BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS
BUS1BUF
2015
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject will introduce students to how businesses operate today in a local, regional and global environment and how they may need to operate into the future. Students will engage actively with current business issues, focusing particularly on the impact of external and internal environments on businesses and individuals. In addition, this subject is designed to develop students' critical thinking and creative problem solving skills with a particular focus on management, marketing and human resource practices. Students will also examine and address contemporary social issues drawn from various organisational and cultural contexts. This subject is delivered in blended learning mode, where learning activities are a mix of face-to-face and online learning; a pedagogical approach where learning outcomes, online resources, assessment and class activities are aligned with a focus on what the learner is doing.
School: La Trobe Business School
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Available to Study Abroad Students: Yes
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: Yes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: N/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Business Foundations | Prescribed | Compiled by La Trobe Business School | Cengage Learning |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Communicate effectively to culturally-diverse audiences through professional oral presentations
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 3c: Students (in groups) present a campaign video for a social action plan.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
02. Communicate effectively to culturally-diverse audiences through structured written arguments in professional report format
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 2: Marketing plan - individual written report. Assessment Task 3a: To produce, in groups, a written evidence-based social action plan for organizations on solving a contemporary social problem.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
03. Demonstrate and justify the use of management skills to solve a contemporary social problem in a dynamic environment
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 3a: Students produce (in groups) a written, evidence-based social action plan for organisations to solve a contemporary social problem.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
04. Research and evaluate an existing business based in a local, regional or global context; define its internal and external environments; and identify a strategy to best align the business' internal capabilities with its external opportunities
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 2: Marketing plan - individual written report. Group activities and in-class discussion.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
05. Research, define and argue a business case to justify a new product appropriate to the socio-cultural and economic context
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 2: Marketing plan - individual written report. In-class case studies - working in groups, students analyse organisational case study issues drawing on theoretical concepts to provide insight and develop recommendations.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking)
06. Search for, locate and evaluate discipline-specific information
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 1: Weekly online quizzes and short literacy exercises using LMS. E.g. finding and evaluating sources learning exercise. Assessment Task 3a: Students produce (in groups) a written, evidence-based social action plan for organisations to solve a contemporary social problem.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
07. Demonstrate an individual reflection of their personal views and an awareness of the perspectives of others
- Activities:
- Assessment Task 3b: Individual personal reflection
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Albury-Wodonga, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Bendigo, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
China, 2015, Week 37-52, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: No
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 37 - 52
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 37 to week 52 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 37 - 52
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence on weekdays during the day from week 37 to week 52 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
China, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
China, 2015, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Mildura, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Jeremy Seward
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Shepparton, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Sydney, 2015, ACN Summer Semester, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: No
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 45
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day in week 45 and delivered via face-to-face.
LectureWeek: 45
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence in week 45 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Sydney, 2015, ACN Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: No
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 28 - 39
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 28 to week 39 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 28 - 39
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 28 to week 39 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Sydney, 2015, ACN Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: No
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 11 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
SeminarWeek: 11 - 22
One 2.0 hours seminar per week on weekdays during the day from week 11 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Vietnam, 2015, Semester 2, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: No
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |
Vietnam, 2015, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolment: No
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Nicole El-Haber
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours lecture other recurrence from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Approximately 3 hours of online learning and assessment activities per week"
Evidence Based LearningWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours evidence based learning per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Written Marketing report (1,800 words) | 30 | 02, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Part A: Social Action Plan - Group written report (5 students per group, 2000 words per group) | This will be allocated 10% to the writing and style, 5% to the research, 10% to the critical thinking and problem solving, and 5% for collaboration and participation. | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 06 |
| Part B: Individual Personal reflection (300 words) | 10 | 07 | |
| Weekly online quizzes; 20 multiple choices per week | 20 | 06 | |
| Part C: Campaign video selling the social action plan (10 mins per group, 2 mins per student) | 5 students per group. Students are graded individually on their speaking skills | 10 | 01 |