Associate Degree in Business Information Systems
Course Overview
Behind every innovation is an information system. As the business world grows so do the systems that support it. The Bachelor of Business Information Systems (BBIS) has been designed to prepare students for careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) focusing on managing information systems in organisations. Business information systems is an essential element in bringing together technology, people (individuals, groups, or organisations), and data/information to effectively manage organisations. Such systems are used to analyse and facilitate strategic and operational activities in organisations. The proposed BBIS course aims to provide students with cognitive and technical skills to create and manage cohesive business solutions for diverse organisations. The course will prepare students for entry-level management positions where technical skills in systems analysis, IS service provision, and project management are combined with cognitive skills in core business concepts, problem-solving, communication and team work to produce graduates who understand the role and contribution of information systems in driving and enabling the achievement of business goals and objectives.
Graduates of the Diploma and Associate Degree in Business Information Systems will be able to enter the ICT industry with technical skills in systems analysis, IS service provision, with cognitive skills in core business concepts, problem-solving, communication and team work to contribute to the overall information systems objectives of an organisation. They will be capable of utilising their skills to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of business information systems in a range of organisational and business environments.
Nested Qualification and Exit Awards
- Diploma of Business Information Systems – (6 months full-time)
Key information
CRICOS Code: 083130C
Duration:
2 years
AQF level:
6
Campus:
Sydney and Melbourne
Course Intakes:
February, March, May, June, August, September, October, November
Student:
Domestic and International
Credit points per unit:
10
Total Credit Points
required for award:
160
Fees
2024
2025
Course tuition Fee
Over 2 years
$34,000
$35,680
Fee per annum:
$17,000
$17,840
Fee per unit:
$2,125
$2,230
All fees and charges listed are in Australian dollars. Fees are subject to change without notice. Course fees are to be paid in full before enrolment/selection of subjects in any given semester. AIH ensures that the conditions and processes for international and domestic students to apply for a refund of tuition fees are equitable and comply with government regulations. Refer to Refund Policy for International and Domestic Students.
What you will learn
Study Hours
As a student, you will need to allocate time to attend classes. Generally, if you are studying full-time, you will have between 9-12 hours of classes each week, on-campus. In addition, you will need to set aside a minimum of 15-20 hours each week in your own time to complete assignments, readings, projects and prepare for quizzes, tests and exams.
Assessment
Your studies at AIH will encompass practical, professionally focused, and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- Reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
- Essays and assignments
- Quizzes, class tests and examinations
- Practicals and team-based projects
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and technical knowledge of information systems theories, information infrastructures, design and analysis of systems and how these are applied to modern business practices;
- Acquire skills to undertake basic research and evaluate new information for problem- solving, analysis and synthesis within the ICT context;
- Acquire skills to support critical thinking and judgment in the application of IS technologies in a business; and
- Evaluate critically, compare and justify IS solutions, as well as adapt IS solutions in a business environment.
Knowledge
Graduates at this level will have technical and theoretical knowledge in a specific area or a broad field of work and learning
Skills
Graduates at this level will have a broad range of cognitive, technical and communication skills to select and apply methods and technologies to:
- Analyse information to complete a range of activities.
- Interpret and transmit solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems.
- Transmit information and skills to others.
Application
Graduates at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, judgement and defined responsibility:
- In contexts that are subject to change
- Within broad parameters to provide specialist advice and functions
Units you will study
Structure
To complete the associate degree, you will need to pass 16 Units. These Units are divided into three levels based on contents and level of difficulty. The first level (Level 1000) has 8 core units. The second level (2000) has 6 core units. In addition, you will get to select 2 electives from Level 2000.
Level 1000
BBUS1000 Academic Skills for Success
Unit Description:
BBUS1000 is a core unit in the Bachelor programs of the Australian Institute of Higher Education.
This unit introduces students to academic skills that are required for academic studies. It develops academic communication and study skills including time management and organisational skills, digital skills, referencing, critical thinking, academic writing, research and investigation techniques and presentation skills.
Weekly workshops are used as interactive sessions where students are given practical exercises to enhance their understanding of the topics and materials covered in this unit.
By the end of the unit students will have developed the understanding and skills necessary to help them complete all required assessments and to pass all their units.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BBUS1002 Foundations of Information Technology
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the field of information technology. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical application of basic aspects of information technology and their relevance to 21st century business operations.
