
Weight:
35 %
 
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Explain the business value proposition of information technology
LO1
2
Describe how information technology supports business process and the potential risks it poses to organizations
LO2
3
Discuss the components of information systems and its importance to business analytics
LO2
4
Critically evaluate impacts on stakeholders, organisations, and society
LO4
5
Critically reflect on the ethical issues relating to data privacy and data security in a business context
LO4
6
Provide structured peer feedback and communicate recommendations professionally
LO3
 
Assessment Task 3: Reflective Implementation Plan
Task Description:
Students develop a reflective implementation plan for an emerging technology solution within their chosen organisation. The assessment requires evaluation of governance and risk considerations, estimation of costs and benefits, and development of a practical implementation and project plan. Students integrate strategic, operational, and ethical considerations to demonstrate how the proposed information system can be successfully delivered and sustained within the organisational context.
Task Length:
2,000–2,400 words (excluding references and appendices)
Due Date:
Week 13
Weight:
35 %
 
CRITERION #
CRITERION
MEASURES INTENDED
LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
1
Develop a justified cost-benefit analysis and articulate the value proposition of the solution
LO1
2
Evaluate governance structures and analyse risks associated with implementation
LO2
3
Design a realistic project implementation plan including timeline and delivery approach
LO2
4
Critically evaluate ethical and societal implications of the proposed system
LO4
 
 
 
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.
Academic progress review
The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.
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.
Academic integrity
Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see
Important Guidelines & Support.
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
Richardson, V., Chang, C. J., & Smith, R. E. (2024). Accounting information systems ISE (4th ed.). Pearson.
 
Recommended reading materials
 
 
Other required resources