INSTITUTE OF ACCOUNTANCY ARUSHA

MODULE GUIDELINES
+
ASSESSMENT PLAN

BUSSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

GSU 07204/ BMU 07101/ AFU 07129/ ITU 07102/ LIB 07102

ACADEMIC YEAR: 2023/2024

1. General Module Information

Module Name: Business Computer Application

Module Code: GSU 07204/ BMU 07101/ AFU

07129/ ITU 07102/ LIB 07102
Semester: II

Level: Bachelor Degree

Location: Arusha

Credits: 8

Contact Hours per Week: Lecture = 2, Practical =2, Assignment = 2

Pre-requisite: None

Main Reference Book: Adam A. Semlambo, Bakiri Angalia

(2022), Introduction to ICT and Business
Computer Applications, Mweka
Publishing and General supply L.t.d.

2. Module Description

Introduction to business computer applications introduces office package applications

and techniques in developing business documents and reports. The module also equips
students with techniques for creating professional-looking documents, charts,
calculations, presentations, sending and receiving data by emails. In addition to that the
module equips students on online collaboration as an application supporting business
functions.

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3. Aims, Objectives and Learning Context

3.1 Course Aims

Introduction to business computer applications will enhance the ability of students to

use office application package and other online collaborative software’s in performing
daily business operations. At the end of the course, students should be in a position to
use office application to perform daily business operations in a professional way.

3.2 Learning Objectives

(i) Identify features of commonly used office application package

(ii) Use office package to solve business problems.
(iii) Describe the use of internet to transfer and receive information.
(iv) Compare office package with other computer applications supporting
business functions

3.3 Learning Context and Graduate Attributes

The module employs a variety of methods including formal lectures, practical sessions,
presentations, and assignments. Much work is lab practical sessions that encourage
students to master office application packages and other online collaborative tools.
There will be a strong emphasis on the use of MS office application package 2013 or
2016, Internet and email, online communities and other computer applications which
enhances daily business operation of an organization. Graduate attributes include in-
depth knowledge of the field of study, effective communication skills, deep and broad
technical experience, a passion for problem solving, creativity, and confidence around
a computer.

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 4. Module Contents

TOPIC SUB TOPIC OBJECTIVES LEARNING TOOLS TASKS

OUTCOMES

4.1.Introduct • Define Computer system At the end of this topic • Explain the general Practical • Understand
ion to • Explain Basic Computer students should be able to: concept of computer scenario, term
computer operations system and Computer
system • Explain major types of • Explain the general • Explain basic system
Computer memory concept of computer Computer operations Matching • Explain Basic
• Explain the concept of Data system • Explain major types item Computer
and information in • Explain basic of Computer questions, operations
Computing Computer operations Memory • Identify
• Explain the Characteristics • Explain major types of • Explain Computer Discussio major types
of Computer Computer Memory characteristics n of Computer
• Explain Major Parts of • Explain Computer • Explain two major memory
Computers characteristics parts which made up • Identify
• Explain Major • Explain two major a computer Major Parts
Classification of parts which made up a • Explain Major of Computers
Computers computer Classification of Identify
• Explain Major Computer • Explain Major Computers Major
generation till to date Classification of • Explain Major Classification
Computers Computer generation of Computers
• Explain Major till to date
and
Computer generation
till to date generation till
to date

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4.2.Introduct • Understand general • At the end of this topic • Understand general Practical • Understand
ion to concept of Window 8, 10. students should be concept of Window scenario, general
Window • Use keyboard, Mouse able to: 8, 10. and concept of
Basics • Use window short cut • Understand general • Use keyboard, Window 8,
keys concept of Window 8, Mouse Matching 10.
• Start program 10. • Use window short item • Use
• Understand the window • Use keyboard, Mouse cut keys questions, keyboard,
interface • Use window short cut • Start program Mouse
• Use Maximize, Minimize keys • Understand the Discussio • Use window
Window • Start program window interface n short cut keys
• Use scroll bars • Understand the • Use Maximize, • Start program
• Backspace and delete keys window interface Minimize Window • Understand
• Use Maximize, • Use scroll bars the window
Minimize Window • Backspace and delete interface
• Use scroll bars keys • Use
• Backspace and delete Maximize,
keys Minimize
Window
• Use scroll
bars
• Backspace
and delete
keys

