Semester 1, 2026
Assessment 1 : Individual Report – Business IT Applications Analysis
Open Assessment
Total Assessment weighting – 20%
Report Submission Deadline: Sunday, 5 April 2026, 23:59 pm (Week 5)
Purpose of this assessment
This task is designed to help the student:
Demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome:
ULO 1. Explain the relationship between information technology systems and business performance.
ULO 2. Discuss the social impact of information technology, both locally and globally and the need for related security, privacy and ethical consideration in information technology usage in businesses.
Task description:
To complete this assessment, students are required to:
1. Select a real business from one of the following categories:
• Banking and Financial Services
Examples: Commonwealth Bank (CBA), ANZ, Westpac, NAB
• Retail and E-commerce
Examples: Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, JB Hi-Fi
• Transport or Logistics
Examples: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Toll Group, Australia Post
• Hospitality and Tourism
Examples: Accor Hotels, Flight Centre, Crown Resorts
• Healthcare
Examples: St Vincent's Health, Ramsay Health Care, Bupa
• Telecommunications
Examples: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
• Media and Entertainment
Examples: Netflix, Foxtel, ABC
• Education
Examples: TAFE NSW, Monash University, Open Universities Australia
Students who wish to choose an organisation outside these examples must ensure it clearly uses IT systems in its operations.
2. Write an analytical report that:
• Explains how the organisation uses information technology systems to support operations, decision-making, and overall business performance.
• Discusses how IT systems enable efficiency, competitiveness, collaboration, and strategic advantage.
• References relevant theories, frameworks, and models covered in the lectures.
• Examines the social impact of information technology on the organisation and its external environment.
• Explains both local and global implications of its IT use (e.g., impacts on employees, customers, communities, supply chains).
• Discusses security, privacy, and ethical considerations related to the organisation's IT practices.
Word count for the report
Length: 2000 words (excluding reference list) (plus/minus 10%)
Required sections in your report
| SCI Cover Page (Provided by the lecturer) | |
| Executive summary | (Approx 150 words) |
| Table of contents | |
Introduction
| (Approx 200 words) |
IT Systems and Business Performance
| (Approx 900 words) |
Social, Ethical, and Global Implications of IT Use
| (Approx 600 words) |
Conclusion
| (Approx 150 words) |
Acknowledgement
| |
References
|
Citation and referencing (APA 7th edition)
The assignment should show evidence of research, with references from relevant academic journals. You should have at least ten different peer-reviewed academic articles and use them as the foundation for each part of your report. Do not use Wikipedia as a reference source. Unless it is a generic theory/model, cited publications must be within the past 10 years.
All citations and references must adhere to APA 7th edition referencing style.
https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples
Other requirements
Assessment Submission Guidelines
Before the due date, each group is allowed three (3) submission attempts, providing an opportunity to check for unintended plagiarism using text-matching software. As a team, review the similarity report together, discuss any necessary revisions, and ensure your final submission reflects the original work. If the similarity score is 30% or higher, collaborate to revise the content before making your final submission, as high similarity may indicate academic misconduct.
Academic Integrity and Misconduct
Students must submit original work and uphold academic integrity at Southern Cross Institute (SCI). The Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure outlines the principles of academic honesty and details the consequences of misconduct, including plagiarism, recycling, fabricating information, collusion, cheating in examinations, contract cheating, artificial intelligence tools, dishonest behaviour etc. SCI utilises Turnitin to encourage proper citation practices and to detect potential academic misconduct.
Ethical Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Tools
Refer to the Quick Guide for Students created by the Learning Support Team for best practices in using GenAI tools. While GenAI can assist with idea generation, structuring, and drafting, students must carefully review, paraphrase, and properly reference any AI-generated content if used. Overreliance on AI may raise academic integrity concerns such as fabricating information.
Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software
As per American Psychological Association (2020), the reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
Note: Although here we focus on ChatGPT, they can be adapted to the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.
