IFQ585 Systems Innovation and Design
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: | IFQ585 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | IFN585 or ((IFN552 and IFN558) or (IFQ552 and IFQ558)) |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,116 |
| International unit fee | $5,616 |
Unit Outline: Session 2 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | IFQ585 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | IFN585 or ((IFN552 and IFN558) or (IFQ552 and IFQ558)) |
Overview
Organisations are continuously transforming to leverage the potential of information systems. Effective transformation requires leadership to clearly define business problems that information systems can help address. This unit focuses on two key components that support such transformation: data analysis and visualisation, and systems innovation and design. The first component introduces you to data analysis and visualisation, enabling you to explore patterns, generate insights, and communicate findings that support evidence-based decision-making. The second component introduces system dynamics modelling, equipping you with tools to understand and design complex systems through feedback loops and scenario analysis. Together, these approaches enable you to analyse problems, model solutions, and support informed organisational decisions through the strategic use of information systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse business problems to generate relevant stakeholder questions and apply data-driven and systems-based approaches to support decision-making.
- Synthesise data and create a digital dashboard to solve organisational issues including computer and human factors.
- Evaluate potential IT-enabled solutions under ethical considerations, including how they relate to First Nations Australians.
- Apply modelling techniques to analyse complex systems and evaluate system behaviour and intervention outcomes.
- Employ communication skills to work independently through reflective practice.
- Employ teamwork skills to work collaboratively through reflective dialogue.
Content
You will be introduced to the process of identifying user needs, defining business problems, and exploring system-based solutions. Drawing on your growing IT expertise and interests, you will analyse contemporary industry challenges and design solutions that are relevant to both organisational and community contexts. Designing effective solutions requires an understanding of technical, managerial, and societal perspectives of information systems. In this unit, data analysis and visualisation will support the exploration of data-driven insights, while system dynamics modelling will guide the design of innovative solutions for complex problems. Together, these approaches provide a foundation for making informed and ethical decisions through the strategic use of information systems.
Learning Approaches
This unit is designed for asynchronous online study, with activities including numerous short videos, podcasts and exercises carefully chosen to reinforce key skills and concepts. Students will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with peers and teaching staff.
Throughout the pre-recorded lectures, a case study based on a real-world example will be used to explain both the knowledge and practical realities of the content. The self-paced learning materials and activities will involve you in identifying and solving business problems based on case study data. The self-pace learning materials are also designed to help develop the skills to effectively leverage and visualise data.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There are multiple ways for you to receive feedback on your learning and progress in this unit. These include:
- formative in-class individual and whole-of-class feedback provided by unit staff during discussion activities
- responses to questions posed through the unit communication channel from your peers and teaching staff
- feedback given on your assessment items individually via the rubric and written feedback.
Assessment
Overview
This unit prepares you to analyse business problems and design IT-based solutions using real-world data. You will begin by developing a digital dashboard that applies data analysis and visualisation techniques to uncover insights. You will then build on this work by applying systems thinking and modelling to design an IT artefact. In addition to creating these artefacts, you will demonstrate your ability to critically reflect on systems innovation and design through the lens of contemporary challenges and relevant theoretical frameworks. Your participation in tutorial activities will further support your development through collaboration and ongoing engagement, while an invigilated examination will assess your conceptual and theoretical understanding. Completion of the Online Ethics Module is required to meet professional standards expected of IT graduates.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Data Analysis and Visualisation
Create a digital dashboard using data analysis and visualisation. You will be required to collect, clean, and prepare data for analysis, then design an interactive dashboard that communicates key insights effectively. Ethical considerations, including the respectful inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, will form an integral part of your analysis and design process.
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.
Assessment: System Dynamics Modelling
In this assessment, you will collaboratively design a behavioural system innovation by developing artefacts including system dynamics models, mathematical formulations, experimental designs, and operational strategies. Each group member will contribute an independently developed artefact in a collaborative team effort to demonstrate their understanding and application of systems thinking, behavioural theory, and real-world data.
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.
