BB101: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

This subject explores management and leadership in organisations. The subject is driven by the 4 (four) management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling with emphasis placed on leadership perspectives on each of the functions. The subject explores contemporary management themes, issues and current research on management and leadership. It uses case studies to develop critical perspectives on the challenges faced by managers and leaders. The subject provides students with a toolkit to solve complex real-world management problems in a competitive, ethical and socially responsible way.

BB102: BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

This subject provides students with an introduction to communication theory and the communication practices used in business. It combines the knowledge and skills of business communication with practical opportunities for students to develop and refine their own writing and communications skills. The subject explores presentation skills, business writing and report writing, and provides students with an understanding of academic writing and good practice. It considers communicating in groups, non-verbal communication, and intercultural communications. Students learn how to critically read and analyse texts and communications, argue persuasively, and discover the barriers to communication and how they might be overcome.

BB103: PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING

The ability to comprehend, analyse and interpret financial information is an essential skill for any business professional. This subject’s aim is to provide students with a broad introduction to a range of financial information useful for business reporting, planning, and investment decision making. The subject has a dual focus on the financial information needs of two distinct user groups – external users of financial information (e.g. investors) and internal users (e.g. managers). In the first half of the course, students are introduced to the generally accepted accounting principles that are used to produce the financial statements that provide information to allow the evaluation of financial performance, position, and liquidity. In the second half of the course the focus shifts to the needs of internal users of financial information where students are introduced to management accounting concepts and techniques – critical applications that provide information for planning, control, evaluation, and strategic decision-making. Throughout the subject special emphasis is placed on the evaluation of different accounting choices, and ethical decision making, and the impact those choices have on the business, its stakeholders, society, and the environment.

BB104: ECONOMICS FOR BUSINESS

In this subject, students explore key theories and principles of economic thinking including concepts such as competition, monopoly, oligopoly, supply and demand, and elasticity. Students learn how markets operate and why they behave the way they do. They discuss how government economic policies affect national economies and individual businesses and, further, learn about and distinguish between monetary and fiscal policy. Students explore the causes of inflation, international trade, the international monetary system, and production and growth.

BB105: MARKETING FOUNDATIONS

This subject examines how organisations use marketing decisions to satisfy customer needs and deliver value. Areas of study include market segmentation and positioning; market planning; product decisions and new product development; branding; customer decision processes, channels of distribution; promotion and advertising; pricing strategies; and customer information management. Particular emphasis is placed on digital marketing, ethical practices and social responsibility.

BB106: BUSINESS ETHICS AND SUSTAINABILITY

A key challenge for most medium to large businesses today is how they manage risk and ensure effective governance and ethical business practices. In this unit students are introduced to concepts of business ethics and the elements of good corporate governance and business sustainability. The unit discusses the role of corporate officers and their associated obligations, expectations, and responsibilities. It identifies and discusses the instruments and institutions responsible for maintaining good governance such as the ASX, ACC, ASIC, and APRA. Students explore and discuss the difference between ethics, morals, and values and actively consider a range of moral and ethical dilemmas including the strategic importance of how to operate sustainably in a world of finite resources.

BB107: BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS

An essential ingredient of all businesses is information and its efficient use, storage, and management. In this subject, students are introduced to the principles of information management and information systems. Specific systems that will be explored include customer relationship management systems, supply chain systems, logistics systems, and resource planning systems. Students will learn about how information systems contribute to organisational effectiveness along with their technical requirements and capabilities. They will explore the concepts of databases, the principles of system design and documentation, and key elements of information management including data security and ethical data handling, storage, and use.

BB108: BUSINESS STATISTICS AND RESEARCH

In our increasingly data driven business environment the ability to accurately collect, analyse, and interpret data sets has become a much-valued skill. In this unit students are introduced to basic statistical methods and practice and their role in business decision making. The unit explores various data types and methods of sampling and collection. It examines graphical and numerical statistical methods and introduces concepts such as probability, inference, distributions, estimation, and hypothesis testing.

BB201: BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND DATA ANALYTICS

The ability to store, retrieve and analyse relevant data is often touted to be one of the key factors driving company competitiveness and success. The frontier for using data to make decisions has shifted dramatically. This course provides an overview of Business Intelligence (BI) concepts, technologies and practices, and then focuses on the application of BI through a team-based project simulation that will allow students to have practical experience in building a BI solution based on a real-world case study. Students gather skills to drive an improved decision-making process for senior management based on understanding data. Students will know the importance of understanding the short and long-term goals of the organisation and how these impact the decision making process. Students will use tools that enable data analysis, predictive analytics, data visualisation to assist in the delivery of delivering real-time actionable intelligence.

BB202: BUSINESS FINANCE

Effective financial systems provide the platform for all business operations, large and small. Key to financial systems are financial markets and institutions and, as such, knowledge of the operations of these markets and institutions is critical for all business professionals. The aim of this subject is to introduce students to the fundamentals of business decision-making and to provide them with an insight into a variety of financial instruments offered in financial markets. Students will also be introduced to how markets function, their various participants, and how they are regulated. After an introduction to the fundamentals of business financing and decision-making, the subject focuses on the operations of financial institutions and financial markets such as equity and derivative markets. Other focuses include sources of debt finance and foreign currency exchange. Throughout the subject special emphasis is placed on the importance of applying ethics when making financial decisions.

