Students

FOBE810 – Research Frontiers in Business and Economics

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor (Department of Marketing & Management)
Aron O'Cass
Please see iLearn for consultation hours
Associate Dean Higher Degree Research
Lorne Cummings
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Permission by special approval
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
FOBE710
Unit description Unit description
In this unit students will attend a discipline based Research Seminar Series within the Faculty of Business and Economics and/or selected external seminar series, and provide a structured feedback on the research papers presented. Participation in the seminars provides a forum for students to engage with leading edge research in their field. They will evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the work of scholars, learn to think more clearly about their own work, and develop the ability to critique research and scholarship in their chosen discipline.

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:

  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)
  • Communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience

General Assessment Information

Academic Honesty

The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:

  • all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
  • all academic collaborations are acknowledged
  • academic work is not falsified in any way
  • when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.

Further information on the academic honesty can be found in the Macquarie University Academic Honesty Policy at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
In-class activities (various) 20% No Weeks 1-13
Seminar report 40% No Weeks 1-12
Critical analysis assessment 40% No Week13

In-class activities (various)

Due: Weeks 1-13
Weighting: 20%

During this unit’s face-to-face seminars, particular topics and specific papers will be explored and critically analysed and evaluated. Themes and topics for each week will be placed on iLearn or distributed in class as a reference point for generating additional readings. All students are expected to participate and contribute to weekly in-class activity by coming prepared, engaging in discussions with other students and completing any assigned work.

The in-class activities are designed to develop your ability to identify and synthesise relevant theory/concepts; the depth of your research, critical analysis skills and evaluation, and quality of your communication of the topic to your audience via the designated medium (written and/or oral). Your engagement will be assessed by the Unit Convenor throughout the session via your engagement in the seminars, discussions, reflection on the topics, and providing feedback on/to others contributions.

More information will be placed on iLearn and/or discussed in-class.

Extension and penalties: No extensions will be granted. If a student fails to engage in-class activities on any week a zero mark will be given for that week, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)
  • Communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience

Seminar report

Due: Weeks 1-12
Weighting: 40%

The research and theory report allows students to undertake an examination of a specific theory or research paper/topic. Through this process you will become familiar with the theory and research applying that specific theory as you undertake an analysis and evaluation of the research (theory/paper and published work using the theory).

The report will assess your ability to analyse the topic and relevant research papers, identify limitations and formulate suggestions about further research opportunities, marshal your thoughts and ideas and communicate them via the Departments chosen submission approach. You will be assessed on the identification and evaluation of relevant theory (& concepts) and research on the selected/nominated topic; the depth of your research and critical analysis, and the quality of your communication to your audience.

More information will be placed on iLearn and/or discussed in-class.

Extension and penalties: No extensions will be granted. If a student fails to present their seminar report on the assigned date they will be penalised, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)
  • Communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience

Critical analysis assessment

Due: Week13
Weighting: 40%

The critical analysis allows students to demonstrate their understanding of important theoretical and research domains and the current state of the literature on that specific topic/research domain in business, management and economics. You are required to focus on surveying, analysing and critically examining the literature related to specific theoretical and research area. Students are required to analyse, evaluate, and communicate the critical issues associated with the topic/research paper and draw an appropriate conclusion from their critical analysis. The analysis must be appropriately cited and referenced with academic sources.

More information will be placed on iLearn and/or discussed in-class.

Extension and penalties: No extensions will be granted.  There will be a deduction of 10% of the marks made from the total awarded marks for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission will attract 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)
  • Communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience

Delivery and Resources

This research masters unit is equivalent to Level 9 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which specifies that graduates at this level possess (1) a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in one or more disciplines, and (2) advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.

Graduates of a Masters Degree (Research) will have at this level;

  1. cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory and its application,
  2. cognitive, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge or practice,
  3. cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts at an abstract level,
  4. cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods,
  5. communication and technical skills to present a coherent and sustained argument and to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and
  6. technical and communication skills to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that makes a contribution to knowledge

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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 ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

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.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities (various)
  • Seminar report
  • Critical analysis assessment

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities (various)
  • Seminar report
  • Critical analysis assessment

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area)
  • Identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area)

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities (various)
  • Seminar report
  • Critical analysis assessment

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities (various)
  • Seminar report
  • Critical analysis assessment

Contacting Staff

Consultation time

You are encouraged to seek help at a time that is convenient to you from a staff member teaching on this unit during their regular consultation hours. In special circumstances, an appointment may be made outside regular consultation hours.  Staff will not conduct consultations by email. You may, however, phone staff during their consultation hours. Or ideally, seek advice during the class break or after class.

If you are experiencing significant difficulties with any topic in the unit, you are strongly encouraged to seek assistance immediately.

Technology Used and Required

  • You require computer technology sufficient to regularly access to the FOBE710 iLearn webpage and the Departmental Research Seminar Series webpages via the internet.
  • Course material is available on the learning management system (iLearn)
  • The web page for this unit can be found at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/