Units
Independent Study
Unit code: MGB306
Contact hours: Flexible Mode
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit enables students to demonstrate an ability to direct their own learning, a key competence for professionals who must keep themselves up-to-date in their area of expertise. Either individually or in small groups, students undertake one or several learning activities with the approval of a supervisor. Appropriate activities include literature review, research (mini-thesis), project, practicum (work placement), or an alternative deemed acceptable by the supervisor.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
| 2013 Summer | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit involves a structured program of study focusing on a select topic or set of topics which you have identified as significant to your professional development in the HRM or Management disciplines. You will develop an individually tailored learning contract. The specific program will be developed in conjunction with and approved by the Unit Coordinator. The unit is designed to provide valuable professional portfolio building through advanced level examination of content and the development of self-directed learning skills.
Aims
This unit is designed to augment your classroom knowledge of HRM/Management through exposure to a contemporary topic or topics of relevance. It provides an opportunity for theories, principles and concepts addressed in the classroom to be examined more comprehensively or for these to be tested in the reality of a private, public or community sector organisation. The unit builds upon theoretical understanding of the relevant discipline in providing an environment in which you may gain first-hand experience of how theories and concepts are utilised in practice. In developing synergies between theory and practice, this unit involves the application of learned knowledge, development of professional skills and abilities, and assessment of acquired learning as it relates to the specific topic. The unit has a strong professional practice focus.
Objectives
Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
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 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context
Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)
2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue
Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)
4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output
Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)
5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding
Unit Objectives
At the completion of the unit, you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate critical and applied awareness of the synergies between theoretical and practical dimensions of HRM/Management as they apply in an actual organisational setting.
2. Engage in self-directed learning, and show evidence of project management skills,
3. Demonstrate advanced research and presentation skills, and
4. Develop advanced analytical skills.
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 content of this unit will be shaped by the specific learning objectives you have developed.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit presented to you is based on self-directed learning and a negotiated learning and assessment contract. The Unit Coordinator/s make a commitment to critical enquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered, and you are encouraged to relate theories, concepts and research to your specific topic.
Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
Assessment name:
Project (applied)
Description:
Student negotiated Assessment - Part A. Appropriate content based assessment reflecting your learning objectives as documented in your approved learning contract. Projects are usually completed individually, however group projects may be negotiated. Assessment weighting and due dates will be by negotiation with the Unit Coordinator.
Length/Duration: As negotiated with supervisor
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), (3.2), TW (4.1), SEU (5.1) as appropriate
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Negotiable
Assessment name:
Project (applied)
Description:
Student negotiated assessment Part B. Appropriate content based assessment reflecting your learning objectives as documented in your approved learning contract. Projects are usually completed individually, however group projects may be negotiated. Assessment weighting and due dates will be by negotiation with the Unit Coordinator.
Length/Duration: As negotiated with supervisor
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), (3.2), TW (4.1), SEU (5.1) as appropriate
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Negotiable
Assessment name:
Project (applied)
Description:
Student negotiated assessment Part C. Appropriate content based assessment reflecting your learning objectives as documented in your approved learning contract. Projects are usually completed individually, however group projects may be negotiated. Assessment weighting and due dates will be by negotiation with the Unit Coordinator.
Length/Duration: As negotiated with supervisor
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives:
Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), (3.2), TW (4.1), SEU (5.1) as appropriate
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Negotiable
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 prescribed textbook for this unit. You will be expected to make extensive use of relevant electronic academic and practitioner information resources.
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: 25-May-2012