BSB108 Business Environment
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 code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | BSD108 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,174 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,703 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,456 |
| International unit fee | $5,640 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD108 |
| Coordinators: | Louisa Coglan | l.coglan@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic national, international and global environments in which businesses operate and must navigate. You will explore the roles of key national and international institutions. At the same time, you will use data-driven analysis to critically evaluate how interconnected trends both influence—and are influenced by—the policy and regulatory approaches of these institutions, particularly in response to economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical, and ethical challenges that are a priority for businesses.
This unit, along with the rest of the introductory business core, forms the foundation for further study across the breadth of business disciplines and introduces you to business capabilities to prepare you for the future world of work and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the roles of key national and international institutions in shaping the external business environment. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess the impact of contemporary regulatory and policy responses by national and international institutions to address economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical and ethical challenges that are a priority for business. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2 ]
- Develop capabilities in identifying relevant macro external indicators and metrics from published databases to inform data-driven analysis of the national and international contemporary business environment. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Develop capabilities in professional written communication that adhere to appropriate ethical standards including use of AI, data integrity and presentation and use of high-quality relevant sources of information. [PC 3.1, HO 2.2]
Content
This unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills for analysing the complex domestic, international, and global environments in which businesses operate. You will develop foundational skills in identifying, accessing and presenting relevant data to support critical inferences and enhance your capability in ethical professional written communication. Indigenous perspectives, recognising the value of First Nations knowledge systems and their contribution to contemporary business environments, are considered throughout this unit.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is structured around a blend of learning approaches designed to support your academic development and progressive completion of assessment tasks. These include:
- Guided Learning: Weekly lectures provide a broad overview of the module content, establishing foundational knowledge and framing key concepts.
- Self-Directed and Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent learning activities encourage you to engage critically with relevant source materials to build your content knowledge. In addition, there are tasks designed to build essential skills, including to support data analysis and academic skills.
- Active Learning: Tutorials offer a collaborative environment where you can deepen your understanding through discussion, problem-solving, and practical application of concepts, facilitated by your tutor.
- Formative Assessment and Feedback: Weekly review quizzes provide ongoing opportunities to monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and consolidate learning.
These approaches are integrated to support your engagement with the unit content and enable you to complete assessment tasks progressively throughout the semester.
You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lectures and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.
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
Overview
The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to practise and develop applying higher order thinking skills in real-world business contexts, and analysing the features that define and shape domestic, international and global environments in which businesses operate.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
Part A report: a data informed macro-level scan of the Australian business environment, focusing on key institutions and relevant economic and social metrics. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
1600-word report
Part B GenAI Output Review: Critical evaluation of the accuracy, effectiveness, limitations, and ethical considerations of GenAI output produced through specific guided activities for the professional report in Part A.
3 min video presentation
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Benchmark report 2
Data informed macro-level scan and critical analysis of domestic Australian policy, international trade and investment, international governance and contemporary geopolitical issues. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
2000-word report
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Weekly resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4 - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD108 |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic national, international and global environments in which businesses operate and must navigate. You will explore the roles of key national and international institutions. At the same time, you will use data-driven analysis to critically evaluate how interconnected trends both influence—and are influenced by—the policy and regulatory approaches of these institutions, particularly in response to economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical, and ethical challenges that are a priority for businesses.
This unit, along with the rest of the introductory business core, forms the foundation for further study across the breadth of business disciplines and introduces you to business capabilities to prepare you for the future world of work and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the roles of key national and international institutions in shaping the external business environment. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess the impact of contemporary regulatory and policy responses by national and international institutions to address economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical and ethical challenges that are a priority for business. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2 ]
- Develop capabilities in identifying relevant macro external indicators and metrics from published databases to inform data-driven analysis of the national and international contemporary business environment. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Develop capabilities in professional written communication that adhere to appropriate ethical standards including use of AI, data integrity and presentation and use of high-quality relevant sources of information. [PC 3.1, HO 2.2]
Content
This unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills for analysing the complex domestic, international, and global environments in which businesses operate. You will develop foundational skills in identifying, accessing and presenting relevant data to support critical inferences and enhance your capability in ethical professional written communication. Indigenous perspectives, recognising the value of First Nations knowledge systems and their contribution to contemporary business environments, are considered throughout this unit.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is structured around a blend of learning approaches designed to support your academic development and progressive completion of assessment tasks. These include:
- Guided Learning: Weekly lectures provide a broad overview of the module content, establishing foundational knowledge and framing key concepts.