The unit starts on a global scale in the e-world of the Internet before visiting the micro-world of computer hardware, operating systems, and software tools for productivity, creativity, and information processing. The unit explores networking and communication systems before looking at database technology and the design and management of business information systems. The unit concludes with a discussion of current issues and trends in information technology.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BBUS1001 Accounting for Business Decisions
Unit Description:
BBUS1001 provides students with an introduction to accounting and governance mechanisms.
This unit discusses bookkeeping processes and preparation of financial reports, accounting for retail operations, inventory, accrual accounting and introduction to management accounting. Accounting for business decisions introduces basic accounting concepts, principles and methods. Accounting in a social context, environmental and ethical issues are discussed in the unit.
Weekly workshops are used as interactive sessions where students are given a number of questions and practical exercises to test their understanding of the lectures.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BISY1002 Database Management for Business
Unit Description:
This unit examines the theory and concepts of data organisation and their impact on business information management. The unit ensures that students understand the increasingly technological issues in managing databases in organisations, and are aware of both the possibilities and the restrictions of such systems.
The unit introduces students to the capabilities and advantages of database management systems. It involves learning the general features of such database management software and using an actual system for a practical application.
Students will gain a basic knowledge of database design and development including data modelling methods, techniques for database design, and implementation of the database using a relational database management system.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BISY1001 Professional and Ethical Practice
Unit Description:
This introductory Professional and Ethical Practice unit provides students with the foundations of professional ethics and a broad management-oriented understanding of ethical issues.
Students will gain a strong understanding of the legal, ethical, and societal implications of using information technology thorough coverage of notable technology developments and their impact on business today. Students will examine issues surrounding professional codes of ethics, file sharing, infringement of intellectual property, security risk assessment, Internet crime, identity theft, employee surveillance, privacy, compliance, social networking, and the ethics of IT corporations.
Students develop digital literacy skills by understanding ethical decision-making for current and future business managers and IT professionals and aims to prepare the individuals responsible for addressing ethical issues in today’s workplace. Students will learn how to examine ethical situations that typically arise in IT and gain practical advice for addressing the relevant issues.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BBMG1002 Principles of Management and Organisations
Unit Description:
This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of principles of management applied across organisations.
Throughout this unit, students will examine theories of management and evaluate how inquiry-based skills can be applied in the contemporary workplace. This unit introduces students to key perspectives and discusses a range of fields that inform the theory of leadership and management practices.
This unit will cover theories of management and their application to contemporary practice, strategies of working in a diverse global workplace, teams and teamwork, planning and controlling information flow, organising and leading, motivating and rewarding, and management strategies in both personal and professional contexts.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BISY1003 Foundations of Programming
Unit Description:
The unit introduces students to fundamental computing concepts and the techniques of computer programming including problem solving, algorithm design, good program coding, documenting, debugging, testing and implementation. Basic algorithms (including searching, and sorting) and data structures (including arrays) are studied in the context of useful applications. Elements of ‘a good programming practice’ will be emphasised in the course.
Students will be exposed to popular programming languages such as C++, Java or Python that are currently used in industries. Students will undertake practical exercises and activities in one or more of these languages available in the Computer Laboratory.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BBUS1008 Statistics for Professionals
Unit Description:
In a business world of big data, the emerging need to understand basic processes of data analysis, especially the interpretation of such analysis is becoming a fundamental tool for the professional. BBUS1008 Statistics for Professionals introduces basic theoretical concepts and applications of statistics in a real-world business environment. Statistics involves collecting, summarising, interpreting and presenting numerical information for the purpose of informed decision making. It is important that statistical data is presented in a meaningful way to inform managerial decision-making. To this end, models of descriptive statistics are explored, as is statistical inference, which focuses on future action based on already collected and analysed data.
Students will learn statistical and mathematical concepts such as probability, correlation and regression, sampling, hypothesis testing and chisquared tests. In addition, students will be introduced to different statistical software packages and learn of their value to professionals.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
Level 2000
BISY2009 Requirements Design Thinking
Unit Description:
BISY2009 Requirements and Design Thinking covers the principles of information system development for a business environment. Students will be introduced to a range of information systems concepts and practices emphasising on the understanding of information systems as designed solutions to problems and computing to interpret these solutions. Students will be introduced how Design Thinking can be productively applied to different systems design situations. The theoretical concepts, methods, and tools for the key stages of Design Thinking including user research, ideation, prototyping and user evaluation will be covered.
