BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS A FUTURE IN BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS
WHAT IS A CAREER IN BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS LIKE? The new world of business is characterised by strategic alliances, global outsourcing, physically distributed operational environments and global business partnerships. Highly integrated information systems operations are at the heart of all these business strategies, and businesses need to utilise emerging technologies in order to remain competitive. Business information systems (BIS) professionals operate in the crucial area between an organisation s technological systems and its users. Everything from software, data, business process improvements and social media operations flow through their fingertips, and a well-developed information systems team is essential for the success of any business. A clear understanding of an organisation s individual business systems and processes is vital, and consequently BIS professionals need well developed business knowledge in a general sense, as well as the ability to relate to a broad range of people inside and outside their company. This needs to be combined with sophisticated technical awareness in order to improve and enhance systems capability. Are you methodical, analytical and interested in technology? Do you like the idea of developing innovative systems to support business? Would you enjoy working with a broad range of professionals and technologies? If so, a career in business information systems would be great for you.
BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS OUTLOOK AND TRENDS USEFUL WEBSITES Positive employment situation for BIS Futureintech New Zealand s economy is growing, which means www.futureintech.org.nz systems analysts, database administrators and business analysts are in demand. These job titles are on Institute Immigration of IT Professionals New Zealand s immediate skill shortage list. www.iitp.org.nz The New Zealand Occupation Outlook 2015 reports that systems analysts and business analysts has a projected New growth Zealand of Information 5% per year and from Communication 2013 2018. Technologies Group (NZICT) www.ict.org.nz Source www.employment.govt.nz Digitisation Many organisations are undergoing a process of digital transformation, in the sense that they are making their IT systems more modern and consumer-focused. This can mean that users directly engage with online systems rather than through a customer service representative making IT a key enabler rather than a traditional back office function. This requires full seamless integration of data across all channels, irrespective of which applications or devices are being used. This integration requires intensive input from BIS professionals, therefore increasing employment opportunities. Source: CIO.com Big data For Increasingly, the most up-to-date companies information are collecting on massive amounts Business of data, Information but many are Systems strapped studies for resources and the when it Bachelor of Business, visit our website. www.aut.ac.nz/bis comes time to organise the data in a meaningful way for business purposes. In 2014, the demand for big data skills increased over 120 percent for IT project managers and just under 90 percent for systems analysts. Source CIO.com Cybersecurity The cybersecurity skills gap is one of the biggest threats to individual, commercial and national security. Managing the risks associated with cybersecurity threats and emerging danger from cyber terrorists and hacktivists will have a significant impact on our way of life. Emerging trends in cybersecurity include cyberextortion and cyber-bullying on Internet of Things (IoT) devices (such as wearables and gaming systems), mobile financial fraud, identity theft, and the increasing significance of privacy breaches. This will make cybersecurity the it job of IT in 2016. Source CIO.com Social media The huge rise in the usage of sites like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn has meant that organisations need to have a social media presence in multiple aspects of business, from engaging with customers to attracting quality staff. This has created opportunities for BIS professionals who are also strongly conversant with social media tools and strategies. You can also contact the AUT Student Hub team for help and advice: 0800 AUT UNI (0800 288 864) email: studentcentre@aut.ac.nz CITY CAMPUS 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland Central NORTH CAMPUS 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland WORK SETTINGS BIS SOUTH professionals CAMPUSare now more likely to find employment in 640 diverse Great user South organisations Road, Manukau, such Auckland as in the banking and health sectors as opposed to specialist IT vendors and services AUT MILLENNIUM providers, although opportunities continue to exist 17 Antares there. Place, Mairangi Bay, Auckland They generally work in offices, but may travel to visit clients. Connect with us now: They work regular hours, but may work weekends or evenings to meet economic or project deadlines. Many www.aut.ac.nz/social organisations are switching to flexible working hours to reflect modern lifestyles and project-based requirements. The information contained in this career sheet was correct at time of print, Feb 2016. CAREER EXAMPLES New graduates could expect to enter a wide range of roles, of which the following two are the most common: Business analyst - researches the systems and procedures an organisation uses, and decide if and how computer applications and systems can be better utilised to improve business operations and productivity Database administrator - develops, maintains and administers organisations database management systems, operating systems, and security policies and procedures.
