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. BUSINESS SCHOOL 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. BUSINESS SCHOOL 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 BUSINESS SCHOOL 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. BUSINESS SCHOOL 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 BUSINESS SCHOOL 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