Gathering and interpreting information is critical to business decision-making. Having a firm grasp of business research methods can enable managers and business leaders to make better decisions and to solve problems more effectively. Students taking this course will develop a firm grasp of research methods and the research process in the business context. In so doing, students will further develop their analytical awareness and an ability to communicate, as well as the ability to discriminate between good research and bad research.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students will be able to:

1. define, explain and illustrate, from theoretical and practical perspectives, decision making concepts and processes in business settings;
2. describe and evaluate research concepts and methods in a business setting;
3. evaluate business research designs, including measurement and sampling methods; and,
4. prepare research proposals and write research reports.

Research-Led Teaching

Students are encouraged to explore contemporary trends of the decision-making approaches introduced in the lectures, including the advantages, limitations, and future developments. Students will share their findings in Module 4 (week 11 and 12).

Examination Material or equipment

You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for this exam. Only calculators provided by the Examinations Office on the day of the exam are permitted in the exam room.

Required Resources

Textbook: Balakrishnan, N., Render, B. and Stair, Jr. R. M. (2013), Managerial Decision Modeling with Spreadsheets (3rd Edition), Pearson Education.

A copy of the textbook will be held in the ANU library reserve & short loan collection.

Unlimited online version available: https://library.anu.edu.au/record=b5795125

You will need access to a calculator to complete exercises required for this course. You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for the final examination.

Recommended Resources

March, J. G. (1994). Primer on decision making: How decisions happen. Free Press. Available from ANU library.

It is highly desirable (but not required) that you bring an internet-connected device (smartphone, tablet or laptop) with Microsoft Excel to each lecture and seminar. It will be used for information search and solution development in the class discussion.

ANU staff and students can download a copy of Microsoft Office 2016 for free, for use on personal devices by visiting the Microsoft Office 365 Online Portal. Please refer to HERE for details. If this isn't possible, please let the convener know.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to business decision making
2	Forecasting: Time-series and associative models	Module 1: Analytical modeling
3	Inventory management: Resolving trade-offs in operations
4	Project management: Time and cost decisions
5	Linear programming 1: Decision making under constraints	Module 2: Optimization Assignment (Module 1) due Week 5.
6	Linear programming 2: Linear programming model applications
7	Simulation: Decision making under uncertainty
8	Empirical-based decision-makings 1: Statistical sampling and data collection	Module 3: Empirical research
9	Empirical-based decision-makings 2: Data analysis and interpretation
10	Class wrap-up and review	Assignments (Module 2 and 3) due week 10
11	Contemporary issues in business decision making 1	Module 4: Seminars of contemporary issues in business decision making Contemporary issues in business decision making assignments due Week 11 and Week 12.
12	Contemporary issues in business decision making 2	Final Examination held in end of Semester examination period.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Assignment (Module 1)	10 %	19/08/2019	30/08/2019	1,2,3,4
Assignments (Module 2 and 3)	20 %	18/10/2019	25/10/2019	1,2,3,4
Contemporary issues in business decision making	30 %	07/10/2019	25/10/2019	1,2,3,4
Final Examination.	40 %	31/10/2019	28/11/2019	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in all classes and assessments

Examination(s)

The ANU Examinations Office will communicate all examination details directly to students.

Assessment Task 1

Assignment (Module 1)

Individual assignments. Questions will be assigned for Module 1 at the class of week 4. The case-based questions will be assigned.

Students will formulate problems, resolve models and develop solutions for questions about the application of analytical modeling in business decision making.

The expected time to finish the assignment is 2 hours.

Submission: WATTLE.

Rubric

Criterion	Emerging	Developing	Accomplished	Exemplary
Content (50%)	Student displays basic knowledge, but with no evidence of understanding or application of knowledge in the assigned case studies, projects and problems. Student fails to complete 50% of assigned questions.	Student displays basic knowledge with minimal evidence of understanding or application of knowledge in the assigned case studies, projects and problems. Student completes 70% of assigned questions.	Student demonstrates an understanding and ability to apply the knowledge in the assigned case studies, projects and problems. Student completes 90% of assigned questions.	Student demonstrates full understanding with elaboration in problem solving in the assigned case studies, projects and problems. Student completes all assigned questions.
Solution development (50%)	Student does not provide collect the correct information and does not verify the solutions.	Solutions are partly correct but lack of development and verification.	Solutions are basically correct but development and verification are insufficient.	Solutions are correct and development and verification are sufficient.

