Master of Management

This subject introduces students to the different types of information that business analysts and decision makers gather, and how that information is processed to make effective business decisions. A wide range of strategic and operational business problems and decisions will be considered, from fields such as financial management, marketing, human resource management, supply chain management and international business. The subject explores how organisations gather and generate multiple forms of information, and how this information is analysed and converted into useful knowledge via individual judgement and organisational learning processes. In applying empirical and analytical approaches to practical situations, students will develop insights into both the nature of the business problems as well as methods that are used for identifying and evaluating alternative solutions. The subject content will include conceptual foundations, practical tools, and case studies to discuss the costs, benefits and risks of the various analytical methods that will be introduced.

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This subject will give you an opportunity to assess and develop your general management knowledge and skills. We will focus on practical concepts and frameworks , and experiential learning interventions, to enhance your capacity for communication and decision making, for engaging and motivating individuals and teams, and for effectively dealing with conflict and change.

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This marketing subject exposes students to an integrated perspective of the firm, how it interfaces with its environment, and how it creates and sustains value. Value creation occurs through interactions of a firm with its stakeholders (including its customers) and is central to marketing. The subject builds a conceptual framework to examine the choices (marketing) managers face in determining how best to create value, and how these choices may be shaped by key stakeholders including government, society, trading partners, customers, employees and competitors. A key focus of this subject is on value creation as a cross disciplinary and cross firm activity. As such, the focus is on value creation from multiple disciplinary perspectives including marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship, HRM, supply chain management and organisational design.

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This subject introduces students to the fundamentals of finance, financial securities and financial markets. Topics include: key financial concepts such as the time-value-of-money, risk, return, present value, diversification, arbitrage, leverage and voting control; key financial securities such as stocks, bonds, mortgages and other loans; key financial markets such as the stock, interest rate and foreign exchange markets; and key participants in financial markets such as investors, funds, companies, banks, intermediaries, governments and regulators.

This subject is designed for students who seek an understanding of financial concepts and markets, but who do not intend to pursue any further studies in finance.

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This subject focuses on the nature of accounting from the perspective of the users of financial reports. In this subject, students will learn how to analyse and interpret financial information prepared by diverse businesses, both profit and not-for-profit. A key theme in the subject is to understand the relevance of accounting information for the decisions typically made by diverse stakeholders including financial analysts, bankers and shareholders as well as the strategic and operational decisions made by managers within the different businesses. This subject is designed to meet the needs of students from all disciplines, who seek to become more informed users of accounting information but who do not intend to pursue further studies in accounting.

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This subject provides an introduction to the fundamentals of microeconomics, strategy and key issues in macroeconomics, and applies this knowledge to business and management issues. Topics to be covered include: the working of competitive markets; the operation of business organisations such as cost management and pricing decisions; strategic behaviour and market outcomes in different market environments; the effect of public policy on business organisations; and the main macroeconomic influences on the business environment.

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With the explosion of data, it is critical that businesses harness the right analytical tools to make effective use of the available data. This subject is designed to equip students with a range of tools and techniques that are necessary for effective decision making. Key topics covered include both prescriptive and predictive analytics. Emphasis will be given to potential applications of these tools and techniques in various functional areas including international business, marketing, supply chain, and strategy.

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Businesses are collections of individuals who are organised and cooperate to solve problems. Thus, all business activity has its roots in psychological processes such as individual and group cognition and emotion, personality, and social influence. In this subject we explore the psychological foundations of management practice by focusing on how managerial problems (e.g., high levels of absenteeism; poor collaboration among team members; etc.) can be understood and addressed using different psychological principles.

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This subject examines individual and collective human behaviour in and around issues of organisational change. The subject will cover a broad theoretical basis that assists in understanding how change at the employee, group and strategic levels affects individuals. Both the planned approach and emergent approach to change management will be considered. Topics to be covered include: drivers of change, the role of internal and external change agents, tools for successful change management, and the implementation and consequences of specific change initiatives.

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This subject provides an introduction to the basic concepts, principles and activities of marketing and how to manage an organisation's marketing effort. Some of the principal topics include value-based marketing, market research, selecting target markets, product and brand management, marketing communications (advertising and promotions, as well as personal selling), management of distribution channels, pricing decisions and marketing ethics. Students are also introduced to the nature of buyer behaviour, including decision-making patterns, purchase behaviours, and customer satisfaction.

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Students in this subject examine the key policies and practices of HR, including the attraction and retention of employees, developing, evaluating and rewarding performance. We evaluate the impact of HR policies and practices from the perspective of workplace stakeholders, including employees, unions, management and organisations.

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This subject examines the engine of every organisation: its productive processes. These are the systems, processes and activities that convert the organisation's inputs into its outputs. Whether manufacturing of goods or provision of services, the principles and techniques of Operations Management can assist an organisation to achieve effective outcomes in terms of cost, quality, delivery, service levels, flexibility and innovation. This subject is integrative in nature, drawing upon concepts originally developed in other areas. The traditional topics such as: assessing the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; and various human issues involved in operations are examined from a contemporary perspective that involves complex phenomena such as globalisation, supply chains, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. Quantitative approaches are often useful in leading us toward possible solutions and so these are introduced where appropriate. However, in many situations, it is sufficient to descriptively understand the critical issues and major trade-offs involved. Finally, links with other areas of decisions and organisational functions are considered as they are critical to getting the most from the operations system.

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The multinational enterprise (MNE) is the most distinctive aspect of international business. This subject explores: how and why MNEs exist as vehicles for leveraging and building competitive advantages across borders; how host economies impact the design of MNE operations; and the relationship and balance between global integration and local responsiveness that lies at the core of understanding strategies of the MNE. Particular attention is paid to contemporary issues such as global value chains, MNEs from emerging economies, and digital business models.

