Unit outline_

BWIL1300: Business Consulting Practicum

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

The Undergraduate Business Practicum offers students an opportunity to interact with a sponsor organisation (e.g., corporate, ME, NFP, government) by working collaboratively on a project provided by the sponsor that requires an outcome within a specific timeframe. The project examines the sponsor's current activities, challenges, and future aspirations. While undertaking the unit, participants will research the issues presented by the project and determine its scope and key deliverables in consultation with the sponsor. This process enables students to apply theoretical knowledge learned in class, where it is useful, and critically analyse information and data accessed during research to provide possible solutions to the problems and challenges identified. At the end of the period students present their findings to the sponsor and provide written summary(presentation document).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Work Integrated Learning Hub
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
Completion of at least 24 credit points (including BUSS1000 or BUSS1001)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
BUSS1321
Assumed knowledge
? 

A sound understanding of business and strong written and oral communication skills

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Christine Han, christine.han@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution Early Feedback Task Participation and in-class activities (Wk 1 to Wk 3)
Participation and in-class activities #earlyfeedbacktask
7% Multiple weeks n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Contribution Participation and in-class activities (Wk 4 to Wk 13)
Participation and in-class activities
23% Multiple weeks n/a AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Written work Reflection
Individual reflection
30% Week 05
Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 21 Sep 2025
1250 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation group assignment Proposal for Industry Partner
Group presentation
40% Week 12
Due date: 02 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 16 Nov 2025
20 mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?
early feedback task = 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

Participation and in-class activities (Wk 1 to Wk 3)
As this unit is designed as an interactive learning experience, active attendance, and participation are required. This involves active contributions to the group project processes. For Week 1 to Week 3. #earlyfeedbacktask.

Participation and in-class activities (Wk 4 to Wk 13)
As this unit is designed as an interactive learning experience, active attendance, and participation are required. This involves active contributions to the group project processes. For Week 4 to Week 13.

Reflection
For this assessment, you are required to critically reflect on your experience working on the task to date. This task emulates a standard work performance review where you self-evaluate your performance on specific key performance indicators. As a part of this reflection, you must engage critically with an academic framework to inform your analysis.

Proposal for Industry Partner
Your group will be required to create a professional business proposal outlining the process and findings of the research project. This assessment is to be completed as a recorded presentation and submitted digitally. As this is a group presentation, students will receive a group grade for their report as well as an individual grade for their presentation skills.

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.

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 work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date: (1) Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date. (2) Assessments submitted after the “Closing Date” noted in the Unit of Study Outline will not be marked or assessed.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Module 1: Introduction and consulting basics Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 1: Teamwork and teamworking Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Module 2: Project Panel 1 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 2: Understanding the brief and initial insights Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Module 3: Data collection and research fundamentals Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Moduel 3: Secondary research Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Module 4: Customer journey mapping and personas Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 4: Storyboarding and sketching Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Module 5: Planning, modelling, and mapping Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 5: Modelling Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Module 6: Project Panel 2 Lecture (1 hr) LO2
Module 6: Swallowing frogs and making decisions Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Module 7: Communicating ideas and consulting Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 7: Collaboration and consultation Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Module 8: Prototyping Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 8: Prototypes and peer review Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Module 9: Careers in Consulting Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 9: Development and peer review Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Module 10: Presentation masterclass Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 10: Presentation skills Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Module 11: Project Panel 3 Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 11: Final assignment workshop Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Module 12: Leading up to launch and launching Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 12: Final assignment workshop Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Module 13: Debriefing and lessons learned Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO5
Module 13: Debrief and peer review Workshop (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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.

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.

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

  • LO1. Apply the knowledge and skills developed in business studies within a specific context.
  • LO2. Identify, research, analyse, and critique issues facing modern organisations operating in a business environment.
  • LO3. Collaborate effectively with peers.
  • LO4. Articulate different perspectives on their experience in order to improve practice.
  • LO5. Demonstrate contextually relevant written and oral communication skills.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

Refinements have been made to timings and assessment breakdowns in response to student feedback, and changes in University policy around Early Feedback Tasks.

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.