FOBWatch

T + 61 7 4631 2941	F + 61 7 4631 2625
E business.experience@usq.edu.au	W http://www.usq.edu.au/business/student/newsletter.htm

ISSUE: 09

MARCH, 2008

Business Student Club News

NEXT BUSINESS STUDENT CLUB
MEETING

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
5.00pm, Q502, Toowoomba Campus

Be involved! Have a say!

Useful Links

Faculty of Business-Home Page **NEW**
Business Student Club **NEW**
USQ Student Guild Second Hand Text Books
USQAssist
Studying by Distance Education
Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) Network
Distance Education Services by the Student Guild
Employability Workshops and Graduate Attributes
Academic Learning Support (Free)
New resource webpage for student assignment preparation
USQ Career Mentoring — developing relationships for the future
Distance Education - Outreach Services
Youth Allowance and Austudy
Free Counselling, Careers & Employment, Accommodation, Financial, International Student and Disability Assistance

Work Integrated Learning Course - Launched for S2 08

We have a WIL; you now have a way

The purpose of our new course, BUS3000 is to provide the opportunity for you to experience the applied aspects of working in your area of major study. It allows you to improve your learning by the application of concepts, theories and graduate skills developed in your study to workplace activities. It will encourage a reflective approach to the development of workplace skills. It is envisioned that the experience will enhance your post-graduation employment prospects.

You will then be able to:

Develop and demonstrate an awareness of how theory is implemented in the workplace

Apply the concepts and theories of your major area of study to your workplace activities and responsibilities

Develop and demonstrate transitions skills which will equip you to make a positive contribution to your workplace

Develop and demonstrate workplace communication skills, oral and written.

Develop and demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a group in your workplace

Make a positive contribution to the goals of the organisation in which you are working

Develop and demonstrate skills that allow you to be a productive, effective member of an organisation

BUS3000 will be available from Semester 2, 2008 and will be available to all students in their third year of study. Students should be aware that the number of admissions will be restricted and acceptance will be at the discretion of the Course Examiner, so it'll be competitive!.

To register your interest, please email us at: business.experience@usq.edu.au

What's On

March
Monday 3	Semester One commences
Friday 7	Last Date to Add Semester One Courses
Saturday 8	Apple & Grape Festival, Stanthorpe
12-15	USQ Shakespeare in the Park, Hervey Bay
Friday 14	USQ Careers Fair, Refectory, Toowoomba Campus
27-29	USQ Shakespeare in the Park, Springfield, Brisbane
Friday 28	Last Date to Drop Semester One Courses without fee or failing grade
April
Thursday 10	Toowoomba Show Holiday - University closed.

Like to add your local event to "What's On"? It's Free!
Email: business.experience@usq.edu.au

Associations and Groups

USQ Community Environment Group, Terry 0400 654 293 or E: usqceg-owner@yahoogroups.com

USQ Volunteer Program, Franciska P: 4631 2794 or E: eckard@usq.edu.au

The Inklings, USQ Literature Society, Wednesdays 3pm, Japanese Gardens

USQ Debating Society, E: usqdebating@hotmail.com

Amnesty International, E: usq_amnesty@yahoo.com.au P Kate 0424 556 123

Study Desk Tips

New for S1 08!

On your course StudyDesk, on the left hand side you will see a Useful Links block. The top link USQStudyDesk info contains essential information for your use of the teaching and learning environments at USQ. You will find information on:

Setting up your computer
How to use USQConnect
How to use your USQStudyDesk
Student checklist for first time users
How to navigate the USQStudyDesk
Using discussion forums
How to submit assignments electronically
How to get help

Electronic Assignment Submission

With the continuing technology changes, more course leaders are opting for assignments to be submitted electronically. If your course has been set up to allow you to submit your assignment electronically, step-by-step instructions are available to assist you.