Students will be expected to develop an understanding of analysing information system requirements and requirements engineering principles. Students will develop analytical and practical skills in data requirements gathering and analysis along with methods to model data needs. Modelling of data will occur at the conceptual, logical, and physical levels along with an ability to compare different approaches. Brief introduction into agile methodologies is also a part of this unit.
Pre-requisite: BBUS1002
BISY2004 Project Management
Unit Description:
This unit provides students with an overview of the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques of project management, and their application in delivering successful Information Systems (IS) project outcomes. Students will gain understanding of how projects are managed through the full project lifecycle including planning, execution, monitoring, control and closure.
This unit will provide students with an appreciation of the nature of Information Systems projects, and methods used by the project manager and project team for stakeholder engagement, scheduling project activity and resources, budgeting for projects, communicating project plans, progress and status, controlling scope and variations, managing the project team, managing change, and assessing and mitigating project risks. A range of case studies will be used to enhance practical understanding of the tools and techniques covered.
Pre-requisite: Nil.
BISY2003 Object Oriented Programming
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the object-oriented programming approach using a contemporary language and an integrated development environment (IDE). The unit introduces the concepts of object-orientated programming (OOP).
The unit starts with a brief overview of OOAD including use cases, domain diagrams and interaction diagrams and class diagrams and then moves on to cover OOP principles such as objects, classes, inheritance, and class hierarchies.
The unit uses appropriate business examples to enable students to solve business problems using the fundamentals of object-oriented programming.
Students will learn OOP concepts with an OOP language, which includes one or more of the following Java, Python or C#.
Pre-requisite: BISY1003.
Level 2000 Elective
Unit Description:
Choose one Level 2000 Elective: See the list of electives at the end of this webpage.
BISY2006 Management Information Systems and Enterprise Systems
Unit Description:
BIS2006 Management of Information Systems and Enterprise Systems examines the theory and concepts of Enterprise and Management Information Systems and the role they perform in business today. The Unit ensures that students have foundations in enterprise information systems and identifies the key issues for managers involved in acquiring and maintaining large-scale software systems in organizations. During lectures, the value and uses of information technology and the way that it is used for operating businesses, making management decisions, gaining strategic advantage, and ensuring probity and transparency in business operations are explained. During lab sessions, these issues will be demonstrated in a practical manner to the students, so that students can see theory in practice, and appreciate linkages between the concepts.
Pre-requisite: BBUS1002.
BISY2008 ICT Support Services
Unit Description:
BISY2008 ICT Support Services develops students understanding, methods and strategies to help internal and external company’s customers to support, create, maintain, and manage technologies to achieve an excellent customer service. This unit introduces students to the support and maintenance of technological infrastructure and services domain. Students will receive theoretical and practical knowledge to develop skills to prevent, diagnose, solve, and prevent ICT common help desk related issues with quality customer service, remote support, and proper troubleshooting capabilities to resolve IT related issues in a business environment.
The unit delivers the concepts of computers and user support in a business. Starting with an introduction of ICT general concepts such as Help Desk, Troubleshooting and Customer Service to move forward to define Operational Level Agreements, Incident Management, Change Management and Helpdesk Policies and procedures structures. Students will be exposed to appropriated business examples which will enable them to practice the unit concepts in an ICT environment.
Pre-requisite: BBUS1002.
BISY2007 Systems Design Thinking
Unit Description:
BISY2007 Systems Design and Thinking continues evolving students’ knowledge and practices of BISY2001 Requirements and Design Thinking, increasing an understanding of the nature of analysing, designing, and developing information systems. A practical emphasis will be placed on the techniques, tools, and methods of systems analysis and modelling in a business environment. Students will develop analytical skills in information data modelling, use case analysis, specifications, and socio- technical issues of the systems development life cycle.
This unit also focuses on traditional, object-oriented, and web-based systems modelling including models, tools, and deliverables together with roles of functional dependencies, domain normalization and user-centered design approach. At the end of this unit, students will have a sound understanding of the techniques required to analyse, model, and develop an information system.