Rubric for Assessment 1 – Individual Report – Business IT Applications Analysis (20%) – OPEN ASSESSMENT
| Criteria | Fail (0 – 49%) | Pass (50 - 64%) | Credit (65-74%) | Distinction (75-84%) | High Distinction (85 – 100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge and Application of Unit Topics (30%) | Fails to demonstrate understanding of the topics and does not explain how ideas relate to business IT applications; no meaningful reference to required texts. | Demonstrates acceptable understanding of the topics with limited clarity on how ideas relate; makes some reference to required texts. | Displays above-average understanding and explains how topics relate to business IT applications with attempts to use required texts. | Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of topics and effectively explains how ideas relate, with consistent reference to appropriate texts. | Demonstrates excellent insight into topics and clearly explains relationships between ideas, supported by relevant and accurate use of required texts. |
| Analysis and Critical Evaluation (30%) | Provides descriptive or superficial discussion with no critical evaluation or independent analysis. | Demonstrates some basic analysis with limited or inconsistent critical evaluation. | Demonstrates above-average analysis with some meaningful critical evaluation and interpretation of ideas. | Demonstrates strong analysis supported by clear, well-reasoned critical evaluation to a very high standard. | Demonstrates exceptional critical evaluation with insightful, independent analysis that strengthens the overall argument. |
| Ethical Use of GenAI Tools in Research and Writing (20%) | Uses GenAI tools inappropriately or without acknowledgement. | Uses GenAI tools with minimal acknowledgement. | Uses GenAI tools ethically with appropriate citations. | Integrates GenAI tools with clear critical evaluation. | Demonstrates transparent and justified use of GenAI tools with high-level critical analysis. |
| Clarity of Communication and Referencing (10%) | Response is unclear, poorly structured, difficult to follow, and not compliant with APA referencing style. | Response is generally clear, easy to follow, and compliant with APA referencing style. | Response is clear, well organised, and referenced to an above-average standard. | Response is very clear, well structured, and referenced to a very high standard. | Response is exceptionally clear, coherent, well structured, and referenced to an outstanding academic standard. |
| Structure, Organisation, and Presentation (10%) | Work is disorganised, lacks logical flow, and does not follow required academic structure or presentation guidelines. | Work shows basic organisation and follows some structural requirements, though flow or sequencing may be inconsistent. | Work is well organised, follows the required structure, and demonstrates an above-average standard of sequencing and presentation. | Work is very well organised, follows the required structure consistently, and demonstrates a very high standard of logical flow and presentation. | Work is exceptionally well structured, coherent, and professionally presented, demonstrating exemplary organisation and alignment with all presentation expectations. |
Note: This report is provided as a sample for reference purposes only. For further guidance, detailed solutions, or personalized assignment support, please contact us directly.MCX005 Accounting Systems and Processes
This report analyses how information technology systems contribute to organisational performance at Woolworths Group, one of Australia’s largest retail companies. The analysis focuses on how IT supports operational efficiency, strategic decision-making, and collaboration across the organisation. Key information systems used by Woolworths include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), supply chain management systems, customer relationship management (CRM), data analytics platforms, and e-commerce technologies.
The report also evaluates the role of IT in improving competitiveness and enabling digital transformation in the retail sector. Additionally, it discusses the social, ethical, and global implications of IT usage, including issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and workforce changes caused by automation.
Overall, the report demonstrates that effective use of information technology enables Woolworths to enhance productivity, improve customer experience, and maintain competitive advantage while also presenting important ethical and security challenges.
Information technology plays a critical role in modern business operations by supporting decision-making, improving productivity, and enabling competitive advantages. Organisations across industries rely heavily on digital technologies to manage data, streamline processes, and enhance communication between stakeholders.
This report analyses how IT systems influence business performance using Woolworths Group as a case study. Woolworths is one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains, operating thousands of stores and serving millions of customers every week. The company has invested heavily in digital transformation, including online grocery platforms, automated supply chain systems, and advanced data analytics technologies.
The purpose of this report is to examine how Woolworths utilises IT systems to support its operations, strategy, and collaboration across departments. The report also evaluates the social, ethical, and global implications associated with the organisation’s use of technology, including issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
Through this analysis, the report demonstrates the strong relationship between information technology systems and organisational performance, highlighting how effective IT implementation can enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the retail industry.
Woolworths uses several advanced information systems to support its business operations.
ERP systems integrate various business functions such as finance, inventory management, and procurement into a single platform. Woolworths uses ERP systems to coordinate operations across its supply chain, ensuring that inventory levels are monitored in real time and resources are efficiently allocated.
ERP systems improve operational efficiency by reducing data duplication and allowing managers to access accurate information for decision-making.
