This course is an introduction to the academic conventions and practices of communicating at a postgraduate level. It focuses on conventions associated with accepted practice in researching and writing essays, reports and
case studies as well as the presentation and delivery of academic material. There is a focus throughout on the use of methods, technologies and strategies to develop an academic voice integrated with other viewpoints for effective expression and communication at the postgraduate level. The course scaffolds students’ navigation through research and use of existing knowledge sources without incurring the risk of plagiarism.

This course provides students with an opportunity to improve their academic and communication skills in an Australian university and societal context. The course focuses on the concept of cultural competence, emphasising communication across cultures to ensure students are equipped to respond appropriately in varied multicultural and social environments. The course aims to develop students’ personal awareness, allow them to gain insight into diverse cultural backgrounds, develop their skills in verbal, non-verbal, and written communication, and use of ‘inclusive language’ in everyday interactions, while they also identify and overcome barriers to effective intercultural communication.

This course offers you a basic introduction to postgraduate research to understand how evidence is used for decision making. By exploring scholarly literature you will become familiar with the objectives and importance of quality research, and the methods and processes involved in carrying it out. Understanding research and the processes involved in conducting, designing, reporting, interpreting and evaluating research is of paramount importance to success in postgraduate study. Research activities whether of a primary or secondary nature occupy a significant proportion of postgraduate students’ time and effort at university both within and beyond the classroom. Open engagement in this course will provide you with a fundamental understanding of research and ensure a solid grounding for future endeavours in postgraduate study. You will also develop skills in the interpretation and evaluation of research results through the application of critical thinking and analysis skills.

Assessment plan:

1. Literature Review (25%)
2. Research Proposal (30%)
3. Questionnaire (10%)
4. Final Examination (35%)

9131IBA – Managing Organisations

This course introduces students to the study of Management within organisations. An integrated view of both theory and practice will be examined pointing out applications of social science and implications for management action. An analysis in which organisational performance through a better understanding of effective management of people will also be studied investigating important issues such as an increased awareness of, and sensitivity to, personal skills and employability within a context of globalisation and the need for economic, socio-cultural and environmental sustainability.

9133ENG – Project Management for Postgraduates

This course deals with the traditional and modern principles of project management such as project life-cycle, project selection, project planning and monitoring and value management. The emphasis of the course is on interdisciplinary relevance to all fields of enterprise. The perspective of all parties, including clients, contractors and solution providers will be considered.