University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Commerce degree core

Table A - The University of Sydney Business School

Commerce

Core

1000-level units of study
BUSS1000 Future of Business

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1.5 hour lecture every week (13), 1.5 hr tutorial each week, guided learning material (e.g. videos, podcasts, contemporary case studies etc.). 8x 1.5 hr workshops: Students who are identified as benefiting from additional academic support (a written diagnostic is administered during week 1 of the BUSS1000 tutorials) will be required to attend a 1.5 hour weekly workshop from Week 3 on Business Communication and Academic Writing (BCAC). Prohibitions: BUSS1001 Assessment: Case study (25%), team presentation (25%), tutorial attendance and participation (15%), final exam (35%)
Note: This unit must be completed in the first semester in the first year of study for all students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce (including combined degrees).
This compulsory first year unit is designed to provide commencing undergraduate students with insights into the study and the practice of business. Students gain foundational knowledge in relation to business stakeholders, business challenges and the ways in which business leaders might approach responding to these challenges. Key stakeholders within and external to organisations are identified and their interests are analysed. Critical business challenges such as climate change and sustainability, the future of work and workforce diversity are investigated. The way that these challenges affect different types of business, sectors and stakeholders is analysed and responses constructed to them. The unit is delivered in a blended format, with face-to-face lectures, seminars, and interactive online modules. Success in this unit is determined by strong application of critical, strategic and cross-disciplinary thinking, as well as the ability to demonstrate business knowledge and problem-solving skills through effective written and oral communication.
BUSS1020 Quantitative Business Analysis

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1 x 2hr tutorial per week Prohibitions: ECMT1010 or MATH1005 or MATH1905 or MATH1015 or STAT1021 or ENVX1001 or ENVX1002 or DATA1001 or MATH1115 Assumed knowledge: Mathematics (equivalent of band 4 in the NSW HSC subject Mathematics or band E3 in Mathematics Extension 1 or 2) OR MATH1111 Assessment: mid-semester exam (25%); weekly homework (15%), assignment (20%), final exam (40%)
Note: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, and the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws must complete this core unit within the first year of study (full-time students) or within in the first two years of study (part-time students).
All graduates from the BCom need to be able to use quantitative techniques to analyse business problems. This ability is important in all business disciplines since all disciplines deal with increasing amounts of data, and there are increasing expectations of quantitative skills. This unit shows how to interpret data involving uncertainty and variability; how to model and analyse the relationships within business data; and how to make correct inferences from the data (and recognise incorrect inferences). The unit will include instruction in the use of software tools (primarily spreadsheets) to analyse and present quantitative data.
BUSS1030 Accounting, Business and Society

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 1.5hr lecture and 1x 1.5hr tutorial per week Prohibitions: ACCT1001 or ACCT1002 or ACCT1003 or ACCT1004 or ACCT1005 Assessment: tutorial contribution (10%), assignment (15%), mid-semester test (25%), final examination (50%)
Note: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, and the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws must complete this core unit within the first year of study (full-time students) or within in the first two years of study (part-time students).
This unit investigates the fundamentals of accounting and aims to provide a broad understanding of the role of accounting in the context of business and society. The format of the unit is designed to show that there are many uses of accounting data. The focus moves from accountability to decision making; both functions are explained through examples such as the 'double entry equation', and from an output (financial statements) perspective. Some more technical aspects of accounting are outlined, including the elements of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses within simple, familiar scenarios. Besides developing an understanding of the role of accounting via conventional financial reports, recent developments including the discharge of accountability by companies through the release of corporate social and environmental reports and the global financial crisis, are explored through an accounting lens.
2000-level units of study
BUSS2000 Leading and Influencing in Business

Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2 hr tutorial each week, weekly online lectures (video podcasts), guided learning material and quizzes. Prerequisites: Completion of at least 48 credit points (including BUSS1000 or BUSS1001) Assessment: career plan report (30%), team report (15%), team presentation (10%), workshop attendance and participation (10%), final exam (35%)
Note: This unit must be completed during the second year of study (full-time students) for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, and the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws.
This unit of study introduces students to the knowledge and skills required to successfully lead and influence people in an increasingly global and diverse workplace. Unit content is drawn from relevant theories and evidence with students applying the underpinning principles from these theories to develop effective interpersonal skills, self-reflective practices, self-development goals and plans, leadership and employability skills. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are important to building a career regardless of disciplinary specialisation. Example topics include: the importance of understanding and reflecting on one's own values and career goals/interests, communication, teamwork, ethical and social responsibility, inclusive leadership, cultural awareness and competency, as well as professional skills.