4.3.Introduct • Identify and list different At the end of this topic • Identify and list Practical • Identify and
ion to MS application in office 2013 or students should be able to: different application scenario, list different
office 2016 in office 2013 or 2016 and application in

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application • Get started with office • Identify and list • Get started with Matching office 2013 or
package application 2013 or 2016 different application in office application item 2016
2013 or 2016 • Explain the importance of office 2013 or 2016 2013 or 2016 questions, • Use office
various office application • Get started with office • Explain the application
packages application 2013 or importance of Discussio 2013 or 2016
2016 various office n • Explain the
• Explain the importance application packages importance of
of various office to solve business various office
application packages problems. application
to solve business packages to
problems. solve
business
problems.

4.4 • Understand MS word At the end of this topic • Understand and use Practical • Use MS word
Introduction Ribbon in detail, using a students should be able to: MS word tabs in scenario, Ribbon and
to MS Word Clipboard detail and tabs
application • Understand MS word Tabs • Understand MS word • Create a new black • Create a new
in detail Tabs in detail document or use a Matching blank
2013 or 2016
• Understand MS word • Create a new blank template item document or
Commands in detail. document or use a • Enter text into a questions, use a
• Create a new blank template. document template.
document or use a • Enter text into a • Change text Discussio • Enter text
template. document formatting: font n into a
• Enter text into a • Change text sizes. document
document formatting: font sizes. • Add, delete, move, • Use text
• Change text formatting: • Add, delete, move, cut, cut, and paste texts. format to
font sizes. and paste texts. • Use different text your
• Add, delete, move, cut, and • Use different text alignments document
paste texts. alignments

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• Use different text • Use different page • Use different page
alignments layout layout
• Use different page layout • Modify page • Modify page • Use delete,
• Modify page orientation orientation orientation move, cut,
• Saving and sharing • Saving and sharing • Saving and sharing and paste
document document document texts
• Use line and paragraph • Use line and • Use line and commands
spacing paragraph spacing paragraph spacing • Use different
• Use bullets and number • Use bullets and • Use bullets and page layout
lists number lists. number lists • Modify page
• Add and modify • Add and modify • Add and modify orientation
hyperlinks hyperlinks hyperlinks • Saving and
• Use page breaks, add page • Use page breaks, add • Use page breaks, add sharing
section. page section. page section. document
• Working with columns • Working with columns • Working with • Use bullets
• Add header, footer and • Add header, footer columns and number
page numbers and page numbers • Add header, footer lists
• Add pictures use the text • Add pictures use the and page numbers • Working with
wrapping features text wrapping features • Add pictures use the columns
• Working with tables and • Working with tables text wrapping • Add header,
charts and charts features footer and
• Checking spelling and • Checking spelling and • Working with tables page
grammar numbers
grammar and charts
• • Working with
• Protecting Document Protecting Document • Checking spelling
• tables and
• Changing user names Changing user names and grammar
charts
• Use different printing in • Use different printing • Protecting Document
MS word in MS word • Changing user • Checking
• spelling and
• Use find and replace Use find and replace names
grammar
• Mail merge • Mail merge • Use different
• Protecting
printing in MS word
Document

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 • Use find and replace • Changing
• Mail merge user names
• Use different
printing in
MS word
• Use Mail
merge

