BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: POSTGRADUATE COURSE GUIDE 2013 docx

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BUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
POSTGRADUATE
COURSE GUIDE 2013
SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITYBUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
· Business Administration (DBA and MBA) · Human Resources and Organisational Development
· Information Technology · International Sport Management
· Professional Accounting
scu.edu.au | Southern Cross Business School
The Southern Cross Business School offers a comprehensive
suite of business, management and information technology
postgraduate degrees that are informed by research, reviewed
by industry leaders and taught by experts. The School’s degrees
are designed to open doors anywhere in the world, have excellent
graduate outcomes* and are taught not just in Australia, but
through collaborating institutions in Asia and the Pacifi c.
The School is committed to excellence in teaching and offers
courses that are tailored to meet industry demands. They
combine academic rigour with contemporary industry practice,
giving students the skills to succeed and lead in complex
business environments.
With postgraduate courses offered on-campus or by distance
education, students can study in the freedom of their home,
workplace, or wherever else they have internet access. With
three teaching sessions each year, most of the School’s Masters
degrees can be completed in just one calendar year.
*Hobsons’ The Good Universities Guide to MBA and Management Courses
2012 awarded Southern Cross University’s MBA and Management courses
a maximum of 5 stars for Getting a Job and 4 stars for Graduate Salary.

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SOUTHERN CROSS
BUSINESS SCHOOL
ABOUT SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY
Southern Cross University is a vibrant, contemporary Australian
university offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate
degrees on-campus and by distance education. Postgraduate
degrees by coursework are available in disciplines including
health and human sciences, environmental, marine and forest
science, tourism, education and social sciences. The Southern
Cross Business School delivers the Master and Doctor of
Business Administration, and other postgraduate degrees
in accounting, sport management, human resources and
information technology.
Research degrees are available in arts, business, law, science
and education. Students undertake an independent research
project which is sent out for external and independent
examination. The students are supported through the Research
Training Unit and can enrol at any time. The University’s research
is undertaken in areas that are regionally relevant and globally
significant, in disciplines as diverse as environmental science,
plant science, geoscience, forestry, gambling research, marine
science, business, education and tourism.
Located on the east coast of Australia, in a region renowned
for its natural beauty, the University has campuses at the Gold
Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour, where it also operates the
National Marine Science Centre. The Centre operates a survey
and research vessel and includes a flow-through seawater
system that supplies laboratories, a tank farm, aquarium
and hatchery.

Many postgraduate courses are available by distance education,
providing flexible study options for those who are juggling
work, study and other commitments. Explore our full range of
postgraduate course offerings at scu.edu.au/courses
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Doctor of Business Administration | scu.edu.au
About this course
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a coursework and
research-based management degree. It is designed for experienced
professionals who would like to improve their professional practice
and solve problems through research.
Postgraduate units provide a solid theoretical background and
training in research design and methodology. All components of
the course, including the thesis component, can be related to
a specifi c workplace or industry, enabling graduates to make a
signifi cant contribution to their profession.
Major areas of study
Candidates develop their own research topic, aligned with
the Southern Cross Business School’s research objectives, in
consultation with their approved supervisors and the DBA Director.
The DBA has three stages of study:
Stage 1: Postgraduate units (4 units) provide a solid theoretical
background and are designed to build on a candidate’s
professional expertise by exposing them to the leading ideas in
their fi eld.
Stage 2: In the research training stage (4 units) candidates develop
their research proposal and complete a literature review.
Stage 3: The thesis (16 units) consists of an approved program of
supervised research. Typically a thesis reviews relevant literature
and presents the theoretical framework underpinning a candidate’s

