UTS Bsoc 2016 First Years Guide

2

First Years Guide

2

2

Contents: 1. PRESIDENT’S WELCOME ……………………………………………………………….. 4 2. GREETINGS FROM EDUCATION DIRECTOR ………………………………………... 5 3. MEET OUR TEAM …………………………………………………………………………. 6 4. FIRST YEAR TIPS AND TRICKS ………………………………………………………... 7 5. UTS BUSINESS SCHOOL TIP ………………………………………………………….. 10 6. NAVIGATING YOUR WAY AROUND CAMPUS ………………………………………. 11 7. GETTING INVOLVED ………………………………………………………………………12 8. START THINKING ABOUT YOUR CAREER …………………………………………... 14 9. KEEPING MENTALLY COOL ……………………………………………………………. 15 10. SUBJECT REVIEWS …………………………………………………………………….... 16

First Years Guide

3

2

President’s Welcome I understand first-hand how daunting it is to start a new degree and to adjust from a school environment to university life. Considering that the UTS Business School is the largest faculty on campus, it’s easy to feel like a small fish in a big pond. That’s where the UTS Business Society (BSoc) steps in - we are a dynamic student-run organisation that strives to enhance the university experience for our members through educational, vocational and social development programs and events.

As the President of BSoc, I pledge to you that we will continuously strive to serve the needs of all Business students. With hard-working and focused Directors across all seven portfolios as well as a dedicated General Committee and fellow Officers; we hope to further improve the lives of business students. We are working hard this year to provide academic support to our first year students, greater volunteering opportunities, varied sporting events, a more diverse selection of careers-sponsored opportunities as well as bigger and better social gatherings. We hope to encourage further networking and connections between students so as to further prepare them for their working careers in the future.

We welcome all feedback and we appreciate continual engagement with our newest members. As an approachable and friendly Society with a laid-back and down-to-earth culture, we welcome all. BSoc would not have become one of the largest Societies on campus if it weren’t for our rapid growth and expansion in recent years.

I encourage you all to throw yourself into University life - whether it be BSoc or any of the multitude of societies and sporting clubs on offer. Extra-curricular involvement will allow you to make friends for life and will make you truly enjoy the next few years. Furthermore, focus upon your career ambitions into the future by studying hard from your very first semester as well as expanding your networks that you will ultimately rely upon.

I would like to extend my appreciation to our Education Director, Ashleigh Blumor, in addition to her incredibly supportive team: Lachlan Peden, Sara Pacey, Chris Stevenson and Feras Hamdan. A lot of hard work has gone into creating our inaugural First Year Guide and we hope you appreciate the tips and secrets that we have shared with you.

Matthew Thompson

First Years Guide

4

2

Greetings from Education Director To those first years I have already had the pleasure of meeting and those of you who I am yet to meet, it is with great pleasure that I welcome each and everyone of you to the UTS Business Society and of course, your first year of university.

I am sure, as many of you will have already discovered, that starting university in an unfamiliar environment, with unfamiliar people and unfamiliar subjects can be quite overwhelming at times. But rest assured, it does get easier and definitely more enjoyable.

Exciting times are ahead of you! With many friends to make, lessons to be learnt and social events to attend there is no reason to fret. The leap may seem large but remember we’re here to help ease that transition and ensure you all have an opportunity to shine.

With that being said, the UTS Business Society is delighted to introduce our first ever First Year’s Guide. Not only does this guide detail handy tips and tricks of how to get the most out of your degree and university experience, it provides you all with comprehensive subject reviews, maps of campus and other must know information.

So what are you waiting for?

Get reading and make the most of university experience! Before you know it, you will find yourself in a graduation gown so make sure your time here is worthwhile. Don’t forget you’re in control of your own destiny!

Ashleigh xx

First Years Guide

5

2

MEET OUR TEAM The UTS Business Society is made up of a strong, diverse and highly passionate group of officers, directors and general committee members. If you happen to run into any of these amazing people on campus please do not hesitate to say hello or ask a question. I promise they don’t bite!

PORTFOLIO OFFICERS

TEAM President: Matthew Thompson Vice-President (Autumn): Sareeta Shah Vice-President (Spring): Kathy O’Halloran Secretary: Isabelle Martin Treasurer: Mikhail D’Silva Chairperson: Fiona Newton

CAREERS

Director: William Tan General Committee: Jonathan Lam, Claire Tocchet, Diyomira De Silva, Lauren Grasso and Christina Kukec

EDUCATION

Director: Ashleigh Blumor General Committee: Lachlan Peden, Sara Pacey, Feras Hamdan and Chris Stevenson

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Director: Anton Mallach General Committee: Annalise Giardina, Joel Giezekamp, Matthew D’Cruz and Daniel Fellowes

MARKETING

Director: Ryan Orkin General Committee: Emily Munro, Erin Meier, Nicole Staff and Natalie Planinic

SPORTS

Director: Tegan Andrews General Committee: Emily Whitaker, Alex Robertson and Tyler Wilson

IT

Director: Liyisa Li General Committee: Michael Garbuz, Janice Ly and James Gregory

SOCIALS

Director: Sahara Khoury General Committee: Pamela Prineas, Simon Grant, Angus Wright and Jasmin Dearing

First Years Guide

6

2

FIRST YEAR TIPS & TRICKS GURU

TIP

Alex

Get involved as much as possible! Don’t limit yourself to just your classes, you’re surround by an endless amount of opportunities – Join societies, play social sport and utilise what’s made available to you.