New Accounting Course

ACC8106 - Forensic Accounting

In an environment of increasing corporate collapse many organisations are turning to professionals with forensic investigation skills.

Executives and senior management are becoming more aware of the need to incorporate forensic accounting as part of their corporate governance strategy to combat fraud and corruption.

The new course Forensic Accounting has been designed to provide students with an understanding of how fraud can lead to organisation loss and possible failure. Students will gain appropriate forensic investigation skills and techniques in order to be able to undertake a forensics examination within an organisational context.

In addition the Master of Business course will highlight inadequacies in organisations' control systems and how to adequately design controls to mitigate against fraud. By undertaking this course you will also personally gain skills that allow you to scrutinise published financial statements before making investment decisions either for your organisation or personally.

New for S1, 2008!

Graduate Profile

Jimmy Low
Graduated: Bachelor of Commerce, 1997

When I returned to Malaysia in January 1997, I joined Maxis Mobile, then a start-up mobile operator. I recalled having to convince my future manager, a Wharton alumni, to hire me. I told him “You have not heard about my Uni but let’s make a bet. Hire me and I will prove myself. Else, you can fire me after 3 months.” Well, like they say, the rest was history.

I have spent 11 years in the telecommunications industry in management accounting, financial planning and product management roles. After 3 years in Maxis, I joined Lucent Technologies which brought me back to Sydney and Melbourne almost every month for the next 3 years. It seems like Australia has never left me. I am now with Maxis and report to an American Chief Operating Officer.

Looking back, I made the right “bet” by studying in USQ. Although it was a distance learning programme, the close interaction between students and lecturers made the difference. My lecturers were always contactable. I spent my last semester in Toowoomba, which I would regard as the best part of my student life. My friendship with the lecturers and staff at USQ continues today. Through the International Friendship Programme, I met my extended family Lynette and John Pukallus who live in Goombungee and Trish Feehely and family.

Like McArthur once said “I shall return” and indeed I did. Last September, I brought my wife Alison, 2-year old daughter Joelle and parents to Toowoomba and shared with them the best part of my life that I am so proud of. As for me, it was a homecoming trip to rekindle the good ol' times.

Ed's Note: Jimmy is currently applying for admission into Master of Business Administration at Stanford University. This will be a two-year full-time commitment and we wish him every success.

LIKE TO INCLUDE YOUR PROFILE IN FOBWATCH?
We'd love to hear from you! Please email: business.experience@usq.edu.au

Your Business Librarians

Your Faculty Librarians work collaboratively
with Faculty staff to provide a range of
subject specific classes to assist you in
developing the skills needed to complete
your assignments. You should look at the Resources by Faculty page on the Library
website for key databases and websites in
your subject area. Postgraduate students
can contact their Faculty Librarian for
additional assistance.

Faculty of Business Librarian:
Adrian Stagg

Law Librarian:
Suzanne Schultz

Teaching Awards

As part of USQ Learning and Teaching Week recently, teaching awards were announced, including staff from our Faculty, Dr Cassandra Star and Jacqui McDonald (Learning and Teaching Supoort Unit LTSU) recieved a
"Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning For the nurturing of a culture of quality teaching and scholarship amongst Faculty of Business first year core course leaders".

Congratulations to Cassandra and Jacqui!

From The Library

Library Podcast for Business Students

Broadcasting fortnightly during Semester is
The Library Podcast, dedicated to informing
Business students about the best possible
resources for assignment work and other
library information. Your key to study success
is now as portable as your MP3 player.

Library Classes

Can't find information for your assignments?
Not sure how to search the databases?

The Library will be running one hour
introductory and advanced classes on
Finding Information for Your Assignments
during the first few weeks of semester.
For class days and times at your campus
check out the above link.

Finding Information Tutorial

For a kick start with finding the best
information for your uni assignments and
study, have a look at the Library's Finding Information Tutorial.

