IAB320 Process Improvement
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | IAB320 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | IAB203 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,640 |
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | IAB320 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | IAB203 |
| Coordinator: | Rehan Syed | r.syed@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This unit fosters the development of your process analysis, improvement, and design skills. These skills and capabilities will prepare you to undertake the digital transformation challenges of today’s organisations. You will understand and apply a variety of methods, tools, techniques, and approaches for organisational-wide process improvement initiatives. You will be exposed to a robust selection of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques as well as key process redesign paradigms used in the industry. This will involve developing your knowledge and expertise in different process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma and Process Reengineering using a hands-on teaching approach with real-life case studies to enable authentic learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply relevant theories and techniques to distinguish between different applicable forms of Business Process Improvement within an organisational context
- Identify, model, introduce, and manage business process models using BPMN2.0 for a business organisation
- Analyse, measure, and improve cross-functional business processes in a business organisation, incorporating waste management and sustainability practices.
- Work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team to apply appropriate project management practices in the design and development of business process improvement solutions for an organisation.
- Generate potential process improvement ideas in a structured way and make justified recommendations on the best course of action for the organisation.
- Communicate in industry standard written and visual formats to diverse stakeholders.
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.
Learning Approaches
This unit is available for you to study in either on-campus or online mode. The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, case studies, and the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Tutorial staff will be available to provide assistance. You can expect to spend 10 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorials, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
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 tutorials. You are encouraged to work in groups.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
The first two assignments will be based on the material covered in the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials. 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 site. 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 tutorials 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
Overview
The assessment components of this unit are designed to develop students’ practical skills in analysing and improving real-world business processes. Working in small teams, students will investigate an actual business process by examining the current operational context, applying a range of process analysis techniques such as modelling, simulation, and diagnostic heuristics, and identifying inefficiencies and their root causes. Based on their findings, teams will design an improved or innovative process solution and present their work in a detailed analytical report. This report will demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges and communicate their insights effectively.
In addition to the team project, students will complete a final examination that assesses their individual analytical skills. The exam will present process scenarios and questions requiring students to analyse, interpret, model, and apply relevant process improvement techniques.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes)
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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation)
This group assignment is a continuation of the first assessment. It increases your awareness of 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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Exam
The final examination is a summative assessment designed to evaluate students' ability to apply both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques under time-constrained, closed-book conditions. Students will be presented with scenario-based questions that simulate real-world challenges. They are expected to critically analyse the scenarios, select appropriate analytical methods, and justify their conclusions with clear, structured reasoning. This exam assesses not only technical proficiency but also the ability to think strategically and make informed recommendations.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DS01 Bachelor of Data Science
- Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of the data science discipline, with depth of knowledge in at least one area developed through a major.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Use appropriate statistical, computational, modelling, data management, programming and generative artificial intelligence techniques to develop solutions for deriving insights from data.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as adaptivity in applying learned techniques in new and unfamiliar contexts.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Communicate effectively in a variety of modes, to expert and non-expert audiences, including in a professional context.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Apply awareness of the relevant social and ethical frameworks, including Australian indigenous perspectives, concerning the collection, storage and use of data in informing decision-making.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam
IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology
- Demonstrate a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of well-established and emerging IT disciplines, with in-depth knowledge in at least one specialist area aligned to multiple ICT professional roles.
Relates to: ULO1, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Critically analyse and conceptualise complex IT challenges and opportunities using modelling, abstraction, ideation and problem-solving to generate, evaluate and justify recommended solutions.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Integrate and apply technical knowledge and skills to analyse, design, build, operate and maintain sustainable, secure IT systems using industry-standard tools, technologies, platforms, and processes.
Relates to: ULO2, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Demonstrate an understanding of the role of IT in enabling business outcomes and how business realities shape IT decisions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Demonstrate initiative, autonomy and personal responsibility for continuous learning, working both independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, employing state-of-the-art IT project management methodologies to plan and manage time, resources, and risk.