So give it a go, you won’t regret it!

Annalise

 Try to make notes on each subject immediately after each lecture. The content will still be fresh and it will also mean you are less likely to be behind on note taking.  When you walk into a lecture or tutorial, never sit by yourself!

It's always better to be surrounded by others as it is a great opportunity to make friends and you can also assist each other if the content becomes difficult.  Unlike school, your lecturer's and tutors will not remind you when an assignment is due! Keeping a 'week at a glance' diary is recommended so you never forget what important tasks are coming up.

Ash

University can be anything you want it to be. Put yourself out there, make the effort to meet new people and enjoy the best years of your life.

Chris

Always keep in mind that your University degree will be the greatest investment you make...an investment in yourself! Always give it your all & never stop trying to better yourself.

Claire

Try not to choose classes with friends from school or people you already know. Uni is about new experiences and meeting new people, so try your hardest to open yourself up and become willing to put yourself out there. You never know, you could meet a future colleague, future best friend or an amazing study partner. Don't close yourself off to the possibilities of uni life.

Enrolling in U:Pass sessions not only help you collaboratively work towards better results, but are also a great way to interact with likeminded students.

Emily M

Erin

 Use your breaks between classes wisely in order to complete First Years Guide

7

2

Feras

any readings, assignments or homework that may be due rather than waiting until you get home. The earlier you get things done, the more time you’ll have to yourself later!  Don’t forget to check your emails regularly as lecturers and subject coordinators use it to send through vital course information or any changes that may be occurring in terms of due dates and times.

Your time is limited; don’t just spend it behind your text books and studies. Don’t be trapped by the fear of grades is everything, which is the result of self-induced fear. Get INVOLVED. Get NOTICED. Become SOMEONE. Be active in your university as much as possible. Whether it is joining societies or meeting new friends, don’t be a shadow among peers, become a friend among future leaders.

Fiona

Never stop smiling, it's contagious! 

Jack

Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to other people in class, you never know who’s sitting next to you.

James G

Make uni easier for yourself, be consistent with your work and you'll thank yourself in the end. Get involved in the social life but don't forget to study.

James H

Happy Hour jugs are 12 – 2.

Janice

At uni you're bound to have some questions while studying. Don't hesitate to ask your lecturers or tutors if you need to know something or to repeat something. Send them emails or ask them after class.

They will be willing to help you.

Jasmin

Don't let uncertainty or the unknown stop you from attending uni social events. It's one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends 

Joel

Where possible, always buy textbooks second-hand... It's a good way to save money, so that you'll be able to effectively invest in your weekly meat box diet.

Kathy

No-one likes homework or assignments but just do it. When it comes to your final exams you’ll be thanking yourself you only need to get 20/50 rather than 40/50 like the guy sitting next to you who didn’t bother with either.

Lachlan

Studying is only half of the uni experience. Don't short-change yourself, go join a society and get involved!

Lauren

My tip would be to meet as many people as possible and attend lots of networking events!

First Years Guide

8

2 Matthew

UTS offers free and confidential counselling for anybody who is having personal, psychological, study-related and administrative difficulties; remember that this isn't your only support network since you will always have your family and friends behind you.

Michael

Don't be scared to start a conversation with someone. You never know what it could lead to. Everyone's in the same boat as you so best sail together rather than alone.

Natalie

My tip is to set goals. Short, medium and long term goals to help you stay motivated throughout the semester and give you a sense of certainty. These goals can be related to both studying and achieving certain results as well as getting involved in societies and Uni events.

Nicole

Uni is a place to meet all kinds of people, so don't be afraid and take every opportunity to go to different events and interact with new and unique people.

Ryan

University is also an incredible opportunity to network so make an effort to speak to lectures and tutors and go to networking events as it's so important to have those connections and build your network. It opens a lot of doors after graduating.

Sahara

Go to as many events as you can that you see happening around uni, even if it's something you don't think will interest you or if you don't have any other friends going. You never know what you could gain for it or the friends you could make, worth a shot and they might end up being some of your most memorable uni moments.

Sareeta

University life can be whatever you want it to be. Whether it's achieving good grades, travelling, or just being a continuous party.

But only YOU can make that happen. If you want to chase after your uni dream, you have to take the steps, put in the effort and take action!

Tegan

Uni is an amazing opportunity not only to learn, but also to put yourself out there and make new friends as well as grow in confidence! It is really beneficial to get involved in uni life such as sport, or societies or academic centred activities. However long your degree is you don't want to look back on the experience and regret not getting more involved!

