Graduate Diploma of Business Administration

Today's decisions have to be made quickly, individually and in groups, with what often appears to be ambiguous or too much data. How does one select, observe and distil the most pertinent data sets to make decisions that will positively impact tomorrow's firms and communities? This subject engages students in the nuances of data collection, how to filter data and how to use it most effectively in decision-making. The subject develops the student's qualitative and quantitative research skills, and digital literacy.

This subject explores sustainable approaches to managing the symbiotic relationship between organisations and their environments. Organisations are increasingly facing disruption and the basis for delivering products and services is rapidly changing. Sustaining performance requires careful management of business processes, fostering corporate competencies, and aligning the firm to its internal and external environment. The student will learn and then practice strategising through a number of theories and practical settings.

Pre-requisites: Successful completion of all other core subjects

Assessment Tasks: Report, Simulation, Stakeholder Meeting Simulation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

The Employer Based Project subject is a 4-unit postgraduate subject designed to facilitate work-integrated learning in the student’s current employment to be included in the volume of learning for the student’s currently enrolled program. Like any other subject, there is an expectation that the student will engage in 120 hours of active learning above and beyond their normal employment duties. This subject requires the student to undertake and document an original and new project that will be sponsored by and benefit the employer as well as demonstrably bridge the theoretical–praxis gap in the student’s knowledge. If approved, the student will be allocated an academic supervisor who will support the student in bridging knowledge and practice for the duration of the unit.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of 8 other postgraduate subjects

Assessment Tasks: Work Integrated, Learning, Agreement, Project Proposal, Project Summary, Presentation, Report, Supervisor Evaluation

Delivery Mode: Work Integrated Learning Activity

This subject seeks to build the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to succeed as an ethical entrepreneur or intrapreneur. These knowledge and skills are then applied to identify and evaluate innovative high-growth product and service opportunities in the context of a start-up, a corporation, a not for profit or a government institution. The subject allows students to practice skills, including creativity, cash-flow modelling, business model analysis and lean experimentation. Students prepare a business model for a new venture, enabling them to integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge.

Assessment Tasks: Case Study, Business Concept Plan, Business Pitch

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online 

This subject introduces you to global technology management issues. You will investigate technology strategy, commercialising- and integration of technology, the importance of ethics, responsibility, and sustainability (ERS) in technology, and how to manage emerging and disruptive technologies in firms. This subject emphasises emerging methodologies and practices used in developing and implanting technology, which you can apply to existing and new technologies. At the conclusion of this subject, you will have developed insight into the practice of technology management in organisations for optimum strategic-, and operational efficiency.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Reports

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject follows a practical and human centred approach, underpinned by design thinking and problem-solving methodologies, leading to positive -organisational performance and change. You will demonstrate an enterprise’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and present it to discerning investors. You will apply an entrepreneurial framework that includes business model generation, systematic research, competitor and financial analysis, leading to a potentially investor ready enterprise that stands up to market expectations. In addition, guided by industry mentors this subject will help you understand and address the practical challenges of working within the global -environment, analyse and reflect on different entrepreneurial business strategies, explore diverse funding strategies, as well as incorporate theoretical discussions on major trends and issues in the -economy. Entry to this subject is by invitation based on expressions of interest.

Pre-requisites: MGT607 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship or DSGN6031 Social Enterprise

Assessment Tasks: Presentations

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to the practice of contemporary project management and its relevance in industry. You will be introduced to fundamental concepts of project management, project definition and project delivery methods. Contemporary project management methodologies will be examined in the context of industry best practice. An overview of industry standard tools and techniques required to manage projects successfully throughout a project life cycle will be provided. This includes industry terminology and the rationale behind the commencement of a project.

Assessment Tasks: Discussion Forum, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to the key concepts and technologies of information systems that drive change and support organisations to achieve strategic goals. This includes data and information management, application of business information systems, disruptive technologies and issues such as ethics, privacy and cyber security. This subject will prepare students to better understand the technologies that are disrupting and transforming society both now and into the future.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject will introduce you to database fundamentals. You will learn about creating, storing, and managing data in an organisational context. You will explore relational database design and modelling techniques. Including how to resolve data anomalies and the process of data management. Key topic areas covered in this subject are normalisation, SQL and emerging trends in database technology.