You can work through the whole tutorial or
just use the parts you need. You can
practice your skills in the interactive
exercises and watch demonstrations that
step you through all the search strategies.
This tutorial provides advice on:

Defining information needs
Searching for information
Evaluating information
Managing information
Using information appropriately

The Finding Information Tutorial:

Better Information for Better Assignments!

Learning and Teaching Support for U

Learning Skills Workshops

A series of workshops are run at the start of each semester at Toowoomba and Springfield campuses to help students adjust to the university culture. These workshops cover topics such as:

 note-taking, note-making, reading and writing at university.

One-on-one or small group tutoring sessions

Students can book sessions in The Learning Centre at Toowoomba campus with a tutor for assistance with mathematics or academic language in any course. This service is available to external and on-campus students. Sessions with external students are generally conducted over the phone, by email, or other programs. Sessions are available each day.
Topics that are covered include:

 paragraph development, writing an introduction to an essay, sentence structure.
 How to interpret graphs and charts; how to use your calculator

First assignments due soon?

Some tips:

• Plan early
• Analyse/deconstruct the question carefully
• Research relevant material – the library can help here
• Make sure you know what format to use – e.g. Is an essay required? Are examples requested?
• Check the criteria sheet if there is one
• Stick to the word limit
• Contact The Learning Centre for advice at any time during this process if you wish

LTSU (Learning and Teaching Support Unit)
Study hints this month for new students

• Engage with the opportunities made available to you by the university

• Read/listen to introductory materials provided

• Plan how you intend to manage your time across study, work, social life, family

Remember, if you need assistance or advice with any academic aspect of your studies at USQ - The Learning Centre is … Open for Learning

Noticeboard

Where's Phil Winner

A photo of children with Phil infront of
windmills in Holland has won the grand prize of a Canon camera and equipment worth more than $2000 in the Where in the world is USQ's Phil the Phoenix? photo competition.

Congratulations Kuddle Dutt on the winning entry.

Competition coordinators would like to thank everyone who participated in the competition.

Assignment Cover Sheets

Did you know?
All students now have the ability to print their assignment coversheets on USQConnect.

On-campus Toowoomba students will be expected to take responsibility for their own coversheets from semester 3, 2007.

Instructions:
1. Log on to USQConnect with your User Name and Password
2. Click on ‘USQ Admin’
3. Click on ‘Student Resources’
4. Select ‘Print Assignment Coversheets’
5. Click on the current semester
(e.g. Sem 2, 2007)
6. Identify the correct course and assessment item
7. Click on ‘Show Coversheet’
8. Print a copy & attach to the front of your assignment

2008 Graduations

The 2008 Graduation Dates are now finalised and available for viewing on the Graduations web page and via USQAssist.

Cartoon Corner

New Scholarship Opportunity

Give your career the boost it deserves by applying for Swisslog and Logistics Association of Australia Limited University Scholarship.

The Scholarships Program is open to all Australian students enrolled in an Undergraduate or Postgraduate Program containing a logistics of supply chain management stream of subjects.

In 2008 there will be two undergraduate degree scholarships worth $2,500 each and two postgraduate scholarships worth $5,000 each.

Applications close: 30 April 2008

More Information? P: 02 96353422 or 1300 651 911, E: laamanager@laa.asn.au
W: www.laa.asn.au

Staff Profile

Dave Roberts

What is your job title and what does it involve?
I am the Academic Director of USQ Sydney, which requires frequent travel to Sydney to liaise with students and staff there. I try to resolve any issues or problems associated with USQ Sydney, to help things run smoothly for all concerned.

How long have you worked at USQ?
I started work in the School of Education is 1986, moved to the School of Information Technology in 1990, then to the Faculty of Business when the School of IT was disbanded, and stayed with the Faculty of Business when the Faculties of Business and Commerce were amalgamated. So I have been at USQ as a staff member for 21 years. I started as a student here in 1972, so I have a long association with USQ.

