Course coordinator
Dr Tao Bai
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This course introduces students to the different types of information that managers and other decision-makers gather, and the tools used to analyse that information for effective business decisions. It provides an overview of the extensive range of strategic and operational frameworks drawn from fields such as strategic management, financial management, marketing, human resource management, supply chain management and international business. The purpose of this comprehensive toolkit course is not only to provide students with a wide range of the necessary business analytical tools, but also to integrate these tools into a more complete and meaningful package that can be used as a portable toolkit for ensuing courses, and across their post-study career. To do this, this course follows a problem based approach, where an understanding of the decision-making frameworks is gained through its application to practical problems. Three themes per semester will be investigated in groups, using the multiple lenses that tools such as Business Model Canvas, Balanced Scorecards, Career Mapping, SOAR, PESTEL, Market Analysis, Porter's Five Forces, Financial Forecasting, Bell-Mason Diagnostic, Prior Art Searches, Scenario Planning, Technology Analysis, SWOT, Strategy Diamond, Seven Tools of Project Management, Business Plans, Root Cause Analysis, MInto Pyramid, and HR Audits provide. This will provide students with insights into both the nature of the business problems as well as methods that are used for identifying and evaluating alternative solutions.
Analysing information to support decision making is a vital business skill. Being proficient in business analysis is essential to your progress as a business leader.
This course is designed to introduce you to some of the tools business leaders use to guide decision making. You will learn about the tools and how to apply them. The course introduces you to Rational Analytical tools used by businesses to help them prepare and plan for the future, as well as more contemporary tools in Business Studio design associated with a world of complexity and paradox. These tools will assist you as you complete the rest of your degree.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Before attempting this course, students are advised that it is important to take into account any enrolment restrictions and/orﾠcomplete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by the School of Business, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.
Restrictions
Students in the MBus(#24) program are not permitted to enrol in this course.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Tao Bai
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive 'toolkit' of necessary business analytical tools, integrating these into a more meaningful package that can be used as a portable toolkit for ensuing courses across a student's post-study career. In doing so, this course adopts a problem-based approach where a student's understanding of the decision making frameworks is gained via application to practical problems.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply commonly used rational analytical tools to real-world business problems.
LO2.
Apply commonly used business studio design tools to real-world business problems.
LO3.
Synthesise and evaluate complex findings in an effective way.
LO4.
Examine a complicated business environment as part of a team.
LO5.
Describe and discuss the ethical context of business decisions and situation analysis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection, Role play/ Simulation | Strategic analysis reflections | 40% (Two reflection reports and one simulation game) |
23/08/2024 3:00 pm 20/09/2024 3:00 pm 11/10/2024 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Business Tools For Making Decisions
|
30% |
21/10/2024 3:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Take home assignment
|
30% |
4/11/2024 - 11/11/2024
This assessment will be scheduled by the school and run for 48 hours during the examination period |
Assessment details
Strategic analysis reflections
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 40% (Two reflection reports and one simulation game)
- Due date
23/08/2024 3:00 pm
20/09/2024 3:00 pm
11/10/2024 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
During workshops, students will have the chance to discuss cases using specific strategic analytical tools covered each week. Students are highly encouraged to read the cases, actively participate in discussions, and consider how these tools and techniques can be practically applied.
Students must submit reflection reports twice and complete one simulation game during the semester: once in week 5, again in week 9 and one simulation game in week 11 . Each reflection report should be within 1500 words.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Business Tools For Making Decisions
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
21/10/2024 3:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Students will be asked to form in teams of three (3) and be assessed on their group analysis report.
The team will select a company to apply tools and frameworks we have learnt through the semester. In this analysis, three main sections are required, including framing and identifying problems and opportunities, strategy choice and positioning, and strategy evaluation and implementation.
At the end of the assessment task, all team members will be required to complete a peer assessment of each other's performance and contribution to the assessment. Instructions for how to do this will be provided in class.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Take home assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
4/11/2024 - 11/11/2024
This assessment will be scheduled by the school and run for 48 hours during the examination period
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
The final assessment will be a take home assignment. You will have 48 hours during the examination period to complete the assessment and to submit it electronically. A schedule will be released towards the end of semester.
