Program Overview

GMBA8122 – Be Curious

Unit Description

Being curious means constantly asking questions. Asking the right questions is a fundamental skill for problem solving. This unit integrates the knowledge developed throughout the course by applying a methodological rigour to how we assess data. There is no shortage of data - the immediacy of data availability through social and media platforms means unprecedented access to data. The increasing sophistication of automation and machine learning offers consumers a curated view which may not necessarily be accurate. How do we know what is real? Is the information credible? This unit develops problem solving skills by invoking the curious mindset. Students will demonstrate their mastery of triangulation by considering the validity and reliability of data and learn the importance of asking the right questions.

General Information

• Unit convenor and teaching staff: Fei Guo
• Credit points: 5
• Prerequisites: Admission to GMBA and 90cp at 8000 level
• Corequisites: GMBA8121
• Co-badged status:

Learning Outcomes

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

• Critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative research tools and processes.
• Balance pragmatic concerns with rigour when deciding which qualitative and or quantitative methods to use relative to the problem.
• Master the science and art of asking questions.

General Assessment Information

• Late submissions of assessments: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted.
• Special Consideration: To request an extension on the due date/time for a timed or non-timed assessment task, you must submit a Special Consideration application.
• Word limits: Anything beyond a stated assessment word limit (other than your reference list) may not be marked.

Assessment Tasks

• Discussion Guide: 55%, No hurdle, Due: Week 3, Sunday, 30 March 2025
• Survey: 45%, No hurdle, Due: Week 6, Sunday, 20 April 2025

Discussion Guide

• Assessment Type: Project
• Indicative Time on Task: 12 hours
• Due: Week 3, Sunday, 30 March 2025
• Weighting: 55%
• Length: Team: Discussion guide including a 500-word 'testing and iteration' group report; Individual: -word report including literature review and critical reflection.
• Format: Team: Discussion guide 25% (15% group, 10% individual contribution); Individual Literature review and critical reflection (30%)
• Task: In this assignment, you will (i) develop, test, and iterate a discussion guide in your project team; (ii) individually review relevant literature of subject matters and research methodologies, and perform a critical reflection on the development, design, testing, and iteration process, including key learnings and insights.

Survey

• Assessment Type: Project
• Indicative Time on Task: 12 hours
• Due: Week 6, Sunday, 20 April 2025
• Weighting: 45%
• Length: Team: URL and 2-4 pages of a survey instrument including a 500-word 'testing and iteration' report; Individual: a 500-750-word report on research methodologies and critical reflection.
• Format: Team: Team online survey design 25% (15% group, 10% individual contribution); Individual review of research methodologies and critical reflection (20%)
• Task: In this assignment, your project team will design, test, and iterate an online survey based on the insights gained from Assignment 1 and your literature review, using an online survey tool of your choice. Each team member will complete a 500-750-word review of research methodologies and critical reflection.

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Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

• Academic Appeals Policy
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Progression Policy
• Assessment Policy
• Fitness to Practice Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
• Special Consideration Policy

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Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct.

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At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research.

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