Outline

Overview

This program-wide capstone unit must be taken by students in their final semester of study within the Master of Commerce program. Students work collaboratively with peers and advisors to integrate the discipline-specific knowledge acquired within their program to address practical business challenges requiring cross-disciplinary and cross-functional insights, knowledge and skills. Assessment is designed to assure student proficiency in program learning goals. Students work in self-managing cross-functional teams to complete a semester-long project, preparing individual and group reports that are assessed by academic staff. Weekly seminars include action learning in the business life cycle, data analysis, strategic decision-making, change management, business communication, and ethical awareness and reasoning in business practice. Learning activities include short case studies and business case simulation.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	BUSS6000
Academic unit	Business School
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	Students must have completed 48 credit points of their PG course to be eligible to take this course
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Lovasoa Andriamora, lovasoa.andriamora@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Business case participation Participation	10%	Ongoing	4 workshops
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Team performance assessment Participation	5%	Ongoing	5 simulation rounds
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Team-working assessment Participation	10%	Ongoing	4 workshops
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Simulation report Report	30%	Week 03 Due date: 01 Feb 2022 at 10:00 Closing date: 01 Feb 2022	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Business case presentation Video presentation	15%	Week 03 Due date: 04 Feb 2022 at 10:00 Closing date: 04 Feb 2022	20mn
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Assessment Essay	30%	Week 04 Due date: 08 Feb 2022 at 10:00 Closing date: 15 Feb 2022	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = group assignment with individually assessed component ?

Assessment summary

Business Case Participation

Task Description

Students will be individually assessed by their workshop facilitator on the quality of their in-class participation in the discussions of all assessable 4 business cases. Each student will be assessed on the quality of their contributions according to the assessment criteria outlined below.

Assessment Criteria

1. Demonstrating adequate preparation for each case workshop

2. Actively participating in the discussion as is proceeds

3. Contributing ideas and analysis (especially beyond basic case facts, ie the why and the how, rather than the what)

4. Listening to and effectively building on the comments of others

5. Demonstrating the capacity to assess and solve complex business problems via the case context

6. Demonstrating leadership capabilities, eg providing discussion direction and/or influencing others

Feedback - What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment

Marks for business case participation will be provided via canvas after the final business case discussion. Further specific feedback can be requested from workshop facilitators

Team-Working Assessment

Task Description

Students will be allocated to a group in Workshop 1.

These groups will complete both the business case presentation and the business simulation.

Groups will be observed by the workshop facilitator as they work together to discuss and decide on how to proceed in the business simulation competition.

The workshop facilitator will be looking for individual proficiency in effectively working as part of a business team.

Assessment Criteria

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the simulation and associated business principles and concepts.

2. Ability to apply critical thinking to the complexities of the simulation context, using material from the course- lectures, workshops and readings.

3.Evidence of effective business communications, including active listening, questioning, and influencing skills.

4. Positive and constructive contributions to team deliberations that are well informed, timely and advance the simulation, and

5. Facilitate and/or encourage the contributions of other team members.

Feedback - What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment

Written feedback and marks will be provided via canvas in the week following the final team-working discussions.

Specific further feedback can be provided by workshop facilitators.

Business Case Presentation

Task Description

Students will be allocated to a group during Workshop 1.

A business case and presentation brief will be made available via canvas.

Groups will be required to read, discuss and make a detailed analysis of the issues in the selected case.

This output will form the basis of a 20-minute video presentation - based on the presentation brief and supported by a group slidepack. Each group should arrange for one student within the group to submit their final recorded presentation to Canvas. The format for the assignment submission is a PowerPoint presentation with embedded video (.ppt).

Assessment Criteria

1. Demonstrated ability to identify, select and effectively apply course-related business knowledge, frameworks, and ideas to analyse the issues in the case.

2. Ability to apply critical thinking to the issues in the case.

3. Demonstrate the ability to solve complex business problems, through appropriate forms of business analysis

4. Quality of the structure, flow and organisation of the presentation.

5. Evidence of self-awareness and influencing skills, and

6. Demonstration of the quality of individual communications, including the level of professionalism shown, the use of suitable and clear language, the logic and coherence of the specific arguments made, and the management of required timings

Feedback - What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment

Specific group and individual presentation feedback and marks will be provided via canvas in the week following the presentation.