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This subject provides an integrative learning experience and affords students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in previous subjects in a coherent way to solve business problems. In a business strategy simulation students are required to make decisions, assess outcomes, and compete with other management teams for resources, opportunities and markets. Each team develops a strategy for its firm and applies the subject’s concepts and frameworks, as well as the concepts and frameworks acquired in other subjects. In the process, students will discover the interaction of a firm’s production, marketing, research and development, human resources, and financial operations and observe the impact of key decisions on business performance within a competitive market.

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This subject will critically explore the purpose and value of management consulting as a profession. By examining the entire consulting engagement cycle, dynamics of client-consultant relationships, and consulting business models, students will develop essential soft and technical skills to diagnose, analyse and solve complex organisational problems. Through close scrutiny of actual consulting work, and practitioners’ experience with real-world challenges, this subject examines current practices and explores how these practices are evolving as a result of institutional and technological changes. The subject also requires students to distil and contemplate professional principles that can ensure integrity, accountability, and positive societal and economic impact of management consulting.

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This subject provides an insight into the complexities and challenges of making business decisions in an international setting. Students will be assigned in small groups to research a business problem in an international context. Working in teams, they will conduct research, analyse, evaluate and propose practical solutions to an assigned business planning or business development exercise. This will be supported by online modules and seminar work equipping the students with knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for completing the task and an understanding of report formats appropriate for conveying the results. During the practicum, in-depth research will be undertaken in identifying the scope, opportunities, constraints and recommendations of the exercise. Students will learn to work with unstructured and incomplete information in international business settings, to develop research and networks to support their enquiry, to work successfully in teams, to present their findings and seek and receive constructive feedback in a range of settings. Students will also be encouraged to plan, reflect and modify their approaches to improve the outcomes of their efforts in managing the business project.

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This subject provides an insight into the complexities and challenges of making business decisions in an Australian setting. Working in small teams, students will conduct research, analyse, evaluate and propose practical solutions to an assigned business planning or business development exercise. This will be supported by online modules and seminar work equipping the students with knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for completing the task and an understanding of report formats appropriate for conveying the results. During the practicum, in-depth research will be undertaken in identifying the scope, opportunities constraints and recommendations of the exercise. Students will learn to: work with unstructured and incomplete information in Australian business settings, to develop research and networks to support their enquiry, to work successfully in teams, to present their findings and seek and receive constructive feedback in a range of settings. Students will also be encouraged to plan, reflect and modify their approaches to improve the outcomes of their efforts in managing the business project.

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This subject involves the completion of a professional work placement (internship) either:

off campus at an approved host organisation in Australia or overseas OR

on campus at the 'WorkHub'

Integrating academic learning in business & economics areas of study, students will gain an improved knowledge of employability skills, workplace culture, and career pathways. Students will be required to undertake pre-placement online modules designed to equip students with employability skills and techniques for creative problem solving, as well as learning tasks throughout the placement period. The placement will draw on students' specific discipline skills associated with the specialisation of their degree.

Internships may be paid, or unpaid provided they comply with the Fair Work Act.

This subject is intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply their business knowledge in an industry setting under the joint supervision of an industry and an academic mentor. Students can either apply for a University-sourced internship or apply to have a self-sourced internship approved for credit. Applications should be submitted by the due dates published on the MBS website. Selection into this subject is based on suitability of the placement, and demonstrated motivation to benefit from the program, and timely submission of the application.

The on-campus 'WorkHub' provides a modern collaborative and supportive office environment for students to complete internship tasks in groups, and connect with industry professionals both on-campus, virtually, and at the host organisation.

Students will either enrol in the off campus or on campus availability following selection.

The subject coordinator will have final approval of all selected students. Enrolment will be capped and subject to meeting the relevant academic program requirements and availability of appropriate internship opportunities.

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This subject aims to give you theoretical frameworks, practical insights, and preliminary skills to work in your chosen profession in contexts where determining what problem to work on is an important complement to knowing how to solve that problem.

You will develop these understandings, insights and skills by working on two projects. In the first, they will work in multi-disciplinary teams on a strategically-important innovation challenge sponsored by an industry organisation. Through that project, you will learn the “what and how” of delivering innovation-like projects – understanding the relationship between your challenge and the organisation’s strategy; designing, securing, and conducting interviews; analysing qualitative data to generate insights; ideation and creativity techniques to create value; stakeholder management; working in an intense team on an ambiguous problem; visual and oral communication. In the second, you will develop the ability to apply to the same concepts to yourself – How will you know what you want and need? How will you know if you need to change? How will you innovate yourself as your interests, needs, and work world shift?

We aim for you and your team to own your project and your learning.

Creating Innovative Professionals (CIP) and its companion subject, Creating Innovative Engineering ENGR90034 (CIE), are delivered by the University's Innovation Practice Program. To learn more about the Program, including the range of organizations that have participated as sponsors, examples of past projects and to hear students talk about their experiences in taking CIE/CIP, please go to the Innovation Practice Program’s website.

All project sponsors will require students to maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information. The University will require all students (except those working on projects sponsored by the University itself) to assign any Intellectual Property they create (other than Copyright in their Assessment Materials) to the sponsor of their project.

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This subject is aimed at students undertaking graduate research programs. The overall aim is to provide the students an opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of core theoretical concepts within their discipline. This subject consists of a set program of weekly seminars on topics from the discipline within which candidate’s thesis is undertaken or an approved reading course under the direction of academic member (s) of staff within the department.

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This subject critically and systematically examines a range of important theories in the management field. The basic elements of these theories will be discussed. Ways in which these theories are invoked and operationalised in empirical and conceptual studies will also be discussed. Some of the theories that will be covered include agency theory, resource-based view, transaction cost economics, resource dependence theory, innovation theory, entrepreneurship critical management theory and institutional theory. A strong emphasis will be placed on linking these theories to the various research topics in management.

