Business skills and knowledge

In this subject students examine how businesses operate in a local, regional and global environment and how this might change in the future. Students actively engage with current business issues and establish a broad foundation of business knowledge essential to everyone in the business world. With a particular focus on management and human resource practices, this subject is designed to develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, planning and personal time management skills. This subject also facilitates working closely with fellow students to enhance communication skills and engage in thinking about and discussing big ideas shaping the world of work, into which students will graduate. This subject addresses La Trobe’s Global Citizenship Essential. A study of Global Citizenship will enable you to develop an awareness the external context in which many businesses operate involving activities across international cultural, political and institutional boundaries, and the internal context which operates in many businesses involving communication and engagement with a diverse, multicultural group of stakeholders.

Finance is concerned with raising the funds required to acquire the assets of an individual or business and managing the expenditure and investment of these funds. Accounting defines the recording of such financial transactions and reporting on the financial health and performance of an individual or business. In this subject, you will learn how to apply simple maths to make financial and investment decisions. In so doing, you will learn to make sense of accounting and financial information and learn how to use that understanding to solve financial problems of both a personal and business nature.

Marketing: Stand and Deliver is an introductory unit to marketing principles and practice as applied to mainly fast-moving consumer goods. The subject is designed to give you a broad understanding of the formal discipline of marketing and of the key marketing activities in business. Topics cover the marketing concept, the marketing environment, buying behaviour in consumer and organisational markets, customer segmentation, targeting and positioning, developing the marketing mix, and the implementation and control of marketing programs. As a prerequisite to further study in marketing, this subject provides a sound foundation for future marketing subjects, advanced skill development and your career.

Working with Others will provide an introduction to individual characteristics, interpersonal relationships and group processes, as they relate to individual behaviour and outcomes in organisations. Organisational behaviour theory and concepts will be applied to current organisational problems relating to motivation, decision-making, teamwork, leadership and diversity. In online forums and exercises students will develop the capabilities to work effectively in teams and lead teams to achieve their goals.

In this subject, students are introduced to developing and implementing a workplace sustainability policy in line with a current theoretical framework and modifying it to suit the interconnections between the economy, society and the environment. Students identify, analyse and evaluate information to develop, monitor and modify organisational policies in accordance with legislative and organisational goals and changing business circumstances. During this process, they are required to communicate and consult with internal and external stakeholders. The subject also introduces students to planning, sequencing and using systematic and analytical processes to research and gather data and to evaluate outcomes of decision-making to identify improvement. This subject addresses La Trobe’s Sustainability Thinking Essential. Sustainability Thinking entails deep appreciation of how the choices we make affects the natural, economic, social, political and cultural systems – now and in the future.

This subject provides a general and practical introduction to information technology. Areas taught include: fundamental principles of computer operation, the main hardware components of the computer, data storage and retrieval, introduction to system software, the internet; operating systems, file management systems, security; application software modules: spreadsheets, database packages, the World Wide Web.

Organisations operate in a global economy. As a manager and leader, it is your responsibility to get the best out of your employees and respond to customer needs. In this subject you will develop the practical skills for the next generation leading in a diverse workforce. Managing diversity isn't just about abiding by legal obligations, it’s about recognising and valuing human differences and being able to create an inclusive environment, where employees have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. This subject will help you to develop a deep understanding of diversity. You'll reflect on your own attitudes and bias, as well as researching strategies, policies and practices that develop and promote a diverse, inclusive workforce.

This subject develops the essential skills required to plan, develop and execute a project within an allocated budget and timeline. Students develop an understanding of the different types of projects that exist across a range of industries and job roles. They will learn how to define the parameters of a project, including the project scope, relevant stakeholders, resources and reporting requirements. The subject incorporates project management methodology and provides students with the opportunity to use project management tools to develop and implement a project plan.

In this subject, you will explore advertising theory and practice in the context of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC). You will learn how to integrate and critically analyse the elements of the IMC mix. You will learn about advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, publicity and PR. You will develop communication messages that have meaning and impact for consumers in today’s digital age. You will analyse case studies designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with consumers.

This subject provides an introduction to the management of organisations. It provides an understanding of the fundamental concepts and relevant issues relating to the management of firms operating in the modern Australian and global business environment. The relationship between management theory, practice and organisational performance will be explored within the context of both individual effect and organisational outcomes.