Unit Descriptions

 

 

Organisational Behaviour G (6264)
Asia Pacific Business G (6427)
Leadership in Contemporary
Organisations G (7775)
Accounting for Managers G (6221)
Human Resource
Management G (6238)
Management Accounting PG (6253)
 Marketing G (6261)
Industrial Relations G (6240)
Managerial Economics PG (6258)
Economics for Managers G (6234)
International Financial
Management PG (6242)
Managers & the Law G (6259)
International Business G (6241)
International Human Resource
Management PG (6243)
Managing Change and
Innovation PG (7776)
Statistical Analysis & Decision
Making G (6275)
 International Marketing PG (6244)
Special Topics in Business G (6273)
Business Finance PG (6224)
International Trade Law PG (6245)
Services Marketing PG (6272)
Management Ethics PG (6255)
Internet Marketing PG (6246)
Channel and Logistics
Management PG (6345)
Strategic Management PG (6277)
Introduction to e-Business G (6247)
Organizational Effectiveness

Accounting for Managers G (6221)
Generally accepted accounting concepts and principles are studied so that students become informed users of published financial reports for decision-making and in communications with other managers. There is also a management accounting section emphasising managerial control techniques through the budget process, responsibility centre accounting, product costing, cost-volume-profit analysis and the use of the contribution margin approach in the preparation of segmented accounting reports for management.

Asia Pacific Business G (6427)
This subject will examine the economic, social and cultural environment of selected countries of the Asia Pacific and explore the implications of this environment for the management of business and business behaviour. The thematic approach will focus on Japan, China, Korea, India and the ASEAN countries. Patterns of trade and investment will be analysed and these patterns related to both country differences including social and cultural practices of business.

Business Finance PG (6224)
Business Finance G aims to provide students with analytical techniques for the efficient financial management of business. These techniques are developed within the framework of modern theories of finance. Topics include the goals and functions of finance, financial mathematics, methods of valuation, risk analysis, capital structure, methods of financing operations, dividend policies, and derivative and convertible securities. Students should emerge from the subject with a thorough appreciation of the roles of debt, risk and performance measures in financial management.

Economics for Managers G (6234)
The content of this subject is especially designed for graduate students and provides an examination of economic principles and theories essential to an understanding of current economic problems and economic policy analysis. The syllabus includes both microeconomics and macroeconomics. The central analytical tools of microeconomics are examined including the theory of market systems and the price mechanism, consumer demand theory, resource allocation and the theory of the firm concentrating on production and cost analysis principles. The macroeconomics component examines classical and Keynesian macroeconomics and the inter-relationship between the main economic variables. Microeconomic reform and fiscal and monetary policy measures are examined and related to Australia's economic problems of unemployment, inflation and slow economic growth.

Human Resource Management G (6238)
Human Resource Management G provides students with an introduction to debates regarding the development of management thought, the key theoretical principles underpinning human resource management, employee motivation and performance management, managing diversity and equal employment opportunities within the workplace, managing employee recruitment and selection, learning and career management, organisational culture, employee involvement, the law of employment, industrial relations, labour flexibility, downsizing and organisational restructuring, and international dimensions of human resource management.

Industrial Relations G (6240)
While the field of industrial relations is viewed by many as a declining or redundant field, the study of industrial relations does not confine itself to the conflict between unions and management. In any work environment, industrial issues will occur that will require resolving by human resources departments and line managers. A knowledge of industrial relations, apart from gaining a knowledge in the theoretical aspects of the discipline, will provide students with a knowledge of the role of the government, the industrial commission, management and employers' roles, and the role of the union movement. The unit also provides students with theoretical and practical grounding in negotiation, industrial agreements and workplace conflict resolution. These skills should assist managers in better understanding of, and resolution of, the inevitable workplace conflicts.

The unit will commence with an overview of the theories and major players in IR, before going to the process of collective bargaining, negotiation, worker participation, enterprise bargaining and workplace agreements, the future of IR, and workplace conflict. Historical precedents will be reviewed.

