Unit descriptions
The information in this chapter relates to the 2011 unit of study offerings description information and is set out as follows:
- Undergraduate unit of study descriptions: University of Sydney Business School (including School of Economics)
- Undergraduate unit of study descriptions: Sydney Law School (combined Law degrees only)
- Undergraduate unit of study descriptions: Sydney Medical School (combined Medicine and Surgery degrees only)
For descriptions of units from the Faculties of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Arts and Social Sciences or Science, students should refer to these faculty's own handbook (sydney.edu.au/handbooks).
General information relating to unit of study offerings
The Business School website (sydney.edu.au/business/ugunits) contains the most up to date information on unit of study availability and other requirements. Timetabling information for 2011 is also available on this website (sydney.edu.au/business/timetable). Students can also refer to the University of Sydney's unit of study handbook (https://ssa.usyd.edu.au/ssa/handbook/uossearch.jsp) for the latest information regarding unit of study descriptions, assessment or other requirements.
Most units of study will be offered in standard semesters (either Semester 1 or Semester 2). Some units are also offered in intensive mode. The intensive sessions are explained in the following table.
Key to intensive unit of study offering sessions
|
Session code |
Description of how the unit will be offered |
|---|---|
|
1a (7) |
the unit of study will run intensively in the first half of Semester 1 |
|
1b (8) |
the unit of study will run intensively in the second half of Semester 1 |
|
2a (9) |
the unit of study will run intensively in the first half of Semester 2 |
|
2b (10) |
the unit of study will run intensively in the second half of Semester 2 |
| S1 Intensive (6) | the unit of study will run intensively in Semester 1 (non-standard start/end dates) |
|
S1 Late Intensive: S1 Late Int (61), S1 Late IntA (63), S1 Late IntB (64) and S1 Late IntC (65) |
the unit of study will run intensively in Semester 1 (non-standard late start/end dates) |
| S2 Intensive (5) | the unit of study will run intensively in Semester 2 (non-standard dates) |
|
S2 Intensive: S1 Late Int (51), S1 Late Ib (52), S1 Late IntA (53) and S1 Late IntB (54) |
the unit of study will run intensively in Semester 2 (non-standard late start/end dates) |
|
Summer School: Summer Early (42), Summer Main (43), and Summer Late (44) |
the unit of study will be offered intensively in the Summer School session |
|
Winter School: Winter Main (11) |
the unit of study will be offered intensively in the Winter School session |
Intensive sessions were introduced to cater for units of study that are delivered in non-standard ways. Sessions 6 and 5 have census dates that correspond to sessions 1 and 2 respectively. Sessions 61, 63, 64, 65, 51, 52, 53 and 54 are in the same half years as 6 and 5 but have census dates later in the year.
1. Undergraduate unit of study descriptions: University of Sydney Business School
The available Business School and School of Economics units of study descriptions listed alphanumerically by unit of study code.
ACCT1005 Accounting, Business and Society
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial work (15%); Written assessment (15%); Mid-semester examination (20%); Final examination (50%)
This unit canvasses the fundamentals of accounting - the language of business. It is directed to providing a broad understanding of the role of accounting in business and society. It seeks to develop an understanding of the economic-cum-financial and social repercussions of accounting, as well as a brief inculcation of the technical skills in manipulating numerical abstractions. It is accounting in an action setting designed to show that there are many uses of accounting data. Uses by numerous types of investors (individuals, institutional shareholders, creditors), employees, the government and others are considered. Starting from an accountability focus, it moves to a decision making focus - both functions are explained through recourse to the double entry equation, augmented by primarily an output (financial statements) perspective, accounting is demonstrated to be related to many decisions. There are many organisational forms that are considered - sole traders, partnerships, corporations, other types of corporate joint ventures and associations – and the unit considers accounting from both the private and public sector perspectives. Accounting is shown to provide necessary information to allow varied interests to make informed decisions. Those decisions can be considered as being both internal and external to the firm. This unit demonstrates how accounting influences the way societal elements interact and government taxes are levied. Some more technical aspects of the elements of accounting are outlined - within the accounting equation, the elements of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses are examined - within simple, familiar settings. Differing sectors private (listed entities primarily) and public (non-listed entities) are shown to be equally dependent on accounting. As well as the conventional financial reports - balance sheet, profit and loss, cash flow statements - students are exposed to the more recent statements such environmental and corporate social responsibility reports. Accounting issues are also explored within a governance framework.
ACCT1006 Accounting and Financial Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial work (5%); Group assignment (10%); Practice set (10%); Mid-semester exam (20%); Final exam (55%)
Accounting and Financial Management is an introduction to financial reporting, and the gateway unit to further study in accounting and to a major in accounting. This unit builds upon the accounting context, presented in ACCT1005 Accounting, Business and Society, with the aim of developing the technical skills of recording basic business transactions through accounting systems. In addition to this technical focus, specific attention will be given to the way in which the accounting information can be used to undertake financial management and analysis, to give students the ability to produce and interpret financial reports.
ACCT2011 Financial Accounting A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture and 1x1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-semester examination (40%); Final examination (60%).
This unit examines the accounting and reporting practices of reporting entities, particularly listed public companies. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of, and the ability to critically evaluate, the various regulatory requirements (professional and statutory) governing financial reporting. The unit commences with an overview of the financial reporting environment and theories that seek to explain the accounting policy choices of management. This framework provides a basis for examining a range of specific issues in financial accounting. Emphasis throughout the unit is on both the application of specific accounting techniques/rules and the conceptual/theoretical issues associated with alternative accounting methods.
ACCT2012 Management Accounting A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Computer Assignments (15%) Quizzes (10%); case study assignment (10%); Tutorial work (5%); final examination (60%)
This course provides students with an introduction to the basics of management/cost accounting. Areas specifically covered include: cost terms and purposes, cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit analysis, cost estimation, basic and alternative product costing methods (including activity-based costing), detailed study of the mechanics of the budgeting process (master budgets, flexible budgets, standard costing and variance analysis), decision making using relevant costs/revenues and cost allocation.
ACCT3011 Financial Accounting B
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture and 1x1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-semester examination (35%); group tutorial presentations (15%); final examination (50%)
This unit introduces students to accounting for investments in other entities, including controlled and significantly influenced entities. The first part of the course focuses on assessing whether an investment should be consolidated, the process of consolidation, the preparation of consolidated financial statements for corporate groups, including the treatment of goodwill, intra-group transactions and non controlling interests. Other aspects of group accounting, such as segment disclosures and related party disclosures, are investigated. The first part of the course concludes with a critical analysis of the consolidation process, including the outcomes of the consolidation process and the impact of this upon the user of the consolidated financial statements. The second part of the course focuses on critically evaluating current issues in accounting regulation and practice, such as the politics of the standard-setting process, using accounting for financial instruments as a special case. Finally, voluntary disclosures for social and environmental reporting are considered. This course aims to further develop students' written communication skills and critical and analytic skills within the context of corporate group activities.
ACCT3012 Management Accounting B
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture and 1x1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-semester examination (25%); Tutorial work/participation and Presentation (15%); Essay (20%); Final examination (40%)
Note: Discipline Permission required for students who haven't passed ACCT2012 (or ACCT2002)
Management Accounting B deals with the theory and practice of a selection of contemporary management accounting issues. The course begins by examining the influences that impact upon the design of an organisation and its management accounting system. Behavioural factors, rather than technical factors, are highlighted and a range of organisational settings and management levels are reviewed. The unit then examines advanced issues relevant to operational management accounting. While this section of the course builds on the foundations laid in Management Accounting A, the focus remains on the behavioural implications of accounting techniques for making decisions in organisations.
ACCT3013 Financial Statement Analysis
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%); Mid-semester examination (20%); Group case studies (15%); Final examination (55%)
Although the appropriate 'form' of financial analysis depends largely on the specific context (e.g. equity investment, credit extension, analysis of supplier/customer health, competitor analysis, regulatory overview or intervention, valuation for takeover/restructuring), many of the techniques of financial analysis are common to each. A primary purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of these techniques, as well as the inherent difficulties in their application. Specific issues addressed include the analysis of business performance and disclosure, the analysis of earnings quality, cash flow assessment, credit worthiness and accounting-based valuation methods.
ACCT3014 Auditing and Assurance
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x2hr lecture and 1x1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Group assignments (20%); Mid-semester examination (25%); Final examination (55%).
This unit of study examines the process of auditing and the concepts which underlay the practice. Although the focus of attention is on audits of financial reports undertaken in compliance with the Corporation Act 2001, reference is also made to other forms of audit and assurance. The course is intended to provide an overview of the audit process within the context of Australian Auditing Standards. The course is both practical and theoretical, with students required to apply their knowledge to case studies developed from practice.
ACCT3031 International Corporate Governance
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr lecture Assessment: Group and/or individual assignments (30%); Mid-semester quiz (20%); Final examination (50%)
This unit examines the evolving view of corporate governance from an international perspective, with reference to Australian requirements. Corporate governance from a narrow view is concerned with how a corporation is controlled, to the establishment of sets of arrangements affecting the conduct of an organisation and it's relationship with stakeholders. Specific issues examined in this unit include the legal framework; control and culture of the modern corporation; operations of a Board; role of board sub-committees; Boards and the development or endorsement of strategies; measuring and rewarding performance; corporate governance, financial reporting and disclosure; corporate governance and the audit process; governance within the global financial crisis.
ACCT3032 Current Issues in Management Accounting
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: In-class tests (20%); Research Presentation (20%); Tutorial contribution (10%); Final examination (50%)
This unit builds on the fundamentals of management accounting practice (ACCT2012) by introducing a series of advanced management accounting topics such as strategic management accounting, accounting innovationa, human resource management, social and environmental accounting and designing management accounting systems. In addition, this unit relaxes the hitherto held assumption that management accounting works in a world characterised by certainty and rationality and instead shows that management accounting more often operates in a world characterised by fuzziness and ambiguity. This real-world view requires students to develop their judgemental skills and to adopt a more critical and reflective approach that challenges their beliefs about how management accounting works in practice.
ACCT3098 Accounting Honours Preparation A
Credit points: 3 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 1.5 hr seminar per week Assessment: Seminar participation (10%) ; Paper summaries (10%); Paper presentation (20%); Essay (30%); Research Proposal (30%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Entry to this unit of study is at the discretion of the Discipline. Students will require a credit average in previous ACCT units attempted.
The purpose of this unit of study is to prepare students for entry to the fourth year honours program in accounting. As such, this unit of study has been designed to: first, extend the substantive knowledge of students in relation to financial accounting by examining emerging/advanced issues in relation to theory and practice; second, introduce students to different ways of conducting accounting research, considering extant research mobilising a variety of epistemologies and research methods; and, third, assist students to identify potential topic areas for research and appropriate research questions. The course will be based on a series of readings drawn from the accounting research literature.
ACCT3099 Accounting Honours Preparation B
Credit points: 3 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 1.5 hr seminar per week Assessment: Class participation (10%); Individual essay 1 (45%); Individual essay 2 (45%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Entry to this unit of study is at the discretion of the Discipline. Students will require a credit average in previous ACCT units attempted.
The purpose of this unit of study is to prepare students for entry to the fourth year honours program in accounting. As such, this unit of study has been designed to: first, extend the substantive knowledge of students in relation to management accounting by examining emerging/advanced issues in relation to theory and practice; second, introduce students to different ways of conducting accounting research, considering extant research mobilising a variety of epistemologies and research methods; and, third, assist students to identify potential topic areas for research and appropriate research questions. The course will be based on a series of readings drawn from the accounting research literature.
ACCT4101 Accounting Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Course work; Thesis
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the pass degree must be completed before entry to level 4000 honours units of study.
Honours study within the Discipline is directed at: (i) increasing students' analytic and constructive skills beyond the level acquired in undergraduate Pass level units; (ii) providing a foundation for the conduct of applied research in accounting; and (iii) conducting research in the form of a research report. These skills are developed through the completion of an additional year of study that may be either a full- or a part-time basis, though the former is more common.
ACCT4102 Accounting Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Course work; Thesis
See ACCT4101
ACCT4103 Accounting Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Course work; Thesis
See ACCT4101
ACCT4104 Accounting Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Course work; Thesis
See ACCT4101
CLAW1001 Foundations of Business Law
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Early Classes: 2hrs of lectures and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-Semester exam (20%), Case Analysis Assignment (20%), Final exam (60%)
The entire fabric of commerce is woven from a complex legal regime, judicial and statutory, which regulates all commercial activity. Every decision in business, and every transaction and relationship, is made in the context of this legal regime. The aim of Foundations of Business Law is to introduce the students to the legal framework and regulatory systems which underlie all business activity and to expose them to the legal implications of commercial conduct. This unit of study introduces the Australian legal system and key areas of substantive business law including contracts, torts (in particular negligence and privacy), property and securities, white collar crime, intellectual property, competition and consumer law (in particular advertising, product liability and unfair contracts), business structures and operations, misleading and unconscionable conduct and dispute resolution.
CLAW2201 Corporations Law
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2hrs of lectures and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Class Test 1 (20%); Class Test 2 (25%), Seminar work and participation (15%), Final Exam (40%)
This unit begins with a brief comparison of business entities, especially partnership. The concept and process of incorporation are examined. Company finance, both equity and debt finance, and the maintenance of the company's share capital will be studied as well as the topics of accounts, auditors, and companies in financial difficulty. The management of companies and directors' duties will be explored as well as the rights and remedies of company shareholders. Company takeovers, prospectus provisions and securities regulation are studied in depth in the elective, CLAW2203 Stock Markets and Derivatives Law.
CLAW2202 Business Failure and Restructuring
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Class Test 1 (20%); Class Test 2 (25%), Seminar work and participation (15%), Final Exam (40%)
Financial difficulty is an ever present reality for individuals and businesses. This unit addresses corporate insolvency and the bankruptcy of individuals and their consequences, and legal and commercial strategies for financial rehabilitation. The focus of the unit is corporate insolvency and the forms of external administration (receivership, voluntary administration, deeds of company arrangement, schemes of arrangements and winding up) designed to either rescue the corporation or, if this is not possible, to provide a fair and orderly process for dealing with its property. Particular emphasis is given to rescue and deconstruction under voluntary administration. Director's duties in the insolvency context, and corporate group and cross border insolvency, are also discussed.
