Diploma in Accounting Program Syllabus

COURSE INFORMATION
Course title: Information Systems
Course code: BUSI 335 Credits: 3
Session and term: 2024 S2 Class location: Zoom
Section(s): 972 Class times: M/W 6:30-9:30pm
Course duration: July 2 – Aug 9 Pre-requisites: N/A
Division: DAP Co-requisites: N/A

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor: Alym Amlani, CPA, CA, MPAcc
Phone: N/A Office location: Online, via Zoom
Email: [email protected] Office hours: By appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Business (BUSI) 335 is an introductory course in Information Systems. The use of information and
related information systems has become pervasive in modern day companies. This course is designed to
introduce students to the information system competencies expected of a new CPA. Topics include
computer hardware, software development, deployment, as well as information systems security, data
integrity and access control.

Students will also learn to use MS-Excel with expert proficiency. Students will learn to work with pivot
tables applied to data mining and analysis situations. They will also be introduced to data cleaning using
MS PowerQuery. Finally, students will learn about data normalization, entity-relationship diagrams, and
databases.

Experiential learning is heavily emphasized in this course, where students are given the chance to
understand and apply some of the most frequently used functions, commands, and features of Excel.

This is a hands-on course where students complete exercises to solve business problems using software
that would be available to them in the workplace.

The course will cover:

• The usage of accounting information systems for managerial and financial reporting
• System design, acquisition, implementation, and development
• Data integrity, privacy, confidentiality, and security
• Audit of information systems
• Transaction processing and business process modeling
• Data manipulation, mining and analysis (pivot tables/charts)
• Introduction to relational databases

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COURSE FORMAT
The course delivery will consist of asynchronous pre-class material, synchronous in-class activities, and
asynchronous post-class assignments. Pre-class notes for each class will be posted on Canvas. Students
are required to review the pre-class material (which may consist of visual and written contents) before
we apply these concepts in-class. Our classes may start with a short recap of pre-class material, followed
by various individual and group activities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
• apply the following Microsoft Excel functions: IF, AND, OR, COUNTIFS, SUMIFS, VLOOKUP,
CONCATENATE, LEN, TRIM, FIND, SEARCH, INDEX, MATCH, and many others for the purpose of
managing and analyzing data;
• use PivotTables to analyze data;
• extract data from web sites for decision making and analysis;
• recognize the importance of data and information in decision making;
• describe computer networks, software development methodologies and management of
computer systems;
• identify security risks in IS, as well as recognize ways to audit and mitigate these risks using IT
controls;
• recognize the importance of accounting information systems for financial reporting needs; apply
the basics of change management, feasibility analysis, system analysis, data conversion
strategies and approaches to recommend improvements to reporting systems to meet
information needs.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)

At UBC Sauder, we are committed to responsible business practices that can have transformative
impacts on society. One of the ways we are reinforcing our commitment to responsible business is by
showcasing relevant content in our courses via the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals. In this course, we will touch on topics that relate to the following goals:

Goal 4: Quality Education Information systems support e-learning platforms, student

performance tracking, and personalized learning, making education
more accessible, interactive, and tailored to individual needs. For
example, in all our classes, the in-class activities allow for remote
submission enabling students to contribute even if they are not present
during live class, which parallels SDG 4's focus on ensuring inclusive and
equitable education for all. Furthermore, our course emphasizes
learning HOW to solve problems in Excel – learning how to learn
supports lifelong learning.

Goal 8: Decent Work and

Economic Growth In our classes on Business Intelligence and Information Systems
Development, learning about information systems will help students
understand how technology enhances business processes and
decision-making, leading to increased productivity, and ultimately
fostering economic growth and job creation.

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Goal 9: Industry, Innovation

and Infrastructure The class on Information Systems Security will highlight how this is
essential for ensuring the integrity and reliability of critical
infrastructure, including communication networks, transportation
systems, and energy grids. Protecting these systems from cyber threats
supports sustainable industrialization and innovation.

Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and In our classes on Business Intelligence, we will discuss how information
Strong Institutions systems can enhance transparency, accountability, and data-driven
decision-making within institutions, promoting good governance and
supporting peaceful societies. Additionally, Information Systems
Security is fundamental for building strong institutions by safeguarding
sensitive data, preventing cybercrime, and maintaining the
confidentiality of legal and judicial records.

ASSESSMENTS
Summary
Component Weight
Assignments, Exercises, and Participation 15%
Midterm Exam 1 25%
Midterm Exam 2 25%
Final exam 35%
Total 100%
Details of Assessments
The grades for class preparation, activities, and participation will be calculated as follows:

• Reading quizzes:
o You will be asked to complete a reading quiz after many classes. These will be based on
the lecture material and readings.

• Participation
o Participation is important for this course. Prior to our synchronous sessions, you will be
asked to discuss contemporary topics in groups and then report back to the class at
large. You will be assessed based on the quality of your contributions throughout the
term.

• In-Class Exercises on Excel:

o In-class exercises will be given during most lectures in which Excel is
taught. Some classes will require you to submit these completed
activities for marks.

• Assignments:
o In addition to the in-class exercises, additional assignments must be completed on your
own time to reinforce the material you’ve learned in class. Due dates and deadlines will
be posted on the course website.

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• Term Tests and Final Exam:

o There are two term tests and one final exam in this course.
o You will use your own computer to complete the exams in class.
o Term tests are non-cumulative. The final exam is cumulative and in person.

LEARNING MATERIALS
Will be provided through the library online course reserves system (LOCR).
Estimated cost of required materials: $0

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS
Students are expected to have access to a computer to support learning activities and assessments.
In particular, a laptop will be required for in-person exams. Lockdown browser will be required for the
exams.

Please refer to the UBC LockDown Browser Student Guide | Learning Technology Hub for information
about device compatibility.

You will need a second device for live-streaming to Zoom during the remote mid term exam. You will
need to position your device (usually your phone) so that it provides and over-the-shoulder view of your
monitor and workspace.
Canvas
We will be using Canvas for this course. The course site will be accessible starting July 1. Please visit
UBC’s Canvas Student Guide for more information on using Canvas, along with system requirements. If
you experience any technical difficulties with your login to Canvas, please contact the UBC IT Service
Centre.

Zoom
We will be using Zoom for online delivery of course material, lecture content and for class discussion.
Please visit UBC’s Zoom Student Guide for more information on using Zoom.

To help replicate the classroom experience create an engaging and interactive learning environment,
make sessions more dynamic and hold each person accountable, both students and instructors are
encouraged to have their cameras on during Zoom sessions. Students who are not able to have their
“camera on” should contact their instructors in advance of the first class to discuss options. Students are
expected to conduct themselves professionally by joining sessions on time, muting mics when not
speaking, refraining from using any other technology when in-session, attending in attire you would
normally wear to school, and participating from a quiet environment. Content from synchronous
sessions will be selectively recorded per instructor discretion and made available to students on Canvas
for a maximum duration of the course length. This is done to allow students the opportunity to return to
lecture content to solidify learnings.
Reliable internet connection
For the seamless delivery of online course content, students should have regular, reliable access to a
strong internet connection. UBC recommends 5 mbps download speed and 1 mbps upload speed are
needed at minimum.

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NO DISTRIBUTION OF RECORDINGS
There is no distribution of recordings of class. Classes are designed as and are intended to be in-person.
Your attendance is expected. If you are unable to attend, the policy regarding missed classes described
in this syllabus applies. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the materials you need for
missed classes. It is strongly recommended that you make arrangements at the start of the semester for
materials in case you miss class. For instance, you may wish to exchange contact information with a
classmate who can provide you with notes in the event you miss class. If you believe you are an
exceptional case that merits special consideration, please promptly reach out to your instructor to
advise them of your circumstances.