BB203: BUSINESS LAW

This subject introduces students to the Australian legal system and how laws are created, applied and interpreted. Through the use of case law students learn about and discuss business law topics such as business crimes, the law of torts, contract law, consumer protection law, and competition law. The subject describes and explores the nature of business organisations and business structures and identifies and discusses the roles and responsibilities of corporate officers. It concludes by examining laws relating to winding up businesses and business insolvency.

BB204: DESIGN THINKING AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

This subject covers a range of digital innovation and disruption theories in order to understand the impact of disruptive technology to industry. In particular students will look at both the positive and negative effects for an organisation and to society, including looking at the ethical implications. Students will be introduced to Design Thinking as a tool for managers to use to establish innovation as a central part of the culture and to respond to customer problems through innovative human centred solutions. Students will apply the steps of Design Thinking and think through how this is managed for new product or service development.

BB301: ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

In this subject, students will develop an understanding of innovation and entrepreneurial practice using key ideas, concepts, models, procedures, tools, methods and literature in the innovation and entrepreneurship disciplinary environment. Students will explore entrepreneurial traits and characteristics in self and others and will assess these for entrepreneurial effectiveness. A focus is given to enabling students to identify a business idea to pitch and then undertake business case analysis to further assess and develop this. Ethical and social considerations in entrepreneurial environments are considered for sustainable innovative outcomes.

BB302: THE GLOBAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

This subject examines the strategic and operational challenges and opportunities that arise from organisations entering into foreign markets. It investigates the local and global environments with a view to develop solutions to challenges and capitalise on opportunities. It also gives due diligence to ethical, social and cultural considerations of operating globally.

BB303: ENTERPRISE DESIGN AND VALUE CREATION

The subject equips students to understand the foundations of strategy, this includes in organisations working to create new markets or have aspirations to do so. Within this context students will explore how to design an organisation that is agile, to build structures that support innovative behaviour and entrepreneurial outcomes. The subject focuses on how business model design needs to support enterprise development and growth with emphasis on internal resource and capital management.

BB304: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

This course provides an overview of principles and practices in contemporary HR management with a specific focus on the strategic role it plays in helping organisations build and maintain competitive advantage. Major topic areas include human resource planning; training and development; managing diversity; industrial relations and HRM; and employee health and safety. On completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of current HRM issues challenging organisations and the effectiveness of the various options available for managing contemporary workforces. Students will also enhance competence in a range of areas including critical thinking, developing plausible argument and communication skills.

BB305: BUSINESS RESEARCH: CAPSTONE PROJECT

An important element of successful business operations is the ability to undertake consulting or research-based projects which might seek to describe a business environment, identify issues, or suggest solutions. In this unit students will learn about the principles of effective business research and have the opportunity to conduct a short research-based consulting project. The unit is in two parts. In the first part students learn about the fundamentals of research, while in the second part they explore the nature of research projects relevant to specific areas discussed and considered throughout the program to date. Students will be expected to work in groups to identify a research or consulting project, develop a project plan, and conduct basic project research.

BB351: ACCOUNTING PRACTICE

The ability to comprehend, analyse and evaluate corporate financial reporting information is key to enabling company stakeholders to evaluate company outcomes and a critical skill for business professionals. This subject introduces students to the various legislative, regulatory, and accounting standards and requirements that determine the communication of corporate information. With a focus on financial reporting theories and concepts, the subject addresses specific corporate accounting issues such as accounting for share capital, intangible assets, corporate income tax, leases, financial instruments, and foreign currency. The subject culminates with a comprehensive review of the requirements of corporate group accounting including accounting for consolidations and investments in associated entities. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on understanding the negative impacts improper corporate actions can have on society and the importance of applying ethical considerations when making corporate reporting choices.

BB352: ACCOUNTING THEORY

No accountant or business professional can attest to a comprehensive understanding of the accounting function and its processes without developing a deep appreciation of the theories and concepts that underpin and define accounting practice. This subject investigates various competing theories of accounting and critiques the accounting conceptual framework and the role that professional judgement plays in applying principles-based standards. Students will be encouraged to challenge conventional accounting thought and engage in critiquing the accounting literature. The subject also has a focus on evaluating an organisation’s corporate governance and corporate social responsibility engagement with a strong emphasis on the importance of applying ethical considerations when making accounting choices and decisions.

BB353: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

In BB103 Principles of Accounting, students were introduced to two (2) distinct groups of users of financial information: external users (e.g. investors) and internal users (e.g. management). This subject aims to further develop students’ knowledge of management accounting concepts and principles that provide internal users with the information they need to make strategic business decisions when planning, controlling, and evaluating their organisation’s activities. An important focus is the design and operation of management accounting systems that facilitate efficient resource allocation and promote continuous improvement. Students will be challenged to think critically about how people in the organisation interact with these systems and to appreciate the importance of applying ethical considerations in their design.