The assessment requires students to familiarise themselves with the facts of a business case that will be made available during the semester. Students will be asked to develop and justify a 'best practices' response to the application of tools and techniques. Students will be given more information about how to access the business case and questions towards the end of the semester.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Course Overview and strategic thinking This lecture will provide you with a brief history of the tools for business analysis we will cover in this course. The course syllabus and assessment will also be outlined. You will also be introduced to the concepts of rational analytical tools, strategic thinking, and critical thinking, with an explanation of how these are used in Business. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 2 |
Workshop |
Strategic thinking and logical thinking In this workshop, we will examine the evolution of tools and techniques beginning with a focus on rational analytical tools. Students will also be introduced to the simulation game for their workshop activities. Students will form teams to practice the critical thinking, strategic thinking, and strategic planning through simulation game. Students will also take self-evaluation about their critical thinking and strategic thinking abilities during the workshop. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
External business environment analysis In this lecture, you'll be provided with a few tools and frameworks commonly used for external analysis at different levels, including PESTLE, Porter's 5 Forces, Strategic group, and cultural web et al. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 3 |
Case-based learning |
External business environment analysis In this workshop, you will apply external analysis tools to the case study and use your findings to make decisions on behalf of the organisation. A multimedia case will be provided before the workshop along with questions. During the workshop, we will discuss the case and solve these questions together. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Stakeholder analysis framework In this lecture, you will be introduced to the stakeholder analysis tools and frameworks, in terms of stakeholder salience, stakeholder management, impression management, with an explanation of how this is used in strategic analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Week 4 |
Case-based learning |
Stakeholder analysis application In this workshop, we will explore the stakeholder analysis tools and apply it to the case study. A case study will be provided before the workshop along with case questions. During the workshop, we will listen to a Podcast, which includes the interview with the manager. We will discuss based on the case content and the interview around how to reconcile shareholders with other stakeholders. Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Internal capability analysis tools In this lecture, you will be provided with an in-depth history of VRIN Resources and Capabilities Analysis. Where did it come from? Why did it suit its times? And how has it subsequently been critiqued? We will also introduce some other relevant tools and frameworks about firms' internal resources and capabilities, such as value chain framework. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 |
Case-based learning |
Application of the Internal capability analysis tools In this workshop, you will apply VRIN Resources and Capabilities analysis to the case study, and use your findings to make decisions on behalf of the organisation. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Business crisis In this lecture, you will be provided with an understanding of declining firms and commonly used response actions. The common and important frameworks will also be introduced to manage declining firms. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 |
Case-based learning |
Business crisis turnaround analysis In this workshop, you will analyze a declining firm as a case study and apply relevant tools and frameworks. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
Lecture |
Scenario planning In this lecture, you will be provided with an in-depth history of Scenario Planning and how has it subsequently been developed and critiqued. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 |
Case-based learning |
Application of Scenario planning In this workshop, you will apply Scenario Planning to the case study and use your findings to make decisions on behalf of the organisation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Lecture |
Corporate level strategy In this lecture, you will be introduced to the tools and frameworks commonly used to analyze and decide corporate level strategies, such as BCG, GE matrix, three horizon model, and real options. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 |
Case-based learning |
Corporate level strategy choice and decision In this workshop, students will be given a case study, where tools and frameworks can be used and applied to analyze and decide on corporate level strategy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Lecture |
Business level strategy In this lecture, you will be introduced to the business level strategy and the tools and frameworks commonly used to analyze business level strategy, such as The strategy clock, Blue Ocean strategy, Strategy Diamond et al. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 9 |
Case-based learning |
Business level strategy choice and decision In this workshop, students will apply tools and frameworks to analyze a company business level strategy. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Lecture |
Competitive strategy & Business Model This lecture explores the topic of Competitive strategy & Business Model. The classic theories and frameworks will be introduced relevant to competitive strategy & business model. Particularly, we will discuss on digitalization and digital transformation of firm. We will also focus on Business Model Canvas, which will help develop a business plan. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester break |
Week 10 |
Case-based learning |
Business model analysis In this workshop, you will analyze a given business case based on Competitive strategy & Business Model tools and frameworks. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Lecture |
Balanced scorecard A lecture will be provided to explain the details and development of balanced scorecard. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Workshop |
Balanced scorecard In this workshop, you will be given a simulation game to use the balanced scorecard as practice. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Lecture |
The pyramid of strategy practice This lecture explores the topic of Poetic Inquiry and Being. What are conceptions of being and how are they practiced? And how have organisations used them to address their challenges? And how can you practice it for improving context shifting and distinction making in your decisions? Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Business functions In this lecture, we will introduce a few commonly used frameworks to implement business functions, such as CAGE framework; leadership; communication; marketing 4P, and supply chain analysis framework. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Case-based learning |
Business function case analysis In this workshop, a case study will be introduced, where students can apply how to conduct business functions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Course Recap Where have we been in the course? What does this indicate for the future of business tools? Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L05 |
Workshop |
Final guidance We will go through all frameworks and tools we have learnt. We discuss the connections and integrations among these tools and frameworks. Head to class to receive guidance for your final assessment piece. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.