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 involves the integration of a higher level of research with the learning achieved from other units completed in this program. The student selects a topic which they have identified as significant to their professional development and is expected to spend ten hours per week over 13 weeks on completing the project on this topic. The primary purpose of the unit is to augment or extend your professional knowledge beyond classroom instruction, to develop applied research skills, to integrate learning with work, and provide an opportunity for self directed learning. In order to achieve these purposes, you will develop an individually tailored learning contract. The specific program of study will be developed in conjunction with and approved by the supervisor.

Aims

The aim of this unit is for students to extend their research and analysis skills and gain knowledge of a selected area of study by undertaking an independent project. It provides an opportunity for theories, principles and concepts addressed in the program to be examined more comprehensively or for these to be tested in the reality of a private, public or community sector organisation.

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

This is an independent project unit and as such the objectives of the project must be negotiated between the student and supervisor at the commencement of the semester and a learning contract established by the end of Week 1.

Content

This is a 24 credit point project unit and it is expected that students will spend twenty hours per week over 13 weeks on completing the project as well as meeting with their supervisor at agreed times.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This is a self directed project. Students should be self motivated in undertaking their own research and should not be reliant on continual direction from the supervisor. The supervisor will provide guidance only, and will not direct the student's learning.

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: Project
Description: The student and supervisor will agree on the topic and the methodology and approach. It is expected that the student will contact the supervisor approximately once a fortnight to report on progress.
Length / Duration: 8,000 - 10,000 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1).
Weight: 100%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

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

There is no text book for this unit. Resources will be suggested by your supervisor.

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: 07-Jun-2012