FDN 7451 Foundation Business Studies

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Students considering further study in higher education programs require an academic background that demonstrates a knowledge base and acquisition of skills, usually organised around a selection of discipline-based subjects. The course, FDN7451- Foundation Business Studies, fits within the business-oriented selection of discipline-based subjects that make up Part 1 of the Foundation Studies Program.

SYNOPSIS:

This course is designed to provide International Students with a sound understanding of the business fundamentals as they apply within the Australian regulatory and international business environment. Satisfactory completion of the course will provide students with the necessary competencies for entry into the Bachelor of Commerce degree programs. Students will also develop and practise language and problem solving skills in English so that they can build upon their existing knowledge and express themselves adequately in the business context.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. describe the nature of business and its role in society;
2. identify and describe the types of business structures and functions;
3. explain the business life cycle and indicate the challenges that each stage presents for management;
4. identify the responsibilities of business to stakeholders;
5. understand and explain the interrelationships between internal and external factors and their impact on business;
6. assess the importance of the roles of the key business functions in operating a business;
7. identify the interdependence of the major functional areas of business;
8. identify the responsibilities of business;
9. apply mathematical ideas and techniques appropriately in business contexts;
10. recognise and describe the process in establishing a business;
11. understand and report on the issues related to the establishment of a business you have studied;
12. discuss the relationship between business planning and successful business operations; assess the business planning processes in businesses you have studied;
13. develop and evaluate a detailed business report.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all classess and activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. Students must attend all activities scheduled for them and ensure that their attendance is registered with the staff member in charge of the activity.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be awarded a Supplementary Examination and/or assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard. It is expected that such students will have gained at least 40% of the total marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); calculators which cannot hold textual information (students must indicate on their examination paper the make and model of any calculator(s) they use during the examination; English translation dictionaries (but not technical dictionaries); Formula sheets;.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held at a time arranged by the examiner in consultation with the student.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. All assignments must be submitted for students to be eligible for the final test.
2. Workshop tests and final test will be conducted in class time.