Students

FOBE710 – Research Frontiers in Business and Economics

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Vito Mollica
Philip Sinnadurai
Stefan Trueck
Natalia Ponomareva
Aron O'Cass
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
FOBE810
Unit description Unit description
Theories and other frameworks in business, management and economics help organize knowledge objectivity by framing how and why individuals, organisations, and other entities behave the way they do. Understanding how and why behaviours occur is important for researchers because it provides them with explanations underpinning human behaviours. The focus of this unit is on developing your knowledge about seminal and contemporary research from a theoretical perspective. You will explore theory and research relevant to your discipline and their various interpretations to develop an appreciation of the scope of theory and research. In particular, you will develop knowledge, critical analysis, and creative thinking to examine and explain theory and research to solve research problems. You will also learn how to critically evaluate, synthesise, explain theory and concepts, and communicate your ideas to extend available theories in your discipline area.

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:

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

General Assessment Information

Task

Weight

Due Date

Linked Learning Outcomes

In class activities - various

20%

Weeks 1– 13

1, 2, & 3

Research and theory report

40%

Weeks 1 – 12

1, 2, & 3

Critical analysis of research and theory

40%

Week 13

1, 2, & 3

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
In-class activities 20% No Weeks 1 - 13
Research and theory report 40% No Weeks 1 – 12
Critical analysis of research 40% No Week 13

In-class activities

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)


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

Research and theory 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.


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

Critical analysis of research

Due: Week 13
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.


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

Delivery and Resources

Contacting staff

 

Consultation time – Please refer to the stream specific unit guide                                                

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.  Competence in using all components of Microsoft Office is assumed.

 

Unit web page

  • 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/

 

Unit activities

Please refer to stream specific unit guide for detailed information.

 

 

 

Unit Schedule

 

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 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 ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities
  • Research and theory report
  • Critical analysis of research

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

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities
  • Research and theory report
  • Critical analysis of research

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

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities
  • Research and theory report
  • Critical analysis of research

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

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities
  • Research and theory report
  • Critical analysis of research

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 outcomes

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities
  • Research and theory report
  • Critical analysis of research

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • 1. survey, critically analyse and evaluate research and theory used in seminal and contemporary research (in your discipline area).
  • 2. identify, synthesise and apply theory and research to develop ideas and propose ideas for potential new research opportunities (in your discipline area).
  • 3. communicate theory and research specific to the academic standards and conventions (in your discipline) to an audience.

Assessment tasks

  • In-class activities
  • Research and theory report
  • Critical analysis of research

Communication of feedback to students

Please refer to the stream specific unit guide.

References

Please refer to the stream specific unit guide for more information.

Unit description

Theories and other frameworks in business, management and economics help organize knowledge objectivity by framing how and why individuals, organisations, and other entities behave the way they do. Understanding how and why behaviours occur is important for researchers because it provides them with explanations underpinning human behaviours.

The focus of this unit is on developing your knowledge about seminal and contemporary research from a theoretical perspective.  You will explore theory and research relevant to your discipline and their various interpretations to develop an appreciation of the scope of theory and research.  In particular, you will develop knowledge, critical analysis, and creative thinking to examine and explain theory and research to solve research problems. You will also learn how to critically evaluate, synthesise, explain theory and concepts, and communicate your ideas to extend available theories in your discipline area.

Workload

Please refer to stream specific unit guide for detailed information.