Students

BUSA3430 – Business Applications of Artificial Intelligence

2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Olivera Marjanovic
olivera.marjanovic@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
COMP2200 or COMP2700
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
BUSA6430
Unit description Unit description

This unit looks at practical applications of AI systems in a business context, including how AI systems could be deployed, integrated with other business systems, maintained in the longer term, and used in ethical and responsible ways to create business and societal value.

The unit takes a business rather than a technical perspective and focuses on developing AI-related business skills and capabilities which will remain relevant in the world of fast-changing AI technology. The topics will cover the Socio-technical view of AI; Business frameworks for AI; AI-enabled Business models; AI data & analytics core; different aspects of AI-enabled Business value creation, Principles and practices of Responsible AI as well as Future of work, business and humanity in AI era. The unit also introduces foundations of AI technologies suitable for business and other non-technical users and managers of AI.    

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: Evaluate the capabilities of modern AI systems against the needs of business
  • ULO2: Assess the sustainability of AI solutions in an industry context 
  • ULO3: Describe the issues that arise in deploying AI systems as part of a larger information systems offering
  • ULO4: Evaluate stakeholder focused AI algorithms and systems
  • ULO5: Communicate effectively about artificial intelligence topics to experts and non-technical audiences
  • ULO6: Successfully work in teams to achieve group and organizational objectives

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.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Professional practice: Business applications of AI 45% No 07/06/2026 Individual and Group No Open AI
Formal examination: Test 20% No 21/04/2026 Individual No Observed
Skills development: AI in practice 35% No 07/04/2026 Individual Yes Open AI

Professional practice: Business applications of AI

Assessment Type 1: Portfolio
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: 07/06/2026
Weighting: 45%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to apply AI concepts in a business context, evaluating AI capabilities, sustainability, and deployment challenges in organizations.

You will design a business model around freely available GAITs and articulate its main business value propositions.

Skills in focus:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving 
  • Communication skills 
  • Work readiness
  • Global, ethical and environmental citizenship 

 

Deliverable(s): Written report and individual reflection [max 3000 words] Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the capabilities of modern AI systems against the needs of business
  • Assess the sustainability of AI solutions in an industry context 
  • Describe the issues that arise in deploying AI systems as part of a larger information systems offering
  • Evaluate stakeholder focused AI algorithms and systems
  • Communicate effectively about artificial intelligence topics to experts and non-technical audiences
  • Successfully work in teams to achieve group and organizational objectives

Formal examination: Test

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 21/04/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed

The purpose of this assessment is for you to test your understanding of AI fundamentals, AI capabilities, sustainability, and deployment challenges.

You will participate in a formal test. Feedback on your performance will help you assess your progress through the unit content.

Deliverable(s): Test

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the capabilities of modern AI systems against the needs of business
  • Assess the sustainability of AI solutions in an industry context 
  • Describe the issues that arise in deploying AI systems as part of a larger information systems offering

Skills development: AI in practice

Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 07/04/2026
Weighting: 35%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI assisted?: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to analyse AI case studies develop and demonstrate your analytical thinking skills in the context of an AI industry case study.

You will assess AI systems against business needs, evaluate their sustainability and integration within industry contexts, analyse stakeholder-focused AI algorithms, and communicate AI concepts effectively.

Skills in focus:

  • Critical thinking and problem solving 
  • Communication skills 
  • Work readiness
  • Discipline knowledge 
  • Global, ethical and environmental citizenship 

 

Deliverable(s): Written report [max 2000 words] Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Evaluate the capabilities of modern AI systems against the needs of business
  • Assess the sustainability of AI solutions in an industry context 
  • Describe the issues that arise in deploying AI systems as part of a larger information systems offering
  • Evaluate stakeholder focused AI algorithms and systems
  • Communicate effectively about artificial intelligence topics to experts and non-technical audiences

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

The unit is comprised of 13 x weekly classes (2h-hour lecture + 1h-tutorials), held on-campus in weeks 1 to 13. The unit is not designed for remote learning. Weekly in-person attendace is noth compulsory but it is highly recommended. 

The unit does not have a set textbook, due to the fast changing nature of AI developments. Weekly readings will be posted on 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 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.

Changes from Previous Offering

Previously this unit had 3 quizzes. From S1 2026 there will be only one quiz held at the half point of the semester. 

Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook