Business Information Systems
A major in Business Information Systems (BIS) provides the essential knowledge necessary for organisations to meet their strategic goals, drive business innovation, and create effective business operations through the application of modern information and communication technologies (ICTs). Students majoring in BIS acquire sought-after business analysis and problem-solving skills to enable them to play an important role in helping organisations make the most of the potential of ICTs. Covered in detail are knowledge and skills in business analysis, business process improvement, project management, knowledge management, business intelligence, e-business, social media, information governance and enterprise systems. Graduates of the BIS major secure professional roles as consultants, business analysts, or project managers with major corporations, consulting practices and small businesses alike.
Options for studying Business Information Systems
Business Information Systems is available as Table A major and minor options in the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Advanced Computing and Bachelor of Commerce.
The Business Information Systems major and minor are also available to students not enrolled in a Commerce degree through the shared pool (Table S) - see the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook for details.
Please note. Students cannot complete both a major and a minor in Business Information Systems for their degree.
Pathways through the major and minor
The requirements for a major/minor in Business Information Systems are spread out over three years of the degree (four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).
(i) Business Information Systems major
To achieve a major in Business Information Systems, students must complete 48 credit points comprising:
- 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
- 18 credit points of 2000-level selective units of study;
- 6 credit points of 3000-level core units of study; and
- 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units of study.
A sample pathway for the Business Information Systems major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.
Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence to that displayed in this table.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Semester 1 | Core: INFS1000 Digital Business Innovation | |
| Semester 2 | Core: INFS1020 Digital Work Environments | ||
| Second | Semester 1 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for major | |
| Semester 2 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for major | ||
| Third | Semester 1 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for major | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for major |
| Semester 2 | Core: INFS3600 Business Information Systems in Practice ** | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for major | |
** Capstone unit for major – completed in final semester of study
For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the Business Information Systems section of the units of study table, Table A, in this handbook.
(ii) Business Information Systems minor
To achieve a minor in Business Information Systems, students must complete 36 credit points comprising:
- 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
- 12 credit points of 2000-level selective units of study;
- 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units of study.
A sample pathway for the Business Information Systems minor (over three years of a degree) is listed below.
Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence to that displayed in this table.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Semester 1 | Core: INFS1000 Digital Business Innovation | |
| Semester 2 | Core: INFS1020 Digital Work Environments | ||
| Second | Semester 1 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for minor | |
| Semester 2 | Selective: 2000-level unit listed for minor | ||
| Third | Semester 1 | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for minor | |
| Semester 2 | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for minor | ||
For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the Business Information Systems section of the units of study table, Table A, in this handbook.
Students can also refer to the Business School website for progression examples for specific major/minor combinations for their degree.
Honours
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced studies who complete a major in Business Information Systems with a weighted average mark of 70% (within the first three years of their degree) may be eligible to complete honours in Business Information Systems as their fourth year of study in this combined degree program. Students will need to have completed any requirements of their degree not satisfied with the completion of honours (including both majors, all core units, all Open Learning Environment units, and any elective units as necessary to ensure they meet degree requirements) by the end of their third year of study to proceed to honours in their fourth year of study.
For details about the requirements for admission to honours and the structure of the honours program, please refer to Commerce Honours.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the Business Information Systems major students will be able to:
| No. | Mid-Level Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Develop models and visual representations of business analysis, processes and data. |
| 2 | Apply key principles and techniques related to strategy, governance and assurance to help organisations effectively manage risks and maximise value from their data assets and technology investments. |
| 3 | Apply principles and techniques of project management to scope, budget and schedule information systems solutions in solving business problems. |
| 4 | Explain integrated business designs from idea to execution and the role that digital technology plays in this process. |
| 5 | Critically assess the use of digital technology for business and self-marketing with an awareness of ethical and social responsibilities. |
| 6 | Effectively communicate and collaborate with culturally diverse people, individually and in group settings, in a digital work environment to achieve positive change. |
| 7 | Analyse the operations of a business and suggest technology-enabled solutions and improvements. |
| 8 | Explain current trends in business information systems and their implications for managers, organisations, employees and other stakeholders. |
| 9 | Explain the key principles, theories and applications in electronic commerce, digital business management, enterprise systems and business intelligence. |
Further information
For further information regarding study in business information systems at the University of Sydney, please refer to the Discipline of Business Information Systems.