BCom(Hons) Overview and Programme Structure
On This Page:- Overview
- Core Courses
- Elective Courses
- Recommended Programme of Study -- Full-time
- Recommended Programme of Study -- Part-time
Overview of the BCom(Hons)
The BCom(Hons) programme has a focus on research and critical thinking, coupled with examination of topical issues such as IS in the new organisation and electronic commerce. BCom(Hons) consists of eight courses -- four core and four elective courses -- usually taken over two trimesters. Most students enrol in full-time study although it is possible to study part-time.
If you complete the BCom(Hons) with First Class or Second Class, First Division level of Honours, you may apply to continue on and enrol in the MCom. The MCom in Information Systems is designed for graduates who want a fast track into leadership positions as information systems professionals and for those wishing to pursue further research in our PhD programme.
Core Courses
Please refer to the online timetable for current trimester information.
INFO 401: Foundations of Information Systems ResearchAn overview of the main streams of research, which contribute to the field of information systems. This course will provide students with the perspective needed to appreciate current and future trends in information systems research.
INFO 402: Current Issues in Information Systems ResearchBuilding on INFO 401, this course will make a critical examination of recent literature in the domain of strategic, managerial and organisational aspects of information systems research. Students are assessed both on their knowledge of the field covered in the course and their general knowledge of information systems research literature.
INFO 403: Research Methods in Information SystemsA critical examination of methodologies used in theoretical and empirical research in information systems. Survey research, experimentation, case research, action research, grounded theory, ethnographic research, hermeneutic research, meta-research and other methodologies will be examined. Published research papers in which the various methodologies have been employed will be studied.
INFO 408: Research Project in Information SystemsThis course provides an opportunity for students to complete a research project on an information systems or electronic commerce topic and prepares them for entry into Part II of the MCA degree in Information Systems/E-Commerce. Students normally write the literature review for this project while taking INFO 401 and the project proposal while taking INFO 403.
Elective Courses
Four elective courses must be selected from those on offer in any given year. For example:
INFO 404: e-Commerce ResearchSelected areas of current research in e-commerce and e-business technology and applications.
INFO 405: IT and the New OrganisationIT assumes new and even greater importance as organisations de-layer, downsize, re-engineer, focus on core competencies, and outsource some of their components. Widespread adoption of team structures internally and new inter-organisational relationships externally create even greater challenges for the effective application of IT within and across firms. This course examines the role and function of IT within the context of such new organisational arrangements.
INFO 407: Virtual Workplace: Issues and StrategiesIn the virtual workplace, individuals and groups will use a variety of technologies to assist them in communicating, collaborating, and coordinating their activities across distance, time and culture. This course examines the impact the Virtual Workplace has on individuals, groups and societies. In particular, the course provides an opportunity for students to examine the technologies and issues associated with working in the virtual workplace and to identify strategies in managing them.
INFO 409 (Special Topic): IT, Innovation, Value and Productivity
An examination of the linkages between IT and innovation, value and productivity in organsations. Topics include research on the link between IT investments and productivity, innovation models, IT project and value management, and IT benefits realisation and measurement metrics.
BBIS 401: Case Studies in Information Technology
Specific topics may include: managing IT-related organisational change, help desk operations and management, IT planning, working in an outsourcing environment, and working with IT professionals.
An examination of the linkages between IT and innovation, value and productivity in organisations. Topics include research on the link between IT investments and productivity, innovation models, IT project and value management, and IT benefits realisation and measurement metrics.
BBIS 417: Enterprise Systems
The theory and practice of implementing and utilising enterprise-wide application systems. Topics include the configuration of enterprise resource planning systems and understanding the inegrative capability and complexity of such systems in an organisational context.
Recommended Full-time Programme
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Trimester 1
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| Core | INFO 401 | Foundations of IS Research |
| Core | INFO 403 | Research Methods in Information Systems |
| Elective 1 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |
| Elective 2 | With guidance, select any 400 level Faculty of Commerce course (e.g. Management, Marketing, Business Information Systems) | |
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Trimester 2
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| Core | INFO 402 | Current Issues in IS Research |
| Core | INFO 408 | Research Project in Information Systems |
| Elective 1 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |
| Elective 2 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |
Recommended Part-time Programme
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Year 1: Trimester 1
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| Core | INFO 401 | Foundations of IS Research |
| Elective 1 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |
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Year 1: Trimester 2
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| Core | INFO 402 | Current Issues in IS Research |
| Elective 2 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |
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Year 2: Trimester 1
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| Core | INFO 403 | Research Methods in Information Systems |
| Elective 3 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |
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Year 2: Trimester 2
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| Core | INFO 408 | Research Project in Information Systems |
| Elective 4 | INFO 4XX | Varies each year |