Assessment Tasks: Modelling Report, Database implementation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. Information systems play a critical role in storing, processing, and retrieving data, and they serve as vital assets for various economic sectors. Interconnectivity is important for many organisations, but this also increases the exposure to adverse events, necessitating the need for thorough information security management. This subject builds upon foundational information security principles, encompassing the management of information systems that significantly impact organizational information security. This includes areas such as identity management, authentication, access control, monitoring, risk management, incident response, and disaster recovery. Possessing the essential knowledge to prevent attacks, mitigate risks, and employing the latest best practices available in cybersecurity and its management is a fundamental component to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Assessment Tasks: Test, report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Progressing from traditional project management frameworks, this subject focuses on Agile project management, agile project management methodology, the principles of agile, and agile techniques. This subject will be based on a foundation of the four core values and 12 guiding principles of agile as laid out by the agile manifesto. Students will develop an understanding of agile concepts, tools and techniques: Scrum and Kanban, Roadmap planning, Program increments, Sprints and daily scrums and the agile roles within teams. Some of the leading agile frameworks will be discussed so that students will gain an understanding of some of the different schools of thought, which support the agile continuous delivery pipeline. Points of origin in Lean practice and the relationship between agile and DevOps will also be covered to help students orient themselves in the broader emerging landscape of projects and software development landscape.

Pre-requisite: PROJ6000 Principles of Project Management

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Management makes rational decisions that take cognisance of the complex competitive and often volatile economic environment in which a business operates. In this subject, you will critically assess the micro and macroeconomic context needed for making these decisions. You will evaluate how institutions, particularly the government and the Central Bank, shape and constrain the environment. You will critically assess the potential impact of regulatory and economy-wide changes to business environments, and will apply economic models to make decisions about the optimal allocation of business resources. In your evaluation of the macroeconomic environment, you will consider key variables such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade balance and exchange rate and will acknowledge how the authorities apply fiscal and monetary policies in an attempt to achieve sound macroeconomic management.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Test, Case Analysis

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Have you ever considered how a streaming service recommends which shows to watch? When you take this subject, you will learn about essential techniques such as descriptive statistics, distributions, machine learning, and recommendation systems. The activities will allow you to apply these statistical techniques to different datasets using various tools to perform analysis and reporting. Your ability to communicate these data-informed insights effectively will be practiced throughout the subject.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Test

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, you will gain an insight into engineering sustainability, its importance and challenges, and the role and responsibilities of engineers who contribute to organisational sustainability. This subject introduces you to environmental issues and associated sustainability challenges with a focus on sustainable engineering management practices in areas of operations, maintenance, workplace safety, managing hazards, innovation and product development. You will apply tools and methodologies, such as lifecycle analysis and circular economy approaches, to define and solve complex, real-world sustainability problems in engineering contexts. You will also learn about best practices in sustainability approaches and processes, and develop strategically focused environmental plans and actions in an ethical way to ensure environmental compliance of organisations.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Report, Case Study Brief

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

In this subject, you will develop an understanding of risk, its governance, and management in engineering practice, including engineering projects, workplace safety, hazard reduction, design, research and development, and innovation. This subject covers a range of risk management standards, tools, feasibility assessments, and analytical methods to improve strategic and operational decision-making in identifying, prioritising, mitigating, developing, implementing and evaluating risk management processes. You will learn to develop risk management plans, apply methodologies to evaluate and improve reliability and safety, and apply risk assessment techniques. Lastly, existing and emerging technologies are discussed and how they can be developed and used for the mitigation and management of risk.

Assessment Tasks: Case Study, Risk Management Plan, Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Want to deliver valuable business analysis outcomes that positively address business and societal requirements? Acquire foundational knowledge and competencies for undertaking business analysis and for progressing towards industry certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). Develop your ability to deliver business analysis outcomes, learning about life cycles of business analysis such as identifying business requirements, interpreting analytics solutions, and collaborating with experts and non-expert stakeholders.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Exam, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Learn the art of storytelling: using data to develop insights that inform business decision making. Develop data representation and visualisation skills based on four theoretical pillars of effective stories: people, place, purpose and plot. You will be introduced to different strategies and techniques for using data and analytics to inform and persuade stakeholders and facilitate decision making. In evaluating different visualisation platforms and their benefits, you will gain experience using industry leading analysis tools.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive

Machine Learning excels at making predictions, but should business always rely on predictions to guide decision making? In this subject, you will learn how to improve decision-making by assessing machine learning models through the lens of business problem formulation. Gain knowledge of model-driven optimisation techniques like linear programming, genetic algorithms, and simulations, and how to assess key data-driven optimisation strategies to improve model performance. You will apply both sets of techniques to real-world business problems using state-of-the-art industry tools.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to the foundations of business. It is focused on providing fundamental business concepts and contexts to enrich your mastery in subsequent studies, while developing as reflective practitioners. You will examine the functional operations of businesses, projects and the internal and external environments in which they operate. This includes analysis of economic, social, political, legal, cultural, technological, environmental and ethical influences on contemporary businesses. You will also explore the viewpoints and influences of internal and external stakeholders.

