AMN405 Decisions and Issues in Integrated Marketing Communication


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:AMN405
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:AMN401 or AMN420
Equivalent:AMX405
Coordinator:Robert Mitchell | r20.mitchell@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

The purpose of this unit is to develop a framework to understand and evaluate advertising and IMC theory, as it guides business decisions and impacts upon key issues in society. In doing so, this unit makes an important contribution to postgraduate studies by evaluating advertising and IMC in action, and exploring the ethical and legal considerations of message and media from a personal, corporate and professional perspective.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Develop an understanding of the issues and opportunities related to decision-making in advertising and IMC
  2. Refine conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills for developing and evaluating advertising and IMC strategies
  3. Appreciate the influence of advertising and IMC decisions in shaping contemporary issues in society from a multitude of different stakeholder perspectives;
  4. Understand the ethical requirements and mechanisms of advertising complaint and control in society and the responsibilities of the advertising and IMC practitioner

Content

This unit provides a framework with which to evaluate IMC decisions and issues, by introducing case analysis and by drawing from advertising and IMC theory. Students then use these tools to explore important management decisions and critical contemporary issues.

 

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)

The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.

Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.

Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

Teaching and learning strategies for this unit focus on:

  • analysis of case studies related to issues and opportunities within advertising and IMC;
  • analysis of concepts, theories and practices of advertising and IMC; and
  • application of concepts, theories, and practices to business and society

Case analysis and group discussions will be utilised to promote learning and encourage critical inquiry, intellectual debate, and commitment to professionalism, social responsibility, and ethical practice.

COVID-19 restrictions may require changes to the planned Learning Approaches described here.  Students should refer to the unit Canvas site for the latest information.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: IMC Decisions Portfolio

Collect 1 - 3 articles about a current 'hot topic' within IMC management decision making areas discussed in the unit. Analyse the topics highlighted by the article(s).

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1)

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 50
Length: 2,000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Assessment: Written Case & Learning Note

Requires the preparation of a case study which presents an IMC problem or opportunity. Also requires the preparation of a teaching and learning note which solves the case problem.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Weight: 50
Length: 2,000 words
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

There is no set text for this unit; however, it is strongly recommended that learners acquire one of the basic texts in IMC.

Recommended text(s)

Belch, Belch, Kerr, Powell & Waller (2020). Advertising: An Integrated Marketing Communication Perspective (4th ed). McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Ltd.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO2, Written Case & Learning Note

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: IMC Decisions Portfolio

KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge

Relates to: ULO1, IMC Decisions Portfolio, Written Case & Learning Note

KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills

Relates to: ULO1, IMC Decisions Portfolio, Written Case & Learning Note

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: IMC Decisions Portfolio, Written Case & Learning Note

SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding

Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Written Case & Learning Note

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS11 Master of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
    Relates to: ULO1, IMC Decisions Portfolio, Written Case & Learning Note
  2. Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
    Relates to: ULO1, IMC Decisions Portfolio, Written Case & Learning Note
  3. Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO2, Written Case & Learning Note
  4. Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
    Relates to: IMC Decisions Portfolio
  5. Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
    Relates to: ULO3, IMC Decisions Portfolio, Written Case & Learning Note
  6. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
    Relates to: ULO4, Written Case & Learning Note