The department focuses its teaching and research activities on the application of computer and related technologies to business problems. The department has a staff of twenty five full-time academics, several research support staff, a technical officer and three administrative staff.
The department's teaching efforts are centred around the Bachelor of Business systems (BBusSys), the Graduate Diploma in Business Systems, and the Master of Business Systems by coursework.
Teaching
The Bachelor of Business Systems came into existence at the request of the Business Council of Australia and the Commonwealth Government. This degree educates people in computing and management, with graduates readily able to apply their skills to the world of business. The course is designed to train the future senior management of Australian (and overseas) business, by combining practical computing ability with an awareness of and skill in general management roles (such as finance, accounting, operations management and operations research). The department currently has some 370 students, and 100 per cent graduate employment.
The aims of the postgraduate teaching are similar, but the teaching load and options available reflect the maturity and needs of such students.
Links with industry
A key feature of the BBusSys is the link with industry. A large number of Australia's most significant organisations sponsor the degree, and provide direct input into the content of the program. This sponsorship supports a number of scholarships to students on the program, as well as providing industrial experience to scholarship students as part of their studies.
Research
The department is actively involved in research. In line with the department's aims, this research concentrates on the enhancement of computing and other technologies and their direct application to business problems. The main areas of research activity are project management, operations management, accounting, financial and strategic systems, and quality and reliability analysis.
As well as publishing in a range of industrial journals, presenting at international conferences, and liaising with Australian industry, the department also produces its Business Systems research journal. Students may undertake research by enrolling in Masters or PhD programs. Competitive scholarships are available to full-time research students.
Further information
Further information on the department may be found in the following publications:
* Bachelor of Business Systems 1994
* Graduate Diploma in Business Systems
* Master of Business Systems 1994
* Department of Business Systems 1994
Objectives - Bachelor of Business Systems
Business systems is concerned with the solution of problems that arise in the day-to-day management of all types of enterprises. The solutions to the problems involve the use of a combination of computer, analytical and manual systems. The systems can range from the operational activities of transaction processing in accounting systems, through tactical decisions in logistics to decision support and executive information systems for strategic decisions.
Corporate functions emphasised include accounting information systems, manufacturing systems, decision analysis and project management. The necessary computing skills needed to implement solutions in these fields are integral to the course. These include programming, systems analysis, database systems, data communications.
Students completing this course will understand:
* how businesses are organised and operate;
* information technology, including hardware, software, databases, and data communications;
* techniques for planning and managing the implementation of solutions - and be able to use them;
* the processes involved in solution design and development;
* the principles and processes of software design.
They will be able to:
* communicate effectively with managers, employees and computing professionals;
* think creatively, and analyse and communicate alternative problem solutions to management;
* use the basic research skills they have developed to locate and retrieve information pertinent to the problems being investigated;
* identify and document management's problems and needs;
* develop well structured and well documented computer programs that solve users' needs;
* cooperate with others and work effectively in a team environment;
* take initiative and work independently;
* exercise judgement to satisfy conflicting interests.
They will have developed the following attitudes:
* enthusiasm for the field of study;
* a concern for accuracy and willingness to objectively assess their own performance;
* an awareness of social values, and a commitment to strive to enhance the quality of life of those affected by their work;
* an appreciation of the importance of considering the needs of others within the community.