CLAW2203 Stock Markets and Derivatives Law
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Assignment;Tutorial work and participation; Final examination
This unit begins with a study of the powers of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission with reference to recent ASIC investigations. The functions of the Australian Stock Exchange and those of securities dealers and investment advisers are examined as well as the relationship between broker and client. The market offences of market manipulation and insider trading are explored. Public funding of companies and prospectus provisions are studied along with the liability of officers and independent experts concerning the prospectus. The topic of mergers and acquisitions examines acquisitions, relevant interests, takeover schemes and announcements, and the liability of parties to a takeover. Derivatives will also be studied.
CLAW2204 Banking and Finance Law
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Case analysis (20%), Hypothetical problem (20%), Final exam (60%)
Banks and financial institutions are central to the stability, efficiency and wealth of modern economies and businesses. The importance of national and global regulation of banks and finance is demonstrated by the Global Financial Crisis: market failure and systemic risk are ongoing challenges to regulatory structures. This unit examines modern banking business models and practices having a significant impact on legal rights and duties and issues relating to risk management and abuse of banking and financial transactions, including money laundering and fraud. The role of money and payments systems, such as bills of exchange and letters of credit, complemented by the enormous growth of electronic banking, are also examined.
CLAW2205 Competition and Consumer Law
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Particiaption (15%), Team presentation (5%), Team assignment (25%), Individual presentation (10%), Individual assignment (30%), Quiz (15%)
This unit is concerned with the provisions in the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cwth) dealing with restrictive trade practices, unconscionable conduct and consumer protection. Topics to be studied in depth include: anti-competitive agreements, misuse of market power, exclusive dealing, resale price maintenance, mergers and acquisitions, misleading or deceptive conduct, unfair practices, product safety and product information, conditions and warranties in consumer transactions, liability of manufacturers and importers and unconscionable conduct. Comparable state legislation is also studied.
CLAW2207 Legal Ethics and the Professions
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Research Paper, Class work, Examination
This unit begins with an analysis of three major ethical philosophies: utilitarianism, duty based ethics and virtue ethics. Practical models based upon these philosophies will be studied here and applied throughout the unit. The significance of ethics to the major professions in the business world is the primary focus of this unit of study. Case studies will be used to examine the consequences for the stakeholders (those affected directly and indirectly) of decisions made by professionals. The professions studied include: accountants, auditors, business information system managers, lawyers, company officers such as directors and other executives, and marketing managers. The unit aims to assist students understand and apply ethics to their future professional life.
CLAW2208 Business Regulation, Risk and Compliance
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Essay (40%), Group case study (25%), Final 2hr exam (35%)
Over recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the volume and reach of regulation in response to a variety of social, environmental and economic issues. Much of this regulation impacts on business, and its management who are, increasingly, personally liable. This unit has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the overall regulatory infrastructure which impacts on all faculty disciplines. Business Regulation, Risk and Compliance addresses self regulation as an alternative to regulation by law; the regulatory process and the scope for business to influence regulatory initiatives; the alternative regulatory instruments ; the executive arm of government - the bureaucracy - and the avenues for challenging administrative decisions; the investigative and enforcement powers of the major regulatory agencies - ACCC, ATO and ASIC; personal and corporate liability for regulatory breach; indemnification; whistleblowing and whistleblower protection: regulatory compliance with special reference to Australian Standard AS3806-2006 on Compliance Standards and and the strategies which facilitate legal action including class actions and litigation funding as well as the major alternatives to litigation including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution with particular emphasis on mediation.
CLAW2209 Intellectual Property for Business
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Essay (40%), Group case study (25%), Final 2hr exam (35%)
Innovation is a key driver of business. This unit addresses the intellectual property regime - the statutory and common law mechanisms that recognise and protect creative effort and proprietary knowledge and reward innovation. The intellectual property rights available under the law are discussed but the focus is on the commercial implications of the IP regime. This unit covers not only the protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights [IPRs] but also their commercialisation and the management. The unit outlines the key IPRs granted by the statutory IP regimes - trade marks, copyright, designs and patents-as well as the common law protection of confidential information and trade secrets. The protection of trade designations, branding and character merchandising through the statutory misleading or deceptive conduct action is also covered as is the protection of business goodwill through restraint of trade covenants. The ownership of IP, its protection internationally and its commercialisation through licensing and technology transfers are also discussed.
CLAW2210 Chinese Tax
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Take home Mid-term exam (30%); 10 minute Presentation on research topic (10%); Research paper (50%); Class Participation (10%)
This Unit is an introduction to taxation in China. It provides an overview of the Chinese tax system within its unique culture and governance structure. It commences by introducing students to China's legal structure, culture and government structure. It then deals with the tax system of contemporary China through the different tax types, such as turnover taxes, income taxes, wealth taxes and other taxes. It concludes with an assessment of taxation as an integral part of commercial activity in China.
CLAW3201 Australian Taxation System
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial assessment (10%); Tutorial participation (10%), Mid semester test (15%); Case Analysis (15%); Final exam (50%)
This unit is an introduction to taxation law. It commences with an overview of the Australian tax system, discusses contemporary tax issues and then deals with specific topics, viz. basis of liability to Australian income tax, concepts of residence and source of income, meaning of income, tax accounting, statutory concepts of income, taxation of fringe benefits, basis of liability to capital gains tax and allowable deductions. It concludes with a study of the general antiavoidance sections.
CLAW3202 Tax Strategies for Business
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Class participation (10%), Tutorial questions (20%), group essay and presentation (30%), and final examination (40%)
This unit deals with taxation issues in a business environment. In addition to income tax, the Goods and Services Tax is studied. The following topics are included: trading stock, capital allowances, taxation of partnerships and trusts including the application of capital gains tax to interests in these entities, carry forward of losses, taxation of companies, dividend imputation tax, capital gains tax application to shares and other interests in companies, intellectual property, collection of income tax instalments, amendment of assessments, objections and appeals, taxation of non-residents, withholding tax, foreign tax credits, international tax treaties, profit shifting and tax avoidance. The unit emphasises business tax planning issues.
CLAW3204 Capital Raising and Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Essay (40%), Group case study (25%), Final 2hr exam (35%)
The raising of equity and debt capital from the public is central to the operation of Australia's economic development. This unit is focussed on the legal nature of common forms of capital raising, both equity and debt, and their legal and non-legal (through ASX listing rules) regulation as well as the redemption of capital. It deals with capital raising, management and redemption from a commercial risk perspective as well as from a legal and regulatory perspective and considers Australian and international reform initiatives which have been given new emphasis as a result of the Global Financial Crisis. Topics covered include forms of equity capital raising (including IPOs, rights issues and placements) and their regulation; forms of debt capital raising (including securitisation, syndicated lending, structured and project finance, debentures, company charges, corporate bonds and security techniques) and their regulation; and strategies for redemption of debt and equity capital.
CLAW3206 Regulation of Mergers and Acquisitions
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Essay (40%), Group case study (25%), Final 2hr exam (35%)
Mergers, acquisitions and takeovers are increasingly important strategies for Australian companies which raise significant legal issues. This unit addresses the legal regulation of mergers and acquisitions and the commercial implications of the regulatory regimes. Competition issues under the Trade Practices Act as well as corporate governance issues under the Corporations Act are discussed. Bid planning (including tactics involved in initiating a takeover bid and defensive strategies and tactics), directors duties, prohibited market conduct and the role of ASIC and the Takeovers Panel are also covered. This unit also considers mergers using schemes of arrangement.
CLAW3207 Legal Regulation of Employment
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: Three hours of classes per week which may include one or more of the following: lectures; seminars; tutorials or workshops Assessment: Particiapation & engagement (10%), Presentation (10%), Research essay (20%), Final 2hr exam (60%)
This unit provides an introduction to employment regulation and legal compliance in Australia. The unit examines specific legislation governing Employment Discrimination, Equal Employment Opportunity, Termination of Employment, Unfair Contracts, Freedom of Association and Employment Privacy. Special attention is given to employment regulation and compliance issues in the context of appointments, discipline, terminations and performance. Issues arising under international employment law, the law of contract, the law of tort, and ethics, are also addressed.
CLAW4101 Commercial Law Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: By seminar as arranged Assessment: May include seminar participation; seminar paper; case analysis; research paper; take home examination
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the Pass degree must be completed before entry to level 4000 honours units of study
Honours study is directed at: (i) increasing students' analytical/research skills beyond the level acquired in undergraduate pass level units; (ii) providing a foundation for the conduct of applied research in business law; and (iii) conducting research in the form of a thesis. These skills are developed through the completion of an additional (fourth) year of study.
The Business Law Honours Program consists of two components: the course work component and the writing of a thesis. The course work component is conducted in the form of a reading seminar series covering common key issues in commercial, corporations and taxation law, supported by an intensive training program in legal research and important skills in managing a large research project. The course work component will provide a good foundation for students to undertake independent research on their thesis.
The Business Law Honours Program consists of two components: the course work component and the writing of a thesis. The course work component is conducted in the form of a reading seminar series covering common key issues in commercial, corporations and taxation law, supported by an intensive training program in legal research and important skills in managing a large research project. The course work component will provide a good foundation for students to undertake independent research on their thesis.
CLAW4102 Commercial Law Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: see CLAW4101
This unit of study is part of the Honours program in Business Law. The unit covers commercial law issues and forms part of the course work component as described in CLAW4101 above.
CLAW4103 Commercial Law Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: see CLAW4101
This unit of study is part of the Business Law Honours program. The unit covers corporations law issues and forms part of the course work component as described in CLAW4101 above.
CLAW4104 Commercial Law Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: see CLAW4101
This unit of study is part of the Business Law Honours program. The unit covers taxation law issues and forms part of the course work component as described in CLAW4101 above.
ECMT1010 Business and Economic Statistics A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week Assessment: Homework (15%); Quizes (30%); Assignment (15%); Final exam (40%)
This unit provides an introduction to basic statistics and its applications in economics and business disciplines. Topics include: methods for data management; analysis and interpretation of data; probability; the normal distribution; an introduction to sampling theory and hypothesis testing; and the concepts of regression analysis. A key component is the provision of instruction and experience in the use of computers and statistical software as an aid in the analysis of data. Students are expected to use data resources on the World Wide Web, retrieve data and analyse this data using Excel.
ECMT1020 Business and Economic Statistics B
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: two 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week Assessment: Three quizzes (25%); Workshop questions/homework (10%); Assignment (15%); Final exam (50%)
Note: Other than in exceptional circumstances, it is strongly recommended that students do not undertake Business and Economic Statistics B before attempting Business and Economic Statistics A.
This unit broadens the knowledge gained in the unit, ECMT1010 Business and Economic Statistics A by introducing further tools (and their applications) for use in economics, finance, marketing and accounting. This unit features practical applications. Possible topics include: further aspects of hypothesis testing including goodness-of-fit models; regression analysis including a brief introduction to logit models, time series and its applications to economics and finance; input-output analysis; index numbers and mathematics of finance. The material is further complemented by mathematical topics including matrices and partial differentiation. In addition, students are expected to use data resources on the World Wide Web, retrieve data and analyse this data using Excel.
ECMT2110 Regression Modelling
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x 1hr lectures and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Group project (20%); 3 Assignments (15%); Mid-Semester exam (25%); Final exam (40%)
Students undertaking this unit have some background in basic statistics including an introduction to regression analysis. Using this knowledge as a base, an extensive discussion of basic regression theory and some of its extensions is provided. The unit covers how linear regression models can be applied to data to estimate relationships, to forecast, and to test hypotheses that arise in economics and business. Guidelines for using econometric techniques effectively are discussed and students are introduced to the process of model building. It is essential that the discussion of regression modelling be complemented with practice in analysing data. An important task is the computing component using econometric software.
ECMT2120 Analysis of Discrete Choice Data
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x 1hr lectures and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: tutorial questions (20%), mid-semester exam (20%), project (20%), final exam (40%)
Data that are qualitative or discrete present particular problems for data analysts. What influences an individual to work part-time rather than full-time, or use public transport rather than drive to work, or to choose one brand of detergent over another? Why do certain firms choose a particular accounting procedure over another? In these examples of modelling choice data, standard linear regression models are inappropriate. This unit considers the specification, estimation and use of statistical models that are necessary to analyse such questions. These may include the logit, probit and multinomial logit models. Special emphasis is placed on illustrating the appropriate application of such models using case studies and data drawn from marketing, accounting, finance and economics.
ECMT2130 Financial Econometrics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: 2 x assignments (2x20%), final 2hr exam (60%)
Over the last decade econometric modelling of financial data has become an important part of the operations of merchant banks and major trading houses and a vibrant area of employment for econometricians. This unit provides an introduction to some of the widely used econometric models for financial data and the procedures used to estimate them. Special emphasis is placed upon empirical work and applied analysis of real market data. Topics covered may include the statistical characteristics of financial data, the specification, estimation and testing of asset pricing models, the analysis of high frequency financial data, and the modelling of volatility in financial returns.
ECMT2620 Management Science
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: 2x assignments (2x10%); mid-semester test (15%); final exam (65%)
Management science is an approach to decision making that is suitable in areas where the manager has little experience or where the problem for decision is complex. It provides an effective decision-making approach to problems important enough to justify the time and effort of quantitative analysis. This unit considers modelling in areas that practising managers might encounter in their roles as decision makers. The intended outcome of the unit is to increase the effectiveness of management decision making. The focus throughout is on practical solutions using readily available spreadsheet software. Topics may include resource allocation, capacity planning, logistics, and project planning.
ECMT2630 Managerial Decision Making
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Assignments (20%); Class Tests (15%) ; Final exam (65%)
The course is focused on economic and statistical models of decision analysis and their application in large and small business settings, as well as in a public policy framework. It will be shown how use of the models can improve the decision process by helping the decision-maker understand the structure of the decision; incorporate subjective probabilities as a way to portray risk; measure outcomes in a way that is consistent with attitudes toward risk; and understand the value of information. The importance of sensitivity analysis will be emphasised, as well as the need to combine both quantitative and qualitative considerations in decision-making. Cases will be drawn from small business scenarios, the public policy arena, and corporate settings.
ECMT2640 Operations Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Assignments (35%); Mid-Semester exam (20%); Final exam (45%)
The 'operations' of a company or organisation are the direct processes that a company uses to create value, and operations management is the task of managing these processes. This unit is about the fundamentals of operations management, covering both service industries and manufacturing. As a graduate working in the business sector you will certainly be exposed to operations issues - this unit will equip you to approach these issues intelligently, whether or not your role is within the operations function. One focus of the unit will be on processes: considering process organisation, process capacity, and customer service implications. A second focus of the unit will be on the supply chain, looking at the control of inventory and the connections between supply chain partners. We will also consider what it means to have high quality operations and how this can be achieved: both through statistical quality control techniques and the use of lean operations ideas.
