CQUniversity Unit Profile
MGMT11109 Introduction to Business
Introduction to Business
All details in this unit profile for MGMT11109 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit is designed to introduce you to the world of business by focusing on the nature, structure and workings of contemporary business organisations. You will learn the terms, concepts and values of business and management. The unit will cover topics related to the major functional areas of business including accounting, finance, management, marketing and information technology as well as other important topics such as ethics and social responsibility, forms of business ownership, entrepreneurship, and international business. Emphasis is placed on appreciating the dynamic role of business in everyday life.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2018

Brisbane
Bundaberg
Cairns
Distance
Gladstone
Mackay
Melbourne
Perth
Rockhampton
Sydney
Townsville

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Reflective Practice Assignment
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Email, Moodle, Survey, phone communication with students in Term One 2017.

Feedback

A review of Assessment Two to ensure students achieve success in the Unit with a reduction in stress.

Recommendation

More direction given in guide documents for each individual assessment which includes a marking key and a more detailed rubric detailing level of attainment for all assessment criteria.

Feedback from Student survey

Feedback

Ensure that teaching team assembled are experienced teachers and that content and assessment requirements are addressed clearly without confusion for students.

Recommendation

Increase teaching staff meetings to four per term from two per term.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Describe the fundamental roles of each functional area of business within an organisation
  2. Examine the different forms of business ownership
  3. Critically assess the factors that influence business environment
  4. Evaluate the complex role of globalisation
  5. Analyse the roles of ethics and social responsibility in the business environment.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

There are no required textbooks.

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Laptop / Tablet Computer
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Tim Whan Unit Coordinator
t.whan@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 05 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

Introduction to business - What is a business manager?

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 12 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

What are the different forms of business ownership?

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz One is due 5pm Thursday, 15th March 2018.

Week 3 Begin Date: 19 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

What are the fundamental roles of each functional area of a modern Australian business?

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz Two is due 5pm Thursday, 22nd March 2018.

Week 4 Begin Date: 26 Mar 2018

Module/Topic

What is the local and global business environment?

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz Three is due 5pm Thursday, 29th March 2018.

Week 5 Begin Date: 02 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Using social media in a business context.

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Quiz Four is due 5pm Thursday, 5th April 2018.

Vacation Week Begin Date: 09 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter


Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 16 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Critical thinking and globalisation.

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 7 Begin Date: 23 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Social responsibility in the business environment and the role of ethics.

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 30 Apr 2018

Module/Topic

Evaluation of globalisation and its complexity (part one).

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Academic Essay Due: Week 8 Friday (4 May 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Begin Date: 07 May 2018

Module/Topic

Evaluation of globalisation and its complexity (part two).

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 14 May 2018

Module/Topic

Organisational Design.

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 11 Begin Date: 21 May 2018

Module/Topic

Managing a globalised manufacturing operation: Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 28 May 2018

Module/Topic

Leading ethically.

Chapter

No prescribed textbook for this Unit, readings are available on the Unit website.

Events and Submissions/Topic

Powerpoint Presentation and Reflective Essay Due: Week 12 Friday (1 June 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 04 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 11 Jun 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz(zes)

Task Description

This assessment comprises four online tests or quizzes. From Week Two to Week Five (inclusive), students will be required to complete one online quiz each week. The quizzes will comprise ten questions for each quiz. Each quiz is marked out of ten. The maximum each quiz can contribute to the final result in the Unit is 5%.  There will be 10 questions and students will have 20 minutes to complete each quiz. Each Quiz will be open to students for 10 days. The quiz questions will test a student's understanding of the readings, lecture content and tutorial activities covering (but not limited to) management theories presented (e.g. Mintzberg’s Management Roles), the macro and micro business environment, business developments such as sustainability, technology and innovation.  The quizzes will also cover the different forms of business ownership, such as, Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, Corporations, Not-for-Profit and Cooperatives. In summary, the primary purpose of this assessment is to examine a students’ ability to review what has been learned, develop a student's confidence and to encourage students to engage early with the Unit and its learning materials. The quiz(zes) can be accessed from the 'Assessment block' in moodle.


Quizzes will be available for completion by students at the following times.  Once a quiz closes it cannot be reopened for any reason.


