UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

ACF5904 Accounting information systems

Faculty of Business and Economics

ACF5904 Accounting information systems is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield. It needs ACF5950 and unlocks 2 units.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2023
Semester 1, Semester 2
Caulfield
Assessment
Exam 50%
and 1 other task
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before ACF5904

Prerequisites

Pass these before you enrol.

Enrolment rules

If you are enrolled in course B6002, there is no prerequisite.

Overview

Because most accounting systems are computerised, accountants must understand software and information systems to turn data into financial information and to develop and evaluate controls. This unit builds an understanding of the way accounting information systems work so that you may use, analyse and contribute to the design of accounting information systems and subsystems. Accordingly, the unit provides you with an understanding of critical information technologies that drive information systems; core business processes that allow an organisation to operate efficiently and effectively; common documentation tools used to diagram and assess business processes and databases; and internal control concepts that can be applied to mitigate risks.

Offerings in 2023

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterCaulfieldOn campus
Second semesterCaulfieldEvening
Second semesterCaulfieldOn campus

Assessment

  • Within semester assessment
    50%
  • ExaminationThreshold hurdle
    50%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    understand the use of information systems for business and analyse and make recommendations on the utilisation and design of such systems

  2. 2

    interpret business process documentation including flowcharts and data flow diagrams

  3. 3

    communicate with database professionals about the design of databases

  4. 4

    critique computerised and manual business processes in terms of their exposure to risk, and suggest internal controls that address the risks

  5. 5

    apply critical thinking and problem solving to activities dealing with accounting information systems.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials24 hours
  • Lectures12 hours
  • Teaching approachCase-based teaching
  • Teaching approachProblem-based learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

This unit includes case-based teaching, where you apply your knowledge and engage in analytical and reflective thinking to solve complex contextual scenarios. Activities are often designed so that there is not one clear answer, but you need to work together to examine, analyse and make decisions to resolve the situation.

This unit includes problem-based learning approaches, where you engage in research, integrate theory and practice and apply knowledge and skills to develop viable solutions in response to a problem or set of problems.

This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

Learning resources

Required resources

Richardson, V., Chang, C. J., and Smith, R. E. (2021). Accounting Information Systems, 3rd Edition, McGraw Hill

Technology resources

There may be an additional cost associated with purchasing a physical and/or virtual calculator. Specific details will be provided in the Learning Management System by commencement of Orientation week.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Brett Considine

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ACF5904?

You need ACF5950 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

What can I take after ACF5904?

ACF5904 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 2 units, including ACF5330 and ACF5510.

When is ACF5904 offered?

In 2023, ACF5904 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Caulfield.

How much work is ACF5904?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does ACF5904 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 50% of the final mark, alongside 1 other task.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Economics
Organisational unit
Department of Accounting
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 4
Study abroad
Available