Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit is delivered in both internal and external modes. The external offering of this unit is only available to students admitted to the BS16 Master of Business, BS17 Master of Business (Advanced), BS18 Master of Business/Master of Business courses and the BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business.
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Experience in developing and executing a comprehensive and systematic study of a management marketing problem is an essential part of graduate education in the disciplines of advertising, marketing and public relations. This unit directs the skills developed in other units of this course towards undertaking a comprehensive study of a topic and then applying a methodical analysis leading to defined conclusions.

Aims

Students develop research and analysis skills and gain intensive knowledge of their selected area of study by undertaking an extensive literature review on a topic of their choice in marketing theory or marketing practice, then undertaking further research and analysis of this topic.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Postgraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Well-researched knowledge and critical understanding applied to issues at the forefront of a specialised discipline area
1.2 Ability to select and use effectively a range of tools and technologies to locate and/or generate information appropriate to the disciplinary context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and judgement to generate appropriate solutions to problems in the disciplinary context

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Ability to create and present professional documents and/or reports using high levels of analysis/synthesis/evaluation for a range of contexts and audiences
3.2 Ability to orally communicate and justify ideas and information, at a professional level, for a variety of contexts and audiences, including peers and discipline specialists

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in collaborative settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply knowledge of the ethical, social and cultural dimensions relevant to business situations, including appropriate standards or codes of practice, to provide courses of action

Unit Objectives
On completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Define a topic of research and plan the undertaking of an original, independent, in-depth study of based on a problem within the disciplines of advertising, marketing and public relations.
2. Consolidate prior learning through the exploration of a theoretical or empirical problem within the disciplines of advertising, marketing and public relations.
3. Complete a professionally written and structured document which comprehensively outlines their research and the outcomes of analysis of this research.

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

The project is an analytically based applied or theoretical study of a problem/issue in Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations or Integrated Marketing Communication. Students select the topic themselves and prepare a formal plan for obtaining answers to the research question or communication problem. Students will develop and write a formal analytical study of a specific theory or issue related to their studies. This includes an extensive study and review of literature on their selected topic, leading to further research and analysis and the formulation of their findings on their topic. This research may be in the form of a specific industry case study.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit involves an independent study to be undertaken by students individually, with support and guidance from a designated supervisor and the Unit Coordinator. Unit goals and requirements are presented and discussed at class meetings in weeks 1 and 2. Students then meet with their supervisor on a regular basis to discuss their progress.

Assessment

Students please note: Assessment in this unit is offered in internal and external modes based on your course attendance mode.Students will receive feedback within a week of submitting their proposal in Week 4. Students are encouraged to consult with their assigned project supervisor on a regular basis to discuss their progress.

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Project Proposal
Description: Students develop a proposal and timeline for completion of the project report. This assessment task feeds into assessment items 2 and 3. Details will be provided in Week 1 and available on the Blackboard site.
Length: 2,000 words
Formative or Summative: Both
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 3

Assessment name: Literature Review
Description: Students identify and review the literature relating to their topic. This assessment task feeds into assessment item 3. Details will be provided in Week 1 and available on the Blackboard site.
Length: 3,000 words
Formative or Summative: Both
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Project Final Report
Description: This final report uses material compiled for assessment items 1 and 2, and adds subsequent research, analysis and conclusion arrived at through their study of their topic. The final report can be written as a case study, applied study or theoretical study. More detail of project requirements will be provided in the week 1 lecture.
Length: 5,000 words
Formative or Summative: Summative.
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text for this unit.

Additional Resources
The following are useful references, including textbooks, journals and websites. Additional references can also be found at the unit's Blackboard site.

Malhotra, N., Hall, J., Shaw, M., & Oppenheim, P. (2006). Marketing Research: An Applied Orientation (3rd edn.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
Neuman, W. L. (2000). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (4th edn.). Sydney, AU: Allyn and Bacon.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 21-Jan-2013