Unit outline_

MKTG6020: B2B Marketing

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Business marketing is concerned with the marketing of products and services to other businesses and institutions. It involves selecting, developing and managing customer relationships in line with the skills, resources, strategy and objectives of both the supplier and customer companies. Traditionally, business marketing was approached using the '4P's' framework. This unit exposes students not only to the traditional view but contrasts that approach with the interactions, relationships and networks approach to business marketing. The unit aims to develop students into more complete marketers, capable of operating within the dynamic business marketing environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Marketing
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
MKTG5001
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Catherine Sutton-Brady, catherine.suttonbrady@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Presentation group assignment Poster Session
Designing a poster to showcase research report and answering questions from tutor and classmates
15% Multiple weeks
Due date: 21 May 2026 at 09:00

Closing date: 31 May 2025
N/A AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Presentation group assignment Network Presentation
Presentation of preliminary network diagram to be included in final report.
10% Week 05
Due date: 26 Mar 2026 at 09:00

Closing date: 27 Mar 2026
5 minutes with 5 minutes Q&A AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3
Written test In-Semester Test
xx
30% Week 08
Due date: 26 Apr 2026 at 12:10
1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Practical skill B2B Simulation
Online simulation
25% Week 10
Due date: 07 May 2026 at 10:00

Closing date: 08 May 2026
2 hours AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Case studies group assignment Written report
Report
20% Week 13
Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 12 Jun 2026
1500 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • B2B simulation: In an online simulation "managing segments and customers" you will make decisions regarding a company's marketing and operations strategy in a B2B context. There are four steps; preparation, analysis of reports, quarterly decision entering and review and adjustment. One workshop in Week 7 will be devoted to a practice run and the graded run will take place in Week 10 in your designated workshop. (7 or 8/05/26). The graded run will be a closed book assessment no materials will be allowed apart from your laptop to complete the simulation.
  • In-Semester Test: The exam will consist of short answer questions based on all material covered up to that date. It will take place in Week 8 and will be run by The Business School Exams team. It is a closed book exam so no materials will be allowed.
  • Presentation: Each group will be required to their preliminary industry network diagram in their Week 5 workshop.  They will be required to answer questions on its' content and will be provided with feedback for improvement.
  • Poster Sessions: Each group will present the main points of their report. To aid your presentation, you are expected to prepare a poster. All members of the group must participate in the poster session to receive a mark and marks may differ for individual students based on their ability to answer questions from your tutor and classmates. The poster sessions will take place in workshops in weeks 12 and 13.
  • Written report: Working in teams of up to 5 you will be required to undertake an investigation of relatiosnhips and networks in B2B markets. This assignment considers how a B2B company’s relationships and networks change overtime sometimes as a result of a critical incident in the industry. Due date is 29/05/26

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

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 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:

The Assessment Procedures 2011 provide that any written work submitted after 11:59pm on the due date will be penalised by 5% of the maximum awardable mark for each calendar day after the due date. If the assessment is submitted more than 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.

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 Welcome and introduction to B2B. Lecture (1 hr)  
Welcome and introduction to B2B. Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 02 B2B buyer behaviour Lecture (1 hr)  
B2B buyer behaviour Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 03 Relationships and Interaction in Business Markets Lecture (1 hr)  
Relationships and Interaction in Business Markets Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 04 Networks in Business Lecture (1 hr)  
Networks in Business Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 05 Managing Customer Relationships Lecture (1 hr)  
Managing Customer Relationships Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 06 Introduction to Simulation Lecture (1 hr)  
B2B Relationships (continued) Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 07 Practice Simulation Run and debrief Lecture (1 hr)  
Practice Simulation Run and debrief Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 08 In-Semester Test Lecture (1 hr)  
In-Semester Test Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 09 Managing Marketing Strategy and Processes Lecture (1 hr)  
Managing Marketing Strategy and Processes Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 10 Graded Simulation Run Lecture (1 hr)  
Graded Simulation Run Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 11 B2B Branding Lecture (1 hr)  
B2B Branding Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 12 Poster Sessions Lecture (1 hr)  
Poster Sessions Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 13 Poster Sessions Lecture (1 hr)  
Poster Sessions Tutorial (2 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures will be live. While they are recorded there is no guarantee that the technology will always be reliable.

Students should ensure they attend and participate in all lectures and workshops to improve learning.

Group work is key and working with your group in workshops each week enhances your learning outcomes.

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

Textbook required: Brennan, R., Canning, L. & McGrath H. (2024). Business-to-Business Marketing (6th ed.). SAGE Publications, Ltd. (UK). 

Additional readings for this unit can be accessed through the library eReserve, available on Canvas.

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 'business-to-business' marketing theoretical concepts to issues faced by business
  • LO2. evaluate the continually important role relationships play in business
  • LO3. explain the concepts of networks and relationships in business markets.

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.

A textbook has been added to complement the already extensive reading list. Students will also present their network diagram early in semester for feedback to aid in improving it for final report. An in-semester test has been added to allow students to individually showcase their understanding of the material covered.

Please ensure you have a fully charged laptop for the practice and graded simulation runs.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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