Outline

Overview

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.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BUSS1001
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Swati Nagar, swati.nagar@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	Reflection and Contribution Reflective Vlogs	10%	Multiple weeks	31 August & 19 October	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Quiz Online quiz based on readings & weekly content Weeks 1-3 #EarlyFeedbackTask	5%	Week 03 Due date: 24 Aug 2025 at 23:59	Timed quiz with up to 10 questions.	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Consulting Report Short Release Assessment	25%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59	1,800 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Team presentation In-class (live) presentation.	30%	Week 11 Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Assessment Short-release assignment.	30%	Week 13 Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59	2,000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Tutorial preparation & participation: Students are required to complete weekly preparation activities provided on Canvas before their tutorial (including completing the modules, readings and weekly case study questions). They will then use the completed preparation activities to help effectively engage in their weekly tutorials with their classmates and tutor, and reflect afterwards on the process and content. More information is detailed on Canvas including any excluding weeks.
Quiz (early feedback task): Students will be required to complete a quiz on Canvas by Week 3 Sunday 23:59. The quiz will cover all Week 1, 2 and 3 content (readings, online modules, case studies and tutorial work). For this reason, it is recommended that students do not complete the quiz until after their Week 3 tutorial. The Quiz will open Week 3 Monday 9pm and will be timed (once a student opens it, they must complete). Feedback will be provided to students once the quiz closes for all students, to help them assess their progression and understanding of the unit.
Consulting Report: Students will prepare a business report on a case study, answering the questions provided. The report involves undertaking research, applying theoretical frameworks and concepts, and critically analysing the context and/or organisation. Further details will be provided on Canvas.
Team presentation: Students will work on a project in groups of 3-6 participants, creating and submitting their presentation slides and script in Week 11, then presenting it live in Week 12 tutorials where all members must attend. Students will also have to submit regular status reports providing an update of the group’s progress weekly from Week 7-11, with a component of peer evalutation after the presentation is completed. Details of the project will be given to you on Canvas in due course.
Final Assessment: Students will be required to reflect on their learnings and write a report based on a case as part as part of a short-release assignment. Students will be required to refer to their earlier completed weekly refelections from Tutorials to assist them in completing this assessment. Further details will be provided to you in due course on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Changing Nature of Business Today	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	The Organisation - External Analysis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	The Organisation - Internal Analysis	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	The Strategic Direction of a Business	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Business & Society - Intertwined or Separate?	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Sustainability & Business	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	The Future of Technology - Industry 5.0 and the Role of AI	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Future of Work - The Role of Gig Economy and Changing Labour Markets	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Learning from Indigenous Business	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Disruptive Innovation and Entrepreneurship	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Opportunistic Business - An Analysis of Emerging Markets	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Presentation Preparation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Your future in business	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Important referencing guidelines: APA 7th ed referencing style must be used for all submitted work.

BUSS1000 Tutorials and Workshops start in Week 1.

Tutorial Preparation & Participation is about the quality and consistency of engagement in tutorials and tutorial preparation. It is not simply founded on attendance. The assessment comprises of performance in class and demonstration of preparation prior to class. It includes responding to questions correctly on the topic module on Canvas or on the assigned tutorial material when cold-called. It also includes team/group performance when teams meet in class, overall engagement with Canvas, level of discussion and building on others’ answers, and understanding the weekly case study materials.

NOTE:

Tutorials are not recorded.
If a student misses their assigned weekly tutorial, then they will not be permitted to attend another.
To help with other BUSS1000 assessment, particularly the Final Assessment, it is recommended students complete the reflection activity on Canvas after every tutorial.

Detailed information for BUSS1000 assessment and about Masterclass 1000 can be found on Canvas.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library Reading List, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of theory and conceptual frameworks that are relevant to businesses operating in diverse sectors
LO2. explain and critically assess the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in a variety of key sectors within the global economy
LO3. apply conceptual frameworks to different business problems in order to derive insights about business performance and opportunities for strategic change
LO4. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using a range of modes of communication including presentations and writing effectively to different audiences
LO5. collaborate effectively with others by structuring work assignments in an effective way to meet deadlines and manage team conflict
LO6. demonstrate an understanding of how to make a positive impact within the business environment and plan for a sustainable and ethical approach to societal challenges.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We thank students for their ongoing feedback about the unit and its recent changes in S1 2024. The unit's topics have been reviewed and are updated for S2 2024 taking on the shifting direction of business since the global pandemic, and the dire need for organisations to focus on reducing carbon emissions, considering their role in society and the importance of learning from Indigenous Business. Additionally, newly introduced peer evaluation component was well received by the students and the Unit will continue to employ this in S2 2024. Finally, additional opportunities for feedback on student progression with the unit have been introduced with the quiz in Week 3 and ongoing feedback in relation to tutorial participation.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BUSS1000: Future of Business

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links