ACADEMIC CONCESSIONS

Academic Concession Policy

If you feel unwell or have other circumstances that prevent you from attending class or completing
assessments, you should send a courtesy email to notify your course instructor within 24 hours of the
missed assessment. The following should also be taken into consideration, keeping in mind that there
are specific deadlines to request academic concessions:
• If you miss assessments worth less than 25% of the overall course grade (such as a weekly
assignment), or less than two weeks of classes, you should email the instructor directly to discuss
options for missed assessments or classes. Concessions in this scenario are granted by the
instructor and do not need support from the DAP office.
• If you miss assessments worth 25% or more of the overall course grade (such as a major project,
mid-term or final exam), or two or more weeks of classes, you must request academic concession
through the DAP office at https://professional.sauder.ubc.ca/dap/students/academic-
concession.cfm.

The course policy default is that there will be no make-up work provided, and no extensions to
deadlines. However, IF a student receives an Academic Concession from the DAP office:
▪ The student may be excused for in-class activities. Excused activities are not calculated as part of a
student’s total grade.
▪ The due date for an individual assignment may be deferred by, at most by three days (contingent on
and proportionate to the duration of the granted concession).
You are expected to write the term tests and final exam as scheduled.
If a student has received an approved academic concession for Term Test 1 from the DAP office, the
student may be able to write it at a later date, contingent on approval by the course instructor.
If a student has received an approved academic concession for Term Test 2 from the DAP office, the
weight of this exam will be added to the final exam.
If the final exam is missed, the student must request an academic concession through the DAP office. If
an exam is not written or an academic concession is not approved, the student will receive a grade of
zero (0%) for that exam.
Requesting Academic Concessions
If you experience unanticipated events or other circumstances that constitute valid grounds for
academic concession as defined by UBC’s Academic Concession Policy, complete the concession request

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webform. Concessions are time-sensitive and the webform should be submitted within 48 hours of the
missed deadline. Upon submission, your request will be recorded by the DAP office and you will also
receive an email with further instructions. Please read this email carefully and be sure to also refer to
the relevant course syllabus for each concession that you have requested. Please know that you should
continue to work on the coursework for the course(s) which you submitted a concession for. You should
anticipate being asked to submit work or write an exam as soon as the circumstances affecting your
ability to fulfil your academic responsibilities are resolved.

COURSE-SPECIFIC POLICIES AND RESOURCES

Missed or late assignments, and regrading of assessments
ALL assignments must be submitted on the course website by the stated deadline! Contact the
instructor immediately if you are having any problems with the submission process.
▪ Late by one minute is late and will attract the grading penalty indicated. Assignments are due in the
manner specified (either in this syllabus or otherwise in the relevant assignment outline) by the
specified due date (UBC Vancouver Pacific Daylight Time). LATE assignments will score a zero grade;
this is a firm policy!
▪ Equipment and/or media failure will NOT be accepted as an excuse for late submissions.
▪ Students are personally responsible for maintaining BACKUPS of their assignment files. The inability
to submit an assignment because of a lost file will not be accepted.
▪ In circumstances that merit an Academic Concession (for example: major illness, family bereavement),
students should notify the instructor and obtain an Academic Concession from the DAP office. In
these circumstances, an accommodation may be granted: see “Academic Concessions” below for
details.
▪ In the event that you feel something was missed in the grading of your work (be it mathematical error
or other), please write a brief summary of what you feel needs further attention and submit this re-
read request with your marked work. If you request a re-read, it will be read from scratch and your
grade may go up or down. Each grade component is considered final one week after given to the class
and will no longer be open for re-reading or discussion.
▪ Preparation. Guidance on how to prepare for each class will be posted to the course website. It is
each student’s responsibility to understand what is required and to complete the necessary readings
or other preparation that is directed.
▪ All assignments can be done individually or in groups. Students are encouraged to discuss the
assignments with each other. However, each group should complete their assignments on their own.
▪ You must plan to work extra hours outside of scheduled class time on assignments. However, a
portion of each class will be provided for you to work with your peers.
▪ The quizzes and examinations are based on the specified readings in the textbook and the contents
covered in the lectures, synchronous sessions, and assignments.

