BUS405 – Ethics and Privacy in Business Analytics

Unit code & Title	BUS405 - Ethics and Privacy in Business Analytics
Pre-requisite	Not Applicable
Delivery modes	On-campus; Online;
Credit points	10
Study commitment	Average of 150 hours of teaching, learning and assessment over the trimester.
Scheduled learning (On-campus)	2 × 3 hours on-campus seminar and tutorial weekly (for block mode)
Scheduled learning (AIA Online)	Recorded contents + 2 × 3 hour online seminar and tutorial weekly
Learning Outcomes	ULO1 Demonstrate a practical understanding of legal terminology related to information privacy and data security. ULO2 Describe how legislation, regulation and the common law system operates to protect privacy in relation to digital data, particularly personal information. ULO3 Assess the importance of European Union and other international privacy regulations for Australian organisations. ULO4 Apply relevant legal frameworks, regulations, and ethical standards to evaluate privacy and security risks in personal data management. ULO5 Reflect on the legal responsibilities of handling personal information and consider the broader implications of accountability in data protection.

Overview

The Unit explores the ethical and privacy issues in business analytics, focusing on data governance, regulatory compliance and the ethical implications of data-driven decision-making.

Students will examine both consumer and non-consumer data, addressing concerns over privacy and control, especially in the aftermath of recent data breaches and daily ethical dilemmas faced by business analysts.

This Unit provides a framework for analysing the impact of data collection and management, with emphasis on fairness, accountability, and transparency. The Unit covers responsible data practices, voluntary disclosure when using metadata in algorithms and AI systems, and the significance of the Fair Information Practices Principles Act (FIPPA) and “right to be forgotten” laws.

Students will explore key questions such as data ownership, the value of privacy, informed consent, and fairness in data usage.

The unit is aligned with the following course learning outcome (CLO):

• CLO1: Demonstrate a deep understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of business analytics, including data analysis techniques, modelling, and interpretation.
• CLO2: Apply systems thinking to analyse and design business systems for effective planning and strategy formulation.
• CLO4: Demonstrate ethical awareness and understanding of privacy issues in business analytics and apply ethical frameworks to decision-making processes.
• CLO5: Develop specialised skills and knowledge in a chosen area of business analytics through completion of specialisation units and a Research Project.
• CLO6: Utilise business intelligence tools and techniques to generate insights from data and create meaningful reports for decision-making purposes.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit Current student page

Important Dates

Refer to Academic Calendar