4.5. • Get Familiar with At the end of this topic • Get Familiar with Practical • Get Familiar
Introduction PowerPoint Interface, students should be able to: PowerPoint Interface, scenario, with
to MS ribbon, Tabs in details ribbon, Tabs in and PowerPoint
PowerPoint • Using a clipboard • Get Familiar with details Interface,
• Creating and opening PowerPoint Interface, • Creating and Matching ribbon, Tabs
application
Presentation ribbon, Tabs in details item
2013 or 2016 opening Presentation in details
• Understand slide basics • Creating and opening questions,
• Understand slide • Creating and
and slide layouts Presentation
basics and slide opening
• Add, duplicate delete • Understand slide Discussio
layouts Presentation
slides basics and slide n and
• Create slide sections layouts • Add, duplicate delete • Understand
Case slide basics
• Apply different slide types • Add, duplicate delete slides
• Create slide sections study and slide
• Changing user names slides
• Save and sharing • Create slide sections • Apply different slide layouts
• Text basics-cut ,copy, • Apply different slide types • Add,
paste, format, find and types • Changing user duplicate
replace • Changing user names names delete slides
• Apply themes to slides • Save and sharing • Save and sharing • Create slide
• Apply transitions to slides slides • Text basics-cut ,copy, sections
• Animating text and objects • Text basics-cut ,copy, paste, format, find
paste, format, find and and replace
replace

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• Use different ways to print • Apply themes to slides • Apply themes to • Apply
slide • Apply transitions to slides different slide
• Present slide show slides • Apply transitions to types
• Insert and format, Pictures, • Animating text and slides • Changing
sounds, and doing objects • Animating text and user names
narration • Use different ways to • Save and
object
• Adding print slide sharing
• Use different ways to
tables,Charts,graphs to • Present slide show • Text basics-
print slide
your slides • Insert and format,
• Present slide show cut ,copy,
• Adding Pictures, sounds, and
• Insert and format, paste, format,
tables,charts,graphs to doing narration
Pictures, sounds, and find and
your slides • Adding
• Modify themes& doing narration replace
tables,charts,graphs to
background your slides • Adding • Apply
• Working with slide Master • Modify tables,charts,graphs themes to
• Apply Rehearse timing themes&background to your slides slides
• Protect slide. • Working with slide • Insert header, footer • Apply
• Insert header, footer and Master and page number to transitions to
page number to a slide • Apply Rehearse timing a slide slides
• Protect slide. • Animating
• Insert header, footer text and
and page number to a object
slide • Use different
ways to print
slide

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4.6. • Get Familiar with Excel At the end of this topic • Get Familiar with Practical • Understand
Introduction Interface, ribbon, Tabs in students should be able to: Excel Interface, scenario, the Items cell,
to MS Excel details ribbon, Tabs in and rows,
application • Understand the Items cell, • Understand the Items details columns,
2013 or 2016 rows, columns, Name box, cell, rows, columns, • Understand the Matching Name box,
and Formula bar. Name box, and Items cell, rows, item and Formula
• Differences between a Formula bar. columns, Name box, questions, bar.
worksheet and a work • Differences between a and Formula bar. • Differences
book. worksheet and a work • Differences between Discussio
between a
• Creating and opening book. a worksheet and a n and worksheet
work books • Creating and opening work book. Case and a work
• Saving and sharing work books • Creating and study book.
workbook • Saving and sharing opening work books • Creating and
• Cell basics: How to insert, workbook • Saving and sharing opening work
delete cell content • Cell basics: How to workbook books
• Formatting cells insert, delete cell • Cell basics: How to • Saving and
• Drag and drop cell content insert, delete cell sharing
• Use the autofill feature • Formatting cells content workbook
• Modify columns, rows ,cell • Modify columns, rows • Printing workbooks
• Cell basics:
• Worksheet basics: to add, ,cell • How to print a title
How to
delete, copy, move • Worksheet basics: to in every page on a
insert, delete
worksheet add, delete, copy, worksheet.
cell content
• Page layout in Excel in move worksheet • Operators in Excel
• Printing
excel • Page layout in Excel in • Formulas and
workbooks
• Printing workbooks excel functions
• How to print
• How to print a title in • Printing workbooks • Simple formulas
a title in
every page on a worksheet. • How to print a title in • More difficult every page
• Operators in Excel every page on a formulas. on a
• Formulas and functions worksheet.
worksheet.
• Operators in Excel