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The subject provides students with an advanced understanding of some fundamental and influential theories in marketing strategy and marketing management. Theories include market social exchange, transaction costs, social network, relationship marketing, resource based view, dynamic capabilities, value co-creation, corporate social responsibility and stakeholder theory.

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The rise of multinational enterprises and cross-border transactions represent an exciting challenge to traditional management theories, as these phenomena raise questions about the universality of concepts typically formulated to explain domestic (or Western) behaviour. International business scholars seek to explore, examine and explain the key defining elements of international business – location, development and transfer of competitive advantages, managing at a distance, governance decisions, and cross-cultural issues. This subject covers advanced themes and issues in the theory and practice of international business. Drawing on rich and varied theoretical traditions, contemporary quantitative and qualitative research, students will progress through a variety of process, content and contextual considerations to build an advanced perspective on the international business discipline.

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We begin by evaluating a range of theoretical perspectives on people, work, and employment. The emphasis will be on understanding and applying different conceptual perspectives to human resource management. The disciplinary foundations for the body of research reflected in this course are psychology, social-psychology and sociology, industrial relations, and management. We will review classics and contemporaries, theories and empirics, and interesting contradictions and consistencies to understand the impact of HR activities on employees and organisations. The course seeks to develop a thorough understanding of the ontological (the “what” of the topic) and epistemological (the “how we research”) foundations of the topics covered. Note, however, our coverage of research methods will be driven by the topic rather than vice-versa. As such, students will explore and critique frameworks, theories, methodologies, and conclusions from prior research, and develop their own perspectives on the topics.

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This subject examines state of the art thinking on the productive processes within organisations. The subject will provide an in-depth understanding of topics such as: the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; human issues involved in operations. The subject also considers the evolving context of operations management, with particular focus on globalisation, supply chain innovation, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. This subject delves deeper into the quantitative tools available to managers for getting the most from the operations system.

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This subject examines advanced themes and issues in the theory and practice of strategic management. Embedded in the critical examination of competitive advantage as derived from sources internal and external to the firm, this subject is designed to provide students with an appreciation of strategic management as a value-added approach to conceptualising the firm and its environment in pursuit of optimum rewards. Drawing on rich and varied theoretical traditions, contemporary research and case study analysis, students will progress through a variety of process, content and contextual considerations to secure an advanced perspective of the strategic management discipline. Broad topics include strategic change, strategy formation and implementation; business, corporate and network level strategies and examination of industry, organisational and international contexts. Within these broader topics such issues as innovation and dynamic capability theory will be investigated.

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This subject is designed to provide a strong foundation in theories and research in the area of consumer behaviour. This will involve an examination and understanding of various topics in social sciences such as cognitive psychology, social psychology etc. and the application of these to understand consumer behaviours. We will cover various topics such as consumer processing of market information, how information is incorporated into decision-making, factors influencing decision-making, and major methodologies available for investigating consumer behaviours.

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This subject will critically explore the purpose and value of management consulting as a profession. By examining the entire consulting engagement cycle, dynamics of client-consultant relationships, and consulting business models, students will develop essential soft and technical skills to diagnose, analyse and solve complex organisational problems. Through close scrutiny of actual consulting work, and practitioners’ experience with real-world challenges, this subject examines current practices and explores how these practices are evolving as a result of institutional and technological changes. The subject also requires students to distil and contemplate professional principles that can ensure integrity, accountability, and positive societal and economic impact of management consulting.

View detailed information in the Handbook

The demand for business-focused HR means that HR practitioners need the ability to work in partnership with stakeholders from diverse areas of the business. This capacity is essential to improving the implementation of HR strategies, initiatives and plans, to build business support for HR and to ensure that HR is integrated with other business activities and functions. This subject focuses on developing business partnership competencies for HR people and will cover consulting and influencing skills, relationship-building, organisational politics, group processes and project management.

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As organisations have gradually shifted towards using more team-based work structures, one of the main challenges in the modern workplace is how to effectively lead and manage teams. This subject deals with this challenge by focusing on understanding the principles of leadership in organisations and the fundamentals of team structure of team processes. Topics considered include: the structure of teams within organisations; differences in team members; managing interpersonal dynamics in teams; theories of leadership; the role of managers as organisational leaders; human resource and organisational factors that impact leading teams effectively.

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This subject is aimed at developing an advanced understanding of the principles, concepts and approaches employed in the management of supply chains between industrial, commercial, and governmental organisations. It includes the management of materials and information in trading partner relationships. It also includes cost-savings, time-to-market, new product development, and consideration of supply chain management in these and other strategic contexts. Strategic issues relevant to the management of supply chains are covered. These include management of trading partner relationships, use of information technology, configuration of logistics networks and managing international supply chains.

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The purpose of this subject is to examine the topics of Managing Innovation in the context of large and small organisations. Innovation is ultimately the lifeblood of organisations, in that it is concerned with the capability to effectively introduce new products and services, new or substantively improved processes or other major initiatives into existing and new organisations. Topics include innovation capability, new product/process technology introduction, and innovation culture and innovation measures The subject addresses the process of innovation exploitation and exploration and the role ambidextrous organisational designs and dynamic organisational capabilities play in this process. The subject will examine the emerging importance of open innovation in the co-evolution of market and customer value and the use of crowd and expert sourcing in this process. Key elements addressed that are part of successful innovation companies are vision and strategy innovation, creativity and idea management, culture and climate, management of technology, organisational structures, intelligence and systems. Firms that have successfully and systematically created such capabilities will be used as case studies.