Pre-requisite: BISY2009.
Level 2000 Elective
Unit Description:
Choose another Level 2000 Elective: See the list of electives at the end of this webpage.
Electives (Select any 2 from the list)
BACC2001 Introductory Accounting
Unit Description:
Introductory accounting provide students with a thorough grounding in financial accounting. BACC2001 discusses bookkeeping processes and preparation of financial reports, the framework of accounting, internal control and cash, non-current assets and current liabilities. The unit develops understanding of discipline specific knowledge areas, professional judgment, and problem solving skills.
BACC2001 focuses on financial accounting with an examination of accounting for partnerships and companies as well as cash flow statements.
BHAT2001 Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism Management
Unit Description:
In the foundation subject BHAT2001 Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism Management, students are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives for looking at and making sense of the ideas of hospitality and tourism as they evolve in today’s world. Whilst recognising that the two areas are different, the subject also views them as interlinked and forming a system. The “Hospitality and Tourism” system is examined from social, economic, cultural, and political viewpoints. In particular, business operations driving the Hospitality and Tourism Industry are closely examined.
The subject provides opportunities for students to apply Hospitality and Tourism concepts as a basis for analysing and evaluating business activities. On completion of this unit, students will understand market drivers and operational activities of these two industries.
BIAE2001 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fundamentals
Unit Description:
BIAE2001 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fundamentals explores the concept of innovation and the process of building “something from nothing” through entrepreneurial activity. The unit examines what makes a successful entrepreneur and the idea development journey. A history of innovation is provided to ensure students understand the current context of entrepreneurship. To help students understand how and where ideas are spawned, the varied types of innovation are examined. In addition, the topics of social entrepreneurship, the role of technology in new product development, communication and finance of new ideas is also discussed.
On completion of this unit, students will understand innovation processes, how to identify or create a business opportunity, evaluate the feasibility of that opportunity, and finance options.
BIAE2002 New Product Development
Unit Description:
Developing new products and services is instrumental for organizational growth and maintaining or increasing competitive advantage. Incorporating theory and practical examples, in BIAE2002 New Product Development students will learn how to identify, screen and analyse market opportunities, and the process of turning ideas into concepts. Consumer behaviour theory and market research methods are also introduced and applied at the relevant stages in the development process. Ethical considerations and Legal and regulatory frameworks are discussed in context of product development, design, communication, and disposal.
Through this unit, students will also evaluate go-to-market strategies and the critical success factors for communication, distribution and delivering on promises to achieve launch objectives. Modern developments in this field are also examined as part of the unit material and demonstrated with examples from practice via case studies. On completion of this unit, students will know the development process for new products and services and be able to apply this in varied business contexts.
BIAE2003 Innovation & Creativity
Unit Description:
BIAE2003 Innovation & Creativity examines the concept and application of creative thinking and how it drives business innovation. Theory on human behavior in relation to motivation and cognition are explored as ways to understand creativity. Through case studies on disruptive innovations and reflective practice, students will learn and apply the process of creative thinking. The relationship between creative thinking in both entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship is examined through current examples in practice. Students will also learn how to spot and predict market trends. Identifying unmet needs or pain points and developing solutions for consumers is explored as a method for innovation.
Through this course, students will develop skills necessary to practice creative thinking and to identify opportunities and solve business problems; arguably, a valuable knowledge and skill-set in any workplace.
BINT2001 Foundations of Workplace Success
Unit Description:
Successful completion of BINT2001 prepares students to enter the workplace with a deeper understanding of workplace contexts, cultures, recruitment practices and expectations of professionals across a range of industries.
Students will be provided with a systematic approach to developing a strategy for entry into the employment marketplace. In particular, attention is focused on understanding the needs of employers and on communicating with them to secure a job.
Students will also focus on understanding and developing skills to assist them become full organizational members in the workplace and in cultivating their career path for the future. This subject directly prepares students for their internship in Year 3.
BMGT2001 International Business
Unit Description:
BMGT2001 International Business introduces the context of international business and key operational considerations. Students will learn the phenomenon of globalization and its influence on global trade. Weekly material will explore key issues and relationships in the global business environment, in particular, political, legal, economic and cultural differences as well as international trade and foreign investment policies.