- Self-Directed and Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent learning activities encourage you to engage critically with relevant source materials to build your content knowledge. In addition, there are tasks designed to build essential skills, including to support data analysis and academic skills.
- Active Learning: Tutorials offer a collaborative environment where you can deepen your understanding through discussion, problem-solving, and practical application of concepts, facilitated by your tutor.
- Formative Assessment and Feedback: Weekly review quizzes provide ongoing opportunities to monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and consolidate learning.
These approaches are integrated to support your engagement with the unit content and enable you to complete assessment tasks progressively throughout the semester.
You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lectures and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.
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
Overview
The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to practise and develop applying higher order thinking skills in real-world business contexts, and analysing the features that define and shape domestic, international and global environments in which businesses operate.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
Part A report: a data informed macro-level scan of the Australian business environment, focusing on key institutions and relevant economic and social metrics. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
1600-word report
Part B GenAI Output Review: Critical evaluation of the accuracy, effectiveness, limitations, and ethical considerations of GenAI output produced through specific guided activities for the professional report in Part A.
3 min video presentation
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Benchmark report 2
Data informed macro-level scan and critical analysis of domestic Australian policy, international trade and investment, international governance and contemporary geopolitical issues. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
2000-word report
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Weekly resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4 - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD108 |
| Coordinators: | Louisa Coglan | l.coglan@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic national, international and global environments in which businesses operate and must navigate. You will explore the roles of key national and international institutions. At the same time, you will use data-driven analysis to critically evaluate how interconnected trends both influence—and are influenced by—the policy and regulatory approaches of these institutions, particularly in response to economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical, and ethical challenges that are a priority for businesses.
This unit, along with the rest of the introductory business core, forms the foundation for further study across the breadth of business disciplines and introduces you to business capabilities to prepare you for the future world of work and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the roles of key national and international institutions in shaping the external business environment. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess the impact of contemporary regulatory and policy responses by national and international institutions to address economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical and ethical challenges that are a priority for business. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2 ]
- Develop capabilities in identifying relevant macro external indicators and metrics from published databases to inform data-driven analysis of the national and international contemporary business environment. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Develop capabilities in professional written communication that adhere to appropriate ethical standards including use of AI, data integrity and presentation and use of high-quality relevant sources of information. [PC 3.1, HO 2.2]
Content
This unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills for analysing the complex domestic, international, and global environments in which businesses operate. You will develop foundational skills in identifying, accessing and presenting relevant data to support critical inferences and enhance your capability in ethical professional written communication. Indigenous perspectives, recognising the value of First Nations knowledge systems and their contribution to contemporary business environments, are considered throughout this unit.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is structured around a blend of learning approaches designed to support your academic development and progressive completion of assessment tasks. These include:
- Guided Learning: Weekly lectures provide a broad overview of the module content, establishing foundational knowledge and framing key concepts.
- Self-Directed and Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent learning activities encourage you to engage critically with relevant source materials to build your content knowledge. In addition, there are tasks designed to build essential skills, including to support data analysis and academic skills.
- Active Learning: Tutorials offer a collaborative environment where you can deepen your understanding through discussion, problem-solving, and practical application of concepts, facilitated by your tutor.
- Formative Assessment and Feedback: Weekly review quizzes provide ongoing opportunities to monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and consolidate learning.
These approaches are integrated to support your engagement with the unit content and enable you to complete assessment tasks progressively throughout the semester.
You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lectures and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.
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
Overview
The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to practise and develop applying higher order thinking skills in real-world business contexts, and analysing the features that define and shape domestic, international and global environments in which businesses operate.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
Part A report: a data informed macro-level scan of the Australian business environment, focusing on key institutions and relevant economic and social metrics. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
1600-word report
Part B GenAI Output Review: Critical evaluation of the accuracy, effectiveness, limitations, and ethical considerations of GenAI output produced through specific guided activities for the professional report in Part A.
3 min video presentation
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Benchmark report 2
Data informed macro-level scan and critical analysis of domestic Australian policy, international trade and investment, international governance and contemporary geopolitical issues. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
2000-word report
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Weekly resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4 - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD108 |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic national, international and global environments in which businesses operate and must navigate. You will explore the roles of key national and international institutions. At the same time, you will use data-driven analysis to critically evaluate how interconnected trends both influence—and are influenced by—the policy and regulatory approaches of these institutions, particularly in response to economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical, and ethical challenges that are a priority for businesses.
