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BUSINESS SCHOOL

Version: 2013 Business School 1


Unit of Study Outline
Unit Code BUSS3500
Unit Title Integrated Business Applications
Semester 2, 2013
Pre-requisite Units: For the Bachelor of Commerce: Completed a minimum of 120 credit points including
the following units of study: (BUSS1001 or ECOF1003), (BUSS1002 or ECOF1004), (BUSS1030 or
ACCT1005), (BUSS1040 or ECON1001) and (BUSS1020 or ECMT1010 or equivalent); For the Bachelor
of Commerce (Liberal Studies): Completed a minimum of 168 credit points including the following units of
study: (BUSS1001 or ECOF1003) and (BUSS1002 or ECOF1004).
Co-requisite Units: None
Prohibited Units: ECOF3001
Assumed Knowledge and/or Skills: If you are taking this unit, you should be on the verge of graduation.
As such, you are assumed to possess all the knowledge and skills required of a graduate of your majoring
discipline.
Unit Coordinator: Mr Barney Tan
Address: Room 420, The Business School Building(H69), The University of Sydney NSW 2006
Email: B.Tan@econ.usyd.edu.au
Phone: 0293512983
Consultation Hours: Please go to Blackboard for details of all staff consultation times.
Class Day(s): Please go to Blackboard for class times and locations
Required Text / Resources:
A custom course reader bearing the name of the unit of study is available from the co-op bookstore:
Integrated Business Applications, 2nd Edition (ISBN: 978-1-4860-0923-7)
Supplementary readings relevant to the topics covered will be made available on Blackboard when
required.
This Guide to Unit Learning Content and Assessment MUST be read in conjunction with the Business School
Student Administration Manual for information about all processes
(sydney.edu.au/business/currentstudents/student_information/student_administration_manual) and the
Business School unit of study common policy and implementation information that apply to every unit of study
offered by the Business School (http://sydney.edu.au/business/currentstudents/policy). In determining
applications and appeals relating to these matters it will be assumed that every student has taken the time to
familiarise themselves with these key policies and procedures.
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Version: 2013 Business School 2
1. Unit of study information
This unit provides a capstone for students undertaking the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of
Commerce combined programs. It aims to provide students with the practical application of identifying,
analysing, and solving contemporary business problems that might involve planning, implementing and
evaluating organisational changes which provide solutions to such problems. Students will be
introduced to a range of methodologies at each stage of the process of solving business problems,
executing solutions, and implementing organisational change. In doing so, the unit will allow students to:
apply theories and concepts of business problem solving and change implementation in the context of a
specific business case; provide a process framework of business problem solving and team-based
learning within which they can integrate functional disciplinary knowledge they have been exposed to in
their disciplinary majors; and develop a range of generic skills in problem solving, critical analysis,
team-working, research and communication skills.
2. Program learning outcomes
Business Knowledge: Our Bachelors programs develop each graduate to be adept in identifying 1.
and understanding major commercial trends both locally and globally leading to students who are
able to demonstrate an understanding of the key challenges in managing business in a range of
business and cultural contexts.
Critical Thinking: Our Bachelors programs develop each graduate to be a critical thinker and 2.
discerning decision maker leading to students who are able to solve business problems by
identifying and critically evaluating implications of business decisions from a range of disciplinary
business perspectives.
Business Analysis and Problem-Solving: Our Bachelors programs develop each graduate to be a 3.
capable business analyst and problem-solver leading to students who are able to analyse and
diagnose business problems and design a range of business improvements that can result in
significant business process improvement and/or the exploitation of advanced information and
communications technologies.
Communication: Our Bachelors programs develop each graduate to be an effective and 4.
professional business communicator leading to students who are able to communicate effectively,
both orally and in writing, using a range of modes of communication including business reports and
presentations and including the ability to negotiate and persuade in a business context.
Team Working: Our Bachelors programs develop each graduate to be an effective team member in 5.
a variety of business contexts leading to students who are able to collaborate effectively with others
in a professional business manner as both members and leaders of teams, and in relation to client
interactions.
Ethical and Social Responsibility: Our Bachelors programs develop each graduate to be an 6.
ethically- and socially-responsible professional leading to students who are able to demonstrate an
understanding of pertinent moral, ethical and corporate social responsibility considerations and the
potential impacts (positive and negative) that business decisions can have on a range of stakeholder
groups.