Assessment Tasks: Reflection, Report, Video Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes expected in industry, which occur in the internal and external business environment, including an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of communication in business. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, reports and presentations and on using technology to communicate. The subject introduces you to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, writing and language techniques. You will complete this subject with a strong understanding of the importance and value of academic integrity.

Assessment Tasks: Discussions Forum, Annotated Bibliography, Video Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject will introduce you to the role and purpose of accounting processes, systems and the regulatory and ethical frameworks. You will gain an understanding about processes for identifying, measuring, recording and communicating financial information thorough the financial reports of different business types, such as sole traders and companies. The double-entry accounting knowledge will be developed using both manual and computerised accounting systems. This subject will introduce the conceptual framework of accounting and the code of ethics for professional accountants which will set you up for success in later accounting subjects. You will study the full accounting cycle and apply it to key areas such as cash management, non-current assets, accounts receivables and payables.

Pre-requisite: None

This subject expands on foundational financial accounting concepts and practices, advancing your understanding of key competencies and contemporary trends in financial accounting. Enhance your understanding of the Australian regulatory and ethical environment for financial reporting, along with the purpose and interpretation of accounting standards (AASB) and its equivalent international Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). You will critique selected accounting standards in areas such as revenue, assets, and liabilities, and evaluate how these standards influence the preparation of General-Purpose Financial Statements (GPFS) of reporting entities. These learnings will be demonstrated in your ability to critically reflect on the importance of regulations to accounting practice through written and practical software-based assessments.

Pre-requisite: ACC601 Introduction to Financial Accounting

Assessment Tasks: Test, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject aims to develop your understanding of management accounting concepts related to communicating financial and non-financial information to support internal business decisions. You will learn to apply various analytical techniques to accurately deliver reporting information and interpretations to guide organisational decision making. You will be introduced to modern enterprise resource planning systems related to product and service costing, budgeting, and managing cash flows, working capital, and business performance. This subject will develop your ability to evaluate management accounting problems in conjunction with business and ethical requirements.

Pre-requisite: ACC601 Introduction to Financial Accounting

Assessment Tasks: Test, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Digital health (or e-health) competency is an essential part of employability in the health and well-being sector in the current world, and one that is mandatory for Australian health professionals. Develop your knowledge in this area by exploring the current and emerging information communication technologies (ICTs) in use within the Australian health sector, including national e-health records, tele-health, tele-medicine, m-health, mobile apps, wearable technologies, internet of things (IoT), AI and others. The strategic use of technologies and methods to protect the privacy and security of citizens (for example, permission blockchain), along with respective legal frameworks (policies and law), will also be examined. Learn how to identify basic applications of “health informatics” in the public health context, focusing on health surveillance methods in prevalence (for example, disease surveillance, mapping, contact tracing). The relevance of specific data sets and how these are synthesised using ICT tools and techniques will also be considered. Current methods will be evaluated, with an applied focus on how social media and technology tools (for example, GIS) are being used in public health surveillance. Lastly, you will consider how digital technology applies to your chosen profession (doctor, nurse, paramedic, allied health). You will also reflect on how technology augments public and population health skills and how health care ethics need to be coordinated across different health care professions.

Pre-requisite: PUBH6000 Behavioral, social and cultural factors in public health 

Assessment Tasks: Journal, Report, Digital Presentation  

Delivery Mode: On Campus, online 

Service Design is a human-centred approach to developing quality service interactions that can improve user experiences, meet business objectives and create impact. Students will identify and define an existing complex service problem or issue, which they will investigate using various design research methods. They will use advanced journey mapping and service blueprinting methods to analyse and apply their research findings. In doing so, they can develop innovative solutions at the intersection of users, businesses, and technology.

These could include digital or physical products, services, systems and processes. This subject will challenge students to expand their thinking and equip them with a human-centred mindset to work in adaptive work environments.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Journal, Video

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

User Research introduces students to the tools and methodologies required for both user research and user experience research. Students will use various research methods such as surveys, interviews and observations to provide insights to user needs, behaviours and attitudes.

As part of their research students will define research objectives, recruit participants, create research protocols, analyse data, and report on their findings. This includes the use of personas and usability testing for greater insights and understanding of user needs and attitudes.

