MBA5112 - MBA 1 - 2019

Topic 1 - Business models and strategy

Business models describe how organisations are configured to create, deliver and appropriate value. In the modern world, technology and globalisation are among the primary forces disrupting existing models in every sector of the economy, and executive leadership requires an understanding of this complexity. New systems that combine hardware, sensors, data storage, microprocessors, software and connectivity impact industry structure and the nature of competition; businesses are increasingly facing new competitive opportunities and threats. Industry boundaries are being reshaped and entirely new industries are being created. This unit introduces and examines business models, the infrastructure and technologies of business, forces of change in the business and competitive environment, the impact on business models and business strategy initiatives and responses.

Topic 2 - Markets and customers

Markets and customers focuses on analysing markets, customer behaviour and related business strategy, and on developing and executing marketing strategy. In an interactive digital environment, consumer and organisational buying behaviour is critically altered, and appropriate models of marketing are required. The unit explores market orientation, market research and analysis, marketing planning and marketing implementation in a range of contemporary contexts, including industrial and consumer markets and private and public sectors. It also looks at the contribution of marketing activity and thinking to other business functions and activities, including stakeholder and relationship strategy, and takes a strategic approach to marketing leadership.

Topic 3 - Financial and managerial accounting

Financial and managerial accounting considers the role of the accounting function in organisations, and introduces students to the processes and techniques that enable managers to plan and control organisational activities. The unit takes a broad view of financial and management accounting and reporting, and examines how management uses accounting for strategic decisions. It deals with the challenges of identifying, measuring interpreting and communicating critical data and information.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. integrate the knowledge and skills gained to evaluate an organisations strategy and develop recommendations
2. integrate the knowledge and skills gained to evaluate an organisations marketing strategy and develop recommendations
3. integrate the knowledge and skills gained to evaluate an organisations financial performance in the context of the recommended strategy.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average six/eight hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information