Enterprise Applications & Architectures

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

200 hours

Students who are enrolled in the two year 200 point Master of Information Systems must have completed 50 points of study to enrol in this subject.

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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

Aims

This core subject introduces the concept of enterprise architecture (EA). The structure of an EA provides the framework by which an organisation can be understood. It introduces the fundamental relationships existing between various components of the EA namely: processes, information, organisational structure and enabling technologies. Consequently, many of the concept domains introduced in this subject are more fully explored in further core and elective subjects.

Indicative Content

Integrating business applications across business functions and companies provides large benefits to organisations. This subject has two primary themes. Firstly, it introduces EA concepts and frameworks that serve as artefacts of the business and also the process of creating an EA. Secondly, it looks at the implementation of the EA into the organisation and the impacts on the processes, information, organisational structures and applications employed by to enable the organisation to function. A final discussion covers the benefits, risks and critical success factors.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:

1. Understand the basic concepts of EA
2. Be familiar with the form and function of an EA
3. Conceptualise a holistic view of an organisation’s information, processes, structure and applications
4. Apply the concepts of EA in an organisational context
5. Recognise the benefits associated with an EA

Assessment for this subject consists of

• A group assignment of 3,500 words worth 35% (groups with minimum 3 and maximum 5 students) due the end of week 9, requiring approximately 48-52 hours of work per student. Addresses Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1, 3, 4 & 5.
• A group assignment presentation of 15 minutes worth 10% of the total assessment, requiring approximately 13-15 hours of work per student. Addressing ILOs 1, 3, 4 & 5.
• Tutorial leadership and participation: each student to lead a weekly discussion on a selected reading topic worth 15%, requiring approximately 18-22 hours of work per student. Addresses ILOs 2 & 3.
• A two-hour exam worth 40%. Addresses all ILOs.

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following generic skills:

• Analytical and interpretative skills, in diagnosing organisational issues
• High-level analytical skills, through application of organisational change theory in a practical context
• Problem solving skills using change management models
• Team-work, through working on a group project
• Report-writing skills and
• Presentation skills.

Learning and Teaching Methods

The subject is delivered in weekly 3-hour seminars with each containing a lecture on theoretical concepts and student presentation and discussion of relevant literature. The subject is supported by the University’s Learning Management System which provides the repository for lecture and reading resources and facilitation of group assignment collaboration.

Outside classes, students will study theory and cases through reading and continuing group research and report writing activities.

Indicative Key Learning Resources

Lecture notes and required readings are made available through the University’s Learning Management System and consist of publications and journal articles relevant to the topic under discussion.

Careers/Industry Links

The role of an enterprise architect is becoming a core skill for any information systems function within contemporary organisations and offers a career path for the IS professional. This subject is particularly relevant to more general careers in information systems as it builds an understanding of the inter-relationships between the various components of an EA and the value provided to the organisation.