3. Unit learning objectives
BUSS3500 will cover a range of methodologies at each stage of the process of solving business
BUSINESS SCHOOL
Version: 2013 Business School 3
problems, executing solutions, and implementing organisational change. In doing so, the unit will allow
students to: apply theories and concepts of business problem solving and change implementation in the
context of a specific business case; provide a process framework of business problem solving and
team-based learning within which they can integrate functional disciplinary knowledge they have been
exposed to in their disciplinary majors; and develop a range of generic skills in problem solving, critical
analysis, team-working, research and communication skills.
The learning aims of the unit are:
Pursuant to Program Learning Outcome 1 (Business Knowledge), students should be able to apply 1.
and relate theories and concepts of organisational problem solving in the context of an actual
business organisation
Pursuant to Program Learning Outcome 2 (Critical Thinking), students should be able to analyse 2.
open-ended business scenarios and evaluate the implications of business decisions
Pursuant to Program Learning Outcome 3 (Business Analysis and Problem-Solving), students 3.
should be able to apply techniques for environmental, organisational and business process analyses
to resolving an actual business problem
Pursuant to Program Learning Outcome 4 (Communication), students should be able to 4.
communicate in a professional and confident manner, both orally and in writing, with actual business
professionals
Pursuant to Program Learning Outcome 5 (Team Working), students should be able to apply team 5.
management concepts and theories to effectively work in, and manage, cross-functional teams
Pursuant to Program Learning Outcome 6 (Ethical and Social Responsibility), students should 6.
have an understanding of the contemporary topics on business ethics and social responsibility, and
be able to reflect critically on the ethical and social implications of their business decisions.
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Version: 2013 Business School 4
4. Assessment
Assessment Name Work Type
Program Learning
Outcomes Assessed
Length Weight Due Date Closing Date
Group Project Group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 12000 50% 01-Nov-2013 08-Nov-2013
Individual Progress Report Individual 4 2000 10% Ongoing Ongoing
Final Exam Individual 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 2000 40% Final Exam Period Final Exam Period
Academic Honesty Week 4
All Assessments are Compulsory. This means you must undertake all assessments. If you do not
undertake a particular assessment you will receive zero for that assessment.
** Students must complete the Academic Honesty module in Blackboard with a mark above 80% by the
final day of exam, or an Absent Fail (AF) grade will be given for the entire unit. Students can complete the
module multiple times until this grade is achieved. Students who completed the module with a score of
80% or above in any previous semesters do not need to do it again.
*** The due date for an assessment is the last day on which you can submit the assessment without
penalty. If you submit the assessment after that date, you will receive a late penalty, unless excused by
special consideration, special arrangement or disability services adjustment. The closing date is the last
day on which an assessment will be accepted for marking. A task occurs over a number of weeks, e.g.
class presentations, due and closing date are both the first occasion of the task.
Conditions of Assessment
The Business School has standard conditions governing assessments such as late penalties, word
length and so on. Please go to the Business School policy and implementation information at
http://sydney.edu.au/business/currentstudents/policy
Referencing Style
Students should adhere to the Business School Referencing Guide at
http://sydney.edu.au/business/reference_guide
Assessment details
Group Project
Task Description
G
This assessment item requires students to work within their project groups to analyse and provide
recommendations for resolving an assigned business problem. The business problem will be
developed by an actual business organization that will serve as the project sponsor.
The exact tasks and requirements for the project will be revealed by the project sponsor in the second
lecture.

Assessment Criteria
G
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Version: 2013 Business School 5
Conforming with instructions (e.g. word length, font, other instructions)
Clarity of expression (including grammar, spelling, referencing)
Presentation, communication & structure
Use of literature/ Knowledge of theory
Analysis / critical reasoning / evaluation
Problem solving / synthesis or evaluation / reflection
Understanding of issues related to Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Interactive and group skills (include Teamwork, Negotiation/micro-politics & empathy)
Other Information
G
The group project will involve both peer and academic evaluations that will be used to provide
information on the individual contributions and teamwork ability of group members. The guidelines
and spreadsheet to be used for the peer evaluation exercise have been uploaded on the Learning
Resources section of the unit's BlackBoard site.
