Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

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

Rationale

Corporate and Investor Relations 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 (Public Relations - external), BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Relations, Marketing or Integrated Marketing Communication - external).

Corporate and Investor Relations builds on relevant public relations theories and practices by focusing on public relations in corporate settings, with consideration of legal and regulatory requirements in Australia. The unit equips students with knowledge and skills in corporate communication and investor relations, specialist areas of practice for public relations professionals.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide a forum through which students can explore how public relations assists organisations to manage their relationships with key publics, in particular, shareholders, employees and communities of interest.

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
At the completion of the unit, students will be able to:
1. Research and evaluate corporate communication and investor relations approaches and outcomes of selected organisations;
2. Identify the regulatory and legal frameworks that influence public relations practice, particularly in corporate communication and investor relations, and make decisions and recommendations for practice;
3. Describe and apply theoretical perspectives to analyse and assess the tools and artefacts in selected corporate communication programs;
4. Effectively communicate research findings, analysis and recommendations through professional reports and participation in online discussion with peers and discipline specialists.

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

Content

The unit explores contemporary issues and practice areas in corporate communication including investor and financial relations, legislation and regulation governing practice, corporate reputation and social responsibility, employee and internal communication.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is delivered in both internal and external modes. Students are encouraged to work as a learning community, with learning activities and assessment tasks designed to encourage discussion, debate and reflection on the unit content and its application in contemporary settings. Case studies are used as the one focus of discussion each week. Contemporary case studies, analysis and discussion of communication activities for organisations listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, and vignettes from current practitioners are other features of the unit.

Assessment

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: Report
Description: Working in pairs, students prepare a report on ASX listed companies in identified sectors. Students draw on financial media, corporate websites, and investment analysis to research and analyse companies. The report makes links to a selected topic areas from theory and content in the unit.
Length/Duration: 2,000 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: objectives: 1, 2, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), TW (4.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 3-8

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Students contribute to discussion forum through comments and postings, topics linked to unit content, and responses to questions posted by teaching team and peers.
Length/Duration: approximately 1,000 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 2-10

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Students select an ASX listed company and prepare a case study focusing on how the company approaches a particular area of practice or issue in corporate communication and investor relations.
Length/Duration: 2,000 words
Formative or Summative: Summative.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1).
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Sat 3rd Nov 2012

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 Text
Argenti, P. (2009). Corporate communication (5th edition). London: McGraw-Hill.

References
A list of useful references, including textbooks, journals and websitesis provided on the unit's Blackboard site. Students should read business and financial coverage through traditional and online media outlets, and familiarise themselves with websites of relevant regulatory bodies. Suggested links are provided on the unit's Blackboard site.

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: 19-Jun-2012