La Trobe University Australia

Postgraduate Courses
in Information Systems
Management

One of Australia’s top ten universities*, La Trobe University provides the perfect balance: academic challenges,
courses that open career doors, the opportunity to learn from outstanding staff recruited from around the world
and the chance to study in stunning natural environments with a supportive campus community.
* Shanghai Jiao Tong University, “Academic Ranking of World Universities”, August 2006

La Trobe’s School of Business has designed Attributes of La Trobe’s Career Prospects

innovative courses merging business and
information systems management to meet employer Information Systems These coursework programs provide
demands for professionals with an understanding graduates with the confidence and flexibility
of business processes and information systems
Management Graduates to steer their career down paths such as:
management. Our graduates become globally- n a Business Intelligence Consultant
The Graduate Diploma in Information Systems competent and gain skills in:
n a Business Systems Strategy
Management (GDISM), Master of Information n Use of Industry-based business intelligence Analyst and Planner
Systems Management (MISM) and Master tools and Enterprise resource planning tools n a Chief Information Officer.
of Business Information Management and such as SAP
Systems (MBIMS) programs adopt a business- Accountants, marketers, and finance
n Designing and implementing Industry-based professionals will enjoy new promotional
driven approach to IT knowledge and skills. These
business intelligence projects opportunities with enhanced applied IT skills.
postgraduate programs provide flexibility allowing
students to combine IT units (subjects) with elective n Managing IT projects
units in the areas of management, accounting, n Datawarehouse and Knowledge
economics, finance and other business focused Management
areas. Students will learn to develop business n Aligning IT Strategy with business initiatives
solutions in areas such as customer relationship
management and marketing, accounting, and n IT entrepreneurship
finance using IT knowledge and skills. Course n Combining business areas including
material is often presented in the context of real- management, finance and marketing
world organisations and case studies. with IT tools and IT management.

www.latrobe.edu.au/international
Information Systems
Management Courses

Course Structure
2008
COURSE PROGRAM STRUCTURE SPECIAL FEATURES LENGTH ANNUAL
FEE (A$)*

Graduate Diploma in Information Systems Management 8 core units Business-focused IT skills 1 year 17,120
(GDISM)
Students will develop an understanding of the analysis,
design, and application of business information systems, data
warehousing, enterprise resource planning systems, and business
intelligence.

Master of Information Systems Management (MISM) 10 core units and one Industry-based projects, 1.5 17,120
Through an understanding of concepts, students will learn industry-based project business-focused IT skills, years
to apply information systems techniques and technologies in unit plus one elective unit Industry Internship Program
business areas like accounting, finance, management, and in business or in other
marketing. approved areas

Master of Business Information Management and Systems 11 core units, two Industry-based projects, 2 years 17,120
(MBISM) industry-based project business-focused IT skills.
Through an understanding of tools students will apply concepts units and three elective Industry Internship Program
to a business environment. Students will be part of a significant units in business or in other
applied information systems team project with application in a approved areas
specific business discipline.

* Please note that fees listed are for commencing students for the 2008 academic year only. La Trobe University reserves the right to adjust annual tuition fees
for continuing students. However, the University undertakes that any tuition fee will not exceed 7% per annum and will be applied on 1 January each year for the
duration of that year.

Typical Program Structure

Semester 1 & 2, 1st Year
n Business Information Systems Design n Contemporary Topics in Business Systems ¢ Graduate Diploma in
n Enterprise Information Systems or Managing IT Projects Information Systems
(including SAP) n Enterprise Business Intelligence Management (1 year)
n Entrepreneurship in IT n Data Warehouse Concepts and Design
n Business IT Management n Decision Support Systems

+
Semester 3
n Knowledge Management Systems
n Research Methodology
¢ Master of Information
n Business Intelligence Analysis & Design Systems Management
(industry-based) (1.5 years)
n Plus one business elective unit