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This subject examines the engine of every organisation: its productive processes. These are the systems, processes and activities that convert the organisation's inputs into its outputs. Whether manufacturing of goods or provision of services, the principles and techniques of Operations Management can assist an organisation to achieve effective outcomes in terms of cost, quality, delivery, service levels, flexibility and innovation. This subject is integrative in nature, drawing upon concepts originally developed in other areas. The traditional topics such as: assessing the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; and various human issues involved in operations are examined from a contemporary perspective that involves complex phenomena such as globalisation, supply chains, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. Quantitative approaches are often useful in leading us toward possible solutions and so these are introduced where appropriate. However, in many situations, it is sufficient to descriptively understand the critical issues and major trade-offs involved. Finally, links with other areas of decisions and organisational functions are considered as they are critical to getting the most from the operations system.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Social entrepreneurs are individuals who establish an enterprise with the goal of solving complex social or environmental problems, including poverty, access to health, homelessness, climate change and food waste. They have been credited with success in disrupting the traditional forms and purpose of business and charity by creating innovative social enterprises that meld the best features of business and the non-profit sector. This subject seeks to equip students with a critical understanding of the social enterprise form and support them in developing a startup social enterprise with the purpose of solving a social and/or environmental problem. Designed and delivered with input from leaders in the social enterprise sector, the subject features lectures and workshops on social enterprise design, business modelling, pitching, social finance and measurement, as well as addressing the difficulties and dark side of social enterprise. In the subject students will develop an idea for a startup social enterprise and develop a business plan which they will pitch to a Shark Tank panel of experts. Prizes will be awarded to the best ideas to help develop these solutions into successful social enterprises.

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This subject is intended to provide students who do not have a business background with grounding in the field of strategy. It will expose them to key themes, issues and theories of strategy, with a particular focus on the role of leadership in developing and implementing strategy for business success. There will be a strong emphasis on using theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, which will be achieved through the use of case studies and discussion of contemporary business problems. Students who complete the subject should have a sound theoretical and applied understanding of the role of strategic leadership in business success. Topics covered will include: the role of strategy in business performance; the impact of environments on strategy; the role of leadership in strategy formulation and implementation; working with multiple stakeholders; strategic decision making; and leadership in corporate social responsibility.

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Conflict between individual and groups is an inevitable aspect of day to day life. This subject will review the nature of conflict in the workplace and the conflict management strategies of influencing and negotiation. Students will be given the opportunity to apply negotiation techniques to case studies and in simulations.

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This subject will explain and conceptualise the nature of Asian management and business practices from economic, cultural and institutional perspectives. The emphasis of the subject is on the application of contextual knowledge about international business theory as tailored to the Asia Pacific, to analyse and make decisions faced by companies operating or expanding in the Asia Pacific region. Students will be required to apply the knowledge and skills learnt to solve various business issues in Asian business environment.

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Firms face complex problems of governance and increasing scrutiny. The course will explain the function and features of corporate governance and key corporate governance theories. It will analyse the roles of board members and why good corporate governance practices are important for businesses. In particular, the course will discuss the implications of board membership composition for firms; why independent directors on boards are crucial; how committees are structured; the distinctive function of a CEO and Chairman, among others. It will also highlight corporate governance in an era of 'social responsibility'.

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This subject provides an introduction to the basic concepts, principles and activities of marketing and how to manage an organisation's marketing effort. Some of the principal topics include value-based marketing, market research, selecting target markets, product and brand management, marketing communications (advertising and promotions, as well as personal selling), management of distribution channels, pricing decisions and marketing ethics. Students are also introduced to the nature of buyer behaviour, including decision-making patterns, purchase behaviours, and customer satisfaction.

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The use of project management techniques has risen sharply. Examples of projects include research and development studies, reorganisation efforts, implementation of change programs, installation of a new piece of equipment, advertising campaigns, construction, organising special events and other one-off endeavours. The subject will cover the key drivers of project success, training and leadership in project environments. Project selection is the first critical set of decisions. Matching of the projects selected to the organisation’s strategy is taken as the starting point. Practical tools and techniques will then be introduced to manage the project or special event for success. The subject will also involve the use of an appropriate Project Management software package such as MS Project.

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This subject addresses the sustainability related challenges confronting business organisations, and how these can be overcome. Many organisations find it difficult to balance short and long-term objectives relating to economic, social and environmental outcomes. The subject addresses the complexity and multi-faceted nature of social and environmental issues and why they present significant challenges to organisations. Principles of sustainability will be discussed with reference to concepts such as corporate social responsibility, corporate political responsibility, triple bottom line thinking and creating shared value. It will then review how organisations respond to these challenges, both negatively and positively, and why they respond in these ways, including strategic, ethical and critical perspectives. The subject then addresses approaches that increase organisations’ capability for continuous renewal and long-term success, whilst also promoting social and environmental benefits. This will be done through a focus on topics such as managerial competencies and organisational capabilities for sustainability, stakeholder management, industry and transnational guidelines for sustainability, national regulation and self-regulation, and an integrated supply chain perspective.

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This subject introduces entrepreneurship as a key driver of success in all organisations, ranging from start-ups to large, mature organisations and in both public and private settings. A strong practical focus will be taken. Students will learn from benchmarked companies and visiting speakers with entrepreneurial backgrounds about the key dilemmas encountered in the entrepreneurial process and the solutions that they can put into practice. A significant part of the course is designed around hands-on experience in an ‘incubator’ environment, where ideas are generated and refined through collaboration and iteration between all participants. Students are expected to demonstrate entrepreneurial skills and use these to take their own innovation (a solution to a real world problem) to the pre-implementation stage.

Through these practical instances, students are expected to develop a broader theoretical understanding of the critical elements of entrepreneurship, including the entrepreneurial mindset, capabilities and processes, skills that range from financial acumen, through to marketing, production and scale-up, often requiring novel solutions to these matters, under conditions of high uncertainty. Frameworks will be introduced that address the whole process that cover activities from the development and selection of ideas (invention), testing their efficacy and the business planning involved to exploit those ideas (entrepreneurship). The subject will also examine how entrepreneurs can shape their organisations so that they continuously build and commercialize valuable innovations. Many of the examples will focus on how established organisations can become more innovative and entrepreneurial.