ECMT3110 Econometric Models and Methods
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x 1hr lectures and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Assignments (20%); Mid semester exam (20%); Final exam (60%)
This unit extends methods of estimation and testing developed in association with regression analysis to cover econometric models involving special aspects of behaviour and of data. In particular, motivating examples are drawn from dynamic models, panel data and simultaneous equation models. In order to provide the statistical tools to be able to compare alternative methods of estimation and testing, both small sample and asymptotic properties are developed and discussed.
ECMT3130 Forecasting for Economics and Business
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour lab per week Assessment: assignment (20%); group assignment (25%); mid-semester exam (20%); final exam (35%)
The need to forecast or predict future values of economic time series arises frequently in many branches of applied economic and commercial work. It is, moreover, a topic which lends itself naturally to econometric and statistical treatment. The specific feature which distinguishes time series from other data is that the order in which the sample is recorded is of relevance. As a result of this, a substantial body of statistical methodology has developed. This unit provides an introduction to methods of time series analysis and forecasting. The material covered is primarily time domain methods designed for a single series and includes the building of linear time series models, the theory and practice of univariate forecasting and the use of regression methods for forecasting. Throughout the unit a balance between theory and practical application is maintained.
ECMT3150 The Econometrics of Financial Markets
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: two 1-hour lectures and one 1-hour lab per week Assessment: Assignment (20%); Group assignment (30%); Mid-Semester exam (15%); Final exam (35%)
This unit studies and develops the econometric models and methods employed for the analysis of data arising in financial markets. It extends and complements the material covered in ECMT2130. The unit will cover econometric models that have proven useful for the analysis of both synchronous and non-synchronous financial time series data over the last two decades. Modern Statistical methodology will be introduced for the estimation of such models. The econometric models and associated methods of estimation will be applied to the analysis of a number of financial datasets. Students will be encouraged to undertake hands-on analysis using an appropriate computing package. Topics covered include: discrete time financial time series models for asset returns; modelling and forecasting conditional volatility; Value at Risk and modern market risk measurement and management; modelling of high frequency and/or non-synchronous financial data and the econometrics of market microstructure issues. The focus of the unit will be in the econometric models and methods that have been developed recently in the area of financial econometrics and their application to modelling and forecasting market risk measures.
ECMT3180 Business Risk Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: individual assignments (20%), group assignment (15%); mid-semester exam (20%); final 2hr exam (45%)
Everyone working in business needs to understand and manage risk. This course will provide the basic knowledge and tools needed to do this. It includes material on the risk management strategies that every business needs, as well as specific quantitative and statistical techniques for evaluating risk. By taking this course students will learn how different aspects of risk management fit together (like Value at Risk calculations, Monte-Carlo simulation, extreme value theory, credit scoring, real options and hedging strategies).
ECMT3610 Management Science Models and Methods
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x 1hr lectures and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Two assignments (20%); Test (20%); Final exam (60%)
This unit presents formulation guidelines for management science models to provide practical assistance to managerial decision making. Optimisation methods are developed so the complexity and limitations of optimisation model categories can be accounted for in model selection and in the interpretation of results. Linear programming methods are developed and extended to cover variations in the management context to logistics, networks, and strategic planning. Decision analysis and competitive structures including hierarchy structures complete a rounded program for managerial application. The unit covers a variety of case studies incorporating commercial research processes for decision support.
ECMT3640 Project Planning and Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: group project (40%), individual homework (20%), final exam (40%)
A project is a set of activities that together achieve a particular purpose and need to be carried out within a given time frame with a limited set of resources. Each project is unique and often complex. The challenges of planning and managing projects arise from the complexity and uncertainty that characterise projects. As a graduate working in business you will almost certainly find yourself involved in project teams, and at some stage or another you are likely to take on project management responsibilities. This unit gives an introduction to the planning and management of projects looking at the problems of defining projects; network techniques for project planning and control; methods for estimating activity durations; resource constraints; and modelling methods to understand the impact of uncertainty. At the same time as discussing the techniques of project management, the unit will also use case studies to discuss some of the challenges that project managers face.
ECMT4101 Econometrics Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: Assignments; Final Exams; Dissertation
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the pass degree must be completed before entry to level 4000 honours units of study
The honours year provides basic professional expertise in the general area of econometrics through instruction in advanced theory, and experience in independent research. Honours students are required to (a) complete four semester units of instruction, (b) submit a dissertation not exceeding 65 A4 pages of typescript, and (c) attend and participate in Discipline research seminars. The dissertation topic must be approved by the Discipline and progress reports are to be presented every semester. Candidates must enrol in ECMT4101, ECMT4102, ECMT4103 and ECMT4104 to complete the Honours degree. Please consult the discipline website for details before enrolling in honours.
ECMT4102 Econometrics Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: See ECMT4101
See ECMT4101
ECMT4103 Econometrics Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: See ECMT4101
See ECMT4101
ECMT4104 Econometrics Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: See ECMT4101
See ECMT4101
ECMT4601 Management Decision Sciences Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: Assignments; Exams; Dissertation
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the Pass degree must be completed before entry to level 4000 honours units of study.
The honours year provides basic professional expertise in the general area of Management Decision Sciences, through instruction in advanced theory and experience in independent research. Honours students are required to (a) complete four semester units of instruction, (b) submit a dissertation not exceeding 65 A4 pages of typescript, and (c) attend and participate in Discipline research seminars. The dissertation topic must be approved by the Discipline and progress reports are to be presented every semester. Students should consult the discipline website before enrolling in honours in Management Decision Sciences.
ECMT4602 Management Decision Sciences Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: See ECMT4601
See ECMT4601
ECMT4603 Management Decision Sciences Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: See ECMT4601
See ECMT4601
ECMT4604 Management Decision Sciences Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs per week Assessment: See ECMT4601
See ECMT4601
ECOF1003 Understanding Business
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Leanne Piggott Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Learning journal (30%); case studies (30%); participation (10%); exam (30%)
Note: This unit was previously named 'Business Context A'.
This unit of study is the first of two junior core units aimed at introducing students to the internal and external contexts in which business operates in the twenty-first century. It also aims to lay the foundations for effective problem solving, critical analysis and communication skills. In this unit, students will build an understanding of the dynamics of business and commerce through the lens of the firm and its stakeholders. Business ethics is also introduced as key learning goal.
ECOF1004 The Business Environment
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Leanne Piggott Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Essay (20%); Team Company Report (25%); Tutorial participation (15%); Board Report (40%)
Note: This unit was previously named 'Business Context B'.
This unit is the second of two junior core units aimed at introducing students to the external and internal contexts in which business operates in the twenty-first century, and to building effective problem solving, critical analysis and communication skills. In this unit, students will build an understanding of the political and regulatory, economic, socio-cultural, and technological factors that impact on the external context of the commercial landscape while developing an awareness of potential of risk and change.
ECOF1010 Business and Economic Statistics A Adv
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: one 2-hour lecture and one 2-hour workshop per week Assessment: Two quizzes (30%); Group assignment (15%); Homework (15%); Final exam (40%)
This unit provides an introduction to basic statistics and its applications in economics and business disciplines. Topics include: methods for data management; analysis and interpretation of data; probability; the normal distribution; an introduction to sampling theory and hypothesis testing; and the concepts of regression analysis. A key component is the provision of instruction and experience in the use of computers and statistical software as an aid in the analysis of data. Students are expected to use data resources from the internet, retrieve data and analyse this data using Excel. This course is an advanced version of ECMT1010 Business and Economic Statistics A, and will cover the same topics as that unit.
ECOF2555 Washington D.C. Internship
Credit points: 6 Session: Int February,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture (Sydney), 5x 2hr lectures (Washington DC), and an internship placement (20hrs in total) Assessment: Reflective journal and report (30%), Research essay (55%), Oral presentation (15%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:Semester 2
This unit will be taken by students accepted into the University of California Washington DC (UCDC) Winter Program while they undertake a professional placement with a business, government, non-government or media organisation. It will include preparatory coursework in reflective, professional practice and concurrent coursework on research methods, report and other professional writing skills. Assessment will include a reflective journal, research essay, and oral presentations all based on the internship placement and study abroad experience.
ECOF9106 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 6 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECOF9206 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 6 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECOF9112 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 12 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECOF9212 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 12 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECOF9118 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 18 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECOF9124 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 24 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECOF9224 International Exchange Program
Credit points: 24 Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is recognition for student participation in the International Exchange program.
ECON1001 Introductory Microeconomics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Online quizzes (10%), mid semester test (30%), essay (10%), final exam (50%)
Introductory Microeconomics addresses the economic decisions of individual firms and households and how these interact in markets. It is a compulsory core unit for the Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Commerce and an alternative core unit for the Bachelor of Economic and Social Science. Economic issues are pervasive in contemporary Australian society. Introductory Microeconomics introduces students to the language and analytical framework adopted in Economics for the examination of social phenomena and public policy issues. Whatever one's career intentions, coming to grips with economic ideas is essential for understanding society, business and government. Students are given a comprehensive introduction to these ideas and are prepared for the advanced study of microeconomics in subsequent years.
ECON1002 Introductory Macroeconomics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial participation (5%), 5x online quizzes (10%), mid semester exam (25%), essay (10%), final exam (50%)
Introductory Macroeconomics addresses the analysis of the level of employment and economic activity in the economy as a whole. It is a compulsory core unit for the Bachelor of Economics and an alternative core unit for the Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences. Introductory Macroeconomics examines the main factors that determine the overall levels of production and employment in the economy, including the influence of government policy and international trade. This analysis enables an exploration of money, interest rates and financial markets, and a deeper examination of inflation, unemployment and economic policy.
ECOS2001 Intermediate Microeconomics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorials (10%), 2x in-class tests (40%), Final Exam (50%)
Note: Certain combinations of Maths/Stats may substitute for Econometrics. Consult the Chair of the Discipline of Economics.
The aim of Intermediate Microeconomics is the development of theoretical and applied skills in economics. It covers applications and extensions of the theory of consumer choice, firm behaviour and market structure. Emphasis is given to the economics of information and choice under uncertainty; industry structures other than monopoly and perfect competition; markets for factors of production; general equilibrium and economic efficiency; market failure and the role of government. This unit provides a basis for the more specialised options that comprise third year economics.
ECOS2901 Intermediate Microeconomics Honours
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week. Assessment: 2 x mid semester exams (50%), Final Exam (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is comprised of lectures based upon the curriculum for ECOS2001 Intermediate Microeconomics, supported by a seminar for one hour a week. The content of lectures reflect a more analytical and critical treatment of the topics than ECOS2001. The topics, which build on the theory of consumer and firm behaviour and market structure, include game theory, oligopoly, general equilibrium and welfare, externalities and public goods and the economics of information.
ECOS2002 Intermediate Macroeconomics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid Semester exam (30%), Final exam (50%), Assignments (20%)
Note: Certain combinations of Maths/Stats may substitute for Econometrics. Consult the Chair of the Discipline of Economics.
This unit of study develops models of the goods, money and labour markets, examines issues in macroeconomic policy. Macroeconomic relationships, covering consumption, investment, money and employment, are explored in detail. Macro-dynamic relationships, especially those linking inflation and unemployment, are also considered. Exchange rates and open economy macroeconomics are also addressed. In the last part of the unit, topics include the determinants and theories of economic growth, productivity and technology, the dynamics of the business cycle, counter-cyclical policy and the relationship between micro and macro policy in the context of recent Australian experience.
ECOS2902 Intermediate Macroeconomics Honours
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Essay (20%), mid semester exam (30%), Final Exam (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit is comprised of lectures based upon the curriculum for ECOS2002 Intermediate Macroeconomics, supported by a seminar for one hour a week. The content of lectures reflects a more intensive treatment of the topics than ECOS2002. Topics covered include: models of the goods, money and labour markets; macro-economic relationships such as consumption, investment, demand for money and labour demand and supply; macro-dynamic relationships, especially those linking inflation and unemployment; exchange rates and open economy macroeconomics; theories of economic growth; productivity and technological change; the dynamics of the business cycle; and the relationship between micro- and macro-economic policy.
ECOS2201 Economics of Competition and Strategy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: 2x mid-semester exams (40%), Final Exam (60%)
This course introduces new and comprehensive methods for the analysis and formation of business strategy. The unit analyses strategies for developing competitive advantages, including product differentiation, cost advantages and product life cycles; implementing incentives, control, firm boundaries, and internal firm decision-making mechanisms; implementing pricing, auction and signalling practices; assessing industry attractiveness and the regulatory/trade practices environment; and managing industry cooperation and conflict. Students are taught a set of tools that they can bring to bear on new problems. Understanding competitive dynamics and strategic thinking are emphasised. Case studies and problem-solving form an important part of the teaching method.
ECOS2306 Managerial Firms: Evolution & Attributes
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: 5x assessed on-line forums (25%), in-class test (25%), final exam (50%)
The large managerial firm, operating in a number of product and geographic markets and controlled by managers rather than owners, plays a major role in modern economies. Although it is now being challenged by new institutions such as LBOs and strategic alliances, the large managerial firm is itself a recent phenomenon which only began to emerge in the 1880s. This unit of study analyses the development of the large managerial firm since the 1880s, distinguishing between firms in standardised mass production industries and those in industries where technology has changed rapidly since the 1970s. It also distinguishes between managerial firms that emerged in the West with those in Japan. In analysing the attributes of managerial firms in different regimes, the unit focuses on two main issues: the nature of corporate competencies, and the role of imperfect information within managerial firms and markets, alliances, and networks. The unit includes detailed analysis of case studies drawn from the USA, Australia, and Japan.
ECOS2903 Mathematical Economics A
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Problem sets/quizzes (30%), mid semester exam (20%), final exam (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students intending to proceed to the third year economics honours program must take this unit or MATH2070
This unit provides an introduction to mathematical techniques commonly employed by economists. Students who wish to proceed to final year Economics Honours must complete either ECOS2903 or MATH2070. Topics include: limits, continuity, differentiation of single- and multi-variable functions, unconstrained and constrained optimisation.
ECOS3002 Development Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 2x in-class tests (30%), final exam (70%)
This unit examines the role of the state, rationale for planning and market mechanisms in developing economies, and also the sociocultural preconditions and economic requirements for a market economy. It focuses on a wide range of developmental problems and issues from both microeconomic and macroeconomic points of view. It closely studies the integration process of the traditional segment of a developing society into its modern counterpart in countries selected from Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific regions.
