Major structure
Overview
Equip yourself with the leadership, analysis, planning and decision-making skills to succeed from day one. In this major, you can choose subjects from specialist areas including business management, human resource management, international business and operations management.
Your major structure
In your first year, you will complete a compulsory core alongside 4-6 foundation subjects to build your fundamentals, as well as electives and breadth subjects. You'll also commence a sequence of subjects to fulfill the Bachelor of Commerce quantitative requirements.
In your second and third year, you will complete 5 or more management subjects to realise your major, plus a combination of elective and breadth subjects.
Double majors
Students can complete a double major by combining any two Commerce majors within the standard 300 credit points of the degree (no extra time required).
Specialisations
From 2026, you can deepen your knowledge by focusing 25 credit points of your level 3 elective study toward a specialisation within your major. The two specialisations available to the Management major are:
- Human Resource
- Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Ethics and Sustainability
Breadth studies
The Melbourne curriculum allows you to incorporate breadth subjects into your degree. This gives you the chance to explore subjects or disciplines outside of commerce.
Use breadth to explore creative interests or topics you have always been curious about; or complement your management major and career development with a language, communication skills or technological expertise.
If you have a professional graduate program in mind, such as the Juris Doctor (Law) or Master of Engineering, you can use your breadth subjects to develop your knowledge and meet prerequisites from day one. Breadth subjects can give you the flexibility to qualify for graduate studies or explore interests in a field that’s very different from your major.
Capstone subject
In the final year of your degree, you can choose to do either the Business Judgment or Business Case Analysis capstone subject to develop your practical business skills. You'll participate in simulation tasks and case analyses. These will challenge you to form and act upon your judgments around strategic directions, marketing priorities, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Sample course plan
View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this major.
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
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| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts |
|
null
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 1100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 2100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
Year 3100 pts |
|
| Semester 1 · 50 pts | |
| Semester 2 · 50 pts | |
Explore this major
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this major.
Students completing this major are required to complete the Level 1 pre-requisite subject as part of the foundation requirement before commencing the Level 2 major required subjects.
Prerequisite
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Principles of Management · 12.5 pts |
This subject introduces students to the key concepts of management. Four domains of management are explored: self, others, organisations and eco-systems. Managing self includes topics such as personal motivation, creativity and purpose. Managing others looks at working in teams, conflict, diversity and leadership. Managing organisations explores the role of firms, the creation of new businesses, the pursuit of competitive advantage, and the role of social purpose. Managing eco-systems includes topics such as value chains, innovation and stakeholder management. Students will be introduced to management theory, research and case studies that will develop their ability to manage complex real-world business problems, and to create a workplace where people can thrive. |
Students completing this major are required to complete the Level 1 pre-requisite subject as part of the foundation requirement before commencing the Level 2 major required subjects.
Prescribed
Students must complete the following subject:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Organisational Behaviour · 12.5 pts |
This subject will provide an introduction to basic individual and group processes, as they affect people in organisations. Major theories and models in key areas of organisational behaviour will be examined; including group dynamics, motivation, ethics, culture, communication, conflict, power and change management. Tutorials will emphasise the application of theories, through the use of exercises and case studies. |
Electives
Students must complete ONE of the following subjects:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Managing Processes and Projects · 12.5 pts |
This subject explores how the production of goods and services are managed within and across organisations, with a focus on the role of processes and projects. Process-related topics include process analysis, design and implementation. Tools such as lean operations and six-sigma method for achieving process improvements will be introduced. Under projects, all the key phases in managing projects will be discussed, including project conception, planning, implementation and closure. Frameworks and tools will be used for effective project modelling and management. Each element is linked back to operational performance outcomes and competitiveness. |
| Managing People at Work · 12.5 pts |
A central challenge in one’s career is managing relationships with others both within and beyond the workplace. This subject explores various human resource management policies and practices including job design, recruitment and selection, reward systems, and performance management. A key focus is understanding the implications of these practices for being managed, and for career development and planning. In addition, this subject explores relationship management with clients, suppliers and partners and the role of effective communication, leadership and stakeholder management. |
Students completing this major are required to complete the Level 1 pre-requisite subject as part of the foundation requirement before commencing the Level 2 major required subjects.