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Many of the products and services consumed in Australia and around the world are designed, manufactured and delivered via interdependent global value chains. Therefore, success of firms depends on their ability to manage these value chains dispersed across the world. This subject will discuss global value chains, their functioning, the challenges they face, and the strategies to manage them. Particularly, the subject will analyse the sociopolitical and economic conditions giving rise to global value chains, their governance and management, risks posed by them and the strategies to manage them, sustainability challenges in them, and their future.

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The purpose of this subject is to study and practice topics on developing an entrepreneurial venture from an idea through to its first ‘minimum viable product’ in the market, and first customer.

The subject closely examines how entrepreneurial ventures are established; the building of attributes and skills of successful entrepreneurs; how product-market fit is established through business models; development of financial models in entrepreneurial ventures; how and with what outcomes meso-level interfacing between the entrepreneur and market incumbents exists; and deployment of a value-adding product in the market.

This subject presents some of the key frameworks and tools needed by entrepreneurs and is for anyone who has an interest in understanding entrepreneurship as either potential founders, those looking to intrapreneurship in large organisations, or those looking to work with entrepreneurs in one way or another. The subject uses a combination of theory building and key entrepreneurial model exploration and intensive ‘bootcamp’ approach, similar to entrepreneurial bootcamps in practice, to build knowledge and skills in the area, recognising that these are transferable and useful to many students will either start or work for non-traditional organisations.

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Business managers request, assess, purchase and use marketing research to make a wide range of informed decisions about target markets, product offerings and the performance of marketing activities. To be able to do this competently, managers need to know what benefits marketing research can provide, what research methods are appropriate for the different types of problems, and how data should be collected, analysed, interpreted and presented so that it is meaningful to other users. These are skills students will acquire through their participation in a 'real-life' client-sponsored project.

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The expectations on contemporary managers to make agile decisions in complex digitised environments are increasing. This subject focuses on the development of managerial capabilities to engage appropriate decision-making models and employ new-generation analytic tools that best-fit the scenario as it unfolds. This subject provides both conceptual frameworks and practical illustrations of quantitative decision-making techniques including decision trees and optimisation to tackle business problems. Students will be shown how to use these quantitative approaches to analyse business problems and, based on these analyses, make effective decisions. These frameworks can be applied to various decisions faced by organisations, with applications in different areas such as operations, marketing, financial and nursing management.

Managers must also decide if and how to employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) within their workplace to create value for the organisation. This subject explores the function, advantages and limitations of AI and machine learning, and how these tools can optimise decision making in complex environments. The subject focuses on: (1) the foundations of AI—inputs, processes, and outputs; (2) AI in action in various contexts to evaluate the opportunities and challenges; and (3) the critical analysis of AI to illustrate contrasting scenarios in which the adoption of AI creates value and destroys value for the organisation.

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With the explosion of data, it is critical that businesses harness the right analytical tools to make effective use of the available data. This subject is designed to equip students with a range of tools and techniques that are necessary for effective decision making. Key topics covered include both prescriptive and predictive analytics. Emphasis will be given to potential applications of these tools and techniques in various functional areas including international business, marketing, supply chain, and strategy.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Businesses are collections of individuals who are organised and cooperate to solve problems. Thus, all business activity has its roots in psychological processes such as individual and group cognition and emotion, personality, and social influence. In this subject we explore the psychological foundations of management practice by focusing on how managerial problems (e.g., high levels of absenteeism; poor collaboration among team members; etc.) can be understood and addressed using different psychological principles.

View detailed information in the Handbook

This subject examines individual and collective human behaviour in and around issues of organisational change. The subject will cover a broad theoretical basis that assists in understanding how change at the employee, group and strategic levels affects individuals. Both the planned approach and emergent approach to change management will be considered. Topics to be covered include: drivers of change, the role of internal and external change agents, tools for successful change management, and the implementation and consequences of specific change initiatives.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Students in this subject examine the key policies and practices of HR, including the attraction and retention of employees, developing, evaluating and rewarding performance. We evaluate the impact of HR policies and practices from the perspective of workplace stakeholders, including employees, unions, management and organisations.

View detailed information in the Handbook

This subject examines the engine of every organisation: its productive processes. These are the systems, processes and activities that convert the organisation's inputs into its outputs. Whether manufacturing of goods or provision of services, the principles and techniques of Operations Management can assist an organisation to achieve effective outcomes in terms of cost, quality, delivery, service levels, flexibility and innovation. This subject is integrative in nature, drawing upon concepts originally developed in other areas. The traditional topics such as: assessing the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; and various human issues involved in operations are examined from a contemporary perspective that involves complex phenomena such as globalisation, supply chains, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. Quantitative approaches are often useful in leading us toward possible solutions and so these are introduced where appropriate. However, in many situations, it is sufficient to descriptively understand the critical issues and major trade-offs involved. Finally, links with other areas of decisions and organisational functions are considered as they are critical to getting the most from the operations system.

View detailed information in the Handbook

The multinational enterprise (MNE) is the most distinctive aspect of international business. This subject explores: how and why MNEs exist as vehicles for leveraging and building competitive advantages across borders; how host economies impact the design of MNE operations; and the relationship and balance between global integration and local responsiveness that lies at the core of understanding strategies of the MNE. Particular attention is paid to contemporary issues such as global value chains, MNEs from emerging economies, and digital business models.