ECOS3003 Hierarchies, Incentives & Firm Structure
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1 x group assignment (25%), 1 x mid-semester exam (20%), final exam (55%)
This unit deals with the coordination and motivation problems faced by firms. More specifically this unit examines: whether firms use price or command mechanisms to allocate resources within firms; the problems associated with designing incentive contracts; the principles of efficient contract design and; the real world applications of those principles. The final section deals with the manner in which the coordination and motivation problems faced by firms determines their financial, vertical and horizontal structure.
ECOS3004 History of Economic Thought
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1x essay (20%), 1x mid semester exam (30%), 1x final exam (50%)
Where do the current beliefs - theories, doctrines, postulates and attitudes - of modern economics come from? If current theories and doctrines have a definite historical beginning, what schools of thought did they supplant? Are there alternative or dissident views which subsisted alongside mainstream economics in the twentieth century - and if so, what are they and where did they originate from? This unit seeks to answer these questions, as well as others. It provides an overview of the development of economic ideas from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, combined with a more intensive focus on the thought of certain key figures in that history. The particular topics covered include: the formation of economics to 1776; Adam Smith; classical economics from Smith to J.S. Mill; the rise of marginalist economics; John Maynard Keynes; and orthodox and heterodox currents in twentieth century economics.
ECOS3005 Industrial Organisation
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1x mid semester exam (35%), final exam (60%), problem sets (5%)
This unit of study examines the nature of inter-firm rivalry in industries with market power. It explores the various ways in which firms can increase their market power by: extracting more surplus from consumers, by colluding with rivals or by excluding entrants. The unit also analyses the international competitiveness of industries in the context of industry assistance and the prevalence of foreign multinationals. Competition policy is also discussed.
ECOS3006 International Trade
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Problem sets (5%); 1x mid semester exam (35%), final exam (60%)
This unit of study provides a systematic analysis of the theory of international trade and trade policy. Initially differences between countries are emphasised as the source of trade and the gains from trade. Models that are examined include the Classical-Ricardian model, the Heckscher-Ohlin model and the Specific-Factors model. Next economics of scale and imperfect competition are introduced as sources of trade and gains from trade. The unit concludes with an examination of empirical studies aimed at testing trade theories. The analysis of trade policy begins with a discussion of the instruments of trade policy, in particular, tariffs and quotas and their effect on welfare. This discussion is then extended to the case of imperfect competition and strategic trade policy.
ECOS3007 International Macroeconomics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Summer Main Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Assignments (20%); 1x Mid-semester exam (20%); Final exam (60%).
This unit studies macroeconomic theory and policy in a global trading world. The microfoundations of the various sectors are examined in the context of an open economy. The evolution of international money and capital markets is described, the operation of the foreign exchange market is examined, showing how its microstructure affects its macro performance. Theories and tests of the efficiency of international capital markets are surveyed, as well as core theories and tests of exchange rate and asset price determination. The unit develops the macroeconomic implications of monetary and fiscal policies for small and large open economies for different regimes.
ECOS3008 Labour Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1x Essay (25%), mid-semester exam (25%), final exam (50%)
This unit aims to provide an understanding of labour markets and related issues such as work conditions, pay and employment levels. Labour supply and demand, theories of wage determination, labour mobility and discrimination are examined. It also analyses the role of trade unions and labour market contracts. These topics are applied to current issues in Australian labour markets such as enterprise bargaining, the role of centralised wage fixing systems, training and other labour market programs. Policies designed to improve the functioning of the labour market are examined and particular attention is given to the problem of persistent unemployment.
ECOS3010 Monetary Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1x Multiple choice exam (30%), written paper (20%), final exam (50%)
This unit provides an overview of the main elements of monetary economics, with emphasis upon macroeconomic issues - analysis of economic processes in which money enters the picture in an essential manner. The content primarily concerns economic principles and theory, but there is also considerable focus on the Australian monetary system and monetary policy in particular. The particular topics covered include: functions of money; the concept of 'liquidity'; money demand; determinants of money supply changes; financial crises and the 'lender of last resort' function of central banking; the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; term and risk structures of interest rates; alternative theories of the level of the rate of interest; the monetary policy transmission mechanism; monetary policy instrument choice; central bank credibility; policy reaction functions; the global monetary system; and Reserve Bank market operations.
ECOS3011 Public Finance
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1x mid semester exam (20%), 1x assignment (30%), 1x final exam (50%)
Public Finance is about the taxing and spending decisions of governments. The unit covers a wide range of public finance topics. After an introduction to welfare economics and the role of government in the economy, the unit focuses on the revenue side of the budget: tax incidence, efficient and equitable taxation, the Australian system of revenue raising, issues of tax reform and the theory and practice of public utility pricing. It then focuses on the expenditure side of the government budget: public goods, externalities, and programs aimed at redistribution. It also introduces techniques of policy evaluation.
ECOS3012 Strategic Behaviour
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 1x mid semester exam (35%), online quizzes (20%), final exam (45%)
To think and act strategically, one needs to evaluate the effect of one's actions on the actions of others. As most economic decisions are strategic, such as the decision to lower a price or introduce a new tax, economics, if it is to avoid simplistic models, requires a theoretical framework capable of illuminating strategic behaviour. This unit offers a comprehensive, critical introduction to the theory which purports, not only to satisfy this theoretical need, but also potentially to unify the social sciences: game theory. After examining important concepts of game theory, the unit investigates the repercussions for the theory of bargaining and for the evolution of social institutions.
ECOS3015 Law and Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Assignments (20%) 1x mid semester exam (30%), final exam (50%)
Law and economics examines the economic role of law and legal institutions on the actions of economic agents. The economic analysis of law is founded on models of human behaviour and examines how decision making is affected by different legal regimes. The behavioral approach gives rise to a set of principles that can be applied widely across disparate areas of the law, and is becoming increasingly important world-wide, as such analysis is often utilized in courts and public policy forums. The unit begins with a revision of relevant tools of economic analysis. Subsequently, it studies the economics of various branches of law such as: property; contract; nuisance; accident and liability law; and, criminal law
ECOS3016 Experimental and Behavioural Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: 2 x take home assignments (50%), final exam (50%)
Experimental economics uses experimental methods to evaluate the performance of economic models, institutions and policies. Behavioural economics combines experimental and field evidence with insights from neighbouring disciplines such as psychology, to develop richer economic models of decision-making. This unit will develop the key research methods and major findings of each of these fields, and explore both theoretical and practical implications. Students will read a number of seminal research papers in both experimental and behavioural economics, and will have opportunities to participate in classroom experiments, to analyse experimental data, and to design and program their own research projects.
ECOS3017 Health Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Two in-class tests (30%); Final exam (70%)
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the methods of health economics and demonstrate how these methods can be applied to analyse issues in health policy and management. This course will teach the student to use economic analysis to understand critical issues in health care and health policy. Topics covered include the institutions of the Australian system of health care and health statistics, evaluation techniques, production of health, demand for health care and technology, moral hazard and adverse selection in health insurance markets, health labour markets, including physician-patient interactions, managed care, regulation and payment systems for providers, comparative health systems, the pharmaceutical industry, health policy and social insurance.
ECOS3018 Economics of Growth
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Two in-class tests (40%); Final exam (60%)
At the heart of an understanding of the dynamics of market or capitalist economies is an understanding of economic growth. This unit is an introduction to the analysis of economic growth including a comparison of competing explanations within formal growth theory. It considers the connection between growth and distribution, growth and technical progress, the role of economic policies and economic institutions in promoting growth as well as the limitations on growth associated with exhaustible natural resources. Lectures also provide some consideration of the empirical evidence on different explanations of growth.
ECOS3019 Capital and Dynamics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Two in-class tests (40%); Final exam (60%)
Fundamental to the theory of value, income distribution and output is a coherent treatment of the concept of capital. The definition and measurement of 'capital' is essential to the explanation of relative prices, and hence integral to any explanation of distributive shares in national income. It is also indispensable to a proper understanding of debates over the theory of output. The aim of the unit is to provide a comprehensive account of the different approaches to capital theory (e.g. in traditional aggregative neoclassical theory, general equilibrium theory and classical/Sraffian inspired models) and to highlight their significance for different views about value, distribution and output. This account necessarily involves some focus on the intersection of capital theory and the theory of dynamics as it applies to multi-sectoral/multi-commodity models, including growth theory, the dynamics of inter-industry competition, the analysis of technological progress and the intertemporal dynamics of production in the context of exhaustible natural resources.
ECOS3020 Special Topic in Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Depends on the topic.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Study of a special topic in Economics. Topics will vary from semester to semester according to staff availablity and the presence of visitors. If taught in both smesters, the topic in Semester 2 will be different to that of Semester 1.
ECOS3021 Business Cycles and Asset Markets
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: class participation (5%), mid-semester exam (20%), project report (25%) , final exam (50%)
The unit of study provides theoretical and empirical training in analysing macroeconomic fluctuations and the interactions between the real economy and asset markets. The unit of study will introduce theoretical models of the business cycle to identify sources of economic fluctuations. It then provides a theoretical framework in which the asset market-the real economy can be analysed. In addition to theoretical analysis, the unit will develop empirical tools for analysing economic and financial indicators as well as evaluating the performance of theoretical models. The role of government policy will also be discussed by taking both Australian and global episodes.
ECOS3022 The Economics of Financial Markets
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: problem sets (20%), mid-semester exam (25%), final exam (55%)
Financial assets play a vital role coordinating the actions of savers and investors; consequently, they play a crucial role in creating wealth and facilitating economic activity. The aim of this unit is to explore the economic principles underlying: the pricing and development of financial assets; the trade-off between risk and return and the how investors construct portfolios in response to this trade-off. The focus is on the economics of financial markets: the factors of demand and supply; risk and uncertainty; incomplete contracts and renegotiation; and asymmetric information and its implications. We will emphasize the key aspects of markets for financial assets and the main differences to markets for consumption goods. The unit also examines the development of financial institutions and current issues in financial markets.
ECOS3901 Advanced Microeconomics Honours
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Mid semester exam (30%); problem sets (10%); final exam (60%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students intending to proceed to fourth year economics honours must also complete at least one unit of study from (ECOS3001 or ECON3001) to (ECOS3015 or ECON3015) inclusive, in either semester of their third year
ECOS3901 Advanced Microeconomics is the second course in the microeconomics sequence in the Economics Honours program. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge and understanding of the most powerful methods of analysis and discourse in modern microeconomic theory. We build on the foundations of ECOS2901 and ECOS2903 to continue progress toward the frontier of microeconomics.
ECOS3902 Advanced Macroeconomics Honours
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Mid semester exam (30%); take home assignments (10%), final exam (60%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students intending to proceed to fourth year economics honours must also complete at least one unit of study from (ECOS3001 or ECON3001) to (ECOS3015 or ECON3015) inclusive, in either semester of their third year
ECOS3902 Advanced Macroeconomics is a third year honours course in macroeconomics. Its main objective is to develop a framework for thinking about macroeconomic questions. This course is designed for the students enrolled in the Economics Honours stream. ECOS2901, ECOS2902, ECOS2903 and ECOS3901 are prerequisites and the corequisite is ECOS3903,or ECMT3110 plus one of ECMT2120, ECMT3120, ECMT3130, ECMT3160 or ECMT3170.
ECOS3903 Applied Economics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: One 2 hour lecture per week and one additional hour per fortnight Assessment: Assignments (10%), Referee Report (15%), mid semester exam (25%), final examination (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students intending to proceed to fourth year economics honours must take this unit or (ECMT3110 plus one of ECMT2120, ECMT3120, ECMT3130, ECMT3160 or ECMT3170).
This unit is designed to provide students with estimation techniques frequently used in applied microeconomics. It will mainly cover cross section and panel data methods. Various empirical topics in labour economics, international trade, etc., will be discussed.
ECON4101 Economics Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs per week
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the Pass degree must be completed before entry to 4000 level honours units of study.
To complete the requirement for Economics (Honours), students need to complete five semester-length options from a list of options offered and complete a thesis. The list of options available may vary from year to year, but usually include topics in macroeconomics, topics in microeconomics, topics in development economics, topics in economic classics, topics in industrial economics, topics in international economics, topics in labour economics, and topics in public economics. Candidates must enrol in ECON4102, ECON4103 and ECON4104 to complete the honours year.
ECON4102 Economics Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs per week
see ECON4101
ECON4103 Economics Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs per week
see ECON4101
ECON4104 Economics Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6 hrs per week
see ECON4101
FINC2011 Corporate Finance I
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Early,Summer Late,Summer Main,Winter Main Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: tutorial participation (10%), early semester quiz (20%), assignment (20%), final 2hr exam (50%)
Note: Study in Finance commences in second year. ECMT1010 and ECOF1005 (or ECON1001 and ECON1002) are recommended for all students wanting to study finance.
This unit provides an introduction to basic concepts in corporate finance and their application to (1) valuation of risky assets including stocks, bonds and entire corporations, (2) pricing of equity securities, and (3) corporate financial policy decisions including dividend, capital structure and risk management policies. An emphasis is placed on the application of ideas and current practices in each of these areas.
FINC2012 Corporate Finance II
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Early Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: mid-semester exam (15%), essay (20%), final exam (65%)
This unit builds on FINC2011 Corporate Finance I, by extending basic concepts in corporate financing, investing and risk management. The first half of the unit is devoted to current theories of corporate financing and their practical application in corporate investment and capital budgeting. The second half of the unit examines securities and securities markets with an emphasis on pricing, investment characteristics and, importantly, their use by corporations to manage risk. The securities examined include: bonds and related fixed income products; futures; options; and securities denominated in foreign currencies. The goal of the unit is to broaden students' knowledge of corporate finance in preparation for further study in finance in third year.
FINC2192 Finance 2 Honours
Credit points: 3 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1 x weekly 3hr seminar Assessment: Mid-Semester Exam 1 (15%), Midterm Exam 2 (15%), Assignment (20%), Final Exam (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit develops the conceptual and theoretical foundations of modern finance theory. Students are asked to understand and critique existing theories and to see their connections with other disciplines and with financial industry developments.
FINC3011 International Financial Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-Semester Exam (25%), Tutorial Participation (5%), FX Trading Contest (10%), Essay (15%), Final Exam (45%)
Markets are increasingly globalised. There are very few businesses or industries that are not required to deal with issues such as foreign currency, foreign competition and direct investment. This unit is designed to allow students to extend their understanding of basic principles in finance to an international environment. Globalisation of markets introduces risks but also opens up profitable opportunities. Topics covered include: foreign currency valuation and markets; international parity conditions; measuring and managing foreign exposure; international portfolio management; capital budgeting and foreign direct investment; international tax management and international financing strategy.