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ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Centre for Accessibility (CfA)
The Centre for Accessibility (CfA) facilitates disability-related accommodations and programming
initiatives designed to remove barriers for students with disabilities and ongoing medical conditions. If
you are registered with the CfA and are eligible for exam accommodations, it is your responsibility to
book your exam writing with the CfA using its exam reservation system: for midterm exams or quizzes,
at least 7 days in advance; and final exams, 7 days before the start of the formal exam period.

OTHER COURSE POLICIES AND RESOURCES

Students who join the course after the start of the semester are asked to contact the instructor. Any
quizzes or participation grades missed due to late registration will have alternate assessments available
in this circumstance.

Respectfulness in the online and in-person classroom

Students are expected to be respectful of our community at all times, including community members,
faculty, staff and peers. This means being attentive and conscious of words and actions and their impact
on others, listening to people with an open mind, treating all UBC Sauder community members equally
and understanding diversity. Students who act disrespectfully toward others may be asked to leave the
classroom, be removed from a team, lose credit for in-class assessments and activities, or be asked to
complete a group assignment individually. Incidents of misconduct or suspected misconduct will be
investigated.

Respect for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The UBC Sauder School of Business strives to promote an intellectual community that is enhanced by
diversity along various dimensions including Indigeneity (including identification as First
Nation, Métis, or Inuit), race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs,
social class, and/or disability. It is critical that students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives be
valued in and well-served by their courses. Furthermore, the diversity that students bring to the
classroom should be viewed as a resource, benefit, and source of strength for your learning experience.
It is expected that all students and members of our community conduct themselves with empathy and
respect for others.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES

UBC provides resources to support student learning and to maintain healthy lifestyles but recognizes
that sometimes crises arise and so there are additional resources to access including those for survivors
of sexual violence. UBC values respect for the person and ideas of all members of the academic
community. Harassment and discrimination are not tolerated nor is suppression of academic freedom.
UBC provides appropriate accommodation for students with disabilities and for religious observances.
UBC values academic honesty and students are expected to acknowledge the ideas generated by others
and to uphold the highest academic standards in all of their actions. Details of the policies and how to
access support are available on the UBC Senate website at https://senate.ubc.ca/policies-resources-
support-student-success.
Academic Integrity
The academic enterprise is founded on honesty, civility, and integrity. As members of this enterprise, all
students are expected to know, understand, and follow the university policies and codes of conduct

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regarding academic integrity. At the most basic level, this means consistently submitting only original
work done by you and acknowledging all sources of information or ideas and attributing them to others
as required. This also means you should not cheat, copy, or mislead others about what is your work; nor
should you help others to do the same. For example, it is prohibited to: share your past assignments and
answers with other students; work with other students on an assignment when an instructor has not
expressly given permission; or spread information through word of mouth, social media, or other
channels that subverts the fair evaluation of a class exercise, or assessment. Violations of academic
integrity (i.e., misconduct) lead to the breakdown of the academic enterprise, and therefore serious
consequences arise and harsh sanctions are imposed. For example, incidences of plagiarism or cheating
may result in a mark of zero on the assignment or exam and more serious consequences may apply if
the matter is referred to the President’s Advisory Committee on Student Discipline. Careful records are
kept in order to monitor and prevent recurrences.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Generative AI (e.g. ChatGPT) Permitted Where Specified With Attribution
For this course, students may use generative artificial intelligence (AI), including ChatGPT, for specific
assessments or coursework, where it is expressly specified by the instructor. In these cases of
permitted use, students must disclose any use of AI-generated material as per the assessment guidelines
and keep a record of how it was used. At a minimum, this will include proper attribution, including in-
text citations, quotations and references. Please see your assessment guidelines for full details.

