Students
MQBS8980 – Business Research Practice
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
Contact via via email
4 Eastern Road, Room 230
Please make an appointment for an individual slot
ACCG Stream Convenor
Haiyan Jiang
Contact via via email
AFIN Stream Convenor
Gary Tian
Contact via via email
ASBA Stream Convenor
Zhuo Jin
Contact via via email
ECON Stream Convenor
Natalia Ponomareva
Contact via via email
MGMT/MKTG Stream Convenor
Francesco Chirico
Contact via via email
MGMT/MKTG Stream Convenor
Jun Yao
Contact via via email
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradDipResMQBS
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit offers students a hands-on opportunity to apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge to develop a research project that addresses relevant issues in business contexts. Through experiential learning and mentorship, students will gain valuable experiences in business research practice, preparing them for careers in academia, industry or consultancy. They will be guided through the various steps in developing a research project, including identifying the topic, reviewing existing literature, identifying research gaps and defining the research questions/objectives, selecting an appropriate methodology, developing an ethics application and a data management plan, defining (intended) contributions and, depending on the scope of the project, analysing a sample dataset and interpreting and discussing preliminary results. |
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: Review literature relevant to a business problem, identify research gaps and develop research questions/objectives.
- ULO2: Apply relevant theoretical frameworks (theories, models, concepts) to inform the development of a research model and hypotheses.
- ULO3: Identify appropriate business research methods and tools necessary to conduct a research project.
- ULO4: Demonstrate ethical awareness and integrity as well as judgement, adaptability and accountability as a researcher when designing a research proposal.
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: Research Proposal | 50% | No | Consult iLearn for stream due date | Individual | No | Observed |
| Skills Development: Development of a Business Research Report | 50% | No | Consult iLearn for stream due date | Individual | No | Open AI |
Professional Practice: Research Proposal
Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: Consult iLearn for stream due date
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is for you to explore a relevant issue within your discipline by developing and presenting a research proposal. You will demonstrate your understanding of research design, including the identification of a research problem, theoretical frameworks, and methodology, through an oral presentation.
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:
- Review literature relevant to a business problem, identify research gaps and develop research questions/objectives.
- Apply relevant theoretical frameworks (theories, models, concepts) to inform the development of a research model and hypotheses.
- Identify appropriate business research methods and tools necessary to conduct a research project.
- Demonstrate ethical awareness and integrity as well as judgement, adaptability and accountability as a researcher when designing a research proposal.
Skills Development: Development of a Business Research Report
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 36 hours
Due: Consult iLearn for stream due date
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to build on your research proposal by developing a comprehensive project report. You will incorporate feedback received during your oral presentation and demonstrate your understanding of research design, methodology, and analysis. The report should outline the research problem, theoretical framework, intended contributions, and, where applicable, data analysis, interpretation, and discussion of results.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Global ethical and environmental citizenship
Deliverable: Written Report (details provided on iLearn)
Individual Assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Review literature relevant to a business problem, identify research gaps and develop research questions/objectives.
- Apply relevant theoretical frameworks (theories, models, concepts) to inform the development of a research model and hypotheses.
- Identify appropriate business research methods and tools necessary to conduct a research project.
- Demonstrate ethical awareness and integrity as well as judgement, adaptability and accountability as a researcher when designing a research proposal.
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 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:
- 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.
- Ask a Study Coach
- 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 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