Relates to: ULO4, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Communicate professionally and effectively in written, verbal and visual formats to a diverse range of stakeholders, considering the audience and explaining complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner in a range of IT-related contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Critically reflect, using a human-centric approach, on the social, cultural, ethical, privacy, legal, sustainability, and accessibility issues shaping the development and use of IT, including respecting the perspectives and knowledge systems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ensuring IT solutions empower and support people with disabilities, and fostering inclusive and equitable digital technologies that serve diverse communities.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | IAB320 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | IAB203 |
Overview
This unit fosters the development of your process analysis, improvement, and design skills. These skills and capabilities will prepare you to undertake the digital transformation challenges of today’s organisations. You will understand and apply a variety of methods, tools, techniques, and approaches for organisational-wide process improvement initiatives. You will be exposed to a robust selection of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques as well as key process redesign paradigms used in the industry. This will involve developing your knowledge and expertise in different process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma and Process Reengineering using a hands-on teaching approach with real-life case studies to enable authentic learning outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply relevant theories and techniques to distinguish between different applicable forms of Business Process Improvement within an organisational context
- Identify, model, introduce, and manage business process models using BPMN2.0 for a business organisation
- Analyse, measure, and improve cross-functional business processes in a business organisation, incorporating waste management and sustainability practices.
- Work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team to apply appropriate project management practices in the design and development of business process improvement solutions for an organisation.
- Generate potential process improvement ideas in a structured way and make justified recommendations on the best course of action for the organisation.
- Communicate in industry standard written and visual formats to diverse stakeholders.
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.
Learning Approaches
This unit is available for you to study in either on-campus or online mode. The content of the unit is delivered through pre-recorded lectures, tutorials, case studies, and the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and practical sessions provide an opportunity to solve practical exercises, based on the current week's lecture. Tutorial staff will be available to provide assistance. You can expect to spend 10 hours per week involved in preparing for and attending all scheduled tutorials, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.
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 tutorials. You are encouraged to work in groups.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
The first two assignments will be based on the material covered in the pre-recorded lectures and tutorials. 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 site. 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 tutorials 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
Overview
The assessment components of this unit are designed to develop students’ practical skills in analysing and improving real-world business processes. Working in small teams, students will investigate an actual business process by examining the current operational context, applying a range of process analysis techniques such as modelling, simulation, and diagnostic heuristics, and identifying inefficiencies and their root causes. Based on their findings, teams will design an improved or innovative process solution and present their work in a detailed analytical report. This report will demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges and communicate their insights effectively.
In addition to the team project, students will complete a final examination that assesses their individual analytical skills. The exam will present process scenarios and questions requiring students to analyse, interpret, model, and apply relevant process improvement techniques.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes)
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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation)
This group assignment is a continuation of the first assessment. It increases your awareness of 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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Exam
The final examination is a summative assessment designed to evaluate students' ability to apply both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques under time-constrained, closed-book conditions. Students will be presented with scenario-based questions that simulate real-world challenges. They are expected to critically analyse the scenarios, select appropriate analytical methods, and justify their conclusions with clear, structured reasoning. This exam assesses not only technical proficiency but also the ability to think strategically and make informed recommendations.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DS01 Bachelor of Data Science
- Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of the data science discipline, with depth of knowledge in at least one area developed through a major.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Use appropriate statistical, computational, modelling, data management, programming and generative artificial intelligence techniques to develop solutions for deriving insights from data.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as adaptivity in applying learned techniques in new and unfamiliar contexts.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Communicate effectively in a variety of modes, to expert and non-expert audiences, including in a professional context.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Apply awareness of the relevant social and ethical frameworks, including Australian indigenous perspectives, concerning the collection, storage and use of data in informing decision-making.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam
IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology
- Demonstrate a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of well-established and emerging IT disciplines, with in-depth knowledge in at least one specialist area aligned to multiple ICT professional roles.
Relates to: ULO1, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Critically analyse and conceptualise complex IT challenges and opportunities using modelling, abstraction, ideation and problem-solving to generate, evaluate and justify recommended solutions.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO5, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Integrate and apply technical knowledge and skills to analyse, design, build, operate and maintain sustainable, secure IT systems using industry-standard tools, technologies, platforms, and processes.
Relates to: ULO2, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Demonstrate an understanding of the role of IT in enabling business outcomes and how business realities shape IT decisions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam - Demonstrate initiative, autonomy and personal responsibility for continuous learning, working both independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, employing state-of-the-art IT project management methodologies to plan and manage time, resources, and risk.
Relates to: ULO4, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Communicate professionally and effectively in written, verbal and visual formats to a diverse range of stakeholders, considering the audience and explaining complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner in a range of IT-related contexts.
Relates to: ULO6, Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation) - Critically reflect, using a human-centric approach, on the social, cultural, ethical, privacy, legal, sustainability, and accessibility issues shaping the development and use of IT, including respecting the perspectives and knowledge systems of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ensuring IT solutions empower and support people with disabilities, and fostering inclusive and equitable digital technologies that serve diverse communities.
Relates to: Case Study (Part A: Analysis of Business Processes), Case Study (Part B: Process Improvement and Simulation), Final Exam