For example, if you choose to use ChatGPT to help you with a discussion board post, for example, you
must also include the chat log so your personal contributions to the content are discernable from those
created by AI.

The use of ChatGPT or any other form of AI on exams is expressly prohibited.

COPYRIGHT
All materials of this course (course handouts, lecture slides, assessments, course readings, etc.) are the
intellectual property of the instructor or licensed to be used in this course by the copyright owner.
Redistribution of these materials by any means without permission of the copyright holder(s)
constitutes a breach of copyright and may lead to academic discipline and could be subject to legal
action. Any lecture recordings are for the sole use of the instructor and students enrolled in the class. In
no case may the lecture recording or part of the recording be used by students for any other purpose,
either personal or commercial. Further, audio or video recording of classes are not permitted without
the prior consent of the instructor.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
UBC’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the
xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) people, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history, and
traditions from one generation to the next on this site.

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COURSE SCHEDULE
(Subject to change)

Part 1: Accounting Information Systems – Theory and Application

Module Date Topic Readings Exercises
01 July 3 Course Outline Library Online Discussions in
Topics in Information Systems I Course Reserves breakout groups
Introduction to Information Systems (LOCR)
02 July 8 Topics in Information Systems II LOCR Discussions in
Financial Reporting and Information breakout groups
03 July 10 Topics in Information Systems III LOCR Sunkick Coffee
Systems implementation and the SDLC Company
Application to CPA (UFE) cases
04 July 15 Topics in Information Systems IV LOCR Information
Data integrity, privacy, security Security Exercise
July 17 TERM TEST 1 - (25%) – COVERS MODULES 1-4

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Part 2: Introduction to Excel

Module Date Topic Excel Functions Readings In-Class Exercise
(ICE)
05 Jul 22 Excel I None Excel workbook
VLOOKUP, SORTING, FILTERING,
• Introduction to
TEXT-TO-COLUMNS,
common Excel
SUMPRODUCT
functions
• Introduction to CONDITIONAL FORMATTING; LOCR p. 23 Example
spreadsheet COLOUR CODING; COMMENTS; 2.1:
modelling NAMED RANGES NCAA T-Shirts
06 July 24 Excel II None Excel workbook
• Working with IF; NESTED IF; AND; OR;
conditionals COUNTIFS; SUMIFS; LEFT; RIGHT;
• Working with MID; CONCATENATE; LEN; TRIM;
conditional SUBSTITUTE; REPLACE; FIND;
counts and sums SEARCH; VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP;
• Importing and FLASH FILL
Cleaning Data
07 July 29 Excel III PIVOT TABLES LOCR Electmart Store:
• Introduction to PIVOT CHARTS p. 162, Example
data analytics CALCULATED FIELDS 3.4
• Summarizing Lasagna Dinners:
data using Note: we will be having an in- p. 179, Example
PivotTables class submission today 3.5
Bank 98

July 31 TERM TEST 2 (COVERS Modules 5-7)

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Part 3: Introduction to data modeling and databases

Module Date Topic Tools used Readings In-Class
Exercise (ICE)
08 Aug 5 Excel LOCR Excel
(Delivered • Using index/match workbook
asynchronously Power Query Power Query / Power
due to holiday) • Combining tables Pivot
using Power Query INDEX/MATCH,
and Excel XLOOKUP
Database concepts 1
• Intro to databases
09 Aug 7 Database concepts 2 LOCR See Canvas
• Data normalization;
ERD Plus / Excel
ERD
• Relations

Final exams will be held from Aug 13 – Aug 17 (inclusive) and are scheduled by the University.
The final exam schedule will be available in late July. All final exams will be held in-person at
the UBC Point Grey campus.

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