Assessment: Online Ethics Module Part 1
In this self contained online Ethics module (Part 1) you will learn about the Australian Computer Society's Code of Professional Conduct and how it is applied in the workplace. You will then need to pass an online quiz to test your knowledge of the topics covered. You must pass the quiz in order to pass this unit, however you may attempt the quiz an unlimited number of times until you pass.
Threshold Assessment:
As an IT professional you will be legally bound by a code of ethics and professional conduct. Knowledge of these codes is therefore essential for all IT graduates. You must pass this Online Ethics Module in order to pass this unit, i.e. regardless of how well you do in the other assessment items, you cannot pass this unit if you fail this assessment item. You may however attempt this assessment item an unlimited number of times until you pass.
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
- Free software for visualisation of design will be provided.
- Recommended reading material, as well as lecture content and tutorial content will be made readily available.
- Most tasks are set around freely-available university modules and through the unit’s Canvas site.
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.IQ18 Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of information technology disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis and Visualisation - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling, Online Ethics Module Part 1 - Employ industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, System Dynamics Modelling - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO5 - Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to the IT field.
Relates to: ULO3, Online Ethics Module Part 1
IQ19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced IT knowledge in one or more IT disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling, Online Ethics Module Part 1 - Apply advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Data Analysis and Visualisation - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, System Dynamics Modelling - Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Demonstrate developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to the IT field including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Online Ethics Module Part 1
IQ20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling, Online Ethics Module Part 1 - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Data Analysis and Visualisation - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others
Relates to: ULO5, System Dynamics Modelling - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Online Ethics Module Part 1
Unit Outline: Session 4 2026, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | IFQ585 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | IFN585 or ((IFN552 and IFN558) or (IFQ552 and IFQ558)) |
Overview
Organisations are continuously transforming to leverage the potential of information systems. Effective transformation requires leadership to clearly define business problems that information systems can help address. This unit focuses on two key components that support such transformation: data analysis and visualisation, and systems innovation and design. The first component introduces you to data analysis and visualisation, enabling you to explore patterns, generate insights, and communicate findings that support evidence-based decision-making. The second component introduces system dynamics modelling, equipping you with tools to understand and design complex systems through feedback loops and scenario analysis. Together, these approaches enable you to analyse problems, model solutions, and support informed organisational decisions through the strategic use of information systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Analyse business problems to generate relevant stakeholder questions and apply data-driven and systems-based approaches to support decision-making.
- Synthesise data and create a digital dashboard to solve organisational issues including computer and human factors.
- Evaluate potential IT-enabled solutions under ethical considerations, including how they relate to First Nations Australians.
- Apply modelling techniques to analyse complex systems and evaluate system behaviour and intervention outcomes.
- Employ communication skills to work independently through reflective practice.
- Employ teamwork skills to work collaboratively through reflective dialogue.
Content
You will be introduced to the process of identifying user needs, defining business problems, and exploring system-based solutions. Drawing on your growing IT expertise and interests, you will analyse contemporary industry challenges and design solutions that are relevant to both organisational and community contexts. Designing effective solutions requires an understanding of technical, managerial, and societal perspectives of information systems. In this unit, data analysis and visualisation will support the exploration of data-driven insights, while system dynamics modelling will guide the design of innovative solutions for complex problems. Together, these approaches provide a foundation for making informed and ethical decisions through the strategic use of information systems.
Learning Approaches
This unit is designed for asynchronous online study, with activities including numerous short videos, podcasts and exercises carefully chosen to reinforce key skills and concepts. Students will have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with peers and teaching staff.
Throughout the pre-recorded lectures, a case study based on a real-world example will be used to explain both the knowledge and practical realities of the content. The self-paced learning materials and activities will involve you in identifying and solving business problems based on case study data. The self-pace learning materials are also designed to help develop the skills to effectively leverage and visualise data.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
There are multiple ways for you to receive feedback on your learning and progress in this unit. These include:
- formative in-class individual and whole-of-class feedback provided by unit staff during discussion activities
- responses to questions posed through the unit communication channel from your peers and teaching staff
- feedback given on your assessment items individually via the rubric and written feedback.
