Course Outline

MGT310 Managing the Small Business

Course Coordinator:Noel Tracey (ntracey@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

This course provides you with an appreciation of the managerial skills necessary to develop, and manage a small business successfully. After an introductory overview of small business in Australia the course presents a range of topics critical to small business success including strategy development, financial management, marketing, HRM and operations management. Additionally, by completing this course you will be able to better evaluate the feasibility of business ideas, appreciate the realities of finding venture capital, and prepare business plans for business growth.

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 2 10 times
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 2hrs Week 2 10 times

Course Topics

  • Small business and Entrepreneurship: definitions and characteristics.
  • Strategy formulation and business development planning.
  • Sustainability essentials and the community context of small business.
  • Accessing business advice and assistance and options for going into business.
  • Legal requirements, business structure and succession planning options.
  • Financing business ventures and financial management for small business.
  • Market research and marketing for small business.
  • Human resource management in new and small firms.
  • Technology and SMEs.
  • Operations management in a small business context. 
  • Location and distribution strategies for small business.
  • Managing growth and identifying international opportunities for small business.

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth 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 Critically apply theoretical concepts and discipline knowledge to practical small business scenarios Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
PC3, PC3.1
2 Demonstrate competent development of comprehensive and cohesive management plans and practical solutions aimed at enhancing business growth opportunities. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
Engaged
PC3.1, PC6.2
3 Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the need to take a socially responsible and sustainable approach to business decisions Ethical
Sustainability-focussed
PC4, PC4.1
4 Demonstrate effective collaboration and team work in a business context. Empowered
Ethical
Engaged
PC2.1
5 Demonstrate effective oral and written business communication skills Knowledgeable
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
PC2.1 Teamwork
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

BUS104

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

It is anticipated that all students will have good written and verbal 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

Weekly online quizzes will be provided to ensure students receive formative feedback throughout the semester. Additionally, weekly workshop questions will provide students with additional learning opportunities and direct feedback in relation to their progress and understanding of course content. 

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 Oral Individual and Group 50%
15-minute presentation
Week 7 Online Submission
All 2 Report Individual 50%
2,000 words (+/-10%)
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Small Business Analysis Video Presentation
Goal:
The purpose of this task is to develop critical thinking skills and a socially responsible approach to business development, whilst enhancing professional business oral presentation, communication, and collaboration skills.
Product: Oral
Format:
This assessment will be performed as part of a 3 person team. You will be required to deliver a 15 minute video presentation that relates to the in-depth analysis of a small business/new venture. Further details are available on Canvas. This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. It assesses Program Learning Outcomes 2.1: (Demonstrate effective management and collaboration in teams in a business context.)
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Critical analysis, research and application of theory to a small business context.
1 2
2
Professional presentation skills including: appearance, voice, body language, time management, use of technology.
5
3
Knowledge and application of effective group processes
4
4
Use of interpersonal skills when engaging with team members
4
5
Acknowledgement and facilitation of strengths and skills of team members
4
6
Individual contribution to the group task
4
All - Assessment Task 2:Small Business & New Venture Report
Goal:
The purpose of this task is to develop enhanced professional business analytical and written communication skills. You will analyse and interpret a small business/new venture context of your choice, to identify, operationalise and justify suitable enterprise development strategies and measures. Please refer to Canvas for further information.
Product: Report
Format:
This is an individual assessment. Individuals are required to provide one electronic copy of the report. This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. The following Program Learning Objective will be assessed: PLO1.1: Written Communication - demonstrate effective written communication skills in a small business/new venture context.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Situational analysis and interpretation of a small business context (market, customers, competitors, finances, HR etc.), drawing on relevant models and theories as covered in the course.
1
2
Validation of strategies/measures through analysis and by reference to and application of appropriate research and core theoretical concepts.
1 3
3
Identification of insightful, coherent and integrated strategies and measures to develop the small business.
2
4
Organisation and structure of written content
5
5
Development and articulation of informed arguments.
5
6
Referencing of sources of information used within the body of the document and in a reference list using Harvard referencing style
5
7
Accuracy and presentation of written work including English expression, discipline-based vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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

You must have good written and verbal communications skills.

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

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

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
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  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au