Subjects in Business

---

Business at Macleay - Fields of Study
The course in Business comprises core subjects and major subjects. All students take the core subjects. There are three curriculum areas or streams from which subjects are drawn to form a major. Students choose one of these major streams in which to specialise. The majors are in:

• Business Management
• Accounting
• Marketing

CORE SUBJECTS

Consumer Psychology
In this subject students examine the psychological influences on consumer behaviour that affect decisions to purchase goods and services such as perceptions, learning abilities, personality, motivation, attitudes and social grouping. Case studies are used to demonstrate how marketing campaigns utilise information on consumer culture, social class, age and lifestyle to predict spending patterns and product life cycles.

Entrepreneurship
This subject provides both principles and practical applications involved in entrepreneurship.  Areas addressed include: developing products and services for new ventures; business plans; market evaluation; sources of finance including venture capital; public relations; entrepreneurial management; high technology entrepreneurship; creativity and growth strategy.

e-commerce
Providing hands-on experience in developing business applications on the Internet.  Areas addressed include: the impact and potential of emerging technologies; hardware and software issues; how to use the Internet to improve business procedures and trade; doing business on the Internet including banking, accounting, marketing, distribution and finance; legal issues related to e-commerce; Internet security and encryption; advertising, promotion and web page design.

Introduction to Accounting
This subject introduces students to the use of financial record keeping as a tool to measure and improve business performance.  It covers the basic systems of transaction accounting including profit and loss statements, and balance sheets, and simple techniques to manage budgets for a wide range of business projects including marketing and events campaigns

Introduction to Business Computing
This subject introduces students to computing applications in business and discusses the effects of information technology on business.  Computer applications covered include: word processing; spreadsheets; database systems; accounting; communications; integrated applications and desktop publishing.

Introduction to Management
A study of the management processes used by both large and small businesses and introduces students to the management skills required to achieve organisational goals.  It examines Australian and international management systems, the evolution of organisational cultures and how management structures influence performance and profitability.  Also covered are the historical and contemporary schools of management theory and by using case studies the concept of the ideal manager is explored in meeting the multiple goals of business performance, social responsibility and management ethics.

Introduction to Marketing
The basic principles of marketing and fundamental marketing concepts and functions, role of marketing in the economy, role of marketing in the economy, consumer orientation, value creation and quality management in marketing.

Australian Business Law
An overview of business law in Australia with emphasis on the law of contract and employment legislation, law and society, court structures and roles, law of torts, law of contract, employment law and company law.

Professional Communication and Presentations
This subject prepares students to communicate in a professional manner which is equally applicable to their course and to a variety of business settings.  It develops skills in researching, analysing and formatting information to be presented orally or in writing and includes assignments, reports, letters, memos, emails, speeches, proposals and media releases.  Students learn how to edit and proofread data and utilise a range of styles to create text which is concise, informative and engaging.

Customer Management
An overview of the systems that enable producers to supply and service the needs of their consumers.  Students complete a hands-on project, developing a supply chain that starts with the sourcing of raw materials through the successive stages of manufacturing, packaging, warehousing until final delivery to domestic and overseas customers.  Topics include freight and storage methods, document preparation, legal requirements, language and cultural differences and government regulations that affect labelling, storage, transport and customs procedures.

Human Resource Management
Examines human resources within the total management structure of an organisation.  Topics include: strategic human resource management; the role of human resource department; role of the human resource manager in job analysis, recruitment and selection, performance appraisal; career development, training of groups and individuals; occupation health and safety, and workplace relations legislation in Australia.

Business Economics
This subject provides students with a broad coverage of macroeconomic and microeconomic concepts. It introduces students to economic theory applied to the economic policies and decision-making of a business organisation.

Keyboarding/Word-processing
Students develop professionally-acceptable typing speed and standards. Instruction is by professionally trained teachers and practice is provided by a computer-based training system. The course also covers standards expected in the presentation of copy and manuscripts.

Job Seeking and Career Planning
Studies the range of employment opportunities throughout commerce and industry and encourages students to set personal career goals. Skills developed include job application letters and telephone calls, professional resumes, job interview techniques, personal job search campaigns, long-term career orientation.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT STREAM

Business Enterprise Project
Students gain hands-on experience in setting up and operating a business. In compliance with current Australian corporate legislation, students form a company, register a business name, develop, produce, market, promote and sell a real product and supervise accounting records, shares issues and declaration of dividends.

International Business
The role of the contemporary manager in the expanding global business environment.  Extensive case studies are utilised to demonstrate how management is influenced by the international geopolitical climate in decisions to expand offshore, invest in overseas businesses, encourage capital inflow and develop a multinational marketing focus.

Strategic Management
This study area covers: the concept and application of strategy and strategic management in enterprise; strategic planning; strategic management models and elements; internal/external analysis; formulation; competitive analysis.

Project Management
This study area teaches students to: analyse project briefs and prepare project plans; establish project team requirements, resource availability and costs; manage and evaluate projects.

