Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, you should:
be able to understand and apply foundation principles relating to computerised information systems in contemporary organisations;
be able to explain the role of data analysis tools and data mining;
be able to illustrate typical network configurations and identify the components of a network; be able to evaluate accounting information system architecture and generate models of business events;
be able to identify organisational risk and generate systems that control that risk;
be able to analyse, synthesise and apply the concepts underpinning systems planning development and implementation.
Assessment item 1
Task
You work for JKS Accountants, which is a growing accounting firm in Sydney. The Managing Partner, Cindy, is looking to evolve the corporate network to allow staff to work remotely from home, client sites and other locations as required. Due to the confidential nature of the client information held by the firm, she is trying to minimise the risks associated with remotely accessing JKS Accountants corporate network. Cindy has heard of the term VPN but is unsure what exactly it is and how it could help with staff working remotely and accessing the corporate network.
Prepare a Voice over PowerPoint (VOPP) presentation to Cindy discussing:
1. What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
2. What are the risks faced by JKS Accounting associated with staff remotely accessing client data whilst not using a VPN?
3. What are benefits of JKS Accounting implementing a VPN. This should include the benefits of staff working remotely and how it can mitigate the risks you have identified above?
4. What other components of a corporate network would you also implement, in conjunction with a VPN, to help secure the network the quality of your PowerPoint slides, including appropriate format, spelling and grammar; presentation skills including clarity and use of professional language; and
APA Referencing - Additional slide(s) attached to your presentation (not discussed in your VOPP) acknowledging all sources used to develop you presentation.
Presentation
You need to prepare a Voice over PowerPoint (VOPP) presentation to your managing director. Your presentation should;
be no longer than 5 minutes. No content will be marked after 5 minutes has lapsed; be a maximum of 10 slides;
cover each of the questions posed; and
be presented professionally. This includes both the presentation of the slides and your verbal presentation to Cindy.
Requirements
APA must be used to reference all sources you have used for your assignment.
Assessment item 2
Task
Part A
You are working as an accountant in a regional accounting firm. You have been approached by the owner of "Goodie Gumdrops", a start-up wholesaler. They have chosen a cloud based accounting system and have employed you to set up their company in in the AIS and enter the first month's transactions. You are required to enter a range of transactions and generate some reports to assist with the business start-up. All information has been supplied by the business owner for you to input. The set up and transactional data will be provided in Interact Resources.
Task requirements:
Process your clients transactions for July 2017. Generate and submit the following reports to your client for July 2017;
1. Profit & Loss
2. Balance Sheet
3. Trial Balance
4. Aged Payables (detail)
5. Aged Receivables (detail)
6. Inventory Item Summary.
The marks assigned include correctness of information and the presentation of your reports. They need to look professional, as though they could be provided to your client.
Part B
Part A requires you to use a cloud based accounting system to process transactions for your client. Provide a 1 page executive summary on whether you believe a cloud based accounting system is a better approach for Goodie Gumdrops when compared to a traditional accounting system located on a computer at their head office. Your executive summary needs to include:
A concise overview regarding whether you believe a cloud based accounting or a traditional accounting system would be a better approach for Goodie Gumdrops; Justification for your decision including the benefits and potential disadvantages of each approach; and A clear recommendation to Goodie Gumdrops regarding which accounting system would be best suited for their business.
The presentation of your report, in line with the presentation requirements detailed below.
Rationale
This assessment task has been designed to assess your ability to: understand and apply foundation principles relating to computerised information systems in contemporary organisations.
Presentation
Your report to your client should include the following items, presented in this sequence; a cover page to your client;
your executive summary addressing Part B of the Assignment; and the reports generated in Part A of the Assignment.
It is expected that this will be presented as though it is being provided to your client.
You need to use Times New Roman or Arial font, with a font size 11 or more. The margins for your executive summary should be a minimum of 2.5cm from all sides (left, right, top and bottom).Requirements
APA must be used to reference all sources you have used for your assignment.
Assessment item 3
Systems Documentation and Internal Controls
Task
You have been recently employed as an accountant for Motherboards and More Pty Ltd. The CFO has tasked you with reviewing the revenue cycle and providing advice to management regarding the recent ‘Ransomware Outbreak' in May 2017. The CFO has provided you with the following:
a narrative providing an overview of the revenue cycle;
a level 0 data flow diagram depicting the revenue cycle; and a recent article regarding the Ransomware Outbreak.
These are all available in Interact resources.
Using the information provided to you by the CFO, you need to prepare a business report to him including the following:
1. A summarised overview of the Revenue Cycle, from order to invoicing, for Motherboards and More [this should be no longer than one (1) paragraph. The CFO is already aware of the cycle, but this overview helps bring your report together for other readers]
2. Identification of;
a. internal control weaknesses in Motherboards and More Revenue Cycle;
b. the impact these weaknesses could have on the organisation?
c. specific internal controls which could be implemented by Motherboards and More in the coming weeks to mitigate the risks posed by the internal control weaknesses you have identified. Your CFO does not want theoretical controls suggested. They want practical controls that they can implement within the organisation.
[Note: all three (3) parts of question two (2) should be included as a table in your report]
3. A brief overview of the Ransomware attack.
4. A detailed review of appropriate controls which you would recommend be implemented at Motherboards and More to protect the organisation from a potential Ransomware attack similar to the one experienced in the article provided to you by the CFO. These could consist of both application and general controls. In your recommendations, you need to consider which controls are the most appropriate for your client.
The application of appropriate academic writing skills. This includes use of appropriate grammar and spelling, application of APA referencing and a report presented in a professional manner.
Rationale
This assessment task has been designed to assess your ability to:
be able to evaluate accounting information system architecture; and
be able to identify organisational risk and generate systems that control that risk.
Presentation
Your assignment needs to be presented as a business report to the CFO of Motherboards and More Pty Ltd. A business report includes;
a cover page addressed to your required audience;
an Executive summary (refer to the note below regarding an executive summary); a Table of contents (linked to the headings in the report);
headings and sub headings clearly identify what is being discussed; a conclusion, including recommendations as required; and referencing (using APA style).
Requirements
APA must be used to reference all sources you have used for your assignment.
Assessment item 4
Rationale
The purpose of the final examination is to assess your understanding of all topics in the subject without reference to external sources and resources. All learning outcomes may be assessed in the final exam. The final examination will test your abilities to analyse and solve problems and think critically in relation to the subject learning outcomes which are as follows:
be able to understand and apply foundation principles relating to computerised information systems in contemporary organisations;
be able to explain the role of data analysis tools and data mining;
be able to illustrate typical network configurations and identify the components of a network; be able to evaluate accounting information system architecture and generate models of business events;
be able to identify organisational risk and generate systems that control that risk; and be able to analyse, synthesise and apply the concepts underpinning systems planning development and implementation.
Requirements
You must pass the exam and receive a mark of 50% overall to pass the subject.
The format of the final exam will consist of multiple choice questions and extended answer questions.