+
Semester 4
n Business Intelligence Project Implementation ¢ Master of Business
(industry-based) Information Management
n Managing IT Projects or Contemporary
and Systems (2 years)
Topics in Business Systems
n n Plus 2 business elective units
Unit Descriptions
Business Information
Systems Design
This unit introduces students to different types of
information systems from a business perspective.
The unit focuses on analysis and design of
business information systems, including database
design from a business professional’s view point.
Enterprise Information Systems
In this two-part unit the first half provides an
overview of enterprise-wide computing and
integrated enterprise systems concepts. Students
gain an understanding of the functionality of
ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems,
including SAPR/3 skills, and the underlying
business processes integrated by these
systems and their method of integration. In
the second part students are introduced to
technologies used in CRM (customer relationship
management) systems. This includes techniques
and strategies for analysis of customer data
and the relationship with business goals.
Entrepreneurship in IT
The purpose of this unit is to outline the basic
principles of Entrepreneurship. It will examine
the steps required in developing an idea
into a business, and will explore the tools
and necessary insights in order to make
a successful venture. The unit will involve
theory, case studies and guest speakers
from the IT industry on Hi-tech startup issues,
pitfalls and ingredients for success.
Business Information
Systems Management
Students in this unit develop an understanding
of IT alignment to business, capability maturity
of the IT function, IT governance, role of
infrastructure and protecting the IT assets, link
between infrastructure planning and business
strategy, IT outsourcing, information systems
performance measurement; organisation
forms enabled by emerging technologies;
personnel selection, training and assessment;
IT project and change management.
Contemporary Topics in
Business Systems
In this unit students will develop their analytical
and practical skills in contemporary areas
of business information systems. There is a
focus on human-computer interaction issues
and their implications for management and
organisations. Human and technological aspects
of business information systems design and
evaluation will be considered. Web design
tools like Macromedia will be used to model
aspects of human-computer interaction
Enterprise Business Intelligence
Business intelligence (BI) is a broad category
of applications and technologies for gathering,
storing, and analysing data, and providing
access to decision-making information to
business managers in a range of business areas
like accounting, finance, human resources,
sales and marketing. OLAP (On-Line Analytical
Processing) systems, as a means of providing
BI are discussed. Students are introduced
to intelligent data mining technology tools
and how they are used for finding useful
information in enterprise information systems.
Data Warehouse Concepts
and Design
This unit introduces students to evolution of data
warehouse technology, data warehouse terms
and concepts, data warehouse design, data
sourcing, organisational issues involved with
designing and implementing a data warehouse.
Several real world case studies are used to
explain and illustrate various aspects of this unit.
Decision Support Systems
This unit develops students’ knowledge and
skills in design and development of decision
support systems. It also explores the role of
DSS in supporting organisation goals and the
impact of information systems on organisations.
Knowledge Management Systems
This unit develops students’ understanding
of the evolution of knowledge management
and the various technologies that enable
and facilitate the creation, storage and
dissemination of organisational knowledge.
This unit introduces students to evolution of data
warehouse technology, data warehouse terms
and concepts, data warehouse design, data
sourcing and organisational issues involved with
designing and implementing a data warehouse.
Research Methodology
The goal of this unit is to equip students with
the skills to successfully undertake a piece of
independent research. The unit includes lectures
on the selection and definition of a research
problem, the preparation and evaluation of a
research plan, sampling and measurement, data
analysis and qualitative research methods.
Business Intelligence Project
Analysis AND Design
In this unit students will have the opportunity
to apply many of the aspects covered in this
program through undertaking project planning,
analysis, and design of a real world business
intelligence system. Students will work in
small groups/teams and will be required to
prepare a project plan; analyse, document
and present business intelligence information
requirements; design a solution to meet those
requirements, document and present the
project design, and write a detailed report
justifying the chosen design and solution.
Business Intelligence Project
Implementation
This unit builds on analysis and design
requirements and specifications completed
in the third semester. Students work in small
groups/teams to implement and test the system
design developed in ‘Business Intelligence
Project Analysis and Design’ using a business
intelligence tool. Students write a detailed report
on the implementation aspects of the project
and produce a user manual of the system.
Managing IT Projects
This unit examines the foundations of project
management, involving scope, cost, time,
human resources, procurement, risk, quality,
communication and integration in the
context of information systems projects and
methodologies. Management techniques
to effectively respond to the organisational,
political and cultural barriers that IS
projects typically face will be discussed.
ELECTIVE UNITS
n Accounting for Managers
n Applied Business Economics
n Principles of Finance
n Business Analysis and Modelling
n Money and Banking
n Corporate Reporting (with approval)
n Financial statement Analysis (with approval)
n Strategic Management of
Intellectual Property
n Risk Management
n Governance and Corporate
Social Responsibility
n International Employment Relations
n Management and Cost
Reporting (with approval)
Industry-based Projects
Students enrolled in the MBIMS or MISM
program will work on industry-sponsored projects
in one or two units: “Business Intelligence Project
