Students
MQBS8900 – Business Research Communication
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Ha Vu
Contact via ha.vu@mq.edu.au
Room 429 4 Eastern Road
Lecturer
Terry Royce
Contact via terry.royce@mq.edu.au
Please email the lecturer any question you might have.
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertResMQBS, GradDipResMQBS
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The unit helps students to develop a researcher’s mindset by introducing the essential elements of the research process, including a critical review, research proposal and research communication. The unit will cover the philosophical aspects of the scientific process and knowledge paradigms, the purpose of research and its role within academic and corporate communities and research integrity. In particular, it focuses on developing a coherent and comprehensive review of existing knowledge and insights, identifying relevant research questions, proposing research approaches and methodologies, contextualising research contributions and communicating to specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
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 review existing knowledge and insights in your discipline.
- ULO2: Develop a research proposal to address a relevant gap identified in the critical review.
- ULO3: Communicate research ideas, proposals, findings and implications to academic, corporate and non-specialist audiences using appropriate communication styles.
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
Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
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 assisted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Practice: Evaluating Research Literature | 40% | No | 11:55pm Sun 26/04/2026 | Individual | No | Open AI |
| Skills Development: Presentation of Research Proposal | 20% | No | 05/06/2026 | Individual | No | Observed |
| Skills Development: Research Purpose and Design | 40% | No | 11:55pm Sun 14/6/2026 | Individual | No | Open AI |
Professional Practice: Evaluating Research Literature
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 11:55pm Sun 26/04/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of the literature related to your chosen research topic.
You will collect and evaluate relevant theories and studies from credible academic sources, applying critical thinking to assess their significance and critical writing to synthesise arguments and theoretical perspectives for your perspective research proposal.
Skills in focus:
- Communication and collaboration
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable: Written Critical Review (details provided on ilearn)
Individual Assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically review existing knowledge and insights in your discipline.
- Develop a research proposal to address a relevant gap identified in the critical review.
- Communicate research ideas, proposals, findings and implications to academic, corporate and non-specialist audiences using appropriate communication styles.
Skills Development: Presentation of Research Proposal
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 05/06/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is for you to present your research proposal through a concise oral presentation.
You will communicate the key elements of your proposed study, including the research problem, objectives, and methodology. Your performance will be assessed on clarity, engagement, time management, and responsiveness to questions
Skills in focus:
- Communication and collaboration
- Discipline knowledge
Deliverable: Oral Presentation (details provided on ilearn)
Individual Assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically review existing knowledge and insights in your discipline.
- Develop a research proposal to address a relevant gap identified in the critical review.
- Communicate research ideas, proposals, findings and implications to academic, corporate and non-specialist audiences using appropriate communication styles.
Skills Development: Research Purpose and Design
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: 11:55pm Sun 14/6/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to compose a concise version of a research proposal based on your chosen topic, previously explored in your literature review.
You will address key elements of a research proposal, including the contextual background of the research problem, the research question and its connection to prior studies, preliminary justifications for data collection and analysis methods, and the anticipated contributions of the study to theory and practice.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking
Deliverable: Written Report (details provided on ilearn)
Individual Assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically review existing knowledge and insights in your discipline.
- Develop a research proposal to address a relevant gap identified in the critical review.
- Communicate research ideas, proposals, findings and implications to academic, corporate and non-specialist audiences using appropriate communication styles.
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
- the Writing Centre 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
Delivery: 3-hour seminar each week, on-campus as per timetable.
Resources: Please see iLearn for weekly resources.
Unit Schedule
Week 1 Fundamental Knowledge for Starting a Research Project
Week 2 How to Write a Critical Literature Review
Week 3 Library Skills and Information Literacy Support for Research
Week 4 Critiquing Literature and Developing Research Questions
Week 5 Citation & Writing Style & Literature Review Rhetorical Structure
Week 6 No class due to Public Holiday (Good Friday)
Week 7 Working with Theory in Research & A Rigorous Description and Justification of Methods
Week 8 Communicating Research to Specialist and non-Specialist Audiences & Develop Arguments and Write with Good Flow
Week 9 The research proposal / research ‘story’
Week 10 Abstracts & introductions: how to set the stage for your reader(s)
Week 11 Methodology revisited (for the question) & results (the expected answers)
Week 12 Discussing the results ( Discussion) & presenting conclusions
Week 13 Presentation of Research Proposal
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 2026.03 of the Handbook