Business Management and Information Systems

BSc Business Management & Information Systems

Study Business Management & Information Systems at AFG College with University of Aberdeen in Qatar.

Business Management and Information Systems

The BSc Business Management and Information Systems degree studied at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen brings together a solid grounding in business, people and organisations with in-depth study of how organisations of all sizes and in all sectors use information systems and technology as vital tools for business success.

At a glance

On Campus Learning
BSc
4 Years
Full Time
September

What You'll Study

We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Depending on start date, courses may vary or change.

Year 1
Academic Practice for Study (QB 1001)

Introductory course focusing on developing academic practice skills.

View detailed information about the Academic Practice for Study course

English for Academic Practice (QB 1002)

This course aims to provide students with relevant competencies and skills in the use of English for academic purposes, to critically engage with reading and listening material, and to develop skills for analysis and critical assessment.

View detailed information about the English for Academic Practice course

Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing (QC 1002)

This course will introduce students to techniques that support problem solving and modelling with computers, and concepts and methods that are fundamental to computing science. The techniques and concepts will be illustrated with numerous computing examples.

View detailed information about the Modelling and Problem Solving for Computing course

Introduction to Accounting (QB 1501)

This is an introduction to accounting which aims to provide an understanding of how organisations – particularly small and medium sized businesses – capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their activities internally within the management function and to communicate their financial performance and position to external users of the accounts.  This course allows students to develop practical and analytical skills through a problem-solving approach to accounting-related aspects of business performance reporting and control, particularly in relation to bookkeeping, accounts preparation, budgeting and management accounting.

View detailed information about the Introduction to Accounting course

Introduction to the Management of Organisations (QB 1504)

A level 1 Introductory course to introduce theoretical and management concepts of organization in order to develop and understanding of their relevance and application in today’s world of business.

View detailed information about the Introduction to the Management of Organisations course

Object Oriented Programming (QC 1502)

This course will build on the basic programming skills acquired in the first half-session and equip the students with advanced object oriented programming knowledge, implementation of data structure and algorithms, and basic software engineering techniques. The students will be challenged with more complicated programming problems through a series of continuous assessments.

View detailed information about the Object Oriented Programming course

Computer Systems and Architecture (QC 1504)

This course provides an introduction to computer systems. It includes an introduction to computer architecture and organization, and an introduction to operating systems.

View detailed information about the Computer Systems and Architecture course

Year 2
Introduction to HRM (QB 2006)

This course designed is for Business Management students and covers one of the most important functions in an organisation/business, that of Human Resource Management (HRM). HRM links people-related activities to the strategy of a business or organisation. This course develops an appreciation and understanding of the role of HRM in delivering on business strategy and organisational objectives. In doing so, the course introduces relevant concepts and theories in the field of HRM. Topics include: Evolution of HRM; International HRM; Recruitment and Selection; Reward and Performance Management; Training and Development; Work-Life Balance and Flexible Working; and Equality and Diversity.

View detailed information about the Introduction to HRM course

Marketing Management (QB 2007)

This course provides students with an overview of the underpinning concepts of marketing, and the requirements for the development of a market oriented organisation. Specifically introduces the basic concepts of buyer behaviour, market research, the marketing mix and the strategic context of marketing. The linkages between marketing and other key functional areas of management, notably operations and human resource management are highlighted by this course, encouraging the adoption of a systems perspective.

View detailed information about the Marketing Management course

Software Programming (QC 2001)

This course is concerned with tools and techniques for scalable and dependable software programming. It focusses primarily on the Java programming language and related technologies. The course gives extensive programming practice in Java. It covers in depth features of the language and how best to use them, the execution model of the language, memory management, design principles underpinning the language, and comparisons with other languages. Tools for collaboration, productivity, and versioning will also be discussed. 

View detailed information about the Software Programming course

Databases and Data Management (QC 2002)

Databases are an important part of traditional information systems (offline /online) as well as modern data science pipelines. This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases using major database technologies. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications, both in lectures and lab classes.

In addition, the course covers topics including management of different kinds of data such as spatial data and data warehousing. The course provides more hands-on training that develops skills useful in practice.

View detailed information about the Databases and Data Management course

Understanding Statistics (QB 2504)

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics.

View detailed information about the Understanding Statistics course

Operations Management (QB 2505)

We study processes and process types: when we produce goods or provide services through projects, jobs, batches or by mass production or mass services. We study layout–how facilities are arranged–, capacity and inventory–how much we can make and when to store–, supply chains, project management, quality and improvement.

The course considers theories such as lean and just-in-time but also practice. You will need a calculator besides the ability to write reports.

View detailed information about the Operations Management course

Human-Computer Interaction (QC 2501)

This course looks at why a computer system that interacts with human beings needs to be usable. It covers a set of techniques that allow usability to be taken into account when a system is designed and implemented, and also a set of techniques to assess whether usability has been achieved. Weekly practical sessions allow students to practice these techniques. The assessed coursework (which is normally carried out by groups of students) gives an opportunity to go through the design process for a concrete computer system, with a particular focus on ensuring usability.

View detailed information about the Human-Computer Interaction course

Mathematics for Computing Science (QC 2502)

This course provides an introduction to areas of Discrete Mathematics that are used extensively in Computing. The course covers three topics: (1) formal languages and machines; (2) formal logic; (3) probability and statistics. Applications of these in Computing are indicated throughout.