FINC3012 Derivative Securities
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: 1x 1.5hr mid-semester exam (20%), 1x group assignment (20%), 1x final 3hr exam (60%)
Options, futures and swaps are derivatives of underlying securities such as commodities, equities and bonds. These types of securities are increasingly used to manage risk exposure and as a relatively low-cost-way of taking a position in a security or portfolio. They are also being used as part of senior management compensation as a way of attempting to align the interests of shareholders with that of management. This unit is designed to provide an introduction to this important area of finance without requiring a high level of mathematical sophistication. However, a strong quantitative base is an advantage.
FINC3013 Mergers and Acquisitions
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week; Additional workshops as required. Assessment: Mid-Semester Exam (25%), Group Case Study Written (20%), Group Case Study Presentation (5%), Final Exam (50%)
This unit will provide: an understanding of the economic and strategic drivers of corporate restructuring activity and their use in the design and analysis of restructuring transactions. Understanding of the evaluation of outcomes from restructuring transactions, both the theory based explanations and the empirical tests of the theories. It will develop the ability to identify synergies in a restructuring transaction and use Discounted Cash Flow methods to assign a value to these benefits. A detailed understanding of the design and economic impacts of deal structures used to effect corporate restructuring transactions. A detailed awareness of the process of merger arbitrage and its contribution to outcome of restructuring transactions. An appreciation of the regulatory environment for restructuring transactions and the impact of these regulations on the process and outcomes of restructuring transactions.
FINC3014 Trading and Dealing in Security Markets
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Oral Presentation and Tutorial Participation (10%), Mid-Semester Exam (15%), TradeLab Assignment (10%), Major Assignment (10%), Final Exam (45%)
This unit is concerned with the processes which turn orders into trades in securities markets, and the forces which mould and affect both order flow and order execution. The unit is an introduction to some fundamental market design and structure ideas. At the end of the unit, students should be able to understand (1) how the international markets for foreign exchange, swaps, bonds and equities are organised, (2) how trading is conducted in these markets and how these transactions are cleared, (3) how the markets are regulated, if they are supervised and what risks different counterparties face in these markets. The unit aims to equip students to independently analyse international investment and financing alternatives and to estimate expected returns and costs taking into account liquidity risk, price volatility and credit risk.
FINC3015 Financial Valuation: Case Study Approach
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x2hr lecture per week; 1x1hr workshop session per week Assessment: Case studies (35%), Group project (25%), Exam (40%)
This unit applies all aspects of finance theory to the general problem of valuing companies and other financial assets. This requires a synthesis of the concepts of present value, cost of capital, security valuation, asset pricing models, optimal capital structures and some related accounting concepts. The subject aims to reach a level of practical application that allows students to understand both the theoretical frameworks and institutional conventions of real world corporate valuations.
FINC3017 Investments and Portfolio Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2h lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-Semester Exam (15%); Assignment (35%); Final Examination (50%)
This unit is designed to provide a comprehensive analytical approach to the modern theory of investments. Topics covered include: the valuation of bonds and stocks; mean-variance analysis; Markowitz type portfolio analysis; duration and convexity analysis; term structure of interest rates; option pricing; portfolio insurance; performance evaluation; and forecasting. Basic statistics and probability concepts are reviewed at the beginning to ensure that all students have adequate understanding. Although analytical aspects of investments theory are stressed, there is also an equal amount of emphasis on the intuitive as well as practical aspects of the subject.
FINC3018 Bank Financial Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Mid-Semester Exam (25%); Assignment (25%); Final Examination (50%)
The central objective of this unit is to expose students to the basic principles of commercial bank management. The topics that are covered include: the theory and practice of banking from a financial management perspective; banks and the financial services industry; regulatory restrictions and financial management; performance analysis and strategic planning; asset management and liquidity; investment and loan management; liability and deposit management; capital structure and dividend decisions; and financial management implications of electronic banking, international banking, and other developments.
FINC3019 Fixed Income Securities
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%) ; mid-semester exam (20%); group project (20%); final exam (50%)
This unit is designed to provide a thorough grounding of the concepts and issues in fixed income securities, bond portfolio analysis and closely related financial instruments in risk management. The unit begins with the basic analytical framework necessary to understand the pricing of bonds and their investment characteristics (introducing fundamental concepts such as duration, yield and term structure). This will serve as the building block of more complicated corporate and derivative securities. Sectors of the debt market, including treasury securities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and convertible bonds are analysed. The use of derivatives and a selection of special topics in Fixed Incomes are also discussed.
FINC3020 Financial Risk Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: mid-semester exam (20%), group project (30%), final 3hr exam (50%)
Risk is an integral part of financial decisions. Following the rapid evolution of the discipline of financial risk management, analysts must be prepared to assess the level of risk in the marketplace. This course explores the basic concepts of modelling, measuring and managing financial risks within the regulatory framework. Topics covered include market risk (value-at-risk and expected loss), credit risk (single name, portfolio, ratings and market based models, credit derivatives), liquidity risk and operational risk. To overcome the rather quantitative nature of the topics, the course relies heavily on practical based lab exercises with emphasis on simulations, real life examples and case studies.
FINC3021 Mathematical Finance
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week; Additional workshops as required. Assessment: Major Assignments (20%), Mid-Semester Exam (20%), Group Presentation (10%), Final Examination (50%)
The principle objective of this unit is to introduce students to the basic elements of mathematical finance. Students are exposed to key areas in the modern theory of finance and corporate financial policy with specific emphasis on their development and treatment from mathematical and statistical foundations. The unit provides necessary mathematical background. Topics that are introduced from a more mathematical perspective include: principles of modern financial valuation and analysis; asset pricing theory and market efficiency; theory of portfolio selection and management; and measurement and management of financial risk.
FINC3193 Finance 3 Honours (Corporate Finance)
Credit points: 3 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 3hr workshop/seminar per week Assessment: class participation (10%); group assignment (40%); presentation (10%), final exam (40%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit deals with more advanced aspects of information transfers between interested parties and modelling of corporate issues such as productivity, remuneration and value.
FINC3194 Finance 3 Honours (Securities Markets)
Credit points: 3 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr workshop/seminar per week Assessment: Group Assignment 1 (25%), Group Assignment 2 (25%), Mid-Semester Test (25%), Individual Take-home test (25%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The unit considers who trades, why they trade and how trading takes place. It examines how technology and regulatory changes affect trading behaviour. The unit introduces students to market microstructure research. By studying and critiquing the academic literature, students become familiar with the research questions which have examined and research methods used. This allows students to develop the necessary skills to design and undertake their own research projects in the honours year.
FINC4101 Finance Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the Pass degree must be completed before entry to level 4000 honours units of study.
The honours program in Finance is directed at producing extremely high quality graduates who are capable of undertaking research in finance, either via an advanced research degree at the Master's or PhD level or in the financial community in technical/research-related positions requiring both a high level of analytical skills and an ability to work independently. Graduates are highly sought by investment banking, stockbroking, funds management and management consulting firms. Actual offerings in any year depend on staff availability. With approval, the equivalent of a semester unit can be taken from other disciplines or faculties. Students are required to write a research report in the style of an academic article but with a more extensive literature review. Candidates are encouraged to undertake research of an original nature and of publishable quality. Typically the subject areas relate to securities market micro-structure, investments and corporate finance, as these are the areas in which the Discipline has expertise and supervisory skills.
Students who have completed majors in both Finance and Accounting, Finance and Econometrics, Finance and Economics or Finance and Marketing, and who are eligible to undertake fourth year honours programs in at least one discipline area of their two majors, may be eligible to undertake joint honours programs, subject to the approval of the Honours Coordinator in both disciplines. Candidates must enrol in FINC4102, FINC4103 and FINC4104 to complete the honours year.
Students who have completed majors in both Finance and Accounting, Finance and Econometrics, Finance and Economics or Finance and Marketing, and who are eligible to undertake fourth year honours programs in at least one discipline area of their two majors, may be eligible to undertake joint honours programs, subject to the approval of the Honours Coordinator in both disciplines. Candidates must enrol in FINC4102, FINC4103 and FINC4104 to complete the honours year.
FINC4102 Finance Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
See FINC4101
FINC4103 Finance Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
See FINC4101
FINC4104 Finance Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
See FINC4101
IBUS2101 International Business Strategy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr workshop per week. Assessment: consulting project (30%), in-calss activities and quiz (10%), tutorial partication (15%), thought sheet (15%), final exam (30%)
The aim of this unit of study is to understand how international firms win and lose in global competition. Major topics include understanding the differences in economic, political, legal, and cultural environments; building corporate capabilities and competencies for competitive advantage; choosing between equity and non-equity alliances, licensing and joint ventures; dealing with different industry structures and government policies; challenges of operating in emerging economies; managing across borders, including selecting effective types of MNEs and subsidiaries; and managerial decision-making and internal MNE organisational design.
IBUS2102 Cross-Cultural Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr workshop per week Assessment: Participation (10%); Individual assignment (40%); Team assignment (20%), Final exam (30%)
Critical to effective management in international and multi-cultural business environments is an understanding of cultural differences and how to manage such differences. The aim of this unit of study is to provide conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that will develop an understanding of the ways in which cultures differ, how these differences can impact on management, and how cultural issues can limit organisational effectiveness. Strategies for managing and relatively harnessing cultural differences are also evaluated. Major topics include the significance of culture in international management; the meaning and dimensions of culture; comparative international management styles; managing communication across cultures; ethics and social responsibility in global management; cross-cultural negotiation and decision-making; managing global teams; culture and international leadership; and developing the international and global manager.
IBUS3101 International Business Alliances
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr workshop per week Assessment: Business Strategy Game (10%), Alliance proposal (10%), Presentation (10%), Alliance case (10%), Participation (15%); Mid term exam (20%); Final exam (25%)
The formation and implementation of successful global business strategies involves alliances with a range of stakeholders including international customers and suppliers, overseas agents, international franchisors and franchisees, international joint venture partners, and international merger relationships. The aim of this unit of study is to provide conceptual frameworks and evidence from practice that will develop an understanding of the motivations underlying international alliances, the alternative approaches to alliance formulation and development, and the problems involved in promoting effective alliance management. Major topics include the motivations for international business alliances, analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of alliances, factors influencing the choice of alliance arrangements, alliance structure issues, partners selection and relationship management, the reasons why alliances succeed or fail, and the management of alliance processes.
IBUS3102 International Risk Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr workshop per week Assessment: Workshops and case studies (50%); Individual learning modules (50%)
This unit is designed to introduce students to the nature of risk management, particularly the identification of risk, its analysis and consequences for international business actors. Emphasis is placed on surveying some of the environments that can potentially generate risk, how these risks can impact various aspects of market composition and market participation, the integrity of business actors and their profitability and viability. The business environments surveyed include the international financial system, government and regulation of business activity, compliance risk, corporate social responsibility and activism, as well as issues associated with country and political risk.
IBUS3103 Global Entrepreneurship and Enterprise
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr tutorial/lab class per week. Assessment: Group presentation (15%); Group assignment (35%); Individual assignment (20%); Final exam (30%)
Note: Students enrolled in the combined Law degrees are able to complete this unit in their third year of enrolment (full-time).
Developing entrepreneurial and innovative businesses is very different to managing large established businesses especially in a global context. In addition to exploring the special problems (and advantages) associated with entrepreneurial small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the course will bring together the skills you have acquired across many disciplines. In this unit, you will develop a funding proposal for a real technology, invention or design and pitch that to a panel of potential investors. Topics include international entrepreneurship theory, opportunity recognition and selection, developing an innovative business strategy, and sourcing appropriate finance (whether angel, venture capital, debt or corporate investment). Central to this course is the integration of theory and practice through workshop sessions, group work, and talks from industry professionals.
IBUS3104 Ethical International Business Decisions
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3 hour seminar per week Assessment: Group Project (30%); Final exam (30%) Individual participation (10%); In class case-studies (15%); Reflective Journals (15%)
In order to succeed in international business, both corporations and individuals need broad decision-making abilities. Business decision-making tools yield more coherent and justifiable results when used with an understanding of the ethical, social and environmental aspects of the process. This applies to various situations in the international business setting including business relations with government, customers, employees, and NGOs. This unit is designed to look at these non-financial elements in the decisions made within the international business context. Following the completion of this unit, students will have enhanced skills and knowledge relevant to the understanding of ethical issues and ethical decisions making in international business organizations.
IBUS3106 International Business Special Project
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 3 hrs of seminars per week Assessment: Research proposal (20%); Critique (10%); Instructor updates (15%); Presentation (15%); Major research report (40%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students must have achieved a credit average in these units and must have recieved permission to enrol from the Chair of the Discipline of International Business.
The special project in International Business provides students with an opportunity to undertake a supervised research project on an approved topic.
IBUS3107 Business Negotiations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1 x 2hr lecture and 1 x 1hr tutorial Assessment: In-class exercises (30%); Mid Semester exam (20%); Self-Appraisal (20%); Group Project (30%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The purpose of this course is to help you understand the theory of negotiation as it is practiced in a variety of strategic settings. The aim is to help you feel more comfortable and confident with the negotiation process. The course is designed to be relevant to the broad spectrum of negotiation problems that are faced by managers but we use specific examples from international strategy such as M&A and joint ventures. The course will provide participants with an opportunity to develop skills experientially and to understand negotiation in useful analytic frameworks. Considerable emphasis will be placed on role-playing exercises and case studies.
Note: this unit will require your participation in a number of negotiations. Preparation for these negotiations, which are a large part of your grade, will require time-pressured reading of material in class.
Note: this unit will require your participation in a number of negotiations. Preparation for these negotiations, which are a large part of your grade, will require time-pressured reading of material in class.
IBUS4101 Special Topics in International Business
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 hr seminars per week. Assessment: Student participation in in-class discussion; short essay assignments.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
IBUS4101 studies the recent theoretical and applied literature in international business and management strategy. Topics are organised around four key research themes:
(i) the boundaries of the multinational enterprise;
(ii) internal organizational design and structure;
(iii) location decisions;
(iv) and competitive dynamics.
Specific topics include the critique of theoretical models in international business, including new institutional economics, internalization, transaction cost, resource, path dependency, contracting and dynamic capability-learning approaches; the relationship between the new trade theory, increasing return models and theories of the MNE, including location tournament and clustering; the organizational design of non-equity and equity strategic alliances, including the nature of headquarters-subsidiary relations; investment incentives and country impact of foreign direct investment; and competitive and strategic interaction of multinational enterprises. Candidates must enrol in IBUS4101, IBUS4102, IBUS4103, and IBUS4104 to complete the Honours year.
(i) the boundaries of the multinational enterprise;
(ii) internal organizational design and structure;
(iii) location decisions;
(iv) and competitive dynamics.