Assessment Task 2

Assignments (Module 2 and 3)

Individual assignments. Questions will be assigned at the end of Module 2 (week 7) and 3 (week 9) respectively. The assessments follow the rubric of assessment task 1. The case-based questions will be assigned.

Students will formulate problems, solve models and develop solutions for questions about the application of optimization and empirical research in business decision making.

The expected time to finish each assignment is 2 hours.

Submission: WATTLE.

Assessment Task 3

Contemporary issues in business decision making

In the lectures, the basic concepts and applications of analytic, simulation and empirical decision-making models will be introduced. This assignment encourages students to take a critical thinking approach to have a deeper understanding of these models. This assignment can be finished in groups (5 to 6 students):

1. Select a decision-making approach as the topic, identify the advantages and limitations of the approach introduced in the lecture.
2. Discuss the current development and the future trend of the approach.
3. Present your findings in week 11 or 12 (20 minutes for presentation + 10 minutes for Q&A and discussion).

The oral presentation will be recorded because this assessment is 30% of the course grade (over 10%)

Rubric

Criterion	Emerging	Developing	Accomplished	Exemplary
Presentation: review and future development of Business decision making approaches. (80%)	Students provide basic information to the selected decision making approach, but with no evidence of understanding or application of knowledge.	Students provide basic information to the selected decision making approach, with limited evidences of understanding or application of knowledge.	Students provide basic information to the selected decision making approach. Students well identify the limitations of the approach and demonstrate an understanding and ability to apply the knowledge.	Students provide comprehensive information to selected decision making approach. Students well identify the limitations of the approach and elaborate the method to address these limitation Students demonstrate full understanding with elaboration in problem solving.
Discussion (20%)	Students do not participate in the discussion.	The comments and questions from students reflect a basic understanding to the decision making approaches.	The comments and questions from students reflect a comprehensive understanding to the decision making approaches.	The comments and questions from students reflect a comprehensive understanding to the decision making approaches. Students provide innovative knowledge, idea and understanding in the discussion.

Assessment Task 4

Final Examination.

A closed book examination. The calculator is allowed.

Format: Multiple-choice questions, Solution development questions (Calculation and long questions).

The ANU Examinations Office will communicate all examination details directly to students.

You will be provided with a calculator (HP Scientific Calculator 300s+) for this exam. Only calculators provided by the Examinations Office on the day of the exam are permitted in the exam room.

Rubric

Criterion	Emerging	Developing	Accomplished	Exemplary
Content (40%)	Insufficient familiarity with the basic knowledge of decision method. Student addresses a minimum number of basic problems.	Evidence of Students having basic knowledge and techniques of decision making methods. Student addresses only basic problems.	Evidence of students having comprehensive knowledge and techniques of business decision making methods. Student can apply some techniques and solve relatively complex problems.	Strong evidence of students knowing comprehensive knowledge and techniques of decision making methods. Student can apply all of the techniques they learn and solve complex problems.
Solution development (50%)	Student does not provide the correct information and does not verify the solutions based on decision modeling.	Solutions are partly correct but lack of development and verification based on decision modeling.	Solutions are basically correct but development and verification based on decision modeling are insufficient.	Solutions are correct and development and verification based on decision modeling are sufficient.
Higher-order thinking (10%)	Answers and analysis lack of thinking competence of knowledge.	Answers and analysis minimally demonstrate the lower levels of thinking competence: knowledge, comprehension and application of principles	Answers and analysis clearly demonstrate thinking competencies of all levels up to synthesis.	Answers and analysis clearly demonstrate at least 2 of the 3 top levels of higher order thinking in the student’s narrative, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.

The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.

The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

All assignments will be marked and where appropriate feedback will be provided via the course Wattle site.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmissions are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students