Financial and Investment Management
This subject covers the fundamental techniques of financial analysis and the maximisation of wealth through financial management for the non-accounting manager. It provides students with the knowledge and skills to work towards the establishment of standards of control and the application of timely and corrective measures to ensure achievement of a firm’s financial objectives.

Management Computer Applications
The business application of available software for various management functions. Students gain the opportunity to use the software in a variety of simulated management situations. The subject builds on the knowledge and skills gained in Introduction to Business Computing and Introduction to Management.

Sales Management
Students learn how to plan, implement and monitor the sales function of organisations in order to optimise turnover and meet volume and market share targets. Topics include motivation and incentives, territory boundaries and design, training the sales team, industry and competitor analysis, contemporary sales strategies and the importance of ethics and corporate responsibility.

ACCOUNTING STREAM

Business Enterprise Project
Students gain hands-on experience in setting up and operating a business. In compliance with current Australian corporate legislation, students form a company, register a business name, develop, produce, market, promote and sell a real product and supervise accounting records, shares issues and declaration of dividends.

Accounting Procedures
Building on Introduction to Accounting, this subject covers further practical application of accounting procedures and examines financial reporting and its relationship to management decisions.  Topics include: analysing the financial statement by ratio; budgeting. Students are also introduced to some of the specialised accounting functions and methods of financial recording for specific areas of business.

Management Accounting
The practical application of accounting procedures to aid management decisions. Students learn material, labour and overhead costing concepts, direct costing and cost volume – profit and break even point; financial statement analysis, calculation of decision making ratios; payroll budgeting, compliance with taxation law and financial reporting regulations. A broad prospective is provided through the study of accounting procedures in both the Australian and international environment.

Strategic Business Models
An overview of the knowledge and skills required to provide information about an organisation's business, political and social environment that can be used to make decisions regarding its future direction. Students become familiar with strategic data systems and industry structure models that are applicable to the multitude of internal and external variables that impact on business performance.

Computer Accounting
The principles and applications of computing as it relates to accounting and control systems. Knowledge and skills in the operation of a menu-driven computerised accounting system. Develops proficiency in correct entry of accounting data, production of transaction reports and financial reports.

Introduction to Company Accounting
Examines accounting for companies and covers recent changes such as Accounting Standards for companies, which now have legislative backing, and the enactment of the National Scheme of Companies legislation.   Topics include: share capital; profit determination; loan capital and accounting reports.

Introduction to Auditing
An introduction to auditing which concentrates on providing a broad understanding of the concept. The nature and amount of evidence the auditor needs is discussed.  Topics include: audit reports; ethics; legal liability; audit objectives; evidence and documentation; audit planning; analytical review procedures.

Business and Investment Finance
This subject examines the cost and benefits of potential sources of financial capital for a range of business firms including sole traders, partnerships, not for profit, private companies, and those listed on the stock exchange. Topics include: returns on investment and financial products, capital budgeting, working capital management and dividend policy.

Financial Accounting
Students learn hands on skills that enable the accounting practitioner to record, manage and analyse financial data for individuals and a diverse range of small and large business entities.  Topics include cash flow statements, balance day adjustments, inventory accounting, non current assets, depreciation, branch accounting, information systems, taxation procedures, retailing in the accounting cycle, not for profit accounting and methods of profit measurement.

MARKETING STREAM

Global Marketing
This subject provides the knowledge and skills to develop effective strategies for Australian businesses in accessing new and mature international markets.  Students learn how to implement a global business strategy to take advantage of expanding world markets and manage geopolitical and cultural influences to enhance market penetration. Case studies illustrate how online technology has influenced global marketing and the factors that have contributed to globalisation and the growth of transnational corporations.

Business Enterprise Project
Students gain hands-on experience in setting up and operating a business.  In compliance with current Australian corporate legislation, students form a company, register a business name, develop, produce, market, promote and sell a real product and supervise accounting records, shares issue and declaration of dividends.

Personal Selling
This subject examines the relationship of personal selling to the marketing process and its role in providing feedback from distributors and consumers as an indicator of the performance of the marketing campaign. Extensive use is made of case studies that demonstrate techniques of consultative selling, establishing trust, listening and questioning skills, negotiation, handling objections and evaluating consumer motivation.

Promotional Marketing
This subject focuses on the two major areas of marketing communication – advertising and promotion – as the primary communication methods used to inform consumers of the types of products and services available, as well as to attract them to make buying decisions.

Market Research
An overview of marketing information systems and their effectiveness in predicting consumer response to a range of marketing strategies.  Students examine primary and secondary data sources, observation techniques and design and implement market research surveys.

Strategic Marketing
This study area covers: the strategic marketing process; SWOT and Issues analysis; portfolio planning; industry structure models; growth strategies; international marketing; information gathering and analysis.

Direct Marketing
This study area covers: direct versus general marketing; direct marketing functions and applications; offers in direct marketing; direct marketing media; direct mail packages; telemarketing; on-line marketing; measurement techniques; fulfilment

Project Management
This study area teaches students to: analyse project briefs and prepare project plans; establish project team requirements, resource availability and costs; manage and evaluate projects.

Click on the arrow to see course overview.