Specific topics include the critique of theoretical models in international business, including new institutional economics, internalization, transaction cost, resource, path dependency, contracting and dynamic capability-learning approaches; the relationship between the new trade theory, increasing return models and theories of the MNE, including location tournament and clustering; the organizational design of non-equity and equity strategic alliances, including the nature of headquarters-subsidiary relations; investment incentives and country impact of foreign direct investment; and competitive and strategic interaction of multinational enterprises. Candidates must enrol in IBUS4101, IBUS4102, IBUS4103, and IBUS4104 to complete the Honours year.
IBUS4102 International Business Research Methods
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 3 hr seminars per week. Assessment: Assessment of research proposal.
Honours study in International Business is directed at the development of the analytical and conceptual skills required to conduct independent research in the field. The focus of this unit is on understanding research methodologies, the design of a research project and preparation of a research proposal. In addition students undertake Special Topics in International Business (IBUS4101) and the Seminar in International Business (IBUS4103). Candidates must enrol in IBUS4101, IBUS4102, IBUS4103, and IBUS4104 to complete the Honours year.
IBUS4103 International Business Seminar
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hr seminars per week. Assessment: Student participation in in-class discussion; short-essay assignments.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
IBUS4103 is a seminar required of students undertaking their Honours year in International Business. The seminar builds on the work in IBUS4101 and considers selected issues of current importance in the field, including work related to the research of members of the discipline and recently published cases. In addition topics may be adjusted to reflect student interests and needs. Because of the focus on current issues, the research of members of the discipline, and the interests of current students, topics covered will vary from year to year. We would normally expect to deal with current issues in the following areas: (i)The link between firm structure and international strategy; (ii) Analysis of changes in the international operating environment; (iii) Current studies of entry modes and alliances; (iv) Issues in international risk management; (v) Issues in cross cultural management; (vi) Ethical issues in international management. In addition to in-class discussion, the seminar will require a series of short papers analysing works of particular interest to individual students. Candidates must enrol in IBUS4101, IBUS4102, IBUS4103, and IBUS4104 to complete the Honours year.
IBUS4104 International Business Thesis
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 3 hr seminars per week. Assessment: Assessment of the thesis.
Honours study in International Business is directed at the development of the analytical and conceptual skills required to conduct independent research in the field. The primary focus of this unit is the conduct of research and the writing of a thesis of some 15 to 20,000 words. In addition students undertake Special Topics in International Business (IBUS4101) and the Seminar in International Business (IBUS4103). Candidates must enrol in IBUS4101, IBUS4102, IBUS4103, and IBUS4104 to complete the Honours year.
INFS1000 Digital Business Innovation
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2,Summer Main Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr lab workshop per week Assessment: Groupwork (10%); Group project (25%); Mid-semester test (25%); Final exam (40%)
The Digital Age, with its focus on information as a key business resource, has changed the way Business Information Systems (BIS) are viewed in organisations. They are now seen as enablers of innovation where people supported by powerful technology are considered to be their most important component. This is because creativity, innovation and critical thinking cannot be outsourced or easily acquired by competitors.
This unit is designed to develop your understanding of how businesses operate and shows how information systems support all aspects of business operations and management through integration of people, business processes and systems. You will be provided with an introduction to the state-of-the art theories, frameworks and models to assist in understanding the nature and contribution of BIS in a range of organisational contexts including private, public and not for profit as well as virtual communities and social networks. With its emphasis on business rather than IT, this unit is suitable for all business and non business majors and does not require prior IT-related experience. If you want to learn how to use technology to become a more innovative and creative business professional and a global technology-savvy citizen this unit is for you!
This unit is designed to develop your understanding of how businesses operate and shows how information systems support all aspects of business operations and management through integration of people, business processes and systems. You will be provided with an introduction to the state-of-the art theories, frameworks and models to assist in understanding the nature and contribution of BIS in a range of organisational contexts including private, public and not for profit as well as virtual communities and social networks. With its emphasis on business rather than IT, this unit is suitable for all business and non business majors and does not require prior IT-related experience. If you want to learn how to use technology to become a more innovative and creative business professional and a global technology-savvy citizen this unit is for you!
INFS2001 IS for Performance Improvement
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: In class Individual Tests (20%); In class Group Worksheet Assessment (30%); Final examination (50%)
This unit is designed to help you understand how information systems (IS) can improve business performance relating to the conduct of accounting based transactions. It will provide you with the skills necessary to identify and assess opportunities and understand the varied ways in which IS can assist in realising them. From an end-to-end systems perspective you will gain knowledge of approaches and methodologies related to the design, implementation, operation and control of IS applications. You will learn the importance of an integrated approach to managing business functions including accounting, sales and marketing, logistics and procurement where multiple competing requirements often need to be balanced. You will develop expertise in structured design, including data modelling and process mapping, and specific skills in Microsoft Access and Microsoft Project.
INFS2010 Digital Information Design & Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr seminar per week Assessment: Class activities (10%); Individual research project (20%); Group assignment (30%); Final examination (40%)
Organisations and individuals are often overwhelmed by the amount and diversity of digital information they need (or are required by law) to manage, maintain and share. INFS2010 focuses on organizational information, content and knowledge management. You will be introduced to the concepts and tools of information design and the systems that enable the acquisition, storage, access and distribution of business information. You will gain knowledge and skills for Internet publishing and information organization using semantic markup languages and taxonomies for managing the business record. Adopting a design thinking approach, you will also gain hands-on experience of methodologies and tools for user-centred information design, including contextual design, user-modelling and paper-based prototyping.
INFS2020 Business Process Modelling & Improvement
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr lab workshop per week Assessment: Tests (20%), Group activities (10%), Group project (20%), Final examination (50%)
This unit provides you with an in depth understanding of business process modelling, analysis, design, and integration from the management perspective. You will gain essential skills of business process management concepts such as process modelling, process improvement, and process integration that are required to achieve high performing business processes in a service oriented business environment. Building on the basic knowledge of business information systems and transactional processing cycles developed from other units, in this unit you will attain considerable hands-on skills with process modelling software tools
INFS2030 e-Commerce Business Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Case Study Analysis (30%), Group Project (30%), Final Exam (40%)
INFS2030 presents a managerial focus to the developing business models of Internet Commerce and Business, providing you with a detailed overview of the concepts, processes and techniques in business management that are being applied in the digital economy. A methodological approach to e-Commerce and e-Business models is taken to support your understanding of the changing relationships between different technologies and business strategies essential for a firm's performance. By taking an analytical approach to significant real world cases, you will gain an in depth understanding of the way some of the most innovative companies are utilizing information networks. Design and modelling techniques common to practice are taught and applied through your major project. An integrated approach to the ethical, legal, social and technological dimensions of e-Commerce and e-Business support this Unit in the foundations for online business management.
INFS3030 Information Protection and Assurance
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr seminar per week Assessment: Individual Research Project (35%), Group Project (25%), Open Book Exam (40%)
This unit will introduce you to concepts, tools and techniques relating to the protection and assurance of information and IT enabled information systems. Information and information related systems are valuable organisational assets and of critical importance in meeting compliance obligations. This unit takes an interdisciplinary and multi-level approach that examines standards, frameworks and methodologies for identifying, analysing and evaluating potential risk areas, critical control needs and assurance processes throughout the information system lifecycle. In examining different stages of the lifecycle, you will also learn about legal, professional and ethical responsibilities, corporate governance of information and communication technologies and key stakeholders. The theoretical and conceptual material covered in seminars is reinforced through problem based learning.
INFS3040 Enterprise Systems & Integrated Business
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 3hr seminar per week Assessment: Individual Assignment (20%); Group Activities (25%); Skills Test (15%); Final Examination (40%)
This unit provides you with an in depth understanding of the way in which implementation and use of large scale integrated Enterprise Systems change the nature of organisational capabilities, processes, and roles. You will understand the strategic role of Enterprise Systems in providing a platform for improved business operations and productivity.
You will gain considerable hands on experience with an enterprise wide system, such as SAP, concentrating on the way in which such systems support integrated business processes, such as Procure-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash.
Through a combination of discussion and practical work, you will gain strong knowledge in both the organisational and technical aspects of Enterprise Systems and the implementation process. You will also understand the relationships between business process change and best practice processes embedded in Enterprise Systems.
You will gain considerable hands on experience with an enterprise wide system, such as SAP, concentrating on the way in which such systems support integrated business processes, such as Procure-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash.
Through a combination of discussion and practical work, you will gain strong knowledge in both the organisational and technical aspects of Enterprise Systems and the implementation process. You will also understand the relationships between business process change and best practice processes embedded in Enterprise Systems.
INFS3050 Business Intelligence for Managers
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr seminar per week Assessment: Tutorial work (10%), Midsession exam (30%), Practical assignment (20%), Final exam (40%)
To gain or maintain their competitive edge, more than ever before, organisations need to rely on high-quality information to support decision making processes at all organizational levels. Business Intelligence (BI) is now being recognized as one of the top business priorities world-wide. While in the past, the term BI was used to describe a very broad range of software applications, the latest thinking in this field emphasises IS support for human intelligence, in the context of business decision making. In this unit you will learn how to model, integrate and analyse multidimensional data and will gain hands-on experience in using a commercial BI platform. These practical skills, combined with in-depth analytical skills will enable you to help any organization (regardless of its size and industry domain) to derive more intelligence from its data, improve its performance and ultimately, compete on analytics. Issues are explored from the business rather than the technology perspective. This unit does not require prior programming experience.
INFS3060 Managing Digital Innovation Projects
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3hr seminar per week Assessment: Group Project (40%); Individual Project (60%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Students must seek permission from the Discipline of Business Information Systems to enrol in this unit.
The unit serves as a capstone for the extended (8 unit) Business Information Systems (BIS) major and is structured around a semester long business innovation project. This project will consolidate and extend your knowledge and skills for the critical analysis of business problems in an organisation and for the creative design of practical, technology-enabled business innovations to address these problems. The project will allow you to demonstrate your ability to critically apply and synthesise BIS tools, methods, models and frameworks with business analysis, communication and research skills. On successful completion of the unit the project deliverables will represent a portfolio of each student's capabilities to contribute to business innovation projects in their future employment. The assessment activities in this unit assume you have successfully completed BIS units describing and utilising the following formal methods, knowledge and skills. BIS tools and methods include a system approach to problem solving, systems analysis, business process modelling, data modelling and information audits. Models and frameworks include professional codes of conduct, industry standards (project management, change management and governance) and best practices (eg COBIT). Business skills include capabilities for: investigation and analysis; gathering information from physical, electronic and inter-personal (eg interviewing) sources; contributing to innovation projects as an individual and in a team; and cross-cultural business communications in written, verbal and visual forms.
INFS3080 Business Information Systems Project
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Weekly meetings with supervisor Assessment: Project reports (100%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Students complete a project in Business Information Systems.
INFS4101 Business Information Systems Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Requirements for the Pass degree must be completed before entry to 4000 level honours units of study.
This unit is part of the Honours in Business Information Systems. The unit is intended to ensure that students have a sound grounding in research philosophy as is relevant to Business Information Systems. The unit is designed to develop a foundation for developing your knowledge and skills as researchers throughout the Honours year. While the core will remain constant the focus of this unit may vary given the research requirements and interests of the students taking the unit.
INFS4102 Business Information Systems Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
This unit will ensure that you have a solid understanding of contemporary issues in BIS. You will analyse critical industry issues and evaluate the theoretical contributions that are available to address these issues. You will have the opportunity to explore your own research interests and issues of concern to theory and practice.
INFS4103 Business Information Systems Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
This unit will ensure that you have a solid grounding in research methods of particular concern to BIS. You will develop skills required for data collection, analysis and presentation as well as for the preparation and presentation of a BIS thesis. The knowledge you will acquire complements the Research Philosophy knowledge and skills acquired in BIS Honours A. You will have the opportunity to explore your own research interests.
INFS4104 Business Information Systems Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
This unit will ensure that you have a solid grounding in the management of BIS at a strategic level. It will help you develop an understanding of strategic BIS planning, implementation and evaluation at organisational and inter-organisational levels. You will explore the potential impact of BIS in industry transformation. The unit provides you with opportunities to explore your own research interests.
MKTG1001 Marketing Principles
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Group case study (20%), Mid-semester exam (20%), Group presentation (20%), Tutorial participation (10%), Research component (2%), Final exam (28%)
This unit examines the relationships among marketing organisations and final consumers in terms of production-distribution channels or value chains. It focuses on consumer responses to various marketing decisions (product mixes, price levels, distribution channels, promotions, etc.) made by private and public organisations to create, develop, defend, and sometimes eliminate, product markets. Emphasis is placed on identifying new ways of satisfying the needs and wants, and creating value for consumers. While this unit is heavily based on theory, practical application of the concepts to "real world" situations is also essential. Specific topics of study include: market segmentation strategies; market planning; product decisions; new product development; branding strategies; channels of distribution; promotion and advertising; pricing strategies; and customer database management.
MKTG2112 Consumer Behaviour
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Ongoing work portfolio (15%), Class participation (15%), Project interview transcripts (Individual component) (15%), Final project group presentation (10%), Final project group report (20%), Midterm exam (25%)
This unit examines the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of consumer behaviour on the marketing decisions of public and private organisations. Concepts and principles are drawn from disciplines such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, sociology, anthropology, and demography to discover and understand various aspects of consumer behaviour. Specific topics of study include: cultural, demographic and psychographic influences; reference group influences; household decision processes and consumption behaviour; consumer perception and learning; motivation, personality and emotion; consumer attitudes; and purchase decision processes.
MKTG2113 Marketing Research
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Group project (planning and executing market research (18%); and analysing quantitative data (18%)), Tutorial participation (10%); Research participation (6%); Exams (mid-semester (20%) and final (28%))
Fundamental to marketing is a requirement to understand who your customers are and what they want. Marketing research is the essential activity of discovering information and presenting it in a useful format to marketing decision makers. This unit introduces the skills and knowledge necessary to allow students to accurately formulate research questions and then discover answers ensuring that these are accurate, reliable and timely. Particular focus is given to different approaches to and aspects of data collection, including: qualitative research; secondary data collection; questionnaire design; sampling; experimental design; validity and basic data analysis.
MKTG3112 Marketing Communications
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Week 1 quiz (3%), Group presentation (35%), 5min presentation topic overview & workplan (5%), TV Buy case (20%), Research participation (2%), Final 2hr exam (35%)
This unit of study offers an introduction to and overview of current theory and practice in marketing communications. It will include aspects of advertising in the main media (television, radio, print, outdoor, cinema), sales promotion, personal selling and new media, such as the Internet. It will provide students with a sound theoretical/conceptual foundation as well as the strategic/practical perspectives of Marketing Communications planning and implementation.