Analysis and Design” and “Business Intelligence
Project Implementation”. Industry-based projects
will be chosen from a variety of areas including
banking and finance, telecommunications,
health care, manufacturing, and education.
Students will be asked to develop business
intelligence system prototypes. Based on their
performance, students may be selected by the
industry partner to develop the commercial
versions of the business intelligence system.
Attempts will also be made to include industry-
based projects in other subjects covered in
the MBIMS, MISM, and GDISM programs.
 Paid Industry Internship
La Trobe University is home to one of Australia’s
largest wholly University-owned and managed
technology parks. The companies located in
the Research and Development Park conduct
business in a number of areas including
business intelligence, health care, software
development and mining. Students may be
selected by one or more companies located on
campus for paid industry internship programs of
up to 12 weeks. This may be part-time during
study, full-time during the summer semester or
after completion of the MBIMS or MISM,
depending on faculty arrangements. Students
planning to undertake the internship after they
have completed their course will not be eligible
to hold a student visa based on the internship.
They will need to make arrangements
regarding the visa. Selected students will also
have an opportunity to gain placements in
company locations in Australia, Singapore,
India, Malaysia and Dubai. For more
information on the Research and Development
Park see: www.latrobe.edu.au/techpark.
Drake Graduate Career
Management Program
The Drake Graduate Career Management
Program is available to all MBIMS, MISM
and GDISM students. Offered by Drake
International, one of Australia’s most reputed
companies specialising in recruitment and
human resources solutions, the program gives
students the opportunity to learn about their
own skills and build career plans. The program
will guide the students in addressing their
short-term goals and tactics for gaining the
Contact
International Programs Office
Ph: (+61 3) 9627 4805 or
1800 619 768 (free call within Australia)
Fax: (+61 3) 9479 3660
Email: international@latrobe.edu.au
Web: www.latrobe.edu.au/international
CRICOS Provider Number: 00115M
www.latrobe.edu.au/international
CG 79634
right work experience and building resumé,
interview, presentation and workplace skills. A
psychological report with students’ behavioural
strengths identified is provided. There may
be additional costs involved. Temporary
part-time work might also be available.
Business Intelligence
Technologies (BIT)
BIT offers industry internships to information
systems management students. Based in
Australia, BIT is a specialist end-to-end
Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence
company. BIT is focused on providing
consulting, technology services and education
and training in the areas of Data Warehouse
architecture, design, development, ETL
processing, Business Intelligence reporting
and Dashboard design, development and
deployment. The company has built deep
knowledge and understanding of Banking and
Financial Services, Telecommunications and
Healthcare segments.
Sytems Applications
and Products (SAP)
SAP is the recognised leader in providing
collaborative business solutions for all types
of industries and for every major market.
SAP forms an essential part of the information
systems management programs, which involve
teaching and lab-based training using SAP
modules. The School of Business is also in
advanced stages of negotiation with SAP to
provide industry based projects and internships
for information systems management students.
Course Coordinator
Associate Professor Rajiv Khosla of the School
of Business is the coordinator of these three
postgraduate coursework programs. Rajiv
Khosla has a multi-disciplinary background
in management, engineering and computer
science. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in
Electrical Engineering, a Master’s degree in
Management and Systems from the Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi and a
Master’s and PhD in Computer Science from
La Trobe University
www.latrobe.edu.au/bskm/profile.htm
Email: mbims@latrobe.edu.au
Phone: (+61 3) 9479 3064
Fax: (+61 3) 9479 5971
Academic Entry
Requirements
In order to be accepted into the MBIMS,
MISM and GDISM programs you must
hold a Bachelor’s degree (or a degree
determined to be equivalent by La Trobe
University). You must also have achieved a
C grade average or above in the final year
of study towards your Bachelor’s degree.
English Language
Requirements
International students applying for postgraduate
courses at La Trobe University must provide
evidence of their English language
proficiency. The standard English language
requirement for entry into postgraduate study
at La Trobe is an IELTS result of 6.5 with
no individual band score less than 6.0.
Other English tests and courses are
accepted by the University. For more
information please visit: www.latrobe.edu.
au/international/apply/pg_english
How to Apply
International students should contact the
International Programs Office or visit the
website below for information about how
to apply to study at La Trobe University.
The International Programs Office’s website
also contains important information on
studying in Australia including visa and
government requirements, facilities and
resources, campus lifestyle, accommodation,
living costs, and support services.
disclaimer
The information contained in this brochure is indicative only and
is designed as an aid to students contemplating enrolment. While
every effort is made to provide full and accurate information at
the time of publication, the University does not give any warranties
in relation to the accuracy and completeness of the contents. The
University does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage
occasioned by use of the information contained in this publication.
The University also reserves the right to discontinue or vary
arrangements, courses, subjects (units), assessment requirements
and admission requirements. While the University will try to avoid or
minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to courses,
subjects (units), assessment requirements and staff after enrolment.
The University may also set limits on the number of students in a
course or subject (unit). For course information updates, please visit:
www.latrobe.edu.au/international