research. It outlines the research design and methodology,
describes the data collection, analyses data, interprets results and
discusses conclusions and implications.
Teaching methods
Stages 1 and 2: DBA candidates receive a comprehensive study
materials package for each unit. This includes a prescribed
textbook and a package of printed study materials. In addition
to class (face-to-face or online) participation and printed study
materials, candidates have access to dedicated unit websites.
Face-to-face and online classes are not compulsory for those
studying by distance education.
Stage 3: During the thesis component, each research candidate
works directly with their supervisors on their research project and
is required to present the outcomes of their research at the regular
DBA symposia.
Doctoral symposia
At least twice a year candidates meet at a structured doctoral
symposium at the Gold Coast campus or at an offshore location.
The symposia provide wonderful opportunities to meet other
candidates, compare progress, explore different research
methodologies, receive advice from experts, confi rm examination
requirements and network with business leaders. Candidates must
attend at least one symposium each year.
Assessment methods
Stage 1: Incorporates progressive assessment and examinations.
Candidates are assessed in each unit on the basis of written and
oral assignments. These may be business reports, case studies,
presentations, research studies and /or plans. Full details of
assignments are contained in the study guide for each unit.
Stage 2: Units are assessed based on the completion of required

assignments, including a detailed research proposal and
comprehensive literature review.
Stage 3: The University’s Higher Degrees by Research Committee
oversees DBA thesis examination. It requires the thesis to be
examined by two independent and internationally recognised
experts in the relevant fi eld of research.
The DBA is emerging globally as the pinnacle in business
qualifications with some graduates attaining senior roles
in corporations and governments. The Southern Cross
University DBA is one of the largest in Australia in terms of
overall candidates and graduates and attracts participants
from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Career opportunities
DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA)
Location and intake: Gold Coast: Trimester A, B and C; Distance education: Trimester A, B and C
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
About this course
This course is a structured pathway that provides a 12-unit MBA
or a 16-unit MBA (Advanced). The MBA develops the business
knowledge and practical skills to help graduates advance their
careers in today’s competitive global markets. Students gain a
broad understanding of contemporary management operations
and learn industry-relevant skills and solutions to complex
business situations. Professional experience is enhanced through
practical assessment activities in leadership, problem solving
and communication skills. The MBA provides the option to study
broadly across a comprehensive suite of business disciplines and
the opportunity to specialise.To extend their MBA, students can
study an MBA (Advanced), which offers further diversifi cation, or a
second specialisation. The MBA (Advanced) also enables students

to add a signifi cant research component to their MBA.
Major areas of study
Students will study six core units and select six or 10 elective units,
depending on whether they study the MBA or MBA (Advanced).
Core units
• Foundations of Management
• Leading and Managing People
• Strategic Management
• Accounting and Finance
• Marketing Management
• Strategic Information Systems
Electives
The following study areas contain several electives for students
to build substantial and specialised expertise to complement the
general management applications offered in the core units.
• Accounting and Finance for Managers
• Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
• Human Resource Management
• Information Systems
• International Sports Management
• Marketing
• Tourism
• Research Methods and Projects.
Early exit points: Subject to successful completion of the required units.
• Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
• Graduate Certifi cate in Business Administration
scu.edu.au | Master of Business Administration
The MBA equips graduates for managerial roles across
a broad spectrum of industries in the public and private
sectors in business, finance, accounting, marketing,

operations, human resource management, sport
management and corporate sustainability.
Career opportunities
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Location and intake: Gold Coast: Trimester A, B and C; Distance education: Trimester A, B and C
Duration: Master: 1 year full-time (based on 4 units per trimester), 2 years part-time
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (ADVANCED)
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
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Master of Human Resources and Organisational Development | Master of Professional Accounting | scu.edu.au
About this course
The Master of Human Resources and Organisational Development
(MHROD) is designed to provide specialist knowledge in the
areas of strategic human resource management and development,
organisational development and change, industrial relations,
leadership and people management, organisational behaviour and
international human resource management. The course builds on
current experience and skills to assist graduates with managing complex
issues that arise in human resources and organisational development.
Professional recognition
The Master, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certifi cate are all
accredited by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI).
Major areas of study
Students will study six core units and six electives.
Core units
• Organisational Change and Development
• Human Resource Development
• Human Resource Management