Students will consolidate and present their research findings to inform the future development of a UX design project.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Research Plan

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

The subject explores design leadership in driving success and innovation, regardless of the type of organisation you work in. It offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership in organisations, focusing on how design can drive innovation and change by navigating the complexity of our “faster future”. It provides an understanding of the role of design leaders in organisations, which skills and competences they might have to drive design-led innovation at the organizational strategic level. Students will learn and apply methodologies like systems thinking, strategic design, agile management, visual thinking and business modelling to navigate the complexity of organizational transformations.

Students will examine the concepts, principles, skills and capabilities required to lead design teams and design agendas to influence organisational wide transformation. Students will evaluate different leadership styles, reflect on their own style, and apply strategies used to influence positive and sustainable change. This will enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare for future leadership roles. Students develop critical skills in design leadership, teamworking, sustainable and creative change. The course culminates in a final Design Leadership Project, where students apply learned concepts to real-world challenges.

Assessment Tasks: Report, presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject will expose you to a range of financial decisions made by the financial manager of a corporation, diverse types of information, and how to evaluate the outcomes of those decisions. You will apply finance theory, financial mathematics and techniques to solve major financial problems. Other topics covered in the subject include business goals and governance, risk and return, capital budgeting, capital structure and cost of capital, working capital management and distribution policy. The subject also exposes you to practical applications using cutting-edge financial tools.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Test, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces you to strategic perspectives on issues concerning engineering organisations globally and domestically. You will learn about developing and managing strategic innovation and technology, intellectual property protection of technology, and the integration of technology strategy with business strategy. You will learn to formulate novel and competitive solutions to complex business problems utilising technology to ensure short-term competitive advantage and long-term capability development. This knowledge is applied in organisational decision-making to achieve strategic and operational objectives. Implications of policy issues related to strategy in the context of engineering and technological organisations, including external strategic alliances and partnerships, will also be explored. These impacts will be considered in relation to external influences arising from the economic, political and cultural environment.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Engineering Strategy, Management Plan and Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This subject introduces students to activities, techniques, and methodologies a systems analyst uses to design information systems that, when built, enhance the organisation’s ability to meet its business goals via available technology. These include define requirements for system, model high-level behaviours of system, and design blueprint, that is, planning and implementation and will move through object-oriented approaches to analysis and design, the transformation of user requirements to system design. User empathy is promoted in this subject, using the unified modelling language (UML).

Assessment Tasks: Requirements Analysis, Design Specification, Video Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

This next subject in your journey into the public health industry focuses on the formulation of health policy. You will learn about policy development, implementation and sustainability within the complex health policy environment. The theories of agenda setting (including historical and contemporary health issues) and the political ideologies that influence health policy will be explored. You will also identify the key stakeholders involved in the policy development process and the advocacy skills needed to navigate this environment. Examine the policymaking theories and models which will enable you to analyse the formulation of contemporary health policy in both local and global settings. And as you develop your skills in critiquing contemporary health policy from an evidence-based perspective, you will be well-equipped to recommend best practice approaches to advocate for the development of equitable health policy. Finally, on a more practical level, you will be asked to consider a health issue affecting a certain population group and work to develop an advocacy campaign aimed at raising awareness and shaping policy action in this area.

Health

Pre-requisite: PUBH6000 Social, Cultural and Behavioural Factors in Public Health, PUBH6003 Health Systems and Economics 

Business

Pre-requisite: PUBH6003 Health Systems and Economics

Assessment Tasks: Portfolio, Report, Presentation 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Explore fundamental topics relating to health systems and health economics as you delve further into the public health industry. Learn about various theoretical and conceptual frameworks of health systems, as well as financial and resourcing requirements – both of which are vital for the justification of planning and delivery of effective public health programs. You will be introduced to different strategies to facilitate successful navigation within health care systems in Australia and other countries around the world. Important issues, including the development of policies, the role of the government, public health funding and expenditure, and public health programs and services, will be closely examined to provide you with an overall picture of how health systems are organised on a local, national and global scale.

Assessment Tasks: Report, Presentation, Test

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Students will be required to critically self-reflect applying theories and practice skills to personal lived experience and history and use this knowledge to develop a cohesive self-care plan suitable to future industry practice.

Assessment Tasks: Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Connection to land, culture, spirituality, family and community are important elements of social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples. In this subject students will critically analyse the social determinants of mental health and problems such as grief and loss, trauma, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Ethics and best practice in mental health provision will also be addressed. The link between identity, country, and mental health will be critically appraised. Students will engage in self-reflexive analysis of the impact of personal colonial history, bias, and beliefs, and examine the relational nature of storytelling in practice.

Assessment Tasks: Report 

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online