QuizContent Covered
Quiz Opening
Quiz Closure
One
Week One
5 March at 9am AEST
15 March at 5pm AEST
Two
Week Two
12 March at 9am AEST
22 March at 5pm AEST
Three
Week Three
19 March at 9am AEST

29 March at 5pm AEST

Four
Week Four
26 March at 9am AEST
5 April at 5pm AEST
--
--
--
--



Number of Quizzes

4


Frequency of Quizzes

Other


Assessment Due Date

See details in the above table for quiz closure times.


Return Date to Students

Score for the quiz is shown when the quiz closes.


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Each quiz has 10 questions and each correct answer earns 0.5 marks. Consequently, the mark received by the student for each quiz is out of 5. This corresponds to the weighting for each quiz as 5% of the overall weighting for the Unit. The maximum mark that can be received for completing all four quizzes correctly is 20. The weighting for Assessment One (the Online Quizzes), in relation to the final result for the entire Unit, is 20%.


Please allow 20 minutes to attempt the quiz(zes). Students must access the quiz(zes) at least 20 minutes before the closing time of each weekly quiz.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Access the quiz(zes) 20 minutes before the closing time and allow 20 clear minutes to complete each quiz.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Describe the fundamental roles of each functional area of business within an organisation
  • Examine the different forms of business ownership
  • Critically assess the factors that influence business environment


Graduate Attributes
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Academic Essay

Task Description

The purpose of this assessment item is to assess the student's ability to formulate an essay that demonstrates the student’s critical thinking and communication skills. Students are required to read the following peer reviewed journal article.


Ameer, R., & Othman, R. (2012). Sustainability Practices and Corporate Financial Performance: A Study Based on the Top Global Corporations. Journal of Business Ethics, 108(1), 61-79.

Students are then asked to write a 1500 word Academic Essay answering the following topic question –

“Critically evaluate the business case for the use of ethics and social responsibility to guide business decisions by outlining recent peer reviewed scholarly literature such as Ameer & Othman (2012). Does the scholarly literature support the use of ethics and social responsibility in the current global business environment."


Students are expected to demonstrate the critical thinking skills they have developed in tutorial (Zoom sessions for Distance students) to assess evidence and put forward an argument regarding the use of ethics and social responsibility in the global and local business environment.  This assessment will develop the use of critical thinking by the student.

Students will further demonstrate critical thinking and information literacy skills by including 8 peer reviewed scholarly journals to support their argument to pass this criteria in their 'Reference List'. The rubric (found in Moodle) identifies the quality use of scolarly sources to achieve other grade levels. Please fully review this rubric before starting on your Assessment.


Assessment Due Date

Week 8 Friday (4 May 2018) 5:00 pm AEST

This due date and time has been chosen to closely align with business expectations in the modern Australian workplace. Most business tasks are required on a Friday at 5pm rather than on a Monday at 9am.


Return Date to Students

Week 10 Friday (18 May 2018)

Students marks and comments will be returned within two weeks from the date of submission of the assessment.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

CONTENT: Does your submission demonstrate:

1. Evidence of student critical thinking applied to the global and local business environment. 10 marks


2. Evidence of student critical thinking in arguing an ethical position and provision of an analysis backing up this ethical position concerning the social responsibility of modern business managers. 10 marks


3. Relevant and accurate use of scholarly sources with 8 scholarly peer reviewed journal references required to pass. 5 marks


PRESENTATION: Does your presentation demonstrate:

4. Use of written communication skills including choices made regarding appropriate structure to essay (introduction, body, conclusion), length, word choice, expression, grammar, punctuation and correct spelling using Australian English. 10 marks


5. Strict conformity to the exact requirements of the CQU APA Referencing Guide (in-text References are to be used throughout, as appropriate, and a reference list must be provided). 5 marks


Total marks 40


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Critically assess the factors that influence business environment
  • Evaluate the complex role of globalisation
  • Analyse the roles of ethics and social responsibility in the business environment.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Reflective Practice Assignment

Assessment Title
Powerpoint Presentation and Reflective Essay

Task Description

The purpose of this assessment item is to assess students’ ability to provide a;


1. Powerpoint presentation; and a

2. reflective essay that requires analysis and evaluation, which will involve drawing on scholarly sources and referencing those sources.


Your Powerpoint presentation will focus on the family company, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, which is an existing real world successful private Australian company with an export focus. The company grew rapidly since its formation in the 1960s. During this growth stage, the company has expanded its operations in the global market. Bundaberg Brewed Drinks senior managers have provided the questions for Part A of your assessment.  The Senior management team at Bundaberg Brewed Drinks would like to review the five highest marked student assessments (Assessment 3 only) for this Unit so that they continue the conversation with these students about business in Australia.  Part A of the assessment should be written in the third person passive style.  The Bundaberg Brewed Drinks managers would like the following addressed in your Powerpoint presentation.