• International and Comparative Human Resource Management
• Organisational Behaviour
• Leading and Managing People.
Electives
Students select six electives from HR specifi c and general
management study areas. They also have the option of conducting
a work related research project.
Early exit points: Subject to successful completion of the required units.
• Graduate Diploma of Human Resources and Organisational Development
• Graduate Certifi cate of Human Resources and Organisational Development
The MHROD provides HR practitioners and line managers with
a professionally recognised qualifi cation and also supports the
learning of those looking to embark on a HR career.
Career opportunities
Location and intake: Distance education: Trimester A, B and C
Duration: Master: 1 year full-time (based on 4 units per trimester), 2 years part-time
MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
About this course
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed for
non-accounting business professionals seeking a career change
and planning to move into the fi elds of accounting, taxation,
economics, law and management. The course is designed to
enhance a student’s ability to manage complex accounting and
business issues. For those already working in the accounting and
fi nance industry, the MPA can formalise their skills.
Professional placement
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by, or
makes graduates eligible to apply for admission to, the following

professional bodies:
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)*
• CPA Australia*
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)^
• Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Public Accountants*
* Accredited by
^ Eligible to apply for admission
Major areas of study
Areas of study include:
• Accounting
• Taxation
• Economics
• Law
• Management.
Early exit points: Subject to successful completion of the required units.
• Graduate Diploma in Accounting
• Graduate Certifi cate in Accounting
Studying the MPA is a strategic career move, which could
open career opportunities in a range of industries. Graduates
have the ability to solve problems, liaise with clients and
manage people, departments and organisations.
Career opportunities
Location and intake: Gold Coast: Trimester A, B and C; Distance education: Trimester A, B and C
Duration: Master: 2 years full-time*, 4 years part-time*
*May be completed in a shorter duration subject to unit availability.
MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN ACCOUNTING
About this course
This degree has been tailored to meet the needs of people engaged

in the professional sport business environment. On completion,
graduates will be well equipped with the theoretical knowledge
and practical skills necessary to operate in the global sport
industry. The course is delivered entirely online (including all course
notes, readings and, where available, access to ebooks) with no
requirement to attend lectures. The course enables students to
build professional and study networks online with fellow candidates
throughout Australia and overseas.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for admission as an Associate of the Institute
of Sport Management upon gaining employment in the sport and
leisure industry.
Major areas of study
Areas of study include:
• Sport Governance
• Managing International Sport Projects
• Sport Marketing in the Global Marketplace
• Sport Promotions in the Global Marketplace
• Managing International Sport Events
• International Sport Business
• Sponsorship in the Global Marketplace
• Sport Facility Management
• Sports Law
• Industry Based Project
• Business Research Methods
• Research Project.
Teaching methods
The distance education study option is highly interactive and the
online study environment strives to promote collaboration and a
sense of community. Web-based technologies are used to deliver

lectures online and in real time, combined with discussion forums
that provide candidates with the opportunity to engage with
teaching staff and other students. Lectures are recorded, enabling
students to download them at a time and place that suits – in their
home, workplace, or even overseas. Students also have access to
a dedicated online learning site for each unit and access to library
services including online full-text business journal databases. The
research component of the course is undertaken under appropriate
academic supervision. This is tailored to meet the needs of
individual students.
Early exit points: Subject to successful completion of the required units.
• Graduate Diploma in International Sport Management
• Graduate Certifi cate in International Sport Management
scu.edu.au | Master of International Sport Management
Graduates of the Master of International Sport
Management are employed as key decision makers in
senior management positions in international and national
sporting associations, government sporting agencies,
sport and recreation authorities, professional sport
associations and the sport, leisure and tourism industry
in both the private and public sectors. There are also
self-employed graduates who provide marketing and other
consultancy to these bodies.
Career opportunities
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Location and intake: Distance education: Trimester A, B and C
Duration: Master: 1 year full-time (based on 4 units per trimester), 2 years part-time
MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL SPORT MANAGEMENT
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN INTERNATIONAL SPORT MANAGEMENT
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL SPORT MANAGEMENT