Capstone
Students must complete ONE of the following subjects:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Business Judgement · 12.5 pts |
This subject serves as a capstone for the Management and Marketing majors within the Bachelor of Commerce. As such, the aim is to integrate students’ knowledge of core business functions and analytical tools and apply these to the problems faced by modern organisations and decision-makers. Students will be exposed to these problems through simulation tasks and case analyses. Students will be challenged to form and act upon judgments around strategic directions, marketing priorities, and entrepreneurial opportunities. There is a strong focus on the need to collectively arrive at decisions within decision groups, and to argue for these choices through typical business communication formats (e.g. business plans, slide packs, formalised reviews). |
| Business Case Analysis · 12.5 pts |
This subject is designed to introduce students to case studies and analyses in the business, not-for-profit and government sectors. The objective of the subject is to provide a context in which students’ knowledge of the spectrum of business and economics disciplines can be brought to bear on the various issues organisations face in pursuing their goals and objectives. Specifically, the subject will include:
Students will be presented with information by the primary course facilitators as well as by specialist (guest) speakers who will present specific information necessary to successfully analyse and present a case solution. Throughout the semester, students will be required to prepare cases and present their analysis and strategies. Presentations will demonstrate the use of the information provided in the class. |
Electives
Students must complete TWO of the following subjects:
| Accordion | |
|---|---|
| Managing in Contemporary Organisations · 12.5 pts |
This subject will examine the management of contemporary organisations with a particular emphasis on understanding link between theory and practice. Subject content will include an introduction to a broad set of perspectives relating to how organizations are managed today, such as, technology, innovation, strategy, design, structure, culture, and change. By focussing on case studies students will gain insight on the importance of theory for providing solutions to typical organizational problems. |
| Managing Globally · 12.5 pts |
Organisations operate within complex global eco-systems, and employees and entrepreneurs increasingly interact with colleagues, collaborators and clients around the world. This subject explores the cross-cultural challenges of such interactions, the choices managers face around organisational forms and foreign market entries, and the complexity of international human resource management and global supply chains. The rise of Asia, China and India in particular, as a regional powerhouse is strongly emphasised. |
| Managing Strategic Change · 12.5 pts |
This subject explores different models of strategy making and examines some of the difficulties involved in managing strategic change. Traditional models see strategy making as a straightforward, rational, 'top-down' process. Empirical work shows, however, that the formulation and implementation of strategies is a complex process, which is affected by political, cognitive, and contextual factors. Top managers can formulate a detailed strategic plan; but plans are not always put into practice nor are the plans that are put into practice necessarily successful. The subject commences by reviewing traditional models of strategy making where strategies are formed to derive a competitive advantage that enables the organisation to respond to environmental threats and opportunities. Students will then be introduced to other models, including institutional, ecological, competitive, value-driven and critical perspectives, to explore how strategic change is managed. |
| Managing Entrepreneurship and Innovation · 12.5 pts |
The subject is systematically organised around the creation of new value, processes of innovation, management and operation of new and emerging ventures. The subject covers all of the major aspects of innovation strategy and capabilities, including leadership of innovation, creativity, design led innovation, open innovation, management of the innovation portfolio and new product development processes. The subject examines foundations of entrepreneurship and innovation, the entrepreneurial journey and fundamental strategies, developing entrepreneurial ventures and innovation and entrepreneurial practices in organisations. |
| Managing Sustainably · 12.5 pts |
Organisations are under increased pressure to more effectively balance economic, social and environmental outcomes. This subject explores the principles of sustainability, including corporate social responsibility, shared value, responsible innovation and stakeholder management. A key focus is understanding the roles for social purpose organisations and institutions such as regulators. Grand challenges such as climate change, water and food security and modern slavery are strongly emphasised. |
| Managing Supply Chain Networks · 12.5 pts |
Organisations operate within a complex network of actors, each striving to maximise their performance and competitive advantages. This subject examines the roles of various actors within production and service delivery networks, and the data and systems required to monitor and improve performance, the mechanisms for innovation and the role of emergent technologies. Consideration is given to contracting forms, geography, institutions and ethical issues. |
| Management Consulting · 12.5 pts |
Management Consulting is designed to provide students with an enriched learning experience. Working in cross-disciplinary teams, students will be assigned to a client organisation and will be required to draw on their prior knowledge gained from their studies to address contemporary business problems/opportunities at the individual (e.g. employee satisfaction, customer experience, etc), organisational (e.g. process analysis/improvement, organisational design, etc.) and industry/societal (e.g. industry analysis, go-to-market strategies, etc) level. Students will be supported by formal lectures that cover practitioner-oriented methodologies. The mastery of specific consulting tools and techniques will be achieved through skill-based workshops led by experienced instructors. Students will learn to work with unstructured and incomplete information, to develop research and networks to support their enquiry, to work successfully in teams, and 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 their business project. |
| Managing for Competitive Advantage · 12.5 pts |
Organisations are constantly striving to build advantages so as to attract customers, funding and employees. This subject examines the impact of competitive dynamics and industry evolution, and the strategic choices managers face around market positioning and collaborating in ecosystems. Particular attention is paid to the roles of strategic human resource management, emergent strategy and organisational change. |