Assessment
Overview
This unit prepares you to analyse business problems and design IT-based solutions using real-world data. You will begin by developing a digital dashboard that applies data analysis and visualisation techniques to uncover insights. You will then build on this work by applying systems thinking and modelling to design an IT artefact. In addition to creating these artefacts, you will demonstrate your ability to critically reflect on systems innovation and design through the lens of contemporary challenges and relevant theoretical frameworks. Your participation in tutorial activities will further support your development through collaboration and ongoing engagement, while an invigilated examination will assess your conceptual and theoretical understanding. Completion of the Online Ethics Module is required to meet professional standards expected of IT graduates.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Data Analysis and Visualisation
Create a digital dashboard using data analysis and visualisation. You will be required to collect, clean, and prepare data for analysis, then design an interactive dashboard that communicates key insights effectively. Ethical considerations, including the respectful inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, will form an integral part of your analysis and design process.
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.
Assessment: System Dynamics Modelling
In this assessment, you will collaboratively design a behavioural system innovation by developing artefacts including system dynamics models, mathematical formulations, experimental designs, and operational strategies. Each group member will contribute an independently developed artefact in a collaborative team effort to demonstrate their understanding and application of systems thinking, behavioural theory, and real-world data.
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.
Assessment: Online Ethics Module Part 1
In this self contained online Ethics module (Part 1) you will learn about the Australian Computer Society's Code of Professional Conduct and how it is applied in the workplace. You will then need to pass an online quiz to test your knowledge of the topics covered. You must pass the quiz in order to pass this unit, however you may attempt the quiz an unlimited number of times until you pass.
Threshold Assessment:
As an IT professional you will be legally bound by a code of ethics and professional conduct. Knowledge of these codes is therefore essential for all IT graduates. You must pass this Online Ethics Module in order to pass this unit, i.e. regardless of how well you do in the other assessment items, you cannot pass this unit if you fail this assessment item. You may however attempt this assessment item an unlimited number of times until you pass.
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
- Free software for visualisation of design will be provided.
- Recommended reading material, as well as lecture content and tutorial content will be made readily available.
- Most tasks are set around freely-available university modules and through the unit’s Canvas site.
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.IQ18 Graduate Certificate in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of information technology disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis and Visualisation - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling, Online Ethics Module Part 1 - Employ industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, System Dynamics Modelling - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO5 - Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to the IT field.
Relates to: ULO3, Online Ethics Module Part 1
IQ19 Graduate Diploma in Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced IT knowledge in one or more IT disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate solutions.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling, Online Ethics Module Part 1 - Apply advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Data Analysis and Visualisation - Work effectively in both self-directed and collaborative contexts.
Relates to: ULO5, System Dynamics Modelling - Communicate effectively in IT professional contexts using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Demonstrate developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgement in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically reflect on the social, cultural, ethical and diversity issues related to the IT field including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Online Ethics Module Part 1
IQ20 Master of Information Technology
- Demonstrate advanced specialist IT knowledge in at least one information technology discipline
Relates to: ULO1, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Critically analyse complex IT problems and opportunities and use creativity and problem-solving skills to generate innovative and novel solutions that are convincingly justified.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling, Online Ethics Module Part 1 - Integrate advanced, industry-best practice, IT methods, tools and techniques to develop and implement complex IT systems, processes and/or software.
Relates to: ULO2, Data Analysis and Visualisation - Employ leadership and initiative in both self-directed and collaborative contexts to create value for others
Relates to: ULO5, System Dynamics Modelling - Communicate effectively in IT professional and scholarly contexts to specialist and non-specialist audiences using written, visual and oral formats.
Relates to: ULO4, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Demonstrate business acumen and well-developed values, attitudes, behaviours and judgements in professional contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, System Dynamics Modelling - Create positive change through critically reflecting upon and actioning responses to the social, cultural, ethical, sustainability, legal and accessibility issues in the IT field, including how they relate to First Nations Australians and diverse populations.
Relates to: ULO3, Data Analysis and Visualisation, Online Ethics Module Part 1