With experience, graduates can move into a range of diverse roles, including: Information systems manager plans, implements and manages all aspects of the information technology services in an organisation. IT project manager - manages projects for one or more organisations, usually setting up, maintaining or improving the operational and technological aspects of projects. For example, a project manager could be called upon to implement a new IT system to change how an organisation manages customer relationship information. Management consultant - works with external organisations, often in specialist teams, helping them solve business problems, enhance efficiency, or develop and implement strategy. May also manage or carry out projects that an organisation s staff doesn t have time or expertise to undertake. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Technical skills Knowledge of how IT can impact organisational efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness Ability to analyse, model and design business processes Implementation of enterprise-wide information systems Management of information systems resources Strong business data management ability Information systems project management skills General skills Skilled in analysing and interpreting information Written and verbal communication skills Collaboration with a wide range of people Problem-solving and time-management Able to work well under pressure Excellent planning and organising skills PERSONAL QUALITIES Methodical and accurate Good eye for detail Curious about how systems are developed, maintained and used by business Understanding, adaptable and patient STUDY OPTIONS Postgraduate options in BIS include postgraduate certificate and diploma, honours, masters and PhD programmes, including Master of Global Business, Master of Applied Finance, Master of Business Administration and Master of Professional Accounting. Research specialisations include the following: Global information management Information systems strategy and governance Information technology for development Digital innovation and patent right management Collaborative networks SALARY GUIDE Database/systems administrators Salary (per year) $75,000 (average). Contractors on an hourly rate may earn more than this. Business analyst $60,000 - $70,000 (junior) $70,000 - $85,000 (intermediate), $90,000-$110,000 (senior) Management consultants $40,000 (new graduates) $55,000 (3 years experience) $85,000+ (6 years experience) Sources: Robert Walters Salary Guide 2015, Hudson Salary Guide 2015 Salary range is indicative of the New Zealand job market at the time of publication (early 2016) and should only be seen as a guideline. THE AUT APPROACH All BIS students take part in co-operative education in the final year, which takes a full semester of study. This is a supervised work placement and involves employment in a real-world business, not-for profit organisation, entrepreneurial venture or an applied project. This can be done in New Zealand or overseas. Recent placements included Westpac Quantium Solutions NZ Ltd Open Systems Specialists Optimation New Zealand
BILL LOMAS Senior Business Analyst BNZ Bachelor of Business in Business Information Systems and Accounting I started off studying accounting at AUT, but I was finding that a lot of it was about strict rules and guidelines. I spoke to the Dean of the Business School, and he encouraged me to enter business case competitions, which I really enjoyed, as I learnt about the business world, strategy and problem solving. A lot of the material I engaged with was technology-based, and that led me to study Business Information Systems and to seek out business analyst jobs. My first job as a business analyst was with the New Zealand Companies Office, I then moved to Fisher and Paykel Finance, which was a really steep learning curve. It offered great opportunity for development, in the sense that both organisations were so different one was public and the other private, with all the associated pressures that both shareholders and customers bring. I felt that my study at AUT was quite beneficial, as it made me work with really diverse groups of people in terms of outlook and aptitude. I ve recently started at BNZ as a Senior Business Analyst, which is a project-based role. I m working on a long-term technical piece that involves updating our processes and technology relating to customer data. This requires consulting people inside and outside the business, creating data diagrams, plans and optimising procedures in order to enable the change. I really like the amount of information and learning that is available in such a huge environment the financial and technical input is terrific. This is also the biggest challenge about the role, as you have so much to take in and digest that it can be quite daunting. But the freedom to explore and express ideas and the potential for growth and leadership is fantastic. I see myself developing at BNZ as there is so much opportunity for learning and advancement. Further into the future I d like to move into consulting, as I d really enjoy the ability to pick and choose projects and companies to work with, and the independence that entails. I m very keen to travel with work, so hopefully that possibility will avail itself. EMPLOYER COMMENT Senior Business Analysts need to design and implement change for the bank, which involves a very complex and wide ranging skill-set. They need to be very technically adept, and have well-honed interpersonal skills as they work across the organisation and with external stakeholders to deliver on demanding objectives. Bill has a fantastic personality, and in a short space of time is forging good relationships inside the team and with the larger project community. Successful business analysis is a collaborative process, so strong relationships and a wide network is essential. Dave Bedford Lead Business Analyst BNZ
BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS USEFUL WEBSITES Futureintech www.futureintech.org.nz Institute of IT Professionals www.iitp.org.nz New Zealand Information and Communication Technologies Group (NZICT) www.ict.org.nz For the most up-to-date information on Business Information Systems studies and the Bachelor of Business, visit our website. www.aut.ac.nz/bis You can also contact the AUT Student Hub team for help and advice: 0800 AUT UNI (0800 288 864) email: studentcentre@aut.ac.nz CITY CAMPUS 55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland Central NORTH CAMPUS 90 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, Auckland SOUTH CAMPUS 640 Great South Road, Manukau, Auckland AUT MILLENNIUM 17 Antares Place, Mairangi Bay, Auckland Connect with us now: www.aut.ac.nz/social The information contained in this career sheet was correct at time of print, Feb 2016.