Business Systems Analysis

Subject 306-620 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester 1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 306-490 Business Information Technology or equivalent
Corequisites: 306-662 Information Processes and Control
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 introduces students to the techniques of business systems analysis. It focuses on preparing a business case; gathering information; investigating alternative solutions; determining the feasibility of solutions; logical and physical process, and business data modelling; report and data entry design, implementation and change management issues.
Objectives: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Critically discuss the various phases in the business systems development life cycle;
  • Explain the role of a business analyst whose task is to work within a framework that has resource constraints;
  • Prepare a business case, and understand how to initiate and plan a proposed system;
  • Gather information on functional and system requirements;
  • Model the business data requirements and relationships, processes and logic of a business information system;
  • Explain the principles and guidelines for usable reporting and data entry;
  • Describe the process of finalising design specifications;
  • Describe the processes and challenges involved in implementation, change management and maintenance of a business information system;
  • Describe alternative methodologies used in developing business information systems and the considerations involved in choosing which methodology to use.
Assessment: A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (50%), computer oriented assignments (40%) and class 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 have improved the following generic skills:

  • Oral and written communication;
  • Collaborative learning and team work;
  • Interpretation and analysis of cases; and
  • Problem solving.
Related Course(s): Master of Applied Commerce (Business Analysis and Systems)
Master of Applied Commerce (Business Analysis and Systems)
Master of Business and Information Technology
Master of Business and Information Technology
Master of Management (Business Analysis and Systems)

Download PDF version.