International Business G (6241)
This subject provides an overview of the international trade and financial environment within which business must function. Some broad topics which are covered are: changes and trends in the global economy; production in the international firm; comparative advantage and the basis for international trade. This subject provides an overview of the international trade and financial environment within which business must function.

International Financial Management PG (6242)
This subject deals with the financial management of multinational business activities, the operation of international financial markets and the impact of international transactions on domestic firms.

International Human Resource Management PG (6243)
This subject addresses the international HRM challenges and problems that face enterprises when operating internationally: How do international organisations manage a global workforce? What international HRM policies and practices will support the MNEs strategy and structure? To what extent should MNEs follow home country standards in international HRM policies and practices, and to what extent should they be locally adapted? What aspects of recruitment and selection, training, remuneration and performance management need modification or additional attention in the management of expatriates? How can commitment to the parent company be maintained when expatriates spend most of their time overseas? How does the management of human resources vary between countries? What are the challenges of managing a multicultural workforce? While the focus of this subject is on international HRM, many of the topics can apply equally to the domestic environment, particularly multicultural Australia.

International Marketing PG (6244)
This subject aims to provide a comprehensive review of the theory and practice of international marketing. Topics include the economic analysis of international trade and Australian business involvement, environmental factors affecting international marketing, strategic planning and organising for international marketing, decisions on segmentation, product policy and product planning, pricing, channels of distribution, international advertising and coordinating and controlling global marketing operations. It also focuses on international market research, multi country data analysis and international marketing information systems.

International Trade Law PG (6245)
The object of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the legal environment in which international trade and commerce are conducted by Australian business entities. The course will examine the private and public law aspects of international trade and commerce. The private law component will deal with transactions, such as sale of goods, forms of payments, and related issues such as shipping law and insurance law and private international law aspects with particular reference to dispute resolution. The public law component will consider the impact of Australia's international obligations, both multilateral and bilateral, on the conduct of trade and commerce. It will also consider the arrangements for international capital movement, foreign exchange and currency control, tax and the principles of international law relating to contracts and dispute settlement and arbitration. It is proposed that the course will incorporate case studies of particular international arrangements, such as the commercial treaty with Japan and the Closer Economic Relations arrangements with New Zealand.

Internet Marketing PG (6246)
The goal of the subject is to serve as a bridge between the new technology and relevant areas of existing knowledge. It develops a framework for understanding the forces driving the Internet revolution in marketing and business. It introduces the many new tools, challenges and techniques needed to update conventional marketing approaches. Topics covered include: customisation and community building, distribution and channel conflict, the role and scope of the internet in marketing research, security issues and electronic payment systems, business models for internet commerce, database integration, the importance of the internet and intranets in business to business marketing. Pricing issues and regulatory issues will also be discussed. Generating Site traffic through a variety of means including banner advertising and competitions will be discussed.

Introduction to e-Business G (6247)
This subject provides a basic grounding in electronic business concepts, tools and practices and establishes a platform for more detailed analysis of the legal, marketing and/or technical aspects of electronic business. Topics include the emerging role of electronic business, the infrastructure and technology of electronic business systems, security and control considerations, electronic marketing, purchasing and payments systems, electronic agents, and implementation planning.

Leadership in Contemporary Organisations G (7775)
The critical importance of leadership in contemporary organisations has been the subject of considerable attention in research and practice. This unit explores the issue of leadership in contemporary organisations. It examines the meaning of leadership by considering the development of leadership theory and practice. Key topics will include: the nature of leadership; how leaders drive change; ethical leadership; strategic leadership and communication; power and politics in organisations; and, leadership in an international context. This unit builds on key concepts from units such as Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management providing students with an in-depth knowledge of people management in organisations.

Management Accounting PG (6253)
This subject examines the ways in which management accounting techniques interact with management processes to control activities. Quantitative and behavioural analysis will be applied to such topics as standard costing techniques, product costing and transfer pricing. A systems and behavioural approach will be taken in the study of (i) budgeting, (ii) managerial performance evaluation and (iii) inventory management with a particular focus on technologically advanced industries. The role of computerised accounting information systems is examined from the point of view of determining the requirements of the system, installation and resulting organisational implications.

