Outline

Overview

The Business Practicum offers students an opportunity to interact with a sponsor organisation (eg corporate, SME, NFP, government) while working on a project provided by it that requires a specific outcome by the end of the semester. The project examines the sponsor's current activities, challenges and future aspirations. While undertaking the unit, participants 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 data found during research to provide possible solutions to the problems identified. The final stage is communicating the key outcomes via a written report to the sponsor at the end of the project. Additionally, for the duration of the project, students are expected to reflect on how they have developed as an individual and as part of a team as a means of developing a professional identity that highlights their distinctive self and to consider their own personal employment strategies while building professional networks.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Work Integrated Learning Hub
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	BUSS6104
Assumed knowledge ?	A sound understanding of business and strong written and oral communication skills.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Stephanie Wilson, stephanie.wilson@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	Assignment 1: Participation and Engagement Participation and engagement in tutorials.	30%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Assignment 2: Individual Performance Report Reflection of individual performance	30%	Week 05 Due date: 07 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 Sep 2025	1250 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assessment 3: Industry Partner Presentation Recorded presentation. Group assignment with individual component.	40%	Week 12 Due date: 02 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Nov 2025	20 mins incl. transcript	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment 1: Participation & Engagement
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.

Assessment 2: Individual Performance Self-Evaluation
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.

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

Attendance and class requirements

This is a group and project-based unit so quantity and quality of Participation and Engagement are pivotal for success in the unit.
Students are assessed in-class, in real-time against a rubric available on Canvas.
Students will be provided with feedback and set intervals, and may also speak to their teacher directly at any time for additional support and feedback.
Please make sure to review the rubric carefully on Canvas to ensure you are clear on how you are being assessed.
Participation and Engagement is graded from Week 1 to Week 13.
- Some weeks will require students to have completed pre-work to receive a passing grade for the week.
- In Week 9, a take-home activity will be offered in the place of in-person tutorials. Students Participation and Engagement for Week 9 will be assessed against this take-home activity.
Any absences will be treated as a did not attempt. Students should seek Special consideration and arrangements if they are absent due to exceptional circumstances
essential commitments, and/or events outside your control.
If a student is absent for more than 20% of a tutorial (due to late arrival or early departure), they will not be able to receive a passing grade for that tutorial.
Students who enrol late in the course will have their Participation and Engagement grade derived from the weeks that they were enrolled. This data will be verified against their logged date of enrolment in the unit.

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

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. Contextualize your academic disciplinary learning within real-world industry settings.
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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

Activity and assessment timings have been updated based on feedback in 2024. Adjustments have been made to the grading of attendance and participation based on student feedback in 2024.

Additional information

All efforts are made to ensure that Learning Activities are listed including the Project Panels with the industry partner. However, as this is a live project relying on support from our industry partner, there may be situations where Project Panels and guest talks may need to be rescheduled or cancelled. There may also be situations where partner availability or project information changes due to external factors. These risks are a part and parcel of work-integrated learning experiences including live projects. In the event of such shifts, we will always do our best to ensure quality resources are available to students.

Business School Policies

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

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

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

BWIL6300: Business Consulting Practicum

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

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

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

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