Course Outline

BUS101 Exploring Business Research

Course Coordinator:Jenna Campton (jcampton@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

UniSC Moreton Bay

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Business research is essential for any organisation to remain competitive, understand their customers’ needs, and resolve business problems or take advantage of opportunities. Through research and discussion, you will explore how to define business problems and design business research to address them. Having an ongoing dialog in the workshops you will focus on how to interpret business analytics for decision making. You will acquire practical skills to aid in evidence-based decision making, conducting business research, and communicating outcomes to benefit your future job role/organisation.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Asynchronous (recorded) online delivery of learning material. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Synchronous (live) and scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 1 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Asynchronous (recorded) online delivery of learning material. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Synchronous (live) online workshops (Recorded) 2hrs Week 1 10 times

Course Topics

Key concepts include: the role of the research process and business analytics, the fundamentals of choosing a method for research, and the essential analytics used to solve research problems.

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
1 Identify and use foundational research skills to solve business problems. Empowered
PC1, PC3, PC3.1
2 Apply a research approach to solve business problems. Creative and critical thinker
Empowered
PC3, PC3.1
3 Use academic literature to justify business solutions and recommendations. Knowledgeable
Empowered
PC1.1, PC3, PC3.1
4 Apply, analyse and evaluate quantitative techniques for business analytics (descriptive, inferential and predictive statistics) Empowered
PC3.1
5 Apply statistical tools and software to support business decision making. Empowered
PC1.3, PC3.1, PC6
6 Articulate business outcomes and recommendations in a written mode. Engaged
PC1.1

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PC1 Communication
PC1.1 Written Communication
PC1.3 Digital Literacy
PC3 Creative and Critical Thinking
PC3.1 Problem Solving
PC6 Career-ready

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

The workshops will have embedded tasks to assist with drafting Task 1 and Task 2 enabling students to have the opportunity to get early feedback on their written assessment pieces. For Task 3 there will be several practice questions to ensure students are prepared.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 20%
800 words (+/- 10%)
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Oral Individual 30%
7-10 minutes recorded presentation (500 words 
 in notes pages in PowerPoint).
Week 11 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Examination - Centrally Scheduled Individual 50%
1 hour
Exam Period Online Submission
All - Assessment Task 1:Annotated Bibliography
Goal:
To demonstrate foundational research skills in an authentic business context. Through information literacy, critical thinking, synthesis of information, professional written communication, and research planning.
Product: Report
Format:
This is an individual assessment. In this assesment piece, you will demonstrate foundational research skills you have acquired from modules 1-3 of the course. You will need to compile an annotated bibliography of relevant academic journal articles concerning a topic. Based on this prior research you will then justify a research question to guide your research project in an authentic business context. Further details will be available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Foundational research skills in an authentic business context
1 2 3 6
All - Assessment Task 2:Research Consultancy Presentation
Goal:
To demonstrate knowledge and application of business research concepts in an authentic business context utilising professional oral communication skills and appropriate scholarly research.
Product: Oral
Format:
As a business professional it is essential that you know how to propose evidence based solutions for organisational problems. Working as a research consultant you will be given a business case that has a problem which needs to be solved using academic research. You will present a research proposal to the owner/CEO of the business. This is an individual assessment. More details will be provided on canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Identification of research issues, development and presentation of a research proposal
1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Final examination
Goal:
To demonstrate an understanding of business analytics in terms of data interpretation and solving data-driven business problems
Product: Examination - Centrally Scheduled
Format:
Short-answer questions covering topics related to the third part of the course. 
Further details will be provided on Canvas. This assessment task is an online, open-book and invigilated exam. You will need to take the exam on Canvas at a specific time and date scheduled by the University, while also attending a live Zoom session and sharing your screen for invigilation purposes.​ You will need a working computer device, a stable internet connection and a webcam. In the Zoom session, an invigilator will verify your identity and supervise your computer screen and webcam feed throughout the duration of the exam.​ In special circumstances (for example if you do not have access to a computer or a reliable internet connection), you will be able to request an exam seat in one of UniSC computer labs to take the exam on Canvas and in the presence of an invigilator in a computer lab. More details about this exam will be provided on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Analysis of business problems and selection of the most appropriate solution/s
1 2
2
Application of acquired knowledge regarding statistical techniques to the business problems
1 2 3 6
3
Evaluation of information through the use of SPSS output to report business conclusions
4 5

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au