Unit outline_

MMGT6101: MMGT Business Project

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Castlereagh St, Sydney

The Business Project provides students with practical experience in applying management knowledge and skills in business analysis and team-working to researching a significant business challenge or opportunity in a host organisation and preparing and presenting an evidence-based business report of a high professional standard. Most students are already familiar with various business disciplines through course work; however, the interdisciplinary use of this knowledge and the capacity to translate it into practical solutions is often a new challenge. The project permits students to combine theory and practice - learning how to analyse problems, develop recommendations and propose solutions to the problem. In addition to providing hands-on experience on how to deal with a business problem, the unit also offers a unique opportunity hone research skills in a cross-functional team context. Students work in small groups of four (4) or five (5) and partner with a real organisation over a ten (10) week period to research and recommend solutions to a real business problem identified in consultation with the partner organisations. Projects range from social entrepreneurship programs, where students work with community groups and NGOs, through to consultancy projects for large multinational corporations. Projects are overseen by a specifically appointed consulting mentor and students also have access to business mentors throughout the project. Following preparatory learning in advanced applied research methods, students design and undertake investigative research on an agreed business issue, deliver a presentation and provide a written report to the client organisation, as well as to create and disseminate a Thought Leadership Piece on a topic linked to their challenge.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Management Education
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Megan Davis, megan.davis@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written work Individual Reflection
1000 word written submission at end of semester reflecting on BP learning experience.
15% Formal exam period
Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 18 Jun 2026
1000 words +/- 10% written paper. AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Written work Thought leadership piece
Thought leadership creative writing assessment.
10% Formal exam period
Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 18 Jun 2026
1000 words +/- 10% written paper AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Presentation Thought Leadership showcase pitch
1 minute pitch by individual students discussing key BP insights at MMGT Showcase.
5% STUVAC 1 minute pitch discussion BP insights. AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4
Written work group assignment Scoping document
Written summary document of key elements of business project.
5% Week 05
Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Apr 2026
No longer than 3 typed pages. AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Interactive oral Business Project reflection assessment centre
Assessment centre style student interview in collaboration with Leadership 6020 as part of Business Project reflection assessment.
15% Week 07 Discussion interview 15 minutes AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6
Presentation group assignment Business project presentation
Oral presentation to client.
25% Week 13 30 - 40 mins pres + 20 mins Q & A AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Written work group assignment Business project report
BP Client deliverable. Written report
25% Week 13
Due date: 29 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Jun 2026
5000 words + - 10% variation + appendix AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Scoping document: Students will submit a copy of a project scoping document (worth 5% of report assessment) which has been previously approved by their business mentor and partner organisation. The format of the document is to be determined by the team and their client taking into consideration the nature of the project.
  • Business project report: Each team submits a written consultancy report outlining the context of the business problem, the research question, the research methods to be used, a problem analysis, and conclusions and recommendations. The written report is worth 25% of the report assessment.
  • Business project presentation: In conjunction with the business project written reports, students will have the opportunity to present their findings and recommendations to the partner organisation in a formal presentation worth 25%.
  • Thought leadership showcase pitch: Student groups will develop a poster to present at the MMGT end of semester showcase and individual team members will deliver a 1 minute pitch discussing key personal insights from their BP experience (5%)
  • Thought Leadership written piece: Students will also submit a written summary piece outlining key points of interest derived from the business project for this assessment. The written summary piece is to be no longer than 1000 words +/- 10% (worth 10%) 
  • Individual Reflection: Students will prepare for a 15 minute assessment centre interview reflecting on the first half of semster on their BP experience (15%). Students will also write a 1000 word +/- 10% written submission reflecting on the entire BP experience at the end of semester (15%). 
  • Group peer evaluation: All students will be required to submit 2 rounds of peer evaluation of group members at the half way point and conclusion of the business project report and presentation. The PE results will potentially effect the final assessment mark for individual group members contributing to the BP report and presentation group assessments.

Detailed information and marking criteria for each assessment can be found on Canvas course site for MMGT6101.

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 line with Business School guidelines all late submissions will incur a penalty of 5% possible marks per day late.

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 Course introduction and information session. (Megan) Seminar (3 hr) LO1
Week 02 Consulting, business communication and team building skills (Megan) Seminar (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Initial client meetings to develop scoping document Placement (3 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 03 Communication and team working skills (Paul) Seminar (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 04 Communication and team working skills (Paul) Seminar (8 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Consulting, research and business communication skills (Megan) Seminar (8 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 Business project progress meetings One-on-one supervision meeting (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Business project presentation feedback meetings One-on-one supervision meeting (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 13 Business project client presentations Assessment (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 14 (STUVAC) Business project debrief session and unit wrap up Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures and seminars 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.

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no required Academic Readings as this is a fieldwork and applied UOS relating to individual company projects so any relevant Academic resources would be specific to each project.

As a result of the diversity of projects, general course wide Academic resources are not provided by UOS Coordinator, other than those presented during the consulting skills workshops at the beginning of semester.

On request, students are provided guidance on where to source relevant resources if possible. Resources can also be sourced from the Business Mentor working with each group, with the majority of project and company specific information usually being provided by the company project sponsor.

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. explain the role, responsibilities and the work of a business consultant in the preparation of an industry-relevant business project
  • LO2. apply tools that will allow you to find creative and methodologically sound solutions to management challenges organisations face in an increasingly complex and interconnected global economy
  • LO3. analyse and critically assess real business problems/opportunities and design creative solutions for topical business issues
  • LO4. demonstrate constructive communication processes within your team and with the business partner throughout the business project development process
  • LO5. operate a business project through planning and organising activities, meetings and processes and explain your own role in the team when implementing these processes
  • LO6. appraise the ethical conduct necessary to run a global business in responsible and sustainable ways.

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.

The scope document has been weighted at 5% to contribute to the overall BP Report grade (now reduced to 25%) for a total of 30% allocated to work on the BP Report to engage students earlier with the large group report assessment. The Reflection assessment will add an interactive oral component mid semester in week 7 and the final written paper of 1000 words due at the end of semester to allow a more progressive reflective process for the students. The student Peer Evaluation has been split into 2 parts to have one mid semester to align with the BP Progress meetings with the UOS Coordinator then a final PE at the end of semester as previously done to address student concerns of noncontributing group members earlier in the semester and have an opportunity to facilitate improvement and more productive team dynamics, leading to better project and student learning outcomes. The outcome of the peer evaluation may affect individual student grades achieved fro the BP report and presentation group assessments.

Work, health and safety

The core learning goal of this UOS is to bridge the gap between academic, university study and how this can be applied in the workplace. The focus of its assessments and practice is to assist in preparing students for a successful and productive entry into the workplace.

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.