Management Ethics PG (6255)
This subject provides students with an understanding of the major ethical theories of teleology and deontology and exposes them to the ethical issues that arise within the functional areas of business and management. The subject provides the opportunity to explore a wide range of contemporary case materials in which managers try to reconcile the demands of expediency and the demands of principles. The subject aims to assist students to acquire and develop critical thinking skills required for the successful practice of business within the framework of societal values. These skills include the ability to perceive the ethical implications of a situation, engage in sound moral reasoning and develop practical problem solving strategies. Topics include: ethical theory, corporate social responsibility, international business and global ethics, whistleblowing, affirmative action, privacy, marketing, product safety, accounting & finance and environmental protection.

Managerial Economics PG (6258)
This subject is designed to develop in students an ability to apply economic principles to problems facing managers and owners of firms. Topics include a reappraisal of market models from the perspective of a manager; methods of estimating demand; analysis of production conditions, and costs, pricing policies, the internal structure of the firm and of government intervention in the market. The focus is on a game theoretical approach to economic issues.

Managers & the Law G (6259)
This subject provides an introduction to the Australian legal systems. Its particular focus is the way in which law influences business decision-making. The areas which are dealt with in the subject are the nature of law and the legislative and judicial process; the common law principles of contract law and the effect of statutory intervention on those principles; the concept of liability; and the law's approach to the organisation of business. The course will also deal with selected topics drawn from the areas of financial institutions, taxation, insurance, consumer protection and competition.

Managing Change and Innovation PG (7776)
This unit explores the issue of change management and innovation in organisations. It will examine various models of change management and how organisational leaders go about influencing, implementing and managing change programs. The unit also examines the importance of innovation in creating competitive advantage and how organisational leaders go about encouraging innovation in contemporary organisations. Key topics will include: models of change management; knowledge management; and, creativity and entrepreneurship. This unit has linkages with units such as Leadership in Contemporary Organisations, Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, providing students with an in-depth knowledge of people management in organisations.

Marketing G (6261)
The aim of this subject is to give students a thorough knowledge of the basic principles and concepts of marketing. The focus is on developing an analytical capacity for improved managerial judgement in problem solving and decision-making. The subject includes such topics as the marketing environment, analysing marketing opportunities, and managing the marketing mix. Specific emphasis is placed on the development of promotion, product, distribution and pricing strategies. The subject is also designed to provide students with a sound knowledge of various marketing systems such as consumer marketing, industrial marketing, non-profit marketing, public sector marketing and services marketing.

Organisational Behaviour G (6264)
Organisational Behaviour is the systematic study of human behaviour at the individual, group and organisational level. It begins with a focus on the individual analysis of behaviour characterised by factors such as perception, attitudes, personality, learning, stress and motivation. These topics are central to understanding individuals both as employees and as consumers. Next, the analysis of behaviour at the group level examines culture, leadership, the dynamics of group processes, and communication. Understanding the nature of formal and informal group processes can be central in the struggle to improve organisational efficiency and to influence individual purchasing decisions. Finally, topics covered at the organisational level of analysis include the distribution of power, the impact of politics, conflict management and processes involved in organisational change and development. Change has become a major issue in the past decade. Many enterprises have eliminated levels of management to form a lean, flexible, adaptive form in order to respond to the ever increasing demands of the competitive global marketplace.

Organisational Effectiveness (8215-INT-F2F)

There is much written about Organisational Effectiveness (OE) and several different views on what it means. Some would argue that OE is a subset of performance, and refers to the intermediate outcomes/results that can be attributed to an agency (other performance elements being economy and efficiency). The advantage of seeing it in this way is that it applies to both profit and not-for-profit profit organisations as the goals chosen (reputational approach, growth, customer satisfaction, staff satisfaction, etc.) are all applicable as long as they are clearly stated in meaningful and applicable terms.

