Business and Information Technology

Subject 306-490 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1, Semester 2).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Master of Business and Information Technology.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview: This subject comprises a mix of business and technical topics exposing students to the foundations necessary to span the boundary between business professional and pure technologist. Topics include IT Infrastructures for transaction processing and decision support, systems development and sourcing, data management fundamentals, client/server principles, valuing IT assets and projects, modelling and problem solving with IT. The course introduces students to the practical skills and conceptual knowledge necessary for understanding the business application of IT for competitive advantage.
Assessment: A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%), one group project (20%), assignments totalling not more than 1,000 words (10%), seminar participation (10%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: To be advised.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Critically discuss the different types of information systems, their interrelationships, and their impacts on management and strategy;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic technology concepts behind systems, networks, the Internet, client-server architectures, and transaction-processing systems;
  • Interpret an information architecture plan, and explain the role of databases in business systems;
  • Discuss the interrelationships between technical and managerial issues in the development of information systems and information architectures;
  • Critically discuss and evaluate the different business-value impacts of information systems;
  • Assess the implications for markets of advances in information technologies and e-commerce;
  • Describe several technologies for improving decision-making.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Oral communication
  • Written communication
  • Collaborative learning and team work
  • Using computer programs
Notes: This subject is available to students in the Master of Business and Information Technology. Students enrolled in other Masters courses within the Faculty must obtain permission from the MBIT Program Director to take this subject.
Related Course(s): Master of Business and Information Technology
Master of Business and Information Technology

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