Are you involved in any interesting projects at the moment?
USQ recently hosted the Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS), from Dec 4th to Dec 7th. It was a massive undertaking, but thanks to the high level of co-operation that exists within the staff of the School of Information Systems, the conference was a success, and a great way to promote USQ to the IS community.

What’s the best part of your job?
Working with the wonderful staff at USQ. Everyone really does try to help as much as they can.

What was your funniest moment at USQ?
I have many fond memories of the old days when the staff used to ‘party’ on different occasions, such as Melbourne Cup days and retreats, and one of my fondest memories was at one of these parties where one of our colleagues, Bruce, was trying to tell a joke in the early morning hours, and for some reason he could not finish the joke because everyone kept interjecting with “that reminds me of the joke”, which they would then tell, thus requiring Bruce to start again, only to be interrupted again, and again. Bruce never got to finish his joke. He was annoyed but we all thought it was the most wonderful unfinished joke since it was the catalyst for nearly two hours of late night joke telling.

What would your ideal holiday be like?
The TV ad for Lottery win comes to mind, where you are flying in a private jet and you decide the destination on the spur of the moment. I think I would like to be able to afford to try that.

Your Questions/Our Answers

Why does it take so long to find out our exam dates each semester?

Exam Dates can't be confirmed until enrolment numbers are finalised after the census date (at the end of week 4) and all the previous semester’s grades have been finalised. After this is complete USQ Examinations Office is able to finalise the examination timetable. This is usually six to eight weeks prior to the start of the exam period. The student schedules are then published on USQConnect. Web-publication is usually available several weeks before the printed Assessment Advice forms are sent by mail, so you need to keep an eye on USQConnect if you need earlier notification.

Deferring an exam last semester was stressful. No one could tell me what the chances were of being successful.

When enrolling each semester, students are required to make themselves available for the duration of that semester’s two-week examination period. Deferred Examinations are intended for students who cannot attend an examination due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances such as illness, a work-related or personal/family reason. Approval for a deferred examination is subject to the request being for a valid reason and supported by relevant documentation. It is, therefore, not generally possible for Faculty staff to indicate whether or not an application will be approved until the reason and supporting documentation has been considered. Personal travel (holiday) is not valid grounds for deferral.

Faculty Academic Board - Student Rep

Hi, my name is Jazzmin Muller and I am your Student Representative on the Faculty of Business Academic Board.

Firstly, a little about me. As I did not complete grade 12 I began my USQ journey by completing the TPP externally over 2005 and 2006. This will be my Third year studying at USQ, I am currently studying a BCOM and BBUS with majors in Accounting, HRM and Business Admin.

I have held this position since Semester 2, 2007. Studying a business degree is what initially peaked my interest in becoming the Student representative. I made the decision to nominate for Student Rep when the Dean spoke at a FoB Student Club meeting and discussed the advantages of being on the Faculty Board, which includes, being able to speak on behalf of FoB Students when it comes to important matters that impact on all students across the Business Faculty.

I really enjoy the meetings and find them very informative and appreciate all the hard work put into running the Faculty of Business. Since I started on the FoB Board I have also become a Student Rep on the FoB Advisory Committee and Student Rep on the Student Appeals Committee. I have come to realise that my position on these boards is important because I am the voice for the students and as such it would be great to receive any feedback or any questions that you would like answered or any issues that you believe need to be raised at the board meetings.

I will be making regular updates of Faculty Board meetings in upcoming editions of FoBWatch to keep you informed.

Setting and Keeping Goals

As a university student you will have numerous goals concerning your study plans, career, life style and happiness. Your goals will be long, medium or short term. You should record your goals and note the elements of a useful goal.

Long-term Goals

Long-term goals are goals you wish to achieve after you have successfully completed your course. These are related to your employment and life after you have completed your studies, at least five years in the future. Here are some examples.