This unit also analyses trade theories and their application through history. In addition, the varied financial systems supporting global operations are exemplified with current examples. From this foundation, students will examine the unique strategic and operational considerations in international business compared with domestic trade, including company strategy, marketing strategy and human resource management. Ethical considerations for international companies are broadly discussed in the context of corporate sustainability, cultural trends, government regulations and stewardship.
BMGT2002 Managing Operations
Unit Description:
BMGT2002 Managing Operations examines the operational facets of organisations, focusing on the processes that contribute to the organisation’s end product or service.
Students will examine the operational objectives and strategies and develop an understanding of a number of key functions within the organisation, including the design of processes, the design of supply networks, process technology and job design. Planning and control are recognised as a central management function, this includes planning and controlling inventory, supply chain management and project management. The processes of monitoring, measuring, analysing and improving operational performance are applied via scenarios and case studies.
BACC2002 Accounting Information Systems
Unit Description:
This unit aims to provide the use of an accounting information system in an organization. The application of technology to automate accounting processes and the implications this has for the accountants are addressed in this unit. Practical experience in the operation of an accounting package such as MYOB will be utilized as a self-directed study activity. Governance of accounting information system and the internal controls built into the systems that collect and store the data are explored. Basic safeguards to reduce cyber-crime and ethical issue are discussed.
BACC2003 Business and Corporations Law
Unit Description:
This Unit introduces students to the legal framework and legal principles applying to commercial activity within the context of the Australian legal system. In particular, legal problems commonly encountered in business situations such as torts, contracts and consumer law.
This Unit also introduces students to the legal framework and legal principles applying to companies primarily but some introductory discussion is done on partnerships, trusts and associations as well. Some of the key topics include types of companies, process of incorporating, effects of incorporation, internal rules, appointment and removal of directors, duties of directors, shareholders’ remedies, share capital transactions and insolvency procedures.
In this regard, students develop the ability to interpret legislation and case law and apply them to given scenarios. The workshops will be used as interactive sessions where students are given the opportunity to test their problem-solving skills as well as ability to relate the relevance of the Corporations Act to various aspects of running a company.
BACC2004 Financial Accounting and Reporting 1
Unit Description:
he aim of this unit is to help students develop their knowledge and understanding of various theoretical models of accounting, and to apply that knowledge and understanding to specific financial reporting issues that are the subject of Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) accounting standards. The course commences with an overview of the Australian financial reporting environment by focusing on the institutional framework for accounting standard setting and the conceptual framework.
The course then investigates selected applied issues in financial accounting by examining requirements of Australian accounting standards in these areas: valuation of assets, intangibles, leases, revenue recognition and accounting for income taxes among others. The course will also examine the corporate accounting issues such as share capital and reserves, liabilities and accounting for financial instruments.
BACC2005 Management Accounting
Unit Description:
The unit covers the concepts, principles, and techniques of management accounting. It provides both theoretical knowledge and practical application of aspects of contemporary and traditional management accounting systems and their role in providing cost information to assist in decision-making, planning, and control that will allow effective management of resources and creation of value for organizations, customers, and stakeholders.
BACC2006 Business Finance
Unit Description:
This unit introduces students to the field of corporate finance and provides both theoretical knowledge and practical applications of business finance decision-making. It begins with the basics of financial mathematics and asset valuation and moves on to examine the tools and techniques for making capital investment decisions, financing decisions, and the dividend decisions. It also looks at the Australian equities market and issues of capital market efficiency.
What you will achieve
- Create effective organisational strategies to lay the foundation for achieving success.
- Examine both local and global business trends to consistently maintain a competitive edge.
- Acquire essential skills in critical thinking and strategic planning within a corporate environment.
- Recognise intelligent business prospects and comprehend how to capitalize on them.
Career Opportunities
Potential career paths
- IT Support Specialist
- Database Administrator
- Network Administrator
- IT Project Coordinator
- Software Support Analyst
Entry Requirements
To view our Entry Requirements, click here.
How to Apply
To view how to apply click here.
We’re absolutely thrilled that you’re interested in discovering more about the exciting educational opportunities here at AIH! Your inquiries are most welcome, and we can’t wait to give you all the information you require. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime you like – we’re here to help!
Any Question?
Further Study
Options
Completion of this qualification provides direct entry and advanced standing into: