Students

MQBS8930 – Business Research Theories & Frameworks

2026 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Rico Piehler
rico.piehler@mq.edu.au
Contact via via email
4 Eastern Road, Room 230
Please make an appointment for an individual slot
ACCG Stream Convenor
Haiyan Jiang
haiyan.jiang@mq.edu.au
Contact via via email
AFIN/ASBA Stream Convenor
Kai Li
kai.li@mq.edu.au
Contact via via email
ECON Stream Convenor
Lyla Zhang
lyla.zhang@mq.edu.au
Contact via via email
MGMT/MKTG Stream Convenor
Cynthia Webster
cynthia.webster@mq.edu.au
Contact via via email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipResMQBS
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit develops students’ knowledge about seminal and contemporary business research from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Students will gain knowledge about theories, models and concepts relevant to their discipline. They will critically evaluate, synthesise and explain relevant theories, models and concepts and learn how they can be applied to solve research problems.

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: Explain seminal theories, models and concepts used in business research by synthesising existing knowledge.
  • ULO2: Critically evaluate and apply theories, models and concepts used in business research.
  • ULO3: Communicate theories, models and concepts using academic standards and conventions to an audience.

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty  (written assessments)  

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 Approach
Professional Practice: Foundational Literature Insights 40% No Consult iLearn for stream due date Individual No Observed
Skills Development: Critically Evaluating Research Concepts 40% No Consult iLearn for stream due date Individual No Open AI
Skills Development: Reflecting on Research Learning 20% No Consult iLearn for stream due date Individual No Open AI

Professional Practice: Foundational Literature Insights

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Consult iLearn for stream due date
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate understanding of foundational studies in your discipline by evaluating a seminal theory, model, or concept and explaining its relevance to your research field.

You will evaluate seminal theory, model or concept relevant to their discipline and present your analysis to your peers, showcasing your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and critically.

Skills in focus:

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Discipline knowledge

Deliverable: Oral presentation (details provided on iLearn)

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain seminal theories, models and concepts used in business research by synthesising existing knowledge.
  • Communicate theories, models and concepts using academic standards and conventions to an audience.

Skills Development: Critically Evaluating Research Concepts

Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Consult iLearn for stream due date
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to critically analyse a research topic by evaluating relevant theories, models, and methodologies within your discipline.

You will present a written report that demonstrates your ability to assess the strengths and limitations of different approaches and apply critical thinking to research design.

Skills in focus:

  • Critical thinking
  • Discipline knowledge

Deliverable: Written report (details provided on iLearn)

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate and apply theories, models and concepts used in business research.
  • Communicate theories, models and concepts using academic standards and conventions to an audience.

Skills Development: Reflecting on Research Learning

Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Consult iLearn for stream due date
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to reflect on your learning throughout the unit by engaging in both oral and written self-assessments.

You will explore how your understanding of research theories and frameworks has evolved through class discussions and activities, demonstrating your ability to think critically, communicate reflectively, and connect theory to personal learning.

Skills in focus:

  • Communication and collaboration
  • Discipline knowledge
  • Critical thinking

Deliverable: Oral and Written reflection (details provided on ilearn)

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Explain seminal theories, models and concepts used in business research by synthesising existing knowledge.
  • Communicate theories, models and concepts using academic standards and conventions to an audience.

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

This unit is delivered in weekly 3-hour in-person seminars over 13 weeks.

For resources, please consult iLearn.

Unit Schedule

For the discipline stream schedule, please consult iLearn.

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:

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.

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:

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 https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk. 

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