Students
GMBA8122 – Be Curious
2026 – Coursera term 2, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Fei Guo
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
5
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GMBA and 90cp at 8000 level
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
GMBA8121
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Being curious means constantly asking questions. Asking the right questions is a fundamental skill for problem solving. This unit integrates the knowledge developed throughout the course by applying a methodological rigour to how we assess data. There is no shortage of data - the immediacy of data availability through social and media platforms means unprecedented access to data. The increasing sophistication of automation and machine learning offers consumers a curated view which may not necessarily be accurate. How do we know what is real? Is the information credible? This unit develops problem solving skills by invoking the curious mindset. Students will demonstrate their mastery of triangulation by considering the validity and reliability of data and learn the importance of asking the right questions. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research tools and processes.
- ULO2: Balance pragmatic concerns with rigour when deciding which qualitative and or quantitative methods to use relative to the problem.
- ULO3: Master the science and art of asking questions.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalties
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
Extensions
Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Guide | 55% | No | 30/03/2026 | Individual and Group | No | Open AI |
| Survey | 45% | No | 20/04/2026 | Individual and Group | No | Open AI |
Discussion Guide
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 30/03/2026
Weighting: 55%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI
Length: Team: Discussion guide including a 500-word ‘testing and iteration’ group report; Individual: 750-1000-word report including literature review and critical reflection.
Format: Team: Discussion guide 25% (15% group, 10% individual contribution); Individual Literature review and critical reflection (30%)
Task: In this assignment, you will (i) develop, test, and iterate a discussion guide in your project team; (ii) individually review relevant literature of subject matters and research methodologies, and perform a critical reflection on the development, design, testing, and iteration process, including key learnings and insights.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research tools and processes.
- Balance pragmatic concerns with rigour when deciding which qualitative and or quantitative methods to use relative to the problem.
- Master the science and art of asking questions.
Survey
Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 12 hours
Due: 20/04/2026
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI
Length: Team: URL and 2-4 pages of a survey instrument including a 500-word 'testing and iteration' report; Individual: a 500-750-word report on research methologies and critical reflection.
Format: Team: Team online survey design 25% (15% group, 10% individual contribution); Individual review of research methodologies and critical reflection (20%)
Task: In this assignment, your project team will design, test, and iterate an online survey based on the insights gained from Assignment 1 and your literature review, using an online survey tool of your choice. Each team member will complete a 500-750-word review of research methodologies and critical reflection.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research tools and processes.
- Balance pragmatic concerns with rigour when deciding which qualitative and or quantitative methods to use relative to the problem.
- Master the science and art of asking questions.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Please see Coursera for further details.
Unit Schedule
Please see Coursera for further details.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.01R of the Handbook