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Graduate Diploma in Information Technology | scu.edu.au
About this course
The Graduate Diploma in Information Technology provides
a pathway for Bachelor level graduates, from areas other
than computing, to gain a qualifi cation in information and
communications technology (ICT). This course equips students
with the required skills to enter the ICT industry and is designed to
be the equivalent of an ICT major in an Australian Bachelor degree.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Major areas of study
Core subjects of the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology:
• Applications Development
• Web Development (1)
• Principles of Programming
• Systems Analysis and Design.
Students also have the opportunity to study other ICT subjects of
their interest as electives.
Assessment methods
Assessment may be in the form of essays, reports, audio or
video presentations, online quizzes, case analyses or problem
resolutions, software programs and examinations.
Teaching methods
Units are taught on-campus with interactive online sessions,
tutorials, and computer laboratory sessions. Extensive study
materials and internet-based study support systems are provided
for students who study by distance education.
Information technology graduates may gain employment
in both the public and private sectors. Some graduates

choose to start their own enterprise after completing the
course.
Career opportunities
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Location and intake: Coffs Harbour: Session 1 and 2; Distance education: Session 1 and 2
Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
This brochure is a guide to Southern Cross University and the postgraduate studies offered by the University. The
information set out in this brochure is an expression of intent only and should not be taken as a fi rm offer or undertaking.
The information contained in this brochure is correct at time of printing and the University reserves the right to make
alterations to any information contained within this publication without notice. Copyright Southern Cross University June
2012. SCU4087 CRICOS Provider: NSW 01241G, QLD 03135E, WA 02621K
SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITYBUSINESS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Teaching methods
The distance education study option for these courses is highly
interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense
of community. In addition to texts, readings and study guides,
students have access to library services, receive a combination of
podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials and
will be invited to participate in online workshops, online discussion
forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from
unit to unit.
Postgraduate courses offered on-campus at the Gold Coast are
designed to maximise learning opportunities and ensure students
receive individual attention from their lecturers. Classes are run
weekly and are normally of three hours’ duration. On-campus
students have unlimited internet and email access and can connect
to the University’s library catalogues, online full-text journal
databases and online book and article request service.
For teaching methods of the Graduate Diploma in Information Technology,
Master of International Sport Management and the Doctor of Business

Administration, refer to the courses.
Assessment methods
These courses incorporate progressive assessment and
examinations. Students are assessed in each unit on the basis of
written and oral assignments. These may be business reports, case
studies, presentations, research studies and /or plans.
For assessment methods of the Doctor of Business Administration and the
Graduate Diploma in Information Technology refer to the course.
Teaching calendar
Southern Cross University offers multiple study periods across
the year. Depending on the course students choose, they will
either study across three sessions (the third of which overlaps
the new year) or trimesters in a calendar year. Sessions start in
February, June and October and trimesters start in January, May
and September. All of the Southern Cross Business School Masters
courses are offered across trimesters, which means students can
complete a 12-unit Masters degree in just one calendar year. For
dates, see our teaching calendar at scu.edu.au/teachingcalendar
Learning resources
In addition to the support of experienced academic staff and
student support personnel, students are provided with high quality
study materials including unit information documents, study guides,
books of readings and textbooks.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services
and resources that support study and student life. The portal
includes unit learning sites and information sites where students
can access resources, communication tools and useful links that
are integral to their studies.
The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced
on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to

communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and
classrooms. They can share fi les, presentations and applications.
If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including
librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document
delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings and
full-text journal literature.
Apply online direct to the University
Visit: scu.edu.au/howtoapply
T: 1800 626 481
E:

Your previous study
Your previous study may help you cut time off your degree.
Advanced standing may be granted to those who have successfully
completed study that is equivalent in content, standard, duration
and recency, to units offered in their chosen course.
Advanced standing is not normally granted for the Graduate
Diploma in Information Technology. However, based on their
previous study or work experience, students may apply to have a
unit substituted with another appropriate unit.
The University recommends that you apply for advanced standing
at the same time as you apply for admission, because the amount
and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.
For more information visit:
scu.edu.au/advancedstanding
International applicants
Southern Cross University welcomes applications from
international students. However this brochure is intended for use
by Australian citizens and permanent residents only and should not

be relied upon by international students. Brochures and information
specifi cally for international students can be obtained from the
University’s International Offi ce and website:
scu.edu.au/international
Further information
Freecall: 1800 626 481
E:
For further course information visit:
scu.edu.au/courses
HOW TO APPLY