Project reports must be submitted electronically via Turnitin. Do not hand in a physical copy. If
submission problems occur, students must contact the unit coordinator BEFORE the submission
deadline. You must include a cover for your report that clearly specifies the registered name and
student ID of all members of the project group. Also, please ensure that the SID of each group
member is included in the header of the document
Individual Progress Report
Task Description
G
Students working in groups will take turns to present a progress report of their group project across
the semester. This is an individual assessment item and is meant primarily as a reflection of the
presenting student's communication ability. The exact requirements of each progress report have
been uploaded to the Assessment section of the unit's BlackBoard site.
Assessment Criteria
G
Conforming with instructions (e.g. word length, font, other instructions)
Clarity of expression (including grammar, spelling, referencing)
Presentation, communication & structure
Use of literature/ Knowledge of theory
Analysis / critical reasoning / evaluation
Problem solving / synthesis or evaluation / reflection
Other Information
G
There are two parts to the progress reports: Written and Verbal
The written part will consist of a component of the group project that has been designated as the
intermediate deliverable for the week. The verbal part of the progress report consists of a presentation
of this deliverable.
Final Exam
Task Description
G
The final exam is a two hour written exam. It will cover materials from Lectures 3-11. The exam will
comprise 10 MCQs and three long questions.
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Version: 2013 Business School 6
Assessment Criteria
G
Conforming with instructions (e.g. word length, font, other instructions)
Clarity of expression (including grammar, spelling, referencing)
Presentation, communication & structure
Use of literature/ Knowledge of theory
Analysis / critical reasoning / evaluation
Problem solving / synthesis or evaluation / reflection
Understanding of issues related to Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Interactive and group skills (include Teamwork, Negotiation/micro-politics & empathy)
Other Information
G
The exam is OPEN book and there are no restrictions on the printed materials that the student brings
into the exam hall. The use of non-programmable calculators is permitted.
5. Other suggested resources for students
All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available within Blackboard for student use. Please
note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate
or that every class will be recorded. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes.
6. Feedback and improvements made in response to feedback
The Business School seeks feedback from students and staff in order to continually improve and
innovate all units offered. For information on previously collected feedback and innovation made in
response to feedback, please see
http://sydney.edu.au/business/learning/planning_and_quality/feedback/student
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Version: 2013 Business School 7
7. Unit schedule
Week/
Topic
Materials (e.g.
readings)
Lecture/Seminar/Problem
Based Learning Session
Tutorial/Lab/Workshop
Assessments
Due
1
29 Jul
2013
-
Introduction and Course
Overview
- -
2
5 Aug
2013
-
Presentation of Business
Problem
- -
3
12 Aug
2013
CSC Singapore,
2006
Problem Identification
Introduction, Group Formation
and Project Administration
-
4
19 Aug
2013
Custom Reader
Section 1
(Johnson
Chapters 2, 3)
Internal and External
Analyses
Problem Identification
Progress Report
1
5
26 Aug
2013
Custom Reader
Section 1
(Johnson
Chapters 6, 7)
Strategy Formulation Project Consultation 1
Teamwork
Evaluation
(Ungraded)
6
2 Sep
2013
Wood et al.,
2009
Solution Generation and
Evaluation
Internal and External
Analyses
Progress Report
2
7
9 Sep
2013
Rosemann,
2001
Analysing and Solving Business
Problems
Strategy Formulation, Solution
Generation and Evaluation
Progress Report
3
8
16 Sep
2013
Custom Reader
Section 3 (Pinto,
Chapter 9)
Project Scoping and Scheduling Project Consultation 2
Teamwork
Evaluation
(Ungraded)
9
23 Sep
2013
Custom Reader
Section 3 (Pinto,
Chapters 7 and
8)
Budgeting and Risk Management
Analysing and Solving
Business Problems
Progress Report
4
Common week 30 to 6 Oct
10
7 Oct
2013
Custom Reader
Section 4
(Robbins,
Chapter 5)
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Project Scoping, Scheduling
and Budgeting
Progress Report
5
11
14 Oct
2013
Custom Reader
Section 5
(Dwyer,
Chapter 15)
Oral Communication and
Presentation Skill
Risk Management, Ethics and
Social Responsibility
Progress Report
6
12
21 Oct
2013
- Project Presentation Project Presentation
Teamwork
Evaluation
(Ungraded)
13
28 Oct
2013
-
Course Review and Exam
Briefing
Project Presentation Group Project

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