Students

BUSA1000 – Introduction to Data, Analytics and People

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
Masoud Talebian
masoud.talebian@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This is an introductory unit in business analytics. Students will examine the use of data in today's world, and the implications of this rapidly evolving ecosystem. The unit will provide an overview of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics and will allow students to explore basic analysis techniques that are commonly used in practice using real-world data tools. The unit also provides an understanding of contemporary information systems that are necessary in organizations for utilizing and implementing analytics solutions. It presents the nexus between the business and the information systems functions to be able to take advantage of existing and emerging data-driven technologies while caring for ethical and trust implications.

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: Assess human, ethical, organisational, and behavioural issues associated with data and business analytics.
  • ULO2: Recognise and apply different perspectives to help organisations develop evidence-based and data driven decision making practices.
  • ULO3: Design and conduct analysis to prepare organisations and employees for change.
  • ULO4: Examine and apply project management knowledge and skills for successful management of business analytics initiatives and projects in organisations.
  • ULO5: Examine and analyse fundamental digital technological needed for effective implementation of analytics projects.

General Assessment Information

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.

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI assisted?
Formal learning: Test 20% No 02/04/2026 Individual No Open AI
Professional practice: Analytics for business priorities 40% No 17/05/2026 Individual and Group No Open AI
Formal examination 40% No During exam period Individual No Observed

Formal learning: Test

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 02/04/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding and knowledge of key topics from the unit.
 
You will participate in an online quiz. 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:
  • Assess human, ethical, organisational, and behavioural issues associated with data and business analytics.
  • Recognise and apply different perspectives to help organisations develop evidence-based and data driven decision making practices.
  • Design and conduct analysis to prepare organisations and employees for change.
  • Examine and apply project management knowledge and skills for successful management of business analytics initiatives and projects in organisations.
  • Examine and analyse fundamental digital technological needed for effective implementation of analytics projects.

Professional practice: Analytics for business priorities

Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 17/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI

The purpose of this assessment is for you to develop expertise in using data analytics to support key business decisions and priorities.
 
You will explore required business activities and enterprise systems needed to optimally support businesses
 
Skills in focus:
  • Discipline knowledge
  • Communication skills 
  • Collaboration skills
  • Work readiness 
  • Digital skills 
  • Critical thinking and problem solving 
 
Deliverable(s): Written report [max 2000 words] and presentation (5 minutes)
 
Individual and group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise and apply different perspectives to help organisations develop evidence-based and data driven decision making practices.
  • Design and conduct analysis to prepare organisations and employees for change.
  • Examine and apply project management knowledge and skills for successful management of business analytics initiatives and projects in organisations.
  • Examine and analyse fundamental digital technological needed for effective implementation of analytics projects.

Formal examination

Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: During exam period
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed

The purpose of this assessment is for you to formally demonstrate the expertise you have gained in this unit.
 

You will participate in a 2-hour exam held during the University Examination period. Important information about the exam will be made available on the unit iLearn page. You should also review the MQ Exams website for general tips.

 

Deliverable(s): Formal exam

Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Assess human, ethical, organisational, and behavioural issues associated with data and business analytics.
  • Recognise and apply different perspectives to help organisations develop evidence-based and data driven decision making practices.
  • Design and conduct analysis to prepare organisations and employees for change.
  • Examine and apply project management knowledge and skills for successful management of business analytics initiatives and projects in organisations.
  • Examine and analyse fundamental digital technological needed for effective implementation of analytics projects.

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

As per 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.

Unit information based on version 2026.02 of the Handbook