View detailed information in the Handbook

This subject provides an integrative learning experience and affords students the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in previous subjects in a coherent way to solve business problems. In a business strategy simulation students are required to make decisions, assess outcomes, and compete with other management teams for resources, opportunities and markets. Each team develops a strategy for its firm and applies the subject’s concepts and frameworks, as well as the concepts and frameworks acquired in other subjects. In the process, students will discover the interaction of a firm’s production, marketing, research and development, human resources, and financial operations and observe the impact of key decisions on business performance within a competitive market.

View detailed information in the Handbook

This subject will critically explore the purpose and value of management consulting as a profession. By examining the entire consulting engagement cycle, dynamics of client-consultant relationships, and consulting business models, students will develop essential soft and technical skills to diagnose, analyse and solve complex organisational problems. Through close scrutiny of actual consulting work, and practitioners’ experience with real-world challenges, this subject examines current practices and explores how these practices are evolving as a result of institutional and technological changes. The subject also requires students to distil and contemplate professional principles that can ensure integrity, accountability, and positive societal and economic impact of management consulting.

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This subject provides an insight into the complexities and challenges of making business decisions in an international setting. Students will be assigned in small groups to research a business problem in an international context. Working in teams, they will conduct research, analyse, evaluate and propose practical solutions to an assigned business planning or business development exercise. This will be supported by online modules and seminar work equipping the students with knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for completing the task and an understanding of report formats appropriate for conveying the results. During the practicum, in-depth research will be undertaken in identifying the scope, opportunities, constraints and recommendations of the exercise. Students will learn to work with unstructured and incomplete information in international business settings, to develop research and networks to support their enquiry, to work successfully in teams, to present their findings and seek and receive constructive feedback in a range of settings. Students will also be encouraged to plan, reflect and modify their approaches to improve the outcomes of their efforts in managing the business project.

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This subject provides an insight into the complexities and challenges of making business decisions in an Australian setting. Working in small teams, students will conduct research, analyse, evaluate and propose practical solutions to an assigned business planning or business development exercise. This will be supported by online modules and seminar work equipping the students with knowledge of approaches, tools and techniques for completing the task and an understanding of report formats appropriate for conveying the results. During the practicum, in-depth research will be undertaken in identifying the scope, opportunities constraints and recommendations of the exercise. Students will learn to: work with unstructured and incomplete information in Australian business settings, to develop research and networks to support their enquiry, to work successfully in teams, to present their findings and seek and receive constructive feedback in a range of settings. Students will also be encouraged to plan, reflect and modify their approaches to improve the outcomes of their efforts in managing the business project.

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This subject involves the completion of a professional work placement (internship) either:

off campus at an approved host organisation in Australia or overseas OR

on campus at the 'WorkHub'

Integrating academic learning in business & economics areas of study, students will gain an improved knowledge of employability skills, workplace culture, and career pathways. Students will be required to undertake pre-placement online modules designed to equip students with employability skills and techniques for creative problem solving, as well as learning tasks throughout the placement period. The placement will draw on students' specific discipline skills associated with the specialisation of their degree.

Internships may be paid, or unpaid provided they comply with the Fair Work Act.

This subject is intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply their business knowledge in an industry setting under the joint supervision of an industry and an academic mentor. Students can either apply for a University-sourced internship or apply to have a self-sourced internship approved for credit. Applications should be submitted by the due dates published on the MBS website. Selection into this subject is based on suitability of the placement, and demonstrated motivation to benefit from the program, and timely submission of the application.

The on-campus 'WorkHub' provides a modern collaborative and supportive office environment for students to complete internship tasks in groups, and connect with industry professionals both on-campus, virtually, and at the host organisation.

Students will either enrol in the off campus or on campus availability following selection.

The subject coordinator will have final approval of all selected students. Enrolment will be capped and subject to meeting the relevant academic program requirements and availability of appropriate internship opportunities.

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This subject is aimed at students undertaking graduate research programs. The overall aim is to provide the students an opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of core theoretical concepts within their discipline. This subject consists of a set program of weekly seminars on topics from the discipline within which candidate’s thesis is undertaken or an approved reading course under the direction of academic member (s) of staff within the department.

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This subject critically and systematically examines a range of important theories in the management field. The basic elements of these theories will be discussed. Ways in which these theories are invoked and operationalised in empirical and conceptual studies will also be discussed. Some of the theories that will be covered include agency theory, resource-based view, transaction cost economics, resource dependence theory, innovation theory, entrepreneurship critical management theory and institutional theory. A strong emphasis will be placed on linking these theories to the various research topics in management.

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The subject provides students with an advanced understanding of some fundamental and influential theories in marketing strategy and marketing management. Theories include market social exchange, transaction costs, social network, relationship marketing, resource based view, dynamic capabilities, value co-creation, corporate social responsibility and stakeholder theory.

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The rise of multinational enterprises and cross-border transactions represent an exciting challenge to traditional management theories, as these phenomena raise questions about the universality of concepts typically formulated to explain domestic (or Western) behaviour. International business scholars seek to explore, examine and explain the key defining elements of international business – location, development and transfer of competitive advantages, managing at a distance, governance decisions, and cross-cultural issues. This subject covers advanced themes and issues in the theory and practice of international business. Drawing on rich and varied theoretical traditions, contemporary quantitative and qualitative research, students will progress through a variety of process, content and contextual considerations to build an advanced perspective on the international business discipline.

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We begin by evaluating a range of theoretical perspectives on people, work, and employment. The emphasis will be on understanding and applying different conceptual perspectives to human resource management. The disciplinary foundations for the body of research reflected in this course are psychology, social-psychology and sociology, industrial relations, and management. We will review classics and contemporaries, theories and empirics, and interesting contradictions and consistencies to understand the impact of HR activities on employees and organisations. The course seeks to develop a thorough understanding of the ontological (the “what” of the topic) and epistemological (the “how we research”) foundations of the topics covered. Note, however, our coverage of research methods will be driven by the topic rather than vice-versa. As such, students will explore and critique frameworks, theories, methodologies, and conclusions from prior research, and develop their own perspectives on the topics.

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This subject examines state of the art thinking on the productive processes within organisations. The subject will provide an in-depth understanding of topics such as: the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; human issues involved in operations. The subject also considers the evolving context of operations management, with particular focus on globalisation, supply chain innovation, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. This subject delves deeper into the quantitative tools available to managers for getting the most from the operations system.

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This subject examines advanced themes and issues in the theory and practice of strategic management. Embedded in the critical examination of competitive advantage as derived from sources internal and external to the firm, this subject is designed to provide students with an appreciation of strategic management as a value-added approach to conceptualising the firm and its environment in pursuit of optimum rewards. Drawing on rich and varied theoretical traditions, contemporary research and case study analysis, students will progress through a variety of process, content and contextual considerations to secure an advanced perspective of the strategic management discipline. Broad topics include strategic change, strategy formation and implementation; business, corporate and network level strategies and examination of industry, organisational and international contexts. Within these broader topics such issues as innovation and dynamic capability theory will be investigated.

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This subject is designed to provide a strong foundation in theories and research in the area of consumer behaviour. This will involve an examination and understanding of various topics in social sciences such as cognitive psychology, social psychology etc. and the application of these to understand consumer behaviours. We will cover various topics such as consumer processing of market information, how information is incorporated into decision-making, factors influencing decision-making, and major methodologies available for investigating consumer behaviours.

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This subject will critically explore the purpose and value of management consulting as a profession. By examining the entire consulting engagement cycle, dynamics of client-consultant relationships, and consulting business models, students will develop essential soft and technical skills to diagnose, analyse and solve complex organisational problems. Through close scrutiny of actual consulting work, and practitioners’ experience with real-world challenges, this subject examines current practices and explores how these practices are evolving as a result of institutional and technological changes. The subject also requires students to distil and contemplate professional principles that can ensure integrity, accountability, and positive societal and economic impact of management consulting.

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The demand for business-focused HR means that HR practitioners need the ability to work in partnership with stakeholders from diverse areas of the business. This capacity is essential to improving the implementation of HR strategies, initiatives and plans, to build business support for HR and to ensure that HR is integrated with other business activities and functions. This subject focuses on developing business partnership competencies for HR people and will cover consulting and influencing skills, relationship-building, organisational politics, group processes and project management.

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As organisations have gradually shifted towards using more team-based work structures, one of the main challenges in the modern workplace is how to effectively lead and manage teams. This subject deals with this challenge by focusing on understanding the principles of leadership in organisations and the fundamentals of team structure of team processes. Topics considered include: the structure of teams within organisations; differences in team members; managing interpersonal dynamics in teams; theories of leadership; the role of managers as organisational leaders; human resource and organisational factors that impact leading teams effectively.

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This subject is aimed at developing an advanced understanding of the principles, concepts and approaches employed in the management of supply chains between industrial, commercial, and governmental organisations. It includes the management of materials and information in trading partner relationships. It also includes cost-savings, time-to-market, new product development, and consideration of supply chain management in these and other strategic contexts. Strategic issues relevant to the management of supply chains are covered. These include management of trading partner relationships, use of information technology, configuration of logistics networks and managing international supply chains.

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The purpose of this subject is to examine the topics of Managing Innovation in the context of large and small organisations. Innovation is ultimately the lifeblood of organisations, in that it is concerned with the capability to effectively introduce new products and services, new or substantively improved processes or other major initiatives into existing and new organisations. Topics include innovation capability, new product/process technology introduction, and innovation culture and innovation measures The subject addresses the process of innovation exploitation and exploration and the role ambidextrous organisational designs and dynamic organisational capabilities play in this process. The subject will examine the emerging importance of open innovation in the co-evolution of market and customer value and the use of crowd and expert sourcing in this process. Key elements addressed that are part of successful innovation companies are vision and strategy innovation, creativity and idea management, culture and climate, management of technology, organisational structures, intelligence and systems. Firms that have successfully and systematically created such capabilities will be used as case studies.

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Social entrepreneurs are individuals who establish an enterprise with the goal of solving complex social or environmental problems, including poverty, access to health, homelessness, climate change and food waste. They have been credited with success in disrupting the traditional forms and purpose of business and charity by creating innovative social enterprises that meld the best features of business and the non-profit sector. This subject seeks to equip students with a critical understanding of the social enterprise form and support them in developing a startup social enterprise with the purpose of solving a social and/or environmental problem. Designed and delivered with input from leaders in the social enterprise sector, the subject features lectures and workshops on social enterprise design, business modelling, pitching, social finance and measurement, as well as addressing the difficulties and dark side of social enterprise. In the subject students will develop an idea for a startup social enterprise and develop a business plan which they will pitch to a Shark Tank panel of experts. Prizes will be awarded to the best ideas to help develop these solutions into successful social enterprises.

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Conflict between individual and groups is an inevitable aspect of day to day life. This subject will review the nature of conflict in the workplace and the conflict management strategies of influencing and negotiation. Students will be given the opportunity to apply negotiation techniques to case studies and in simulations.

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This subject will explain and conceptualise the nature of Asian management and business practices from economic, cultural and institutional perspectives. The emphasis of the subject is on the application of contextual knowledge about international business theory as tailored to the Asia Pacific, to analyse and make decisions faced by companies operating or expanding in the Asia Pacific region. Students will be required to apply the knowledge and skills learnt to solve various business issues in Asian business environment.

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Firms face complex problems of governance and increasing scrutiny. The course will explain the function and features of corporate governance and key corporate governance theories. It will analyse the roles of board members and why good corporate governance practices are important for businesses. In particular, the course will discuss the implications of board membership composition for firms; why independent directors on boards are crucial; how committees are structured; the distinctive function of a CEO and Chairman, among others. It will also highlight corporate governance in an era of 'social responsibility'.

