615-181 Business Processes

This subject focuses on a process view of organisations. Here, a process is defined as a logically connected series or tasks that produce a defined output for a specified group of customers. Typically these processes cross functional boundaries within the organisation.

After completion of this subject, students should be aware of major organisational processes (such as order management, billing, new-product development, etc.) found in many organisation; understand the advantages and limitations of a process view of organisations; and have experience with process and work-flow analysis and measures of process effectiveness. Students should also understand the importance of human self-interest in organisations and the need for controls in well-designed information systems. Finally, by the time they complete this subject, students should understand the fundamental premises and approaches of business process (re)engineering; understand how vendors of enterprise software are attempting to provide software that can adapt as business needs change, and be aware of the implications of electronic commerce for supply chain proceses

A 2-hour end-of-semester written examination, one 2000-word essay, written work of up to 20 pages, group research and field projects taking approximately 20 hours in total. The weighting of the assessment components will be announced at the commencement of the subject.