This unit, along with the rest of the introductory business core, forms the foundation for further study across the breadth of business disciplines and introduces you to business capabilities to prepare you for the future world of work and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the roles of key national and international institutions in shaping the external business environment. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess the impact of contemporary regulatory and policy responses by national and international institutions to address economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical and ethical challenges that are a priority for business. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2 ]
- Develop capabilities in identifying relevant macro external indicators and metrics from published databases to inform data-driven analysis of the national and international contemporary business environment. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Develop capabilities in professional written communication that adhere to appropriate ethical standards including use of AI, data integrity and presentation and use of high-quality relevant sources of information. [PC 3.1, HO 2.2]
Content
This unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills for analysing the complex domestic, international, and global environments in which businesses operate. You will develop foundational skills in identifying, accessing and presenting relevant data to support critical inferences and enhance your capability in ethical professional written communication. Indigenous perspectives, recognising the value of First Nations knowledge systems and their contribution to contemporary business environments, are considered throughout this unit.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is structured around a blend of learning approaches designed to support your academic development and progressive completion of assessment tasks. These include:
- Guided Learning: Weekly lectures provide a broad overview of the module content, establishing foundational knowledge and framing key concepts.
- Self-Directed and Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent learning activities encourage you to engage critically with relevant source materials to build your content knowledge. In addition, there are tasks designed to build essential skills, including to support data analysis and academic skills.
- Active Learning: Tutorials offer a collaborative environment where you can deepen your understanding through discussion, problem-solving, and practical application of concepts, facilitated by your tutor.
- Formative Assessment and Feedback: Weekly review quizzes provide ongoing opportunities to monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and consolidate learning.
These approaches are integrated to support your engagement with the unit content and enable you to complete assessment tasks progressively throughout the semester.
You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lectures and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.
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
Overview
The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to practise and develop applying higher order thinking skills in real-world business contexts, and analysing the features that define and shape domestic, international and global environments in which businesses operate.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
Part A report: a data informed macro-level scan of the Australian business environment, focusing on key institutions and relevant economic and social metrics. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
1600-word report
Part B GenAI Output Review: Critical evaluation of the accuracy, effectiveness, limitations, and ethical considerations of GenAI output produced through specific guided activities for the professional report in Part A.
3 min video presentation
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Benchmark report 2
Data informed macro-level scan and critical analysis of domestic Australian policy, international trade and investment, international governance and contemporary geopolitical issues. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
2000-word report
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Weekly resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4 - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1
Unit Outline: Summer 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD108 |
| Coordinators: | Nicholas Johnson | nc.johnson@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic national, international and global environments in which businesses operate and must navigate. You will explore the roles of key national and international institutions. At the same time, you will use data-driven analysis to critically evaluate how interconnected trends both influence—and are influenced by—the policy and regulatory approaches of these institutions, particularly in response to economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical, and ethical challenges that are a priority for businesses.
This unit, along with the rest of the introductory business core, forms the foundation for further study across the breadth of business disciplines and introduces you to business capabilities to prepare you for the future world of work and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the roles of key national and international institutions in shaping the external business environment. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess the impact of contemporary regulatory and policy responses by national and international institutions to address economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical and ethical challenges that are a priority for business. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2 ]
- Develop capabilities in identifying relevant macro external indicators and metrics from published databases to inform data-driven analysis of the national and international contemporary business environment. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Develop capabilities in professional written communication that adhere to appropriate ethical standards including use of AI, data integrity and presentation and use of high-quality relevant sources of information. [PC 3.1, HO 2.2]
Content
This unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills for analysing the complex domestic, international, and global environments in which businesses operate. You will develop foundational skills in identifying, accessing and presenting relevant data to support critical inferences and enhance your capability in ethical professional written communication. Indigenous perspectives, recognising the value of First Nations knowledge systems and their contribution to contemporary business environments, are considered throughout this unit.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is structured around a blend of learning approaches designed to support your academic development and progressive completion of assessment tasks. These include:
- Guided Learning: Weekly lectures provide a broad overview of the module content, establishing foundational knowledge and framing key concepts.
- Self-Directed and Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent learning activities encourage you to engage critically with relevant source materials to build your content knowledge. In addition, there are tasks designed to build essential skills, including to support data analysis and academic skills.
- Active Learning: Tutorials offer a collaborative environment where you can deepen your understanding through discussion, problem-solving, and practical application of concepts, facilitated by your tutor.