BB354: Taxation

This subject seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Australian taxation laws. A specific emphasis is placed on enabling students to access the Income Tax Assessment Acts, related legislation, case law and Australian Taxation Office publications to solve tax-related problems for individuals and business entities. In addition, students are made aware of tax planning issues that exist in relevant personal and business environments and learn how to communicate technical tax information to client taxpayers.

The subject commences with an overview of the Australian taxation framework and introduces the concept of residency and source as the basic tenants of applying Australia income tax. Students then learn to recognise items of assessable income and allowable deductions to enable the calculation of taxable income and net tax payable by individuals and other entities. Detailed coverage of the Capital Gains Tax, Fringe Benefits Tax and the Goods and Services Tax is also provided. Other topics include the taxation of superannuation, retirement and termination payments, tax treatment of partnerships, companies and trusts, and anti-avoidance provisions. Achieving the learning outcomes for this subject is vital for the professional development of accountants and related professionals, such as financial advisers. Throughout the course special emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making when making tax planning choices.

BB355: AUDTING AND ASSURANCE

An independent audit function is critical in reassuring users of financial information as to the quality and reliability of financial statements. While some accountants will specialise in internal or external auditing, knowledge of key audit procedures such as risk assessment, internal control system evaluation and forensic accounting is important for all business professionals. The subject has a primary focus on contemporary audit practices applied to financial statement audits conducted under the Australian Corporations law, however, other forms of audit and assurance are investigated. Throughout the course emphasis is placed on examining the legal, ethical, and societal responsibilities of the auditor.

BB356: CORPORATIONS LAW

This subject builds on the foundation knowledge of business legal environments that students gained in BB203 Business Law through a refined focus on contemporary corporate law in Australia. The aim of this subject is to provide students with understanding of the concept of corporate personality and an appreciation of the contexts in which corporations operate. Students will follow the legal life cycle of a company from incorporation to dissolution and investigate the relationships between corporate stakeholders such as directors, members, regulators, and outside parties and understand their various rights and obligations. Due to the potential impact corporations can have on the economy, society and the environment, an important focus throughout the subject will be the ethical considerations that corporate decision makers should apply.

BB357: CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Understanding why consumers act the way they do is essential to all businesses, whether it’s selling retail or manufactured goods, or particular services, skills, or experience. In this unit students are introduced to psychology of the consumer and are asked to explore their own habits and values as consumers. The unit looks at the act of consumption and why we consume together with the various factors that influence consumer buyer behaviour, such as age, ethnicity and culture, sex, and social class.
The subject also explores how an understanding of consumer behaviour links to organisational marketing strategy, and the role of digital technologies and social media in driving consumer behaviour.

BB358: MARKETING AND AUDIENCE RESEARCH

This subject will provide students with a working knowledge of the methods and issues involved in conducting marketing research, and how to use market research techniques in a business context. Particular attention is paid to understanding the research process and how to conduct marketing research. The focus is on how research supports decision making processes in order to aid marketing managers to make informed decisions.

BB359: INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

In this subject, students are given the opportunity to discuss the important role that integrated marketing communication plays in an organisation’s overall success in the market. It considers how various marketing communication tools are used to convey meanings to the target audience. The options for digital marketing and the use of social media to market products and services are explored. Students will be given the opportunity to investigate and evaluate a marketing communication plan thereby gaining an understanding of the key elements in planning, managing, and executing marketing communications strategy.

BB360: SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL MARKETING

This subject explores the fundamental principles of digital marketing in order to gain a solid understanding of digital marketing strategy, implementation and evaluation. It provides a detailed examination of digital channels and platforms that are key applications in marketing such as research, adding value in the areas of product, distribution, pricing and promotion. A key focus is the importance of delivering positive user experiences and developing customer relationships over time.

BB361: BRAND AND PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

This subject focuses on the new product development process and product management across the product lifecycle, and how to develop effective product marketing strategies. It also considers the important role brands play in the marketing process including brand identity, image, equity, reputation, and strategy. Areas covered include brand and product management, positioning, building brand equity, designing brand and product strategies, naming new products and brand and product extensions.

BB362: MANAGING CROSS CULTURALLY

In an increasingly global world, more than ever businesses and their staff need to understand and be sympathetic to the many different cultures with which they regularly need to do business. This unit introduces students to how businesses manage these often difficult cultural relationships. The unit explores the nature of the global business environment today and considers come of the business models that organisations adopt to work across national borders. It explores the nature of culture and discusses some of the key theories by which we understand culture and cultural difference.

The unit considers how factors like politics, the law, religion, race and language all influence culture. It explores what organisations that operate internationally need to do to work and compete in the international business arena and explores some of the key challenges, issues, trends, and risks associated with international business and managing across cultures.

BB363: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING STRATEGY MANAGEMENT

This subject consists of the analysis and practical application of a variety of concepts, theories, and techniques involved in the development, evaluation, and implementation of an international marketing strategy. It deals the differences between domestic and international marketing, and environmental conditions of host markets and their particular challenges. Students will learn how to analyse international marketing opportunities to identify appropriate market segments and entry strategies and to formulate the strategic marketing mix for new international projects.