MKTG3114 New Products Marketing
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: group project (40%), mid-semester exam (20%), tutorial participation (10%), research component (2%), final exam (28%)
New products and services are crucial to successful growth and increased profits in many industries. The goal is to help students learn how to develop and market new products and services in both the private and public sectors. A product development assignment is carried out to reinforce the material covered and to provide realistic examples of how new products are designed, tested and launched.
MKTG3116 International Marketing
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Participation (18%), Case study presentation (15%), International marketing plan (written (20%) and presentation (15%)), Examination (30%), Research componant (2%)
This unit introduces students to international marketing using the marketing concept. It firstly considers environmental factors and then studies how marketing strategies are affected by those environmental factors. It gives students an awareness and understanding of international marketing concepts and highlights their importance in a rapidly changing global economy. Additionally the unit develops students' skills in designing and implementing marketing strategies in diverse international contexts.
MKTG3117 Services Marketing
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Group project (assignment (25%) re-submission of group assignment (20%)); Participation (15%); Exam (38%), Research componant (2%)
This unit provides an understanding of the concepts and processes specifically applicable to services marketing. Services are by nature different from products, and therefore lead to a set of different marketing challenges faced by service-based organisations such as those in tourism, hospitality, health care, aviation, banking, financial, accounting, medical and legal services industries. The unit focuses on those aspects of services that require differential understanding and execution than in a product-marketing environment. Customer care, relationship marketing, and how to use service as a competitive advantage are the other primary areas of interest covered by the unit
MKTG3118 Marketing Strategy and Planning
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: consultant group presentation (20%), rationale for strategies - consultant group (10%), reflective journal entries (18%), participation (10%), final exam (40%), reserch componant (2%)
This course will focus on strategic and managerial aspects of marketing. It will cover the development of innovative, business models; segmentation, positioning and lifecycle strategies; and key aspects of managing and organising marketing activities, and measuring performance. The central theme is how marketing strategy and its management can create superior and sustainable value for both customers and shareholders. Assessment will reflect the Unit's strategic decision-making approach, requiring students to take on the roles of marketing advisors and managers.
MKTG3119 Public Relations Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week. Assessment: group public relations proposal (5%), group public relations plan (35%), team marketing plan presentation (15%), online media assessment task (20%), final exam (25%)
Every organisation in the public and private sector makes use of public relations in some form or another. Indeed, for many organisations and marketing professionals, the marketing function is dominated by a mix of advertising, integrated marketing communications and public relations. This subject develops the theoretical and applied knowledge for students to better understand and use public relations. This subject provides a detailed inspection of communication processes necessary for the management of organizational relationships with publics by public relations practitioners. The subject addresses topics such as issues management, event management, media relations, ethics and public relations in commercial and not for profit entities to explore the foundations of contemporary public relations management.
MKTG3120 Building and Managing Brands
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Tutorial work/participation; Mid-semester examination (20%); Group project - progress report (5%), presentation (15%) and report (30%); Final examination (30%)
The most important intangible asset of any organisation is its brand or portfolio of brands. Marketers use an array of internal and external communications approaches to deliver the brand's overall value proposition and experience to its key stakeholders and target customers, and thereby build brand equity. Names, symbols, and slogans along with their underlying associations, perceived quality, brand awareness, customer base and related proprietary resources form the basis for brand equity. Most brands fail because of the lack of proper market research and analysis that enables the brand's core values to be articulated, accurate positioning strategies to be developed, and complete alignment to be achieved between internal and external brand building communications. This unit helps students understand the concept of brand equity and the management of brand assets by learning how to strategically create, position, develop and sustain brand equity.
MKTG3121 Advertising: Creative Principles
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Group creative project (35%), Assignment (20%), Final 2hr exam (30%), Participation (13%), Research component (2%)
Most organisations use advertising to introduce themselves, their products and services to their existing and potential customers. Advertising is their public face and together with integrated marketing communications and public relations is one of the three pillars of commercial communication. This subject explores the creative material that is developed and produced to contact, inform, educate and influence consumer decisions. Advertising is the point where communication theory is put into practice. Through understanding the creative principles and practices of advertising personnel involved in marketing will be able to commission, evaluate and produce creative material to professional industry standards. The subject addresses topics such as the importance of creativity; messaging issues, determining consumer insights; the creative potential and purpose of different media; developing creative concepts; determining the advertising idea; producing the final creative material and taking it to the marketplace.
MKTG4101 Marketing Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Coursework and research.
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The honours program in Marketing provides specialist training for postgraduate research in marketing, and provides graduates with the analytical skills for solving problems in marketing practice. The program consists of one coursework unit and a two-semester dissertation, written under the supervision of one or more academic staff members. Marketing Honours A and B involve an expert led series of research seminars which prepares students with the requisite skills to complete their dissertation. In addition, these seminars provide students with research skills that can be applied in either an academic or commercial context.
MKTG4102 Marketing Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Corsework and research
Marketing Honours B represents the second part of the semester 1 seminar series. It will guide students as they find and narrow down a thesis topic and will help them prepare for the thesis proposal presentation.
MKTG4103 Marketing Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Coursework and research
Marketing Honours C and D provide students with the opportunity to plan, conduct and report on their chosen dissertation topics. Students work closely under their supervisor's) to complete this exciting challenging research project. The honours dissertation is expected to be a high quality piece of research, of sufficient standard to be published independently in either marketing journals or conference proceedings.
MKTG4104 Marketing Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Coursework and research.
Marketing Honours C and D provide students with the opportunity to plan, conduct and report on their chosen dissertation topics. Students work closely under their supervisor's) to complete this exciting challenging research project. The honours dissertation is expected to be a high quality piece of research, of sufficient standard to be published independently in either marketing journals or conference proceedings.
WORK1003 Foundations of Work and Employment
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Participation (10%), short essay (20%), major essay (40%), exam (30%)
Note: This is the compulsory unit of study for the Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management major.
This unit draws on concepts from industrial relations and human resource management to examine the interests and strategies of workers, unions, managers, employers and the state. It explores the relationships between these parties as they seek to manage their environments and workplaces and to exercise control over each other. The unit enables students to understand how and why the organisation, regulation and management of work are changing in Australia and globally. As well as providing an introduction to all aspects of the study of the employment relationship, this is the foundation unit for a major in industrial relations and human resource management.
WORK2201 Foundations of Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Tutorial participation (10%), Tutorial quizzes (10%), Essay (40%), Exam (40%)
Note: This is the compulsory unit of study for the Management major.
This unit serves both as a stand-alone unit for students who wish to obtain an overview of management methods and approaches and as the basis of study for advanced and specialised undergraduate units listed in the Management major. It examines management as a process of planning, organising, leading and controlling the efforts of organisational members and discusses how recent trends such as globalisation, economic change and the effects of new technology have led to profound changes in how organisations are managed. It explores these issues with respect to both large and small, public and private, and domestic and foreign organisations.
WORK2203 Industrial Relations Policy
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial hour per week Assessment: Academic Honesty Module (0%); Short essay (20%); Mid Semester Exam (30%); Major essay (40%); Class participation (10%)
Note: This is the compulsory unit of study for the Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management major.
The aim of this unit of study is to provide an understanding of the institutions and processes engaged in the regulation of work and labour markets. At times of intense change and debate such as today, it becomes all the more important to develop understandings of industrial relations policy which are intellectually rigorous; that is, which are evidence-based, theoretically-explicit and historically-informed. This unit is framed by these considerations. Particular topics may include: the development of policy; the nature of regulation; state and federal government policies; arguments for change; the influence of lobby groups; employer and union strategy; work-family debates and policies; the working of tribunals and courts; dispute settling procedures; the development of wage determination; the outcomes and implications of policy change.
WORK2205 Human Resource Processes
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1hour tutorial per week Assessment: Academic Honesty Module (0%); In-class lecture content quiz (10%); In-class team debate (10%); Team debate paper (20%); Major assignment (30%); Final exam (30%)
Note: This is the compulsory unit of study for the Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management major.
Building on the foundational coverage of Human Resource Management (HRM) issues and concepts provided in WORK1003, this unit provides an advanced understanding of key HRM concepts, processes and practices, including the employee psychological contract; engagement, motivation and satisfaction; recruitment and selection; learning and development; career planning and development; mentoring and coaching, performance management; reward management; high involvement management, employee wellbeing; HRM and ethics; international HRM; and HRM system evaluation and change. The unit's 'micro'/psychological focus is designed to complement and support the 'macro'/strategic focus taken in the advanced elective unit WORK2211 Human Resource Strategies.
WORK2209 Organisational Analysis and Behaviour
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Participation (10%), essay (40%) and exam (50%)
The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of the actual processes and structures that influence the way people behave in organisations. It examines different approaches beginning with the individual (micro) level through to the organisational (macro) level. It takes students through a range of topics including attitudes, perceptions, organisational citizenship, workaholism, humour at work, rumour/gossip, romance/sex in organisations, bullying and violence, group dynamics, organisational power and politics and organisational culture. At the end of the unit students have developed the ability to reason, debate and critically examine a range of topical organisational issues.
WORK2210 Strategic Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Test (10%), tutorial presentation (30%), case study (30%), exam (30%)
The aim of this unit is to critically examine the concept of strategy in the management of organisations. It examines different approaches to strategy and strategic management and traces the development of strategic management as an academic discipline. It takes students though the classical strategic management process as it is presented in most textbooks and it also introduces students to a range of current debates in strategic management. This unit can be taken as a stand alone introduction to strategy or as part of a broader program of study in management.
WORK2211 Human Resource Strategies
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Essay (40%); Tutorial attendance and participation (10%); Group tutorial facilitation (10%); Exam (40%); Academic Honesty Module (0%)
This unit examines the links between human resource management and strategic management in different kinds of organisations, both in Australia and overseas. It provides a critical and in-depth analysis of the human resource management theories, paying particular attention to the concepts of strategy, people management and organisational performance. The unit considers contemporary and controversial issues in human resource management, which may include downsizing, outsourcing, knowledge management, governance and social responsibility.
WORK2215 IR and HRM Practice
Credit points: 6 Session: S2 Late Int Classes: 35-40 hours work experience and 5/6 days, 9am-5pm Assessment: Role play (45%); Essay (45%); Participation (10%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: Entry to the unit is by application to the Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies Office and is on a merit basis. The application can be downloaded at: http://sydney.edu.au/business/__data/assets/word_doc/0003/62076/WORK2215_Application_Form_2010.doc
This unit is intended to go some way towards bridging the gap between theory and professional life. The unit examines the theoretical basis of labour negotiation. It goes on to examine the process of bargaining drawing upon both literature and experience of industrial relations and human resource management practitioners. The process of advocacy and role of advocacy in Australian industrial relations is also examined. Much of the unit is devoted to role-play negotiation exercises where students apply the techniques that have been taught. Students also undertake a period of work experience. Entry to the unit is by application to the Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies Office and is on a merit basis. The application can be downloaded at: http://sydney.edu.au/business/__data/assets/word_doc/0003/62076/WORK2215_Application_Form_2010.doc
WORK2217 International Human Resource Management
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Major Assignment (50%); Exam (40%); Tutorial Attendance (10%); Academic Honesty Module (0%)
This unit considers the opportunities and challenges associated with managing employees in international and cross-cultural contexts, with specific emphasis on international recruitment, selection, preparation, placement, management development, performance management, reward and remuneration in the international, multi-national and trans-national corporation. Within the context of global labour markets, the unit considers the implications of internationalisation and globalisation for human resource management (HRM), the difference between domestic and international HRM, and the challenges of cross-cultural management. This unit will provide students with a theoretical understanding of IHRM and cross-cultural management, as well as a practical understanding of the issues and challenges associated with managing employees in international, global and cross-cultural contexts.
WORK2218 People and Organisations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Case Study Assignment (30%); Group Presentation (10%); Group Feedback (5%); Major Group Assignment (25%); Exam (30%); Academic Honesty Module (0%)
Contemporary organisations are characterised by a high degree of change. One of the most pervasive, and widely debated, changes in organisations has been the growing use of various forms of teamwork. Contemporary forms of teamwork include project based teams, virtual teams, and self managing teams and are found across a broad spectrum of organisational types- from manufacturing to professional service organisations. This unit of study introduces students to theories about the impact of individual, group and organisational factors on people and organisations and uses these concepts and theories to examine the factors that can make working in and managing teams more effective. As such, People and Organisations is designed to provide students majoring in Business insight into a set of critical issues that will impact their professional and business careers. Because of the increasing significance of teamwork, this unit of study also provides an important foundation for further study in Management and Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management.
WORK2219 Management and Organisational Ethics
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Individual reflection (15%); Individual Essay (30%); Poster (25%); exam (30%); Tutorial attendance and preparation (0%); Academic Honesty Module (0%)
Ethical issues are occupying an increasingly prominent place in work, organisation and management studies. This unit of study focuses on ethical aspects of management and organisational practice. By applying relevant ethical frameworks, students will be encouraged to enhance their understanding of the role and responsibilities of management, the impact of organisations on employees and the ethical implications of contemporary trends in employment. This unit builds on foundational units of study in Management, Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management.
WORK2221 Organisational Communication
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2hr lecture and 1x 1hr tutorial per week Assessment: Case study (20%), Persuasive message and analysis (30%), Final 2hr exam (40%), Participation (10%)
Communication is integral to many organisational processes; for instance, effective planning, decision-making, negotiation, conflict management, change management and leadership all rely upon effective communication by organisational actors. At the same time, organisational communication has become more complex due to increasing levels of diversity in the workplace and an increasing reliance on emergent and rapidly changing communication technologies. Drawing on communication research models, theories and case studies, the unit will provide students with insight into how to manage the complexities of contemporary organisational communication. The unit will focus primarily on internal organisational communication and will examine communication processes at various levels: interpersonal (dyadic), group and organisation.
WORK2222 Leadership in Organisations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Reflective journal (30%); Group film analysis (20%); Tutorial attendance and participation (10%); Final exam (40%); SPARK self and peer assessment (Failure to complete SPARK on time results in a 2% penalty on your final mark)
Leadership is increasingly seen to be a key factor affecting the performance of contemporary organisations and is an important area of study in the fields of management and organisational behaviour. While leadership principles are often associated with the work of senior management, they also have potential application to all members of organisations. This unit explores conventional and alternative perspectives on leadership and also examines the practice of leadership in diverse organisational contexts. Practitioner perspectives, experiences and case studies of business leaders are also presented. The unit builds on foundational units of study in Management, IR and HRM and International Business.
