Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Business processes form the core of organisations and their interrelations with business partners. They are the centre of attention in a variety of management approaches and technology-driven solutions such as Service-oriented Architectures. The unit INN321 Business Process Improvement provides a contemporary introduction to process-based management principles and methods. You will get a deep understanding for the importance of Business Process Management (BPM). The unit provides a detailed walk through of the main steps of the business process lifecycle. You will gain insights into national and international BPM case studies.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to modern methodologies of Business Process Management using a lifecylcle approach. A main objective is to increase your awareness of the close link between business requirements and IT capabilities, and the related fundamental role of business processes. This unit also seeks to develop logical thinking, an appreciation for conceptual models, and the capability to understand and deal with complex systems.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
· identify, model, analyse, improve, introduce, measure, and manage processes in a business organisation (GC1);
· differentiate alternative forms of Business Process Management (GC2);
· derive in a structured way potential process improvement ideas (GC2).
· work efficiently in a group (GC6);
· appreciate the cross-functional nature of business processes (GC4);

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

This unit presents strategic and tactical, business and IT management issues involved with a process-oriented perspective on enterprises and their IT-applications. Based on a comprehensive discussion of different BPM approaches such as Six Sigma, a Business Process Management lifecycle will be introduced. This model includes the identification of relevant processes, as-is modelling, process analysis, to-be process modelling, process implementation, process execution, process monitoring and process change management.

This unit will develop specific skills for Business Process Improvement as well as general skills in critical thinking, team work, presentation and writing skills.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The content of the unit is delivered through lectures, workshops, case studies, and the QUT Blackboard site. Lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Workshop staff will be available to provide assistance.

The unit emphasises a 'hands-on' approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples and demonstrations. The concepts introduced are presented in business scenarios. You will work on the case studies in the workshops. You are encouraged to work in groups.

Assessment

Assessment Submission details will be announced during the lectures and will also be specified in the Assessment specifications that will be available on the Black Board. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.The first two assignments will be based on the material covered in the lectures and workshops. The related tasks will be discussed during these contact hours. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the nature of the tasks. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit homepage. A marking guide will be available for the first two assignments. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback.

Teaching staff are available during the workshops and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the assignment content and provide constructive feedback.

For the final exam you will be referred to the Faculty's formal 'Review of exam' procedures.

Assessment name: Case Study - Process Analysis
Description: This group assignment increases your awareness for the challenges related to the first parts of the Business Lifecyle- in particular to defining the scope and starting to conduct detailed analysis. You will be provided with a realistic and detailed case study that you have to analyse following methods and techniques that will be taught in the first weeks of the semester. You will submit a detailed process analysis report and have to be prepared to present your results in the classroom. You will get comprehensive feedback.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Examination (theory)
Description: Final written exam
Relates to objectives: 1 to 6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Period

Assessment name: Case Study - Process Improve
Description: This group assignment is a continuation of the first assessment. It increases your awareness for the challenges related to the Business Improvements (post an initial analysis phase). You have to identify improvement opportunities based on an introduced framework covering enhancement, derivation, utilisation and innovation. You will submit a detailed process analysis & Improvement report and have to be prepared to present your results in the classroom. You will get comprehensive feedback.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 12

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Recommended Readings:
J. vom Brocke, M. Rosemann (eds): Handbook of Business Process Management. 2 Volumes, Springer, 2010.
J. Becker, M. Kugeler, M. Rosemann (2003). Process Management. Springer Verlag: Berlin.
R. Burlton (2001). Business Process Management. SAMS Publishing. Indianapolis, In., USA.
P. Harmon (2007). Business Process Change. 2nd edition. Morgan Kaufman Publishers. Amsterdam et al.
A. Sharp, P. McDermott (2009). Workflow Modeling. 2nd edition, Artech House. Norwood, MA, USA.
H. Smith, P. Fingar (2002). Meghan-Kiffer Press. Tampa, Fl., USA.
A. Spanyi (2003). Business Process Management is a Team Sport. Anclote Press, Fl., USA.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 24-Oct-2012