Business manager by age of 30
Design engineer within 6 years
School teacher in northern NSW
Enrolled in a doctorate program
What are your long-term goals? If you feel uncertain about your long-term goals, contact a careers guidance counsellor

Medium-term Goals

Goals you wish to achieve in the next year or so, up to the end of your course. These will be the stepping-stones to achieving your long-term goals. Here are some examples.

Complete a Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing with a grade point average of at least 5.5 by the end of semester 3
Complete 4 units at least at a credit level by the end of semester 3 and a successful practical project
Complete a total of 8 units at least at a credit level by the end of semester 2 next year

What are your medium-term goals?

Short-term Goals

Goals you wish to achieve in the next day, week, and by the end of semester. These are the stepping-stones to achieving your medium-term goals. Use the course specification to plan for the semester and for each week.

What are your short-term goals?

Elements of a Useful Goal

Specific: Describes what you want to accomplish with as much detail as possible
Measurable: Describes your goal in terms that can clearly be evaluated
Challenging: Takes energy and discipline to accomplish
Realistic: A goal you know you are actually capable of obtaining
Stated Completion Date: Goals that break longer term goals into shorter pieces and clearly specify target completion dates

Make a list of your long-term, medium-term and short-term goals and display them in a visible place to assist with your motivation to study.

Business Paper Wins National Award

Courtesy: Amy Cass, USQ News

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) staff received two of the sixteen ‘Best Paper Awards’ at the annual Australian and New Zealand Management conference, held in Sydney recently (4-7 December 2007).

ANZAM is the peak professional body for management educators, researchers and practitioners in Australia and New Zealand, with about 500 individual members and 50 institutional members.

The organisation also has formal relationships with the Academy of Management in the United States of America and the British Academy of Management.

Professor Ronel Erwee is the Director of the Australian Graduate School of Business at USQ and said the highly prestigious and competitive Awards attracted more than five hundred papers from academics around the world.

'ANZAM is an umbrella management organisation with members representing the full range of management interests including organisational behaviour, small business, marketing and human resource management,' Professor Erwee said.

'For USQ academics to win two of the sixteen Awards is a major achievement that enhances the image of the USQ Business Faculty and in particular the reputation of the School of Management and Marketing in this field,' said Professor Erwee.

Professor Doren Chadee and a PhD student Revti Raman won the International Management Stream Award for their paper on Can Chinese and Indian Information Technology (IT) service providers cooperate to compete?

'Their findings indicate that there are mutual benefits for China and India to cooperate because of their complementary strengths,' Professor Erwee said.

'By partnering, Chinese and Indian IT service providers will have access to complementary skills and resources and will be in a stronger position to provide a more complete range of services to global clients.

'Dr Heather Maguire, Dr Latif Hakim and Dr Ian Patterson won the Supply Chain Management Stream Award for their paper on The soft side of Supply Chain Management: the importance of trust.

'Their findings indicate that successful relationships may be difficult to establish in certain segments of the supply chain. Managers therefore have to carefully cultivate the important dimensions of competence trust and goodwill trust between partners to establish successful relationships.'

The USQ Business Faculty sponsored the ANZAM Human Resource Management Stream Award.

Frances Woodside, Jane Summers and Melissa Johnson-Morgan won the prize for best paper in the Marketing Communications section at the Australia New Zealand Marketing Academy conference. Their paper was judged the best out of the 39 papers presented in their section at ANZMAC.

New Program in time for Property Boom

Courtesy: USQ News

A new postgraduate business program geared at the property industry is ‘in the right place at the right time’ as Ipswich rapidly transforms itself in a bid to meet the challenges associated with the current property and development boom in south-east Queensland.

The south-east Queensland Infrastructure Plan alone outlines approximately $80 billion worth of investment in coming years.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus Lecturer Barrie Todhunter said the Master of Business (Property) would give students the skills and qualifications to be an active participant in an industry that was going into overdrive on their doorstep.