• A slide introducing yourself to Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (one slide only);

• A summarised history of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks (one slide only);

• Global challenges currently facing the company while operating from regional Australia;

• A summary of recent developments in global markets for Bundaberg Brewed Drinks particularly the social responsibility of sugar levels included in carbonated beverages; and

• Critically evaluate the social responsibility of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks in relation to the sugar content of its carbonated non-alcoholic beverages?


Your reflective essay asks you to reflect on your own experience when writing and completing the PowerPoint presentation from Part A of this assessment.  Reflection is all about deepening your learning. By reflecting, you are able to make connections between your own experience and what you are learning.  It also allows you to learn from your mistakes and thus become a better business practitioner.


Your own thoughts, feelings, experiences and ideas are central to reflective writing. Therefore, Part B of the assessment should be written in the first person style.  Your submission should contain a clear structure with an introduction, body and conclusion, it should use formal language and omit colloquial language, contain correct grammar and spelling and it should draw on scholarly references.  Your Reflective Essay needs to be at least 1000 words and be referenced using the CQU APA (abridged guide updated Term 2 2016) Referencing Style Guide. You need to provide at least eight scholarly references to pass with a minimum of three peer reviewed academic journals appearing on your reference list.


Your reflective essay should answer the following questions;

Describe the experience of writing the Powerpoint presentation by outlining how you put the presentation together

Analyse the experience. What was it about the experience that made you think? How did it make you feel?

Was there something about it that challenged your ideas about what you’ve learned? Or did it reinforce those ideas? How did your experience fit with the literature you’ve been reading, or with the course materials?

Evaluate the experience. Was it overall a positive or a negative experience for you? What will you draw from it?


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (1 June 2018) 5:00 pm AEST

This due date and time has been chosen to closely allign with business expectations in the modern Australian workplace. Most business tasks are required on a Friday at 5pm rather than on a Monday at 9am.


Return Date to Students

Assessments will be returned and marks released after grade certification.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

PART A – Powerpoint presentation - Marking Criteria for Part A Powerpoint Presentation (15%)

Your submission will be assessed on the extent to which it meets each of the following criteria:


CONTENT: Does your submission demonstrate:

1. Evidence of student critical thinking regarding slide content and ensuring an evaluation of the complex role of globalisation for a company based in a regional area. 2.5 marks

2. Evidence of student critical thinking in adopting an ethical position and provision of an intermediate analysis backing up this ethical position concerning the social responsibility of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. 2.5 marks

3. Relevant and accurate use of (scholarly and non-scholarly) sources with 8 scholarly references required to pass where at least three of these scholarly references must be peer reviewed academic journals. 2.5 marks


PRESENTATION: Does your presentation demonstrate:

4. Professionalism of the PowerPoint presentation to an intermediate skill level including choice of background to slide, graphics, font and general style, overall design, structure, length, including grammar, punctuation and correct spelling using Australian English and presentation skills including appropriateness of speaking style to suit an audience of Senior Managers, clarity of vocal expression, voice projection, voice clarity in recording, emphasis, engagement and speaker transitions. 5 marks

5. Strict conformity to the exact requirements of the CQU APA Referencing Guide (in-text References are to be used throughout the PowerPoint slides as appropriate and a dedicated final slide provides the reference list). 2.5 marks

Total marks 15


PART B – Reflective Essay - Marking Criteria for Part B Reflective Essay (25%)

Your submission will be assessed on the extent to which it meets each of the following criteria:


CONTENT: Does your submission demonstrate:

1. Evidence of intermediate level critical thinking when reflecting on self and evaluating your (student’s) own experience. 10 marks

2. Relevant and accurate use of (scholarly and non-scholarly) sources with 8 scholarly references required to pass where at least three of these scholarly references must be peer reviewed academic journals. 5 marks


PRESENTATION: Does your presentation demonstrate:

3.Use of written communication skills including choices made regarding appropriate structure to essay (introduction, body, conclusion), length, word choice, expression, grammar, punctuation and correct spelling using Australian English 5 marks

4. Strict conformity to the exact requirements of the CQU APA Referencing Guide for in-text referencing and Reference List. 5 marks

Total marks 25


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Evaluate the complex role of globalisation
  • Analyse the roles of ethics and social responsibility in the business environment.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?