WORK2225 Work and Society
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Essay (40%), case study/minor essay (25%), exam (35%)
This unit examines how society and social processes have come to shape our view of work, jobs and occupations and how these views have changed over time. It focuses on three key themes. The first theme looks at how work impacts on our social identity and how the shaping of social identities have been a contested process. Second, it examines how the nature of work, job roles and work tasks has changed over time paying particular attention to the growth of skilled services and professional work on the one hand and marginalised work on the other. Finally it examines the impact of technology on skill demands and considers the organisational and occupational foundations of working life as well as institutions that shape the world of work.
WORK2227 Regulation at Work
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 2 hour lecture and 1x 1 hour tutorial hour per week Assessment: Essay (40%), workplace/company exercise (25%), final exam (35%)
This unit of study examines the regulatory framework that exists around paid work in Australia. It examines the development of employee and employer rights and responsibilities through the employment contract and labour law. It focuses on both individual and collective regulation of work in Australia paying particular attention to the industrial sphere, as well as health and safety and discrimination. Both the aim and purpose of industrial regulation and the impact of this regulation on workplace relations is analysed.
WORK3921 Theories of Work and Organisations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x 3 hour seminar per week Assessment: Short essay (25%), Long essay (40%), Take-home exam (25%), Class exercises and postings (10%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit forms part of the Work and Organisational Studies honours program. It introduces students to the roles of theory in science, particularly social sciences and examines the development of different models of theory development in the social sciences. The unit also examines a selection of different theoretical approaches to explaining work and organisations. This is done so by identifying several different issues or themes that have emerged in work and organisational studies and discussing the manner in which these themes have been studied and the consequent explanations that have emerged.
WORK3922 Researching Work and Organisations
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 2 Classes: 1x 3 hour seminar per week Assessment: Pair Seminar Presentation (20%); Applied Research Report (30%); Thesis Proposal (50%)
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
This unit seeks to develop the skills, practices and understandings necessary to undertake a research-based thesis in work and organisational studies. Students gain an understanding of the theoretical basis and design requirements of the main qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, as well as the techniques of questionnaire design, interviewing, observation and documentary analysis. There is an emphasis on the development of methodological expertise relevant to the students anticipated dissertation topic and the preparation of a viable research proposal.
WORK4101 Industrial Relations & HRM Honours A
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Assessment: Coursework; Dissertation
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
The primary focus is on an original dissertation of approximately 20,000 words to be submitted at the end of Part B. In addition, students must undertake coursework as specified. Candidates must enrol in WORK4102, WORK4103 and WORK4104 to complete the honours year.
WORK4102 Industrial Relations & HRM Honours B
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
See WORK4101
WORK4103 Industrial Relations & HRM Honours C
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
See WORK4101
WORK4104 Industrial Relations & HRM Honours D
Credit points: 12 Session: Semester 1,Semester 2
See WORK4101
2. Undergraduate unit of study descriptions: Sydney Law School (combined Law degrees only)
These units of study are only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws. These units of study are listed alphanumerically by unit of study code.
LAWS1006 Foundations of Law
Credit points: 6 Session: Semester 1 Classes: 1x1hr lec and 1x2hr seminar/wk Assessment: class participation (20%), 1 x case analysis (30%), 1 x essay (50%)
This unit of study provides a foundation core for the study of law. We aim to provide a practical overview of the Australian legal system, an introduction to the skills of legal reasoning and analysis which are necessary to complete your law degree, and an opportunity for critical engagement in debate about the role of law in our lives. The course will introduce students to issues such as: (i) the development of judge made and statute law, with a particular focus on English and Australian legal history; (ii) the relationship between courts and parliament; (iii) the role and function of courts, tribunals and other forms of dispute resolution; (iv) understanding and interrogating principles of judicial reasoning and statutory interpretation; (v) the relationship between law, government and politics; (vi) what are rights in Australian law, where do they come from and where are they going; (vii) the development and relevance of international law. The course focus may be subject to change.
LAWS1012 Torts
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Prof Barbara McDonald, Mr Ross Anderson Session: S1 Intensive,Semester 2 Classes: semester 1 (graduate law): 3 x 2hr seminars for 6 weeks. semester 2 (combined law): 1x2hr lectures and 1x1hr seminars/wk Assessment: Combined Law: 1 x class test (30%); 1 x tutorial participation (10%) and 1 x 2hr exam (60%); Graduate Law: 1 x class test (30%), 1 x 2hr exam (70%).
Note: Department permission required for enrolmentin the following sessions:S1 Intensive
This is a general introductory unit of study concerned with liability for civil wrongs. The unit seeks to examine and evaluate, through a critical and analytical study of primary and secondary materials, the function and scope of modern tort law and the rationale and utility of its governing principles. Particular topics on which the unit will focus include:
(a) The relationship between torts and other branches of the common law including contract and criminal law;
(b) The role of fault as the principal basis of liability in the modern law;
(c) Historical development of trespass and the action on the case and the contemporary relevance of this development;
(d) Trespass to the person (battery, assault, and false imprisonment);
(e) Trespass to land and private nuisance;
(f) The action on the case for intentional injury;
(g) Defences to intentional torts;
(h) Development and scope of the modern tort of negligence, including detailed consideration of duty of care and breach of duty and causation and remoteness of damage with particular reference to personal and psychiatric injury;
(i) Compensation for personal injuries, including special and alternative compensation schemes;
(j) Injuries to relational interests, including compensation to relatives of victims of fatal accidents;
(k) Defences to negligence.
(a) The relationship between torts and other branches of the common law including contract and criminal law;
(b) The role of fault as the principal basis of liability in the modern law;
(c) Historical development of trespass and the action on the case and the contemporary relevance of this development;
(d) Trespass to the person (battery, assault, and false imprisonment);
(e) Trespass to land and private nuisance;
(f) The action on the case for intentional injury;
(g) Defences to intentional torts;
(h) Development and scope of the modern tort of negligence, including detailed consideration of duty of care and breach of duty and causation and remoteness of damage with particular reference to personal and psychiatric injury;
(i) Compensation for personal injuries, including special and alternative compensation schemes;
(j) Injuries to relational interests, including compensation to relatives of victims of fatal accidents;
(k) Defences to negligence.
LAWS1013 Legal Research I
Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Graeme Coss Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 6x1hr seminars Assessment: Satisfactory attendance, WebCT-based quizzes and 1x in-class exam
Note: Semester 1 classes are for Combined Law candidates in the faculties of Arts, Engineering and Science. Semester 2 classes are for Combined Law candidates in the Faculty of Economics & Business.
This is a compulsory unit taught on a pass/fail basis. The aim of the unit is to introduce you to finding and citing primary and secondary legal materials and introduce you to legal research techniques. These are skills which are essential for a law student and which you will be required to apply in other units.
LAWS1014 Civil and Criminal Procedure
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof David Hamer Session: Semester 1 Classes: 2x2hr seminars/wk for 10 weeks Assessment: 1x optional non-redeemable take home exam (30%) and 1x 2hr final exam (70% or 100%)
This unit of study aims to introduce students to civil and criminal procedure. It is concerned with the procedures relating to civil dispute resolution and criminal justice which are separate to the substantive hearing. The unit will consider the features of an adversarial system of justice and its impact on process. Recent reforms to the adversarial system of litigation will be explored. The civil dispute resolution part of the unit will cover alternative dispute resolution, the procedures for commencing a civil action, case management, gathering evidence and the rules of privilege. Criminal process will be explored by reference to police powers, bail and sentencing. The course focuses on practical examples with consideration of the applicable legislation, ethics, and contextual and theoretical perspectives.
LAWS1015 Contracts
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Greg Tolhurst Session: Semester 1,Summer Early Classes: 2x2hr lectures or tutorials/wk Assessment: class participation (10%), 1 x take-home assignment due week 7 (30%), 1 x 2hr final exam (60%)
Contract law provides the legal background for transactions involving the supply of goods and services and is, arguably the most significant means by which the ownership of property is transferred from one person to another. It vitally affects all members of the community and a thorough knowledge of contract law is essential to all practising lawyers. In the context of the law curriculum as a whole, Contracts provides background which is assumed knowledge in many other units. The aims of the course are composite in nature. The course examines the rules that regulate the creation, terms, performance, breach and discharge of a contract. Remedies and factors that may vitiate a contract such as misrepresentation are dealt with in Torts and Contracts II. The central aim of the course is to provide an understanding of the basic principles of contract law and how those principles are applied in practice to solve problems. Students will develop the skills of rules based reasoning and case law analysis. A second aim is to provide students an opportunity to critically evaluate and make normative judgments about the operation of the law. Successful completion of this unit of study is a prerequisite to the elective unit Advanced Contracts.
LAWS1016 Criminal Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Arlie Loughnan, Mr Graeme Coss Session: Semester 2 Classes: 2x2hr seminar/wk for 10 weeks. Assessment: class participation (10%), 1x research problem (30%) and 1x 2hr open book exam (60%)
This unit of study is designed to introduce the general principles of criminal law in NSW, and to critically analyse these in their contemporary social and political context. In order to achieve this, the unit will consider a range of theoretical literature as well as critical commentary, and will focus on particular substantive legal topics in problem-centred contexts. Although the topic structure is necessarily selective, it is intended that students will gain a broad understanding of crime and justice issues, as well as of the applications of the criminal law. Students will encounter problem-based learning and will be encouraged to challenge a range of conventional wisdom concerning the operation of criminal justice. This unit of study is designed to assist students in developing: (1) A critical appreciation of certain key concepts which recur throughout the substantive criminal law. (2) knowledge of the legal rules in certain specified areas of criminal law and their application. (3) preliminary knowledge of how the criminal law operates in its broader societal context. (4) Through following the process of proof in a criminal prosecution and its defense, to understand the determination of criminal liability. The course has a critical focus and will draw on procedural, substantive, theoretical and empirical sources. The contradictions presented by the application of legal principle to complex social problems will be investigated.
LAWS1017 Torts and Contracts II
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Assoc Prof Barbara McDonald, Mr Ross Anderson Session: Semester 2,Winter Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture and 1x1hr tutorial/wk Assessment: 1 xx 2000w assignment or class test (30%): tutorial participation (10%); 1x 2 hour exam (60%).
The laws of tort and contract frequently overlap in practice and are increasingly regulated by statute. This unit aims to develop the integrated study of the law of obligations and remedies. It builds on the introduction to tort and contract law which students have acquired in Torts and Contracts. It will include the study of more advanced topics in both areas and the impact of related statutory liability and remedies. Topics:
(a) Concurrent, proportionate and vicarious liability;
(b) Tortious interference with goods;
(c) Liability for misrepresentation in tort, contract and under statute (eg statutory duties, s 52 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth));
(d) Liability for economic loss in tort, including some comparative study;
(e) Detailed consideration of causation and remoteness of damage in tort and contract;
(f) Damages for breach of contract;
(g) Unfair dealing in contracts and vitiating factors: mistake, misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, unconscionable conduct. This topic includes a study of equitable principles and statutory rights.
(a) Concurrent, proportionate and vicarious liability;
(b) Tortious interference with goods;
(c) Liability for misrepresentation in tort, contract and under statute (eg statutory duties, s 52 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth));
(d) Liability for economic loss in tort, including some comparative study;
(e) Detailed consideration of causation and remoteness of damage in tort and contract;
(f) Damages for breach of contract;
(g) Unfair dealing in contracts and vitiating factors: mistake, misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, unconscionable conduct. This topic includes a study of equitable principles and statutory rights.
LAWS1018 International Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Timothy Stephens (Combined), Mr Ross Anderson (Graduate) Session: Semester 1,Semester 2b,Summer Early,Winter Main Classes: 1x2hr lecture and 1x1hr tutorial/wk (combined), 3x4hr seminars/wk for 3 weeks and 1x3hr seminar in week 13 (graduate) Assessment: Combined: 1x2000w assignment (30%), tutorial participation (pass/fail), 1x2hr final exam (70%). Graduate: 1x1hr class test (25%), 1x2hr exam (75%).
Note: Available to candidates proceeding under the new LLB resolutions.
The unit of study is a general introduction to private international law and public international law and the relationship between these disciplines. The following private international law topics receive detailed treatment: (1) Nature, function and scope of private international law; (2) Jurisdiction, including discretionary non-exercise of jurisdiction; (3) Substance and procedure; (4) Proof of foreign law; (5) Exclusionary doctrines; and (6) Choice of law in tort. The following public international law topics receive detailed treatment: (1) Nature, function and scope of public international law, including the relationship between public international law and municipal law; (2) Sources of public international law; (3) State jurisdiction, including civil and criminal jurisdiction and jurisdictional immunities; and (4) State responsibility, including diplomatic protection, nationality of claims and exhaustion of local remedies.Available to candidates proceeding under the new LLB resolutions.
LAWS1019 Legal Research II
Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Graeme Coss Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 4 x 2hr seminars Assessment: Satisfactory attendance and 1x class exam
Note: Semester 1 classes are for Combined Law candidates in the faculties of Arts, Engineering and Science. Semester 2 classes are for Combined Law candidates in the Faculty of Economics & Business.
This is a compulsory unit taught on a pass/fail basis. It is a continuation of Legal Research I and covers advanced searching techniques and the use of Lexis.com, Westlaw and other complex commercial databases. The purpose of this unit is to further develop the skills you will need as a law student and to introduce you to the legal research skills you will need after graduation.
LAWS1021 Public Law
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Ms Nicola Franklin Session: Semester 2,Summer Late Classes: 2x2hr seminars/wk for 10 weeks Assessment: 1 x 2,500w assignment (35%) and 1 x 2hr exam (65%)
This unit is designed to introduce students to the principles and structures that underpin constitutional and administrative law in Australia. It is broader than either of these subjects because its focus is on generic issues of governance and accountability. The unit begins with a study of representative and responsible government under the Australian constitutional system. Also considered is the potential role of the judiciary in applying a bill or charter of rights to both the executive and the legislature. The unit then examines the nature of judicial power and the extent to which the separation of judicial power provides protections for individuals. The focus then moves to the executive: the composition of the executive, its powers and how the executive is made accountable through Parliament, judicial review, merits review and investigative tribunals, and open government.
3. Undergraduate unit of study: Sydney Medical School (combined Medicine and Surgery degrees only)
These units of study are ONLY available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. These units of study are listed alphanumerically by unit of study code.
SMTP3007 SMTP Elective I
Session: S1 Late Int,S2 Late Int Classes: project work Assessment: Report describing the elective topic or activities