IT and Business Processes

General overview

This exam covers a critical awareness of business processes in the context of information technology. It requires an understanding of database concepts and data analysis tools, corporate networks and the design and operations of business information and accounting systems. It also covers the key areas of information controls and processes and the reporting of accounting information.

Topics

1. Hierarchy of systems 
1.1 Identify and explain the role of the core elements of an organisation’s information infrastructure 
1.2 Explain the hierarchy of systems

2. Database concepts 
2.1 Illustrate the application of database concepts for accounting information 
2.2 Explain the need for data collection and storage 
2.3 Explain database systems and data storage models 
2.4 Explain data modelling, design and implementation 
2.5 Analyse controls for data and databases and their effectiveness 
2.6 Analyse the ethical issues related to data capture and storage

3. Data analysis tools 
3.1 Identify and explain the role of application and data analysis tools 
3.2 Illustrate the components of an enterprise-wide resource-management system, highlighting the centralised database and workflow management aspects of these systems 
3.3 Analyse different types of productivity software 
3.4 Explain data mining and its uses

4. Corporate networks 
4.1 Analyse the components of a corporate network 
4.2 Illustrate typical corporate network configurations 
4.3 Explain applications where client server and peer-to-peer architectures can be used 
4.4 Analyse control issues relating to the choice of network architecture

5. Design, configuration and operations of information systems 
5.1 Illustrate information systems design, configuration and operations 
5.2 Distinguish between systems development and maintenance 
5.3 Illustrate an overview of the systems development life cycle 
5.4 Explain the activities undertaken during the review and maintenance stage of the systems development life cycle 
5.5 Explain aspects of the operation and maintenance of the systems development life cycle 
5.6 Identify and explain the role of typical controls used in project management 
5.7 Illustrate typical controls used in systems design, development, and maintenance activities

6. Accounting information systems 
6.1 Explain the role of accounting information systems in business 
6.2 Define an accounting information system 
6.3 Illustrate the types of accounting information systems and their roles 
6.4 Analyse the evolution of accounting information systems and their importance to accountants 
6.5 Distinguish between the various types of data processing techniques 
6.6 Analyse the relationship between ethics and accounting information systems

7. Information controls and processes 
7.1 Describe and explain data quality principles 
7.2 Explain the complementary roles of technical and procedural controls 
7.3 Explain why a business system needs to use a mixture of preventive and detective controls 
7.4 Analyse security and privacy issues relating to personal web pages maintained by employees 
7.5 Analyse security and privacy issues relating to electronic communication methods used by employees 
7.6 Construct an overview diagram of business processes 
7.7 Produce an effective summary of business processes and systems 
7.8 Explain the interrelationships between business processes and accounting information systems 
7.9 Analyse the difference in the controls needed when a transaction is performed face-to-face compared with an electronic communication channel, such as telephone, Internet, or mobile 
7.10 Identify and explain the steps involved in changing business processes

8. Distribution and reporting of accounting information 
8.1 Explain the importance of ensuring accounting information is reported and distributed appropriately 
8.2 Compose a list of internal and external stakeholders 
8.3 Explain the concepts of reliability and transparency 
8.4 Distinguish between hard and soft accounting data 
8.5 Describe and explain the use of XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) 
8.6 Analyse the reasons for the problems encountered in trials of XBRL concerning the quality of externally reported accounting information 
8.7 Analyse the growth of corporate watchdogs and regulators

Exam topic weightings