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Course Outline

BUS104 Discovering Management

Course Coordinator:Melissa Innes (minnes1@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

Understanding the principles of business management and how people interact in organisations can create a distinct advantage for businesses. This course facilitates your understanding of how and why behaviour in organisations influences work performance and collaboration that contributes to organisational goals. Business environments and structure influence managerial decision-making and planning. Increased knowledge of ethical and sustainable business practices (aligned with SDG definitions) facilitates learning about values and the difference you can make in your own and others’ work lives.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Seminar – Scheduled face to face seminar. 1hr Week 1 Once Only
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Seminar – Scheduled online seminar (Recorded). 1hr Week 1 Once Only

Course Topics

  1. Managers and management
  2. The managerial environment
  3. Foundations of decision making
  4. Foundations of planning
  5. Organisational structure and design
  6. Managing human resources
  7. Managing change and innovation
  8. Understanding groups and managing work teams
  9. Foundations of individual behaviour
  10. Motivating and rewarding employees
  11. Leadership and trust
  12. Foundations of control

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, explain and apply relevant management and organisational behaviour theories and knowledge in a business context Knowledgeable 
PC3.1, PC6.2
2 Apply report-writing skills, management theory and creative thinking skills to the development of a business report. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged 
PC3, PC3.1, PC6.2
3 Identify ethical and sustainable business practices (aligned with SDG definitions), and apply principles of corporate social responsibility, to business contexts. Ethical
Sustainability-focussed 
PC4, PC4.1
4 Demonstrate effective and professional written and oral communication skills in business and academic contexts. Empowered 
PC1.1, PC1.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PC1.1 Written Communication
PC1.2 Oral Communication
PC3 Creative and Critical Thinking
PC3.1 Problem Solving
PC4 Community Consciousness
PC4.1 Social Responsibility and Sustainability
PC6.2 Discipline Knowledge

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)

You will have proficient verbal and written communication skills

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

Students are requested to check their Task 1 Topic Question with their workshop facilitator by Week 3. Prior to task 1 (due Week 5) students are welcome to bring (in Week 4) their Literature Review paragraph structure / outline to workshops to receive formative feedback (not assessed). Informal feedback is also provided in workshops on an ongoing basis around weekly learning materials and task resources; as well as with the offer of private consultation for students arranged with workshop facilitators. Formal, direct feedback occurs when submitted assessments receive in-line comments, an overall comment addressing performance and a formal marking rubric indicating assessment outcomes. At times, indirect feedback in the form of a canvas course announcement to all enrolled students will be provided by the course coordinator.

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 Literature Review (or component) Individual 20% 
600 words (excluding reference list) (+/-10%)
 Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Report Individual 40% 
1,500 words (excluding reference list) (+/-10%)
 Week 9 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Oral and Written Piece Individual 40% 
7-10 minutes (presentation)
500 words (notes to accompany slides)
 Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Management Research Brief
Goal: 
To demonstrate knowledge of key management concepts using professional written communication skills, appropriate scholarly research and referencing.
Product: Literature Review (or component)
Format: 
Format: This is an individual assessment task based on concepts presented in weeks' 1- 4. This task facilitates development of foundational research and writing skills useful throughout your degree. Students propose a research topic from Weeks 1-4 and prepare three x 200-word paragraphs using correct paragraph structure, excellent written communication skills and the inclusion of eight or more quality academic peer-reviewed journal article references to be presented in a Reference List. Further details available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Organisation and structure of written content (4 marks)
 4
2 
Development and articulation of informed arguments (4 marks)
 1
3 
Critical analysis of existing sources of secondary data and literature in the field (4 marks)
 4
4 
Referencing of sources of information used within the body of the document and in a Reference List using Harvard referencing style (4 marks)
 4
5 
Accuracy and presentation of written work including English expression, discipline-based vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation (4 marks)
 4
All - Assessment Task 2:'Business in the Media' Case Report
Goal: 
To demonstrate critical application of knowledge of relevant management concepts from weeks' 5-8, to a business case example in the media, presented in report format.
Product: Report
Format: 
Format: This is an individual assessment task. Task 2 is based on concepts presented in weeks' 5-8. Students are required to locate a business case article in the media, identify important relevant management issues affecting the business, conduct scholarly research to understand the issues further, and then develop recommendations to help the business respond to its situation. Findings must be presented in report format with the inclusion of twelve or more quality academic references to be presented in a Reference List. Further details available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification and critical analysis of pertinent issues in a business context (10 marks)
 1
2 
Development and articulation of informed arguments (10 marks)
 1
3 
Demonstrate critical thinking to develop and evaluate appropriate solutions to business problems (8 marks)
 1
4 
Organisation and structure of written content (4 marks)
 4
5 
Referencing of sources of information used within the body of the document and in a Reference List using Harvard referencing style (4 marks)
 4
6 
Accuracy and presentation of written work including English expression, discipline-based vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. (4 marks)
 4
All - Assessment Task 3:Management Consultancy Pitch (Narrated PowerPoint Presentation)
Goal: 
To demonstrate knowledge and application of key management, ethical and sustainable business concepts (aligned with SDG definitions) in an authentic business context utilising professional oral communication skills and appropriate scholarly research.
Product: Oral and Written Piece
Format: 
Format: This is an individual assessment task. Task 3 is based on concepts presented in weeks' 1-12. Students prepare a narrated PowerPoint presentation including the recording of their face and voice (as per online learning materials each week). The presentation is a Management Consultancy Pitch outlining how a new or existing business could improve (or implement) elements of their business based on course content. The pitch will include an Acknowledgement of Country and reference to the sustainable and ethical issues relevant to the business (including Sustainable Development Goals addressed). There are TWO items to submit:
1) A rendered MP4 file of narrated PowerPoint presentation
2) Notes to accompany PowerPoint slides (in Word format and clearly identifying which slide the notes relate to).
Further details available on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Identification and critical analysis of pertinent management issues in a business context (20 marks)
 1 2
2 
Recognition of sustainable business practices (incorporating analysis of relevant SDGs), and implications for the business (4 marks)
 3
3 
Recognition of ethical issues affecting the industry / business, and implications for the business (4 marks)
 3
4 
Demonstration of critical thinking to develop and evaluate appropriate solutions to business problems (4 marks)
 1 2
5 
Structure of the presentation (4 marks)
 4
6 
Use of appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication (posture, gesture, eye contact, and vocal expressiveness) (4 marks)
 4

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

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended IMPORTANT: Students are recommended NOT to purchase the hard copy text. Instead, the online version (called 'Revel)' is cheaper and interactive. SEE CANVAS FOR MORE DETAILS. Robbins S. Coulter M. De Cenzo D. & Woods M 2022 Management: The Essentials 5th Ed. Pearson

Specific requirements

STUDENTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO PURCHASE THE RECOMMENDED TEXT IN HARD COPY! The recommended text will be available in an interactive online format (called 'Revel') via a link on the 'Canvas' site once the canvas site opens in Orientation week. Students should NOT purchase the hard copy text until accessing Canvas and assessing their options.

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
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