Global Business Practicum

Subject 325-699 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

January, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

June, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

This subject provides an in-country study experience. Students will experience culture, society and business practices at first hand while practising their business and management skills.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 8-hours (four 2-hour sessions held fortnightly) of instruction including seminars and consultations prior to departure; 6-hours (six 1-hour sessions) of seminars at partner institution in-country; a minimum of 63-hours at the practicum organisation (comprising a full day attendance for 9 days). This subject will be taught in intensive mode: Summer (26 January to 21 February), Semester 2 (29 June to 27 July).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Completion of 50 points of study at graduate level in the Melbourne Graduate School of Management.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Prakash Singh
Subject Overview: Students will be assigned in small groups to a Practicum Organisation. Working in teams, they will undertake a structured business planning or business development exercise. This will be supported by seminar work providing approaches, tools, techniques and reporting format. During the practicum, in-depth work will be undertaken in identifying the scope, opportunities, constraints and recommendations of the exercise. Students will learn to work with unstructured and incomplete information in real business settings, to develop research and networks to support their enquiry, 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 and modify their approaches to improve the outcomes of their efforts in managing the business project.
Objectives:

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Apply theory and practice of graduate level studies in commerce to resolving real-world business issues;
  • Research, analyse, evaluate and propose practical business solutions within the bounds of the exercise;
  • Identify key strategic questions, assess options related to the exercise, communicate progress and check direction with team members, academic mentor and the practicum organisation;
  • Demonstrate key attributes sought by employers including cross-cultural communication skills, interpersonal skills, time management, commercial acumen, initiative, independent learning and team skills.
Assessment: Individual written assignments including one 1000 word essay and one 1000 word reflective essay (20%), team contribution and ambassadorship measured by peer review and industry feedback (10%), presentations (30%) and one group report with accompanying file of resources, assessed as a team assignment in groups of four individuals (40%). The report is 12,000 words in length. Each individual in the team contributes 3000 words.
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Verbal and written communication skills through discussion and assigned tasks
  • Project management, including accurate scoping of project, development of approaches, timelines, execution and timely completion
  • Team work demonstrated by good communication within the group, understanding of skills brought by individual members, organizing for achievement and presenting group report
  • Communication skills in an international business context
  • Research, problem solving and critical thinking
  • Documentation preparation and presentation skills through assigned tasks and the practicum exercise
  • Interpersonal skills through the practicum exercise and assigned tasks.
Notes: A quota applies to this subject. Selection is based on grade average for all subjects taken in the Melbourne Graduate School of Management available at the selection date. Students will apply for a place in the subject through the Melbourne Graduate School of Management. Travel and accommodation costs will be borne by the student. Students must be eligible to obtain visitor visas in the country where the business practicum is conducted.

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