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 • Simple formulas • Formulas and • Formulas and
• More difficult formulas. functions functions
• Simple formulas
• More difficult
formulas.
4.7. • Define Database At the end of this topic Explain the general Practical • Understand
Introduction • Data Base Terminologies students should be able to: Database concept. scenario, the general
to MS • Parts of Access database and Database
Access i.e. Tables, queries, forms • Explain the general • Parts of Access concept.
and reports. Database concept. database Matching • Understand
application
• Planning your database • Parts of Access • Planning your item parts of
2013 or 2016
• Get Familiar with Access database i.e. Tables, database questions, Access
Interface, ribbon, Tabs in queries, forms and • Get Familiar with database i.e.
details reports. Access Interface, Discussio Tables,
• Building a table i.e. • Planning your ribbon, Tabs in n and queries,
customer table to store database details forms and
Case
customer record • Get Familiar with • Building a table reports.
study
• Understand the Items Access Interface, • Understand primary • Planning
Primary key ribbon, Tabs in details key your
• Enter data into a table • Building a table • Enter data into the database
• Sorting and filtering data • Understand primary table • Understand
into the table key • Sorting and filtering Access
• Build query so as to see • Enter data into the data into the table Interface,
data into the table table • Build query ribbon, Tabs
• Buld forms so as to present • Sorting and filtering • Build forms in details
the information to an end data into the table • Prepare reports • Building a
user with a anice interface • Build query table
• Buld reports including • Build forms • Understand
mailing labels. • Prepare reports primary key

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 • Enter data
into the table
• Sorting and
filtering data
into the table
• Build query
• Build forms
• Prepare
reports
4.8.Introduct • Key concepts: Understand At the end of this topic • Understand the • Outline the
ion to the terms students should be able to: terms difference
Internet and • Internet, Intranet, extranet, Internet, Intranet, between the
Emails WWW, URL, web • Understand the terms extranet, WWW, URL, To, Copy
browsers. Internet, Intranet, web browsers (Cc), Blind
• Understand the structure extranet, WWW, URL, copy (Bcc)
of web address web browsers • Understand the fields and
• Identify common types of structure of web recognize
domains i.e. org, • Understand the address their
gov.com.edu. structure of web • Identify common appropriate
• Outline different Internet address types of domains i.e. use.
activities • Identify common types org, gov.com.edu. • Explain
• Define the term e-mail and of domains i.e. org, • Outline different different
outline its main uses. gov.com.edu. Internet activities types of
• Identify the structure of an • Outline different • Define the term e- fraudulent
e-mail address. Internet activities mail and outline its and
• Be aware of possible • Define the term e-mail main uses. unsolicited e-
problems when sending and outline its main • Identify the structure mail.
file attachments like: uses. of an e-mail address. • Create an
sperms and fishing’s e.tc • Identify the structure • Outline the Email
of an e-mail address. difference between

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 • Outline the difference • Outline the difference the To, Copy (Cc), • Enter Email
between the To, Copy (Cc), between the To, Copy Blind copy (Bcc) addresses
Blind copy (Cc), Blind copy (Bcc) fields and recognize • Send
• (Bcc) fields and recognize fields and recognize their appropriate use. &receiving an
their appropriate use. their appropriate use. • Explain different email
• Explain different types of • Explain different types types of fraudulent Understand tools
fraudulent and unsolicited of fraudulent and and unsolicited e- and settings
e-mail. unsolicited e-mail. mail.
• Create an Email • Create an Email • Create an Email • Create a text
• Enter Email addresses • Enter Email addresses • Enter Email e-mail
• Send &receiving an email • Send &receiving an addresses signature
• Understand tools and email • Send &receiving an
settings • Understand tools and email
• Create a text e-mail settings • Understand tools
signature. • Create a text e-mail and settings
signature • Create a text e-mail
signature