| Managing Work and Your Career · 12.5 pts |
This subject enhances students’ understanding of what it means to work in an organisation and how to develop their own careers. It is suitable for all undergraduates wanting to succeed at work. Based on theories of career and organisational studies, the subject is designed to offer practical insights for getting into an organisation, focusing on the graduate employment process, getting along with others at work including self-management, politics, influence and ethics, and getting ahead by investing in human and social capital. The subject will also address contemporary careers issues such as the role of social media, gender, work-life management, issues of employability and what is career success. Through the use of reflection, experiential activities and case studies the workshops will examine how these theories can be applied at the individual level. |
| Global Management Consulting · 12.5 pts |
Bachelor of Commerce students will be assigned in small groups to a host organisation in a country outside Australia. Collaborating in teams, they will undertake a consulting project related to an issue that is of current, practical importance to the host organisation. During the project, student teams will undertake in-depth, self-directed project work in coordination with the host organisation, including identifying project scope, opportunities, constraints and recommendations. Students will be supported by instructor-led workshops and consultations that provide guidance regarding approaches, tools and techniques, and values and principles for consulting work. Students will learn to operate in an international context with unstructured and incomplete information in real business settings, to work with primary and secondary data sources and with stakeholders, to develop solutions that consider economic, social and environmental impacts, to work successfully in teams, to present their findings and seek and received constructive feedback in a range of settings. Students will also be encouraged to plan, reflect upon and modify their approaches over the course of the project to improve the outcomes of their efforts. |
| Business Communication · 12.5 pts |
The ability to communicate effectively in the workplace is crucial to graduates and managers alike. This subject covers the fundamentals of good business communication and uses management theories to explore the latest trends in workplace communication. Some of the topics covered may include corporate communication with stakeholders, social media and employee communication, impact of new information and communication technologies, and informal communication systems in organizations. It will involve the critical analysis and contemporary trends in business communication and will focus on integrating knowledge to help students make the transition to employment. |
| The Future of Work · 12.5 pts |
The way we work is changing. The forces of globalisation, technological advancement and population pressures are reshaping the nature and meaning of ‘work’. Graduates entering the new world of work face a revolution in working practices and organisational culture. There are greater opportunities for autonomy, flexibility and creativity, but there is also more uncertainty about job security and employment pathways. New work opportunities have emerged that did not exist just a few years ago, yet career choices that were previously considered ‘safe’ have also come under new threats from increasingly capable technologies. The subject is intended as a meaningful development journey that helps students to plan for and succeed in their careers. Through the use of reflection, peer interaction, case studies and workshops, students will learn how to apply the course content at the individual, organisational and global levels. |
| Analytics for Supply Chain & Operations · 12.5 pts |
This subject focuses on quantitative models for informing supply chain and operational decisions. It explores techniques for how organisations can more effectively deploy operational and supply chain modelling using analytics to evaluate and analyse real time data to gain insights from them, including: demand forecasting, newsvendor optimal ordering, bullwhip effect and supply chain optimal ordering, optimizing production planning, queuing, and staff allocation. The subject will also equip students with the ability to apply big data analytic techniques and effectively communicating insights from their analyses with non-expert decision-makers and stakeholders (suppliers, customers, managers). |
| Human Resource Analytics · 12.5 pts |
This subject applies the creation, analysis, utilisation, and application of “people-oriented” analytics to understand organisational behaviour at work and support human resource (HR) decision-making processes. Students will learn fundamental principles and philosophical underpinnings of adopting an evidence-based approach to managing human resources and human capital. Throughout this subject, students will develop both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary to analyse HR data effectively, informing decisions in human resource management. Moreover, this subject explores the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in various HR and people management areas, including recruitment, professional development, performance evaluation, compensation, and succession planning. |
| Business Negotiations · 12.5 pts |
This subject provides an introduction to the principles of negotiation applied to various spheres of management and business, including business and commercial matters, contract and debt negotiations, international business, workplace relations and human resource management. As well as providing an overview of key theoretical ideas from these different areas of study, the subject will present a wide range of bargaining exercises and simulations that allow students to understand and apply these concepts to practical negotiation situations. Topics will include: styles of negotiation, negotiation strategies and situations, effective negotiation tactics, understanding key processes and dynamics in negotiation, judgement and cognition in negotiations, cross-cultural and international negotiations, multi-party negotiations, and the social and legal context of negotiations. Students will contextualise these theories and ideas in different dimensions of management and business, including human resource management, team decision-making, commercial disputes and contracts, trade and international relations. |
| Managing Employee Relations · 12.5 pts |
Why regulate employment? Do unions have too much power? How should pay be set? How can disputes at work be resolved? Should employees share in decision-making with management? These questions are central to contemporary debates over the policies and practices governing the relationship between managers and workers. This subject introduces students to the institutions, actors, and processes which shape the terms and conditions of work. An overview of key theoretical ideas provides the basis for examining major issues, trends and controversies in the regulation and management of employee relations. |