Team Performance Assessment

Task Description

At the end of the final simulation round, teams will be automatically assessed by the simulation system, based on ten (10) performance metrics.

Assessment Criteria

Ten (10) performance metrics, via the GoVenture simulation rubric

Feedback - What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment

Final performance marks will be available in the week following the last round of competition

Simulation Report

Task Description

The purpose of the GoVenture simulation is to provide a practical learning experience in dealing with the complexities of running a business from a general managers perspective.

It is designed to equip students who have studied specific areas of business like accounting, finance or marketing, with an understanding of how these functions relate to broader organisational activities and decisions.

An additional benefit is that it provides a setting for students to apply their learnings on leadership, influencing and team dynamics.

The simulation report is a group assignment of 2,000 words (including references), based on their actual simulation experience.

It includes both a critical analysis of the strategic context and company performance outcomes, and an assessment of the group effectiveness, learnings about what makes for effective teamwork.

Assessment Criteria

1. Demonstrate an ability to identify, select and use course-related business knowledge to analyse the decisions and outcomes of the simulation

2. Apply critical thinking to business practice, using materials from unit workshops, lectures and readings

3. Solve complex problems through appropriate forms of business analysis

4. Effective communications in the form of professional writing skills

5. Evidence of consideration of group effectiveness.

Feedback - What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment

Written feedback and marks will provide via canvas approximately 2 weeks after assessment submission.

Final Assignment

Task Description

This final assessment (Individual essay) is a HURDLE TASK, which means you must undertake the assessment and achieve at least 50% of the available marks in the assessment to pass the unit. Students who fail to achieve this minimum standard, even when their aggregate mark for the entire unit of study is above 50%, will be given a Fail grade for this unit. Consequently, the student’s academic transcript will show a Fail grade and the actual mark achieved if the final mark of the unit is 0–49, and a Fail grade and capped moderated mark of 49 for all other final marks.

Assessment Criteria

1. Application of business knowledge, including key course-related business theories and concepts.

2. Evidence of critical thinking as it applies to the case-related organisational problems and challenges.

3. Ability to frame business problems accurately and comprehensively, and the effective application of business analysis and problem-solving skills, and

4. Exhibit an awareness of ethical challenges and social contexts as they apply to the cases under consideration

Feedback - What, when and how feedback will be provided for this assessment

Students wishing to obtain feedback on their performance in the final assessment will be advised via canvas about arrangements to view assessment outcome.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 10:00am 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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Tools for Success	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Strategy Development	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Strategy Execution	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Strategic Change and Growth	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Teamwork Capabilities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Decision-Making Capabilities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	Leadership Capabilities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Cultural Capabilities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Personal Ethics and Social Awareness	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Corporate Ethics and Social Responsibility	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Communication Capabilities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Future Success	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
	Final Review	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recording: All lectures are recorded and will be available on Canvas 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.

Students should also access BUSS6000 concept videos available on Canvas. These will be particularly useful for students who have not covered key business frameworks and models in prior units of study.

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

The compulsory reading list will be provided via Canvas prior to the start of the Intensive Session.

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 integrated understanding of the key concepts, models and trends in strategic management and development, and apply this knowledge in current business contexts
LO2. consolidate higher-level critical thinking skills by identifying, assessing and responding to issues and challenges posed in domestic and international business scenarios
LO3. use a range of analytical tools and research skills to analyse strategic management information and use the evidence and findings to generate insights, solve problems and inform appropriate solutions to business dilemmas
LO4. communicate effectively across a range of stakeholders, reach agreement about appropriate responses to complex business problems and present findings in oral and written report formats
LO5. work collaboratively in a team to address and resolve complex business issues in the strategic management arena, while sharpening negotiation and influencing skills
LO6. approach complex business situations and strategic management decision-making in a manner that displays an understanding of ethical frameworks and an awareness of social responsibility.

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.

Minor changes to lecture content have been made to better contextualise theory and engage students in the application of theory to business cases, as a result of recent student feedback in the USS Report.

Additional information

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

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BUSS6000: Succeeding in Business

Intensive February, 2022 [Block mode] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

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

Media

Student links

About us

Connect