4.9. Online • Identify the main types of At the end of this topic • Understand the key Practical • Identify the
collaboratio tools students should be able to: concepts relating scenario, main types of
n as an Supporting online relating to online and tools
applications collaborations • Understand the key collaboration and Supporting
• Outline the benefit of using concepts relating to cloud computing Matching online
supporting
online collaborative tools online collaboration • Set up accounts to item collaboration
business and cloud computing
• Be aware of the risks prepare for online questions, s
functions • Set up accounts to collaboration. • Outline the
associated with using
online collaborative tools prepare for online • Use online storage benefit of
collaboration. and web-based using online

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• Register and/or set up a • Use online storage and productivity Discussio collaborative
user account for a web-based applications to n and tools
collaborative tool productivity collaborate. Case • Be aware of
• Recognize the importance applications to • Use online and the risks
study
of intellectual property collaborate. mobile calendars to associated
rights and the appropriate • Use online and mobile manage and plan with using
use of content when using calendars to manage activities. online
online collaborative tools and plan activities. • Collaborate and collaborative
• Understand ways in which • Collaborate and interact using social tools
cloud computing facilitates interact using social networks, blogs, and • Register
online and mobile networks, blogs, and wikis. and/or set up
collaboration wikis. • Schedule and host a user
• Outline the benefits of • Schedule and host online meetings and account for a
cloud computing for online meetings and use online learning collaborative
business organization use online learning environments. tool
• Identify common environments. • Understand key • Identify
equipment used to support • Understand key mobile technology common
online collaboration mobile technology concepts and use equipment
• Identify common examples concepts and use features such as e- used to
of web based productivity features such as e-mail, mail, applications, support
applications. applications, and and synchronization. online
• Create file online synchronization. • Understand the use collaboration
• Edit and save files online. • Understand the use of of online calendar to • Identify
• Share a file, folder to allow online calendar to prepare events common
other users to view, edit a prepare events • Use different examples of
file, folder application to web based
• Online Calendars. • Use different conduct an online productivity
• Share a calendar. Grant application to conduct business meetings applications.
permission to view, edit a an online business • Create file
shared calendar meetings online

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 • Use a shared calendar to • Share a file,
create an event, a recurring folder to
event allow other
users to view,
• Use an application to start At the end of this topic • Describe the e- edit a file,
4.10. E- and end an online business students should be able to: business and e- folder
Business vs meeting commerce • Use a shared
• Introduction of e- business • Describe the e- calendar to
E– Practical
and e- commerce business and e- • Understanding the create an
Commerce scenario,
commerce Origin of e- business event, a
and
• Origin of e- business recurring
• Understanding the • Differentiate and event
Matching
• E-business vs traditional Origin of e- business compare E-business item
business vs traditional • Use an
• Differentiate and questions, application to
• Types of e – business and e business
compare E-business vs start and end
Discussio
– commerce traditional business • To identify different an online
n and
business
• Advantages and Types of e – business Case
• To identify different meeting
disadvantages of e- and e – commerce study
Types of e – business
commerce and e-business and e – commerce • Example the
• Understand
• E-business vs E-commerce Advantages and
• Example the e- business
disadvantages of e-
Advantages and and e-
commerce and e-
disadvantages of e- commerce
business
commerce and e-
• Identify e-
business • Differentiate and
business and
compare E-business
vs E-commerce e-commerce

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 • Differentiate and • Apply e-
compare E-business vs business and
E-commerce e-commerce

References
• Adam A. Semlambo, Bakiri Angalia (2022), Introduction to ICT and Business Computer Applications,
Mweka
• Publishing and General supply L.t.d.Joan Lambert, Curtis D. Frye (2015),Microsoft Office 2016 Step by Step,
Microsoft Press
• Peter Weverka (2010), Office 2010 All-in-One for Dumminies, Dummies
• Juliana Van Wijnkoop (2016), ICDL Standard Syllabus Contents of the ICDL standard Modules,Switzerland AG.