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This subject examines individual and collective human behaviour in and around issues of organisational change. The subject will cover a broad theoretical basis that assists in understanding how change at the employee, group and strategic levels affects individuals. Both the planned approach and emergent approach to change management will be considered. Topics to be covered include: drivers of change, the role of internal and external change agents, tools for successful change management, and the implementation and consequences of specific change initiatives.

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The use of project management techniques has risen sharply. Examples of projects include research and development studies, reorganisation efforts, implementation of change programs, installation of a new piece of equipment, advertising campaigns, construction, organising special events and other one-off endeavours. The subject will cover the key drivers of project success, training and leadership in project environments. Project selection is the first critical set of decisions. Matching of the projects selected to the organisation’s strategy is taken as the starting point. Practical tools and techniques will then be introduced to manage the project or special event for success. The subject will also involve the use of an appropriate Project Management software package such as MS Project.

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Students in this subject examine the key policies and practices of HR, including the attraction and retention of employees, developing, evaluating and rewarding performance. We evaluate the impact of HR policies and practices from the perspective of workplace stakeholders, including employees, unions, management and organisations.

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This subject addresses the sustainability related challenges confronting business organisations, and how these can be overcome. Many organisations find it difficult to balance short and long-term objectives relating to economic, social and environmental outcomes. The subject addresses the complexity and multi-faceted nature of social and environmental issues and why they present significant challenges to organisations. Principles of sustainability will be discussed with reference to concepts such as corporate social responsibility, corporate political responsibility, triple bottom line thinking and creating shared value. It will then review how organisations respond to these challenges, both negatively and positively, and why they respond in these ways, including strategic, ethical and critical perspectives. The subject then addresses approaches that increase organisations’ capability for continuous renewal and long-term success, whilst also promoting social and environmental benefits. This will be done through a focus on topics such as managerial competencies and organisational capabilities for sustainability, stakeholder management, industry and transnational guidelines for sustainability, national regulation and self-regulation, and an integrated supply chain perspective.

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This subject introduces entrepreneurship as a key driver of success in all organisations, ranging from start-ups to large, mature organisations and in both public and private settings. A strong practical focus will be taken. Students will learn from benchmarked companies and visiting speakers with entrepreneurial backgrounds about the key dilemmas encountered in the entrepreneurial process and the solutions that they can put into practice. A significant part of the course is designed around hands-on experience in an ‘incubator’ environment, where ideas are generated and refined through collaboration and iteration between all participants. Students are expected to demonstrate entrepreneurial skills and use these to take their own innovation (a solution to a real world problem) to the pre-implementation stage.

Through these practical instances, students are expected to develop a broader theoretical understanding of the critical elements of entrepreneurship, including the entrepreneurial mindset, capabilities and processes, skills that range from financial acumen, through to marketing, production and scale-up, often requiring novel solutions to these matters, under conditions of high uncertainty. Frameworks will be introduced that address the whole process that cover activities from the development and selection of ideas (invention), testing their efficacy and the business planning involved to exploit those ideas (entrepreneurship). The subject will also examine how entrepreneurs can shape their organisations so that they continuously build and commercialize valuable innovations. Many of the examples will focus on how established organisations can become more innovative and entrepreneurial.

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Many of the products and services consumed in Australia and around the world are designed, manufactured and delivered via interdependent global value chains. Therefore, success of firms depends on their ability to manage these value chains dispersed across the world. This subject will discuss global value chains, their functioning, the challenges they face, and the strategies to manage them. Particularly, the subject will analyse the sociopolitical and economic conditions giving rise to global value chains, their governance and management, risks posed by them and the strategies to manage them, sustainability challenges in them, and their future.

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The purpose of this subject is to study and practice topics on developing an entrepreneurial venture from an idea through to its first ‘minimum viable product’ in the market, and first customer.

The subject closely examines how entrepreneurial ventures are established; the building of attributes and skills of successful entrepreneurs; how product-market fit is established through business models; development of financial models in entrepreneurial ventures; how and with what outcomes meso-level interfacing between the entrepreneur and market incumbents exists; and deployment of a value-adding product in the market.

This subject presents some of the key frameworks and tools needed by entrepreneurs and is for anyone who has an interest in understanding entrepreneurship as either potential founders, those looking to intrapreneurship in large organisations, or those looking to work with entrepreneurs in one way or another. The subject uses a combination of theory building and key entrepreneurial model exploration and intensive ‘bootcamp’ approach, similar to entrepreneurial bootcamps in practice, to build knowledge and skills in the area, recognising that these are transferable and useful to many students will either start or work for non-traditional organisations.

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This subject examines the engine of every organisation: its productive processes. These are the systems, processes and activities that convert the organisation's inputs into its outputs. Whether manufacturing of goods or provision of services, the principles and techniques of Operations Management can assist an organisation to achieve effective outcomes in terms of cost, quality, delivery, service levels, flexibility and innovation. This subject is integrative in nature, drawing upon concepts originally developed in other areas. The traditional topics such as: assessing the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; and various human issues involved in operations are examined from a contemporary perspective that involves complex phenomena such as globalisation, supply chains, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. Quantitative approaches are often useful in leading us toward possible solutions and so these are introduced where appropriate. However, in many situations, it is sufficient to descriptively understand the critical issues and major trade-offs involved. Finally, links with other areas of decisions and organisational functions are considered as they are critical to getting the most from the operations system.

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The multinational enterprise (MNE) is the most distinctive aspect of international business. This subject explores: how and why MNEs exist as vehicles for leveraging and building competitive advantages across borders; how host economies impact the design of MNE operations; and the relationship and balance between global integration and local responsiveness that lies at the core of understanding strategies of the MNE. Particular attention is paid to contemporary issues such as global value chains, MNEs from emerging economies, and digital business models.

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