Supply chain technology is essential for large retail organisations like Woolworths. The company uses advanced logistics and warehouse management systems to monitor inventory, forecast demand, and optimise delivery routes.
These systems enable Woolworths to:
Automated warehouses and digital tracking technologies also help maintain accuracy in inventory management.
CRM systems allow Woolworths to manage customer data and improve customer engagement. Through loyalty programs such as Everyday Rewards, the company collects data on purchasing patterns and customer preferences.
CRM systems support marketing strategies by enabling personalised promotions, targeted advertisements, and improved customer service.
Data analytics plays a significant role in Woolworths’ decision-making processes. Business intelligence systems analyse large volumes of data related to customer behaviour, sales trends, and market demand.
These insights help managers make strategic decisions such as:
Predictive analytics also helps the company forecast demand and avoid stock shortages.
Online grocery shopping has become increasingly important in the retail industry. Woolworths uses e-commerce platforms and mobile applications that allow customers to order groceries online and receive home delivery.
These digital platforms enhance customer convenience and expand the company’s market reach.
Information technology enables Woolworths to streamline operations and improve business performance.
Automation and integrated systems reduce manual processes and improve accuracy in inventory tracking, logistics management, and financial reporting.
For example, automated distribution centres increase efficiency by processing thousands of orders quickly and accurately.
IT systems provide managers with real-time data, enabling them to make informed decisions. Business intelligence tools analyse sales data and customer trends, helping the company adjust pricing strategies and product offerings.
Collaboration tools and communication platforms enable employees across multiple locations to share information and coordinate tasks effectively.
Cloud computing technologies allow teams to access shared documents and systems from anywhere, improving organisational coordination.
Technology provides Woolworths with a competitive advantage in the retail industry. By using advanced analytics, digital marketing, and automated supply chains, the company can operate more efficiently than many competitors.
Digital innovation also helps Woolworths adapt to changing consumer behaviours, particularly the growth of online shopping.
The use of information technology has significantly influenced both employees and customers.
For employees, automation and digital systems have improved workplace productivity but also raised concerns about job displacement. For customers, digital technologies provide convenience through online shopping, digital payments, and personalised services.
Retail organisations collect large amounts of customer data. Woolworths gathers information through loyalty programs and online shopping platforms.
This raises privacy concerns because companies must ensure that personal information is stored securely and used responsibly.
Failure to protect customer data could lead to identity theft and loss of consumer trust.
Cybersecurity is a major concern for organisations using digital technologies. Retail companies are frequent targets of cyberattacks because they store sensitive financial and personal data.
To address these risks, Woolworths invests in security technologies such as:
These measures help protect customer information and maintain business continuity.
Ethical issues related to IT include responsible data usage, transparency in digital marketing, and fair treatment of employees affected by automation.
Organisations must ensure that technologies are used ethically and that decisions driven by algorithms do not lead to discrimination or unfair outcomes.
Woolworths operates in a global supply chain that relies on digital technologies to coordinate suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers.
IT systems enable international communication, inventory tracking, and supplier management.
However, global digital operations also create challenges such as compliance with international data protection regulations and managing cybersecurity risks across multiple regions.
This report examined the relationship between information technology systems and organisational performance using Woolworths Group as a case study. The analysis demonstrated that IT systems such as ERP, supply chain management, CRM, and data analytics platforms play a vital role in improving operational efficiency, supporting decision-making, and enhancing customer experience.
The report also highlighted the social, ethical, and global implications associated with the use of IT. While digital technologies provide significant benefits, they also create challenges related to privacy, cybersecurity, and workforce transformation.
Overall, effective management of information technology is essential for organisations seeking to remain competitive in the modern digital economy. Companies must ensure that technological innovations are implemented responsibly while maintaining strong security practices and ethical standards.
This report used AI tools such as ChatGPT for assistance with idea generation, structuring the report, and improving grammar and clarity. All content has been reviewed, paraphrased, and edited by the author to ensure originality and academic integrity.
You must include 10+ sources, for example:
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2022). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm. Pearson.
Porter, M. E. (2008). Competitive strategy. Harvard Business Review.
Woolworths Group. (2024). Annual Report.
Chen, H., Chiang, R., & Storey, V. (2019). Business intelligence and analytics. MIS Quarterly.
Davenport, T., & Harris, J. (2017). Competing on analytics. Harvard Business Press.
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