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5. Assessment Plan

5.1 Enabling and Sub-Enabling Outcomes

Enabling Outcome Sub-enabling Outcomes

3.3 Apply office package skills to 3.3.1 Describe features of commonly used
solve problems in business office application package.
environment.

3.3.2 Use office package to solve business

problems.

3.3.3 Describe the use of internet to transfer

and receive information.

3.3.4 Compare office package with other

computer applications supporting business
functions

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5.2 Specification of Competencies
Sub-enabling Outcomes and Competences to be Assessed Tasks Assessed
Related Tasks Under CA and SE

Wider Attributes
Understanding
Knowledge

Skills
CA=50% SE=50%

3.3.1 Describe features of

commonly used office
application package.

Related Tasks:

(a) a) List commonly used  

office applications

(b) Describe key features of  

commonly used office
applications

(c) Use features of office  

application package to create
various documents

Sub-enabling Outcome:

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Sub-enabling Outcomes and Competences to be Assessed Tasks Assessed
Related Tasks Under CA and SE

Wider Attributes
Understanding
Knowledge

Skills
CA=50% SE=50%

3.3.2 Use office package to

solve business problems.

Related Tasks:

(a) Explain the importance of  

various office application
packages

(b) Use word processor,  

spreadsheet and presentation
to perform business functions

(c) Use office application skills  

to create simple database

Sub-enabling Outcome:
3.3.3 Describe the use of
internet to transfer and receive
information.
Related Tasks:

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Sub-enabling Outcomes and Competences to be Assessed Tasks Assessed
Related Tasks Under CA and SE

Wider Attributes
Understanding
Knowledge

Skills
CA=50% SE=50%

(a) Define web browser,  

world wide web and internet
communication

(b) Open email account  

(c) Create and send an email  

with attachments and use
internet facility such as drop
box to store files

Sub-enabling Outcome:
3.3.4 Compare office package
with other computer
applications supporting
business functions.

Related Tasks:

(a) Distinguish computer  

application from office
package

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Sub-enabling Outcomes and Competences to be Assessed Tasks Assessed
Related Tasks Under CA and SE

Wider Attributes
Understanding
Knowledge

Skills
CA=50% SE=50%

(b) Compare basic  

functionalities in various areas
of computer application
(c) Explain factors to consider  
when you want to purchase
application

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5.3 Examination Instructions/Rubrics
5.3.1 Assessment Methods
This module will be assessed using both continuous and semester examination.
Continuous assessment (CA) will carry 50% of the module weight and the
semester examination (SE) will carry 50% of the module weight for computing
students and 40% (CA) and 60% (SE) for non-computing students. The
examination regulations shall be those agreed jointly by the Institute of
Accountancy Arusha and National Council for Technical Education.

Under continuous assessment (CA):

• There shall be one theory test which will carry 10% of the continuous
assessment weight.
• There shall be two (non-computing), three(computing) Individual
practical assignments which will carry each 10% of the continuous
assessment weight.
• There shall be one group practical assignment which will carry 10% of the
continuous assessment weight.

Under semester examination (SE):

• There shall be one theory examination paper which will carry 50% (60%) of
the semester examination weight

5.4 Delivery Methods and Learning Materials

The delivery methodologies include formal lectures, lab practical sessions, group
discussion, and group presentations. Major learning materials to be used include
text and reference books, journal articles, lecture notes and handouts. Other learning
materials include handouts and PowerPoint presentations, case studies and Internet
resources.

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