'The unprecedented growth of the property sector in south-east Queensland has resulted in major expansion in the Ipswich area and consequently numerous opportunities for careers in the industry,' Mr Todhunter said.

'The USQ Master of Business (Property) program offers students the opportunity to gain promotion within the property industry or to assist in the transition to the industry from related disciplines.

'Someone who has previously studied town planning, urban and regional planning, surveying, architecture, engineering, construction, finance, law, marketing or real estate could use the program to significantly extend their involvement in the property industry - although it is not essential to have an undergraduate degree to enter the program.

'Practical experience in industry can be sufficient to gain entry into the Postgraduate Certificate program and students can continue with the Master’s program from there if they wish.

'The industry is still young and vibrant and research is helping to develop innovative and exciting models of practice which are leading to a new professionalism in a highly profitable industry.”

Mr Todhunter said the Master of Business (Property) provided a concise, focused program that considered all aspects of property.

'It includes courses on the development of new property projects, ownership and management of property assets and consideration of the legal environment in which projects are developed and managed.

'Students are required to study four core courses to provide essential skills in property, plus elective courses to allow students to explore related areas of interest.

'Alternatively, they can undertake the four core courses and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Management (Property), or undertake individual subjects as professional development.

'The program is very hands on, focussing on practice and has no examinations. Instead it utilises workplace projects as the basis for assessment.”

Mr Todhunter said as the majority of postgraduate students at USQ Springfield campus also work, the University specialises in flexible delivery of education where individual courses can be studied part-time, or in intensive workshop mode.

"Intensive workshop mode allows fifteen weeks of study to be compressed into two 3-day workshops to review materials, improve study techniques and interact with industry practitioners who generously share their personal experiences in the industry."

"This makes it easier for people who are working full time to fit study into their schedule."

For further information phone Barrie Todhunter 07 3470 4537 or email

Careers & Employment

USQ CareerHub Jobs
CareerHub is the internet employment service for USQ Students. You can access casual, vacation, part-time and Graduate positions 24 hours a day. Simply log on using your student number and USQConnect password.

USQ Career Fair - Friday 14th March
Refectory, Toowoomba Campus 11am - 3pm

The USQ Career Fair will be held on Friday 14th March at the Toowoomba campus. Over 75 organisations will be attending including local, national, international agencies and government organisations.

If you are a final year student this is an important event to attend as it gives you the chance to talk to a range of employers from around the country about graduate jobs. They are here to recruit USQ students and applications for graduate programs close in April, so don't miss out. If you are not a final year student you should come along and talk to the employers about what you can do to prepare in the coming years and how you can become more employable.

There will also be a 'Quad Party' with a free sausage sizzle, music, activities, and freebies during the Career Fair. Come along and join the fun!

Career Mentoring Program

If you are looking for a chance to learn more about your chosen industry, possible career paths, or to develop your networks, then consider participating in the USQ Career Mentoring Program. The program matches students with industry professionals from your discipline. The aim of the program is for students to develop an understanding about the industry and to develop employability skills. You will meet with your mentor to discuss how to prepare for the 'world of work' and to learn professional skills such as networking.

Registrations open on February 25th.

Graduate Programs Open Now:

All Business Graduates:
The following companies have recently listed their 2009 graduate programs on CareerHub:

* Deutsch Bank
* Commonwealth Bank
* Westpac
* NAB
* Macquarie Group Ltd
* Shell
* Orica (Finance, HR and IT graduates)

Work Experience
Toowoomba, Queensland

Marketing and Commercialisation Work Experience: The USQ Office of Commercialisation is offering work experience opportunities to students to work on real projects relating to commercial opportunities for the University. Duties will include researching possible ideas and concepts and assisting with business plans and proposals. Contact Katrina Vagg at Student Services or PH 07 4631 1823.

Great Websites

The following websites provide extensive careers and employment information for students about industries, potential employers, employment statistics and average salaries, as well as job advertisements for graduates and students.