View detailed information about the Mathematics for Computing Science course

Year 3
Business Ethics (QB 3004)

What is Business Ethics and why should we care? There is an impression amongst many that Business and Ethics are opposed ideas. This course seeks to address these issues. Exploring Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility, tracing its historical origins through to current practice within organizations and the impact on the wider world.  The course covers the fundamental question of what ethics is, granting a context for wider discussion. It looks at why ethics is relevant in the business world today and does so through traditional lectures and interactive learning such as the debates that have proven popular with students.

View detailed information about the Business Ethics course

Artificial Intelligence (QC 3001)

The course provides an introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It discusses fundamental problems of AI and their computational solution via key concepts.

View detailed information about the Artificial Intelligence course

Principles of Software Engineering (QC 3002)

Students will develop large commercial and industrial software systems as a team-based effort that puts technical quality at centre stage. The module will focus on the early stage of software development, encompassing team building, requirements specification, architectural and detailed design, and software construction. Group work (where each team of students will develop a system selected using a business planning exercise) will guide the software engineering learning process. Teams will be encouraged to have an active, agile approach to problem solving through the guided study, evaluation and integration of practically relevant software engineering concepts, methods, and tools.

View detailed information about the Principles of Software Engineering course

Understanding the Consumer (QB 3504)

This course introduces students to what is involved in undertaking research into business phenomena. It introduces philosophical issues in the theory of knowledge, ethical issues in research conduct, and considers quantitative and qualitative methods in turn, addressing issues in sampling and design, details of specific approaches, and considerations in data analysis. The course is taught through weekly lectures and an extended two hour tutorial every fortnight, with two pieces of coursework and a two hour written exam. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the conceptual underpinning of different methods, and their strengths and limitations in research.

View detailed information about the Understanding the Consumer course

Enterprise Computing and Business (QC 3501)

This course provides insight into the business reasons for large software systems such as loyalty card systems, backend systems integrating firms and their suppliers and larges systems that integrate payroll, finance and operational parts of a business. You also learn the entrepreneurial aspects of business during the practical sessions where you explore and develop your own business application idea using service design and lean startup approaches centred around customer development, which you will find useful in any future work. This course is open to anyone across the university and requires no programming experience.

View detailed information about the Enterprise Computing and Business course

Software Engineering and Professional Practice (QC 3502)

In this module, which is the follow-up of CS3028, students will focus on the team-based development of a previously specified, designed, and concept-proofed software system. Each team will build their product to industrial-strength quality standards following an agile process and applying the software engineering concepts, methods, and tools introduced in CS3028. The course includes a series of mandatory participatory seminars on professional and management issues in IT and IT projects. Students will be expected to relate their engineering work to these issues.

View detailed information about the Software Engineering and Professional Practice course

Year 4
Managing Consultancy & Change (QB 4004)

There are many jobs available every year in the consultancy sector and preparing to apply for one requires knowledge, skill and experience demonstrated to your future employer. This course is intended to introduce you to the work of management consultants and identify the competencies you will require to apply for a career in consultancy. The course will include group presentation work which will be assessed by your tutors (who have both been consultants) and past students who have are now employed in consultancy who will advise you on how best to apply for a position in this important sector.

View detailed information about the Managing Consultancy & Change course

Security (QC 4001)

The course provides a solid foundation in computer and information security. It will cover topics of Information and Risk, Threats and Attacks, Cybersecurity Architecture and Operations, Secure Systems and Products, Cybersecurity Management and Trustworthy Software.

View detailed information about the Security course

Research Methods (QC 4002)

In this course, you will conduct an individual research project into the behaviour of a computing system. You will develop knowledge and understanding of rigorous methods to: explore computing system behaviour; identify questions about behaviour; design experiments to answer those questions; analyse experimental results; and report on the outcomes of your research. You will develop your understanding of research ethics and how this relates to professional behaviour.

View detailed information about the Research Methods course

Joint Honours Computer Project (QC 4501)

Consists of a supervised project which provides experience of investigating a real problem in computing science, or a computing application/technology. Learner will apply knowledge and skills gained earlier in their degree programme, and seek to go even further. Managing the project and presenting the results obtained are an integral part of the investigation.

View detailed information about the Joint Honours Computer Project course

Business Strategy (QB 4505)

This course is about business strategy and covers a broad range of topics that come under the general heading of “Business Strategy” or “Strategic Management”. The course has been designed to help you gain an understanding of the key areas of strategic management including an understanding of: what strategic management is and why it is important; the different types of strategic analysis tools available; the difference between corporate, business and functional strategy;  the complex issues associated with the implementation of strategy;  the concept of strategic fit; and the role for strategic leadership in shaping and implementing strategy. 

View detailed information about the Business Strategy course

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

Group Projects
Individual Projects
Lectures
Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.  Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
 

Why Study Business Management and Information Systems

  • You will gain a wide perspective and thorough grounding in all areas of business and information systems.
  • In your third year you will tackle a year-long software engineering project, working as part of a team, to develop a major software system.
  • In your final year you will undertake a real life project which may be with a local company.
  • You will learn from our experts and will be given the opportunity to develop your skills in business, and Information systems making you more attractive to employers.

Entry Requirements

  • 65% or above in the Thanawiyah or 5 passes at C or above in IGCSE
  • 40 UCAS points at AS/A Level or completed IB Certificate
  • Proof of English language at IELTS 5.5 or above (minimum 5.0 in all sections) or equivalent qualification*

*if the most recent academic qualification is not taught in English.

Advanced Entry

  • Applications for advanced entry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Documents Required

  • Equivalency Statement Letter from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education
  • No objection certificate (NOC) from the National Military Service, Ministry of Defence. (For male Qatari Nationals only)

Fees

  • The tuition fee for entry in September is 89,000 QR per year.
  • Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
  • Flexible payment methods are available.