- Formative Assessment and Feedback: Weekly review quizzes provide ongoing opportunities to monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and consolidate learning.
These approaches are integrated to support your engagement with the unit content and enable you to complete assessment tasks progressively throughout the semester.
You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lectures and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.
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
Overview
The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to practise and develop applying higher order thinking skills in real-world business contexts, and analysing the features that define and shape domestic, international and global environments in which businesses operate.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
Part A report: a data informed macro-level scan of the Australian business environment, focusing on key institutions and relevant economic and social metrics. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
1600-word report
Part B GenAI Output Review: Critical evaluation of the accuracy, effectiveness, limitations, and ethical considerations of GenAI output produced through specific guided activities for the professional report in Part A.
3 min video presentation
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Benchmark report 2
Data informed macro-level scan and critical analysis of domestic Australian policy, international trade and investment, international governance and contemporary geopolitical issues. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
2000-word report
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Weekly resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4 - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1
Unit Outline: Summer 2026, Online
| Unit code: | BSB108 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD108 |
Overview
This introductory unit introduces you to the complex and dynamic national, international and global environments in which businesses operate and must navigate. You will explore the roles of key national and international institutions. At the same time, you will use data-driven analysis to critically evaluate how interconnected trends both influence—and are influenced by—the policy and regulatory approaches of these institutions, particularly in response to economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical, and ethical challenges that are a priority for businesses.
This unit, along with the rest of the introductory business core, forms the foundation for further study across the breadth of business disciplines and introduces you to business capabilities to prepare you for the future world of work and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Examine the roles of key national and international institutions in shaping the external business environment. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically assess the impact of contemporary regulatory and policy responses by national and international institutions to address economic, social, sustainability, geopolitical and ethical challenges that are a priority for business. [HO 2.1, SE 5.2 ]
- Develop capabilities in identifying relevant macro external indicators and metrics from published databases to inform data-driven analysis of the national and international contemporary business environment. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1]
- Develop capabilities in professional written communication that adhere to appropriate ethical standards including use of AI, data integrity and presentation and use of high-quality relevant sources of information. [PC 3.1, HO 2.2]
Content
This unit introduces foundational knowledge and skills for analysing the complex domestic, international, and global environments in which businesses operate. You will develop foundational skills in identifying, accessing and presenting relevant data to support critical inferences and enhance your capability in ethical professional written communication. Indigenous perspectives, recognising the value of First Nations knowledge systems and their contribution to contemporary business environments, are considered throughout this unit.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is structured around a blend of learning approaches designed to support your academic development and progressive completion of assessment tasks. These include:
- Guided Learning: Weekly lectures provide a broad overview of the module content, establishing foundational knowledge and framing key concepts.
- Self-Directed and Inquiry-Based Learning: Independent learning activities encourage you to engage critically with relevant source materials to build your content knowledge. In addition, there are tasks designed to build essential skills, including to support data analysis and academic skills.
- Active Learning: Tutorials offer a collaborative environment where you can deepen your understanding through discussion, problem-solving, and practical application of concepts, facilitated by your tutor.
- Formative Assessment and Feedback: Weekly review quizzes provide ongoing opportunities to monitor your progress, identify areas for improvement, and consolidate learning.
These approaches are integrated to support your engagement with the unit content and enable you to complete assessment tasks progressively throughout the semester.
You will be expected to attend and contribute regularly to lectures and tutorials, and work through content and self-directed formative learning activities presented on the unit Canvas site before and after class to supplement your learning.
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
Overview
The assessment tasks in this unit provide you with opportunities to practise and develop applying higher order thinking skills in real-world business contexts, and analysing the features that define and shape domestic, international and global environments in which businesses operate.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
Part A report: a data informed macro-level scan of the Australian business environment, focusing on key institutions and relevant economic and social metrics. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
1600-word report
Part B GenAI Output Review: Critical evaluation of the accuracy, effectiveness, limitations, and ethical considerations of GenAI output produced through specific guided activities for the professional report in Part A.
3 min video presentation
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1)
Assessment: Benchmark report 2
Data informed macro-level scan and critical analysis of domestic Australian policy, international trade and investment, international governance and contemporary geopolitical issues. The analysis will be tailored to a specific business sector.
2000-word report
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions
Formative or Summative: Formative and summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Weekly resources will be made available on the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4 - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Benchmark report 2 - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Benchmark report 1 and GenAI Output Review, Benchmark report 2 - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO1