Students
BUSA6004 – Introduction to Inference, Modelling and Forecasting
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
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides the quantitative/statistical research tools, data analysis and computer modelling necessary to assist managers with strategic planning, tactical decision-making, and resolving business problems. Students will develop research skills to solve 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: Identify and describe models of managing data.
- ULO2: Use quantitative research tools to assess the implications of strategic decisions from a whole of entity perspective and across a range of stakeholders.
- ULO3: Apply a range of research tools and models of business performance and productivity to measure and track sustainable value creation across organisational processes and projects.
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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills development: Inference, modelling and forecasting quiz | 20% | No | Week 5 | Individual | No | Open AI |
| Professional practice: Business inference, modelling, and forecasting report | 40% | No | 10/05/2026 | Individual | Yes | Open AI |
| Formal examination | 40% | No | Exam Period | Individual | No | Observed |
Skills development: Inference, modelling and forecasting quiz
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your core knowledge and skills in inference, modelling, and forecasting.
You will be tested on your understanding of statistics, data analytics tools, and models. Students will be tested on the inferences derived from the results of these statistical tests, tools, and models.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Digital skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
Deliverable(s): Online quiz.
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe models of managing data.
- Use quantitative research tools to assess the implications of strategic decisions from a whole of entity perspective and across a range of stakeholders.
- Apply a range of research tools and models of business performance and productivity to measure and track sustainable value creation across organisational processes and projects.
Professional practice: Business inference, modelling, and forecasting report
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 10/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI assisted?: Open AI
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your core knowledge and skills in inference, modelling, and forecasting.
You will be required to conduct data analysis and/or the modelling necessary to resolve business problems, make inferences, and assist in decision-making and forecasting.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline knowledge
- Digital skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Work readiness
Deliverable(s): Written report with associated data file/s
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe models of managing data.
- Use quantitative research tools to assess the implications of strategic decisions from a whole of entity perspective and across a range of stakeholders.
- Apply a range of research tools and models of business performance and productivity to measure and track sustainable value creation across organisational processes and projects.
Formal examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 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 with 10 minutes reading time, 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:
- Identify and describe models of managing data.
- Use quantitative research tools to assess the implications of strategic decisions from a whole of entity perspective and across a range of stakeholders.
- Apply a range of research tools and models of business performance and productivity to measure and track sustainable value creation across organisational processes and 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:
- 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