In this unit both theoretical and practical discussions will be developed, including a consideration of what OE involves, barriers to effective implementation and an evaluation of some currently used strategies and tools. This is not a financially based unit – it will be stressed that effectiveness emerges from an evolving system of elements which have to be working together if the desired outcomes are to be achieved.  The unit will build upon work done in Organisational Behaviour. It will also relate to the areas of Leadership, Strategic Management and Human Resources Management. If you have already undertaken, or are undertaking these units, it should be possible to integrate your learning to develop a more in depth understanding of certain issues. The holistic and complex nature of organisations will be of importance in the development of understandings and theories within this course of study.

Special Topics in Business G: Corporate Governance (6273-INT-F2F)

This unit aims to provide students with a concise presentation of, and discussion on, key topics and emerging themes in corporate governance, and to engage in detailed study of them. The unit is focused on the informational needs of business students and professionals, as well as those of practitioners of law and management, directly addressing and analysing relevant corporate governance principles.
This is to be achieved addressing five different parts:
• Part One introduces the reader to the meaning of the concept ‘corporate governance’;
• Part Two focuses on corporate governance in Australia;
• Part Three discusses board and committee structures and risk management policies; auditors and audits; and an overview of directors’ duties and liabilities;
• Part Four adds an international perspective to corporate governance (US, UK, Germany); and
• Part Five deals with some policy issues and possible future developments and possible corporate governance trends.
The unit identifies and critiques the most recent and most fundamental principles of contemporary corporate governance from a huge and constantly growing body of materials on the subject, with the focus being on corporate governance in Australia.  Additionally, as Governance is integral to organisational leadership, decision making and accountability, the unit will analyse evolving issues, problems and solutions.
At the same time, in recognition that corporate governance internationally is a major issue following the Global Financial Crisis, a very specific international flavour will be included through discussions of corporate governance (and its prominent failures) in the US, UK and Germany.
The unit is intended to be suitable for non lawyers.

Services Marketing PG (6272)
This subject aims to provide students with a comprehensive review of current theory and practice in services marketing. The distinctive needs of service industries for marketing planning and strategy will be explored in detail, as will customer relationship management. Challenges such as maintaining service quality and handling customer complaints will be considered, as well as the impact on services of information technology and globalisation. The subject will have a current Australian focus and make extensive use of actual examples from services industries in our region.

Statistical Analysis & Decision Making G (6275)
This subject is intended mainly for students in business administration and management science and deals with the ways in which statistical techniques can be used to analyse quantitative information in those disciplines. Topics include populations and samples; the presentation and interpretation of data; measures of central tendency and variability; index numbers; simple linear regression and correlation; basic time series; basic probability; the binomial, Poisson and normal distributions; estimation and hypothesis testing. Analyses will use Microsoft Excel.

Strategic Management PG (6277)
The study of strategic management involves an analysis of the factors which govern the success or otherwise of an organisation operating in contemporary society. The analysis includes an examination of factors external to the organisation which may either threaten its operations, or provide opportunities for development, and internal factors which either strengthen or weaken its capacity to develop, and perhaps, ultimately, to survive. An examination is made of an organisations core competencies and its ability to take advantage of opportunities in a highly competitive global environment. Management decision making at the strategic level, which determines the future direction of the organisation is examined with a view to judging whether implementation, control and evaluation is feasible.The principles underlying the study of strategic management are applicable to profit-making and non-profit making organisations.

Channel and Logistics Management PG (6345)
Channel and Logistics Management PG will analyse the structure and funtions involved in the management of marketing channels. The factors which contribute to effective channel management and the elements of customer satisfaction in retailing and wholesaling will be explored in detail and strategic warehousing and transportations, warehouse design, packaging and logistics information systems explored. Students will analyse strategic warehousing and transportation decions, warehouse design, packaging and logistics information systems. The unit will enable students to develop performance measurements and identify issues in logistics quality, planning and strategy.
Marketing G, is a pre-requisite for this unit. If you have not completed Marketing G and would like to undertake the unit, please contact the lecturer. Students not enrolled in the MBA Program are welcome to enrol in Channel and Logistics Management PG.