Objectives and competences
In this course, students will:
1. Understand the role of information systems and digital technologies in the modern business environment.
2. Recognise the importance of digital transformation and its impact on business competitiveness.
3. Develop the ability to analyze and improve business processes using IT tools.
4. Acquire fundamental knowledge about the implementation of digital solutions in business contexts.
5. Learn the basic possibilities of using artificial intelligence to support decision-making in organisations.
6. Acknowledge the importance of cybersecurity, data protection, and ethical issues in the use of digital technologies.
7. Develop an understanding of information technologies as a key factor of competitive advantage in organisations.
8. Gain practical skills in using modern business tools such as Microsoft 365 or other digital platforms.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The Introduction to Business Information Systems course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of informatics and the role of information systems in the modern business environment. Students will understand how information technology supports business processes, enables effective decision-making and contributes to the digital transformation of organisations. They will learn key concepts and tools in business IT solutions, and the basics of artificial intelligence, information security and green IT. Special emphasis will also be placed on the ethical aspects of IT use and the development of digital competences for personal productivity and teamwork. The course provides a basis for understanding more advanced topics in e-business, IT tools for digital marketing and business analytics, which students will encounter in more detail in the upper years
The course consists of the following topics:
1. Introduction to business information systems and the digital economy
o The role of information systems in modern organisations
o The digital economy and its impact on business models
2. Information systems
o Building blocks of information systems
o Types of information systems
3. Information technology and infrastructure
o Cloud computing and cloud services
o Internet of Things (IoT) and its business services
4. Business IT solutions
o ERP, CRM and SCM solutions
o Business process integration and automation
5. Digital transformation and innovation
o Digital transformation strategies
o Examples of successful digital transformations
6. Artificial intelligence in business
o Machine learning and data analytics
o Applying AI in business functions
7. Cybersecurity and ethics
o Data protection and privacy
o Ethics in the use of digital technologies
8. Sustainable and green IT
o Environmental impacts of digital technologies
o Strategies for sustainable use of IT
9. Practical skills and tools
o Using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Learning and teaching methods
Lectures, case analysis, discussion, programmed learning, practical exercises and assignments, problem-based learning, simulation, gamification
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of knowledge and understanding:
Students:
1. Understand the role of information systems and digital technologies in modern business.
2. Are familiar with key concepts of digital transformation and their impact on business models.
3. Acquire basic knowledge of artificial intelligence and its applications in the business environment.
4. Recognise the importance of sustainable and green IT and its impact on the environment.
5. Identify and explain the main differences between traditional information systems and modern digital solutions (e.g., AI, BI, cloud services).
6. Recognise ethical and security challenges related to the use of digital technologies.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Cognitive/Intellectual skills:
Students:
1. Analyse business processes and propose improvements using information solutions.
2. Develop critical thinking skills when evaluating digital strategies.
3. Apply methods to assess the effectiveness of digital technology implementation.
4. Critically evaluate the reliability of information sources and understand the impact of technology on business decision-making.
5. Make informed decisions based on the analysis of data and information resources.
Key/Transferable skills
Students:
1. Use modern ICT tools to support business processes.
2. Collaborate in teams during the development and implementation of information solutions.
3. Develop professional ethics in the use of digital technologies.
4. Promote lifelong learning in the field of business informatics.
5. Develop the ability to use digital tools for collaborative work (e.g., Teams, M365) and virtual communication.
6. Adapt to a rapidly changing digital environment.
Practical skills:
Students:
1. Gain practical experience in using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
2. Develop basic skills in using tools for data analysis and artificial intelligence.
3. Acquire initial experience with digital tools that support teamwork, cloud services, and basic task automation.
4. Are able to independently perform tasks related to the digital transformation of business processes, with appropriate guidance.
Readings
Obvezna študijska literature (Compulsory textbooks):
Gradišar M, Jaklič J., Turk T: Osnove poslovne informatike, Ekonomska fakulteta Ljubljana, 2023.
Bobek, S., Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Deželak, Z., Šišovska Klančnik, I., Cokan, S. (2021). Osnovne poslovne informatike – učno gradivo. Maribor: Ekonomsko-poslovna fakulteta.
Literatura za uporabo pripomočkov pri laboratorijskih vajah.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Written exam 40%
Practical exam 40%
Coursework 20%
Comments:
The written exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
The practical exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
