IAB321 Process Technologies


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:IAB321
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:IAB203
Coordinator:Moe Thandar Wynn | m.wynn@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Whether you will be a business analyst, a data analyst, a process owner, a solution architect or a software engineer, it is essential that you understand the principles and value of process automation to fully realise the benefits of digital transformation and AI. This unit introduces the concepts underlying process automation, where you will learn how to develop an executable process model for automation and how to monitor its performance. You will learn how to build solutions that coordinate human and automated agents, including Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and AI agents. The hands-on approach allows you to design, control and analyse automated processes using a variety of process and AI technologies.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Explain the principles of process technologies and fundamental characteristics of an executable process model, independently of any specific modelling language or tool;
  2. Critically analyse business scenarios to identify the roles, process steps and interactions.
  3. Create an automated process using industry standard software, justifying design choices and evaluate its performance.
  4. Collaborate with peers in a team environment to manage process automation projects effectively
  5. Communicate professionally in written and oral formats to specialist audiences.

Content

This unit introduces the fundamentals of process automation, required for developing sophisticated technological solutions. It introduces both the theory and applications of process automation, enabling you to develop job-ready skills as process experts. The unit will discuss how process technologies are being deployed in various organisations. By completing exercises using industry-standard tools and techniques to gain hands-on experience and learning from real-world case studies, you will gain insights into how your technical skills align with current job market demands in process automation. You will design process automation solutions based on real-world needs. By creating prototype solutions, you are encouraged to think entrepreneurially, solve problems, and innovate based on organisational needs.

Learning Approaches

This unit is available to study in both on-campus and online modes. The content of the unit is delivered through lectures, workshops, and the QUT Canvas site. Pre-recorded lectures cover theoretical aspects of the unit, and workshops provide an opportunity to solve practical exercises. The unit emphasises a “hands-on” approach to learning through the illustration of new concepts through worked examples and demonstrations.

You can expect to spend between 10 - 15 hours per week studying this unit, including preparing for and attending all scheduled workshops, completing assessment tasks, and undertaking your own independent study to consolidate your learning.

 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

The assignments will be based on the material covered in the lectures and workshops. 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 homepage. A marking guide will be available and discussed in class. A detailed marking of assignments will provide you with comprehensive feedback. Teaching staff are available during the workshops and consultation hours to clarify or elaborate on the assignment content and provide constructive feedback.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment in this unit has been designed to help you to apply your knowledge of process orchestration. The assessment tasks will also allow you to demonstrate important employability skills, such as being able to work collaboratively with others and to demonstrate effective written and visual communication.

There are two assignments. Assessment 1 is conducted as a team, with individual components, on an extended process automation project with formative feedback throughout the semester. Assessment 2 focuses on agentic process orchestration and is completed individually.

Tasks will be discussed during the tutorials and/or pre-recorded lectures. Selected supporting resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.  A detailed marking rubric will be available for the assessment. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Process Automation Solution

This team assignment demonstrates your knowledge of foundational process automation concepts and the use of related tools. You will produce a running process automation solution based on a realistic scenario. In an accompanying report and video, you will explain the solution and show your understanding of the mechanisms at work. This assignment also includes individual components. As part of this assessment task, you will be expected to undertake a self and peer evaluation relating to contributions made to the team project. The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: Report: 10 pages, Recorded demonstration: 3 - 4 mins
Individual/Group: Individual and group
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Assessment: Agentic Process Orchestration Solution

This individual assignment challenges you to design and build an agentic process orchestration solution for a realistic process scenario. You will analyse the needs of an organisation and build a solution which coordinates different agents to achieve a stated goal. Components will include human work, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools, automated web services, and AI agents. This will be presented in a comprehensive report, including supporting technical artifacts. In an accompanying video, you will explain the solution and show your understanding of the mechanisms at work. The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: Report: 20 pages, Recorded demonstration: 3 - 5 mins
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

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.

Requirements to Study

Costs

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit

Resources

All learning and teaching materials for the unit will be made available on the unit Canvas site. Any additional readings required (e.g., recommended books and videos) will be listed in the lecture notes. 

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

  1. 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: Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  2. Use appropriate statistical, computational, modelling, data management, programming and generative artificial intelligence techniques to develop solutions for deriving insights from data.
    Relates to: Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as adaptivity in applying learned techniques in new and unfamiliar contexts.
    Relates to: Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  4. Work effectively both independently and collaboratively in diverse and interdisciplinary teams.
    Relates to: Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  5. Communicate effectively in a variety of modes, to expert and non-expert audiences, including in a professional context.
    Relates to: Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution

IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology

  1. 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, Process Automation Solution
  2. 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, Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  3. 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: ULO3, Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of IT in enabling business outcomes and how business realities shape IT decisions.
    Relates to: Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  5. 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, Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  6. 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: ULO5, Process Automation Solution, Agentic Process Orchestration Solution
  7. Assess the risks and potential of artificial intelligence (and other disruptive emerging technologies) within an organisation and leverage AI knowledge and skills to solve IT challenges, improve productivity and add value.
    Relates to: Agentic Process Orchestration Solution