William

Unsure about where a career in business can take you? Come along to our events and network with peers, society members and our sponsors - what's stopping you?

Yvonne

You only get out as much as you put in!

First Years Guide

9

2

UTS Business School Tip UTSOnline is the portal to your subject https://online.uts.edu.au/ it is where you find information and ask general questions. The lecturer-in-charge should be emailed for personal issues like what to do if you have been in hospital or need to attend a wedding – as bride or groom. myStudent Admin https://onestopadmin.uts.edu.au/estudent/ is the place where you manage your enrolment or in person to Student Admin in Building 10 (street level – half way down on the left).

If you have any questions ask – no one at UTS knows everything – ‘can I study at UNIS University Centre in Svalbard*?’ (The answer is probably – but it is the process of studying overseas starting with International Programs that is important).

For first year students, especially first in family to attend university it can be a big scary place and part of the role of the Transition Coordinators is to simplify that. We are fascinated that we have a Dean, Deputy Dean, three Associate Deans and five Heads of Discipline Groups – but that is not relevant to first year students – like the VC, Provost and four Deputy VC’s – governance is not important but how can I complain (go to the Students Association if you feel no one is listening). * UNIS is located in the settlement of Longyearbyen on the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the High Arctic – I believe it is the University geographically furthest from UTS (some would nominate Greenland’s only university but the university only admits Greenlandic speaking students – which excludes most UTS Business students).

Jonathan Tyler Deputy Head of School, Accounting Discipline Group

First Years Guide

10

2

HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR WAY AROUND CAMPUS

You would have figured out that there’s more to UTS then just the big Jenga-like building. With that in mind, you may have difficulty finding your way. But before you know it, you’ll be navigating your way in no time. In the meantime, you may want to make use of the interactive maps available on the Lost on Campus App, download it now!

First Years Guide

11

2

GETTING INVOLVED

BY JAMES HUGHES (2015-16 Committee Member)

You get so much advice in the months before starting university that you can often feel overwhelmed and not sure where to first begin.

It is fine to be completely lost before you start university. The first couple weeks, are the days that you are curious and excited to start the new chapter of life, but also overwhelmed and worried about what lies ahead. One of the major factors contributing to you being happy at university is the sense of belonging, and in order to feel that you belong in university, you need to get involved.

So you might be thinking, who I am to tell you what to do, or just wondering how do I know all this? The answer is pretty simple. I have been in your shoes.

When I first started uni I remember accepting my offer and thinking to myself do I know anyone doing my degree? Apart from one or two people in the years above me, I knew absolutely no one. I was lucky enough though to attend the Business Society’s Orientation Camp and since then have not looked back. The people I met that weekend, I still regularly catch up with, whether it is during uni, or over the weekend. But unfortunately by time you receive this, the Business Camp for 2016 would have already been completed.

Luckily though the year just gets bigger and better. Apart from all the social events the Business Society runs, like the infamous Start of Semester party, which attracts approximately 500 people, most, which are first year’s students, curious in developing friendships and understanding what uni life is about, BSOC is also running many events this year such as the Peer Mentor program or the Inaugural BSOC Pub Crawl which will give you the opportunity to enjoy university life a lot more as it builds your relationships, hence giving you that sense of belonging and making you feel involved.

Apart from getting involved through the business society, there’s also plenty of other interesting ways to make that transition from school life, to university life much easier!

Randomly striking up conversations with other students, either in lectures, at the Underground or even on study breaks will introduce you to new activities, new ideas and most of all new experiences. A simple hello never goes wrong. It’s how I actually met one of my closest mates. Getting to know people is the easiest way to feel as though you belong. Yes, everyone has his or her school friends, but with uni being the main part of your life for the next 3+ years, simply knowing one or two people who have the same timetable as you will make getting out of bed at 8am to go to uni much easier! It alleviates the stress of homework or study but also gives you a friend you can share stories with over a drink after or during a long day.

First Years Guide

12

2 In addition to this joining one or two societies you care about, surrounds you with people who have similar interests. Yes, it may be a bit expensive but it involves you with people who actually want to talk about things you do, as well as allowing you to build strong relationships and network with people you might not necessarily have, whilst still having fun and learning new things.

Lastly, there’s the less obvious part of getting involved around uni. Helping out the community by volunteering in many activities such as Blood Drives, The Big Lift Program or just even helping international students with class work, is not only a fulfilling experience but also opens your horizon to many experiences that would have not been experienced by sitting around and doing nothing. Extra-curricular activities also have many more benefits especially making you immediately become more attractive to future employers, in addition to demonstrating your initiative, curiosity and independence.

So whether it’s joining BSOC at one of its social events, or grabbing a beer at the Loft with the person who sits next to you in accounting, {yes accountants can have lives too}, getting involved around uni is a vital part of making sure you enjoy the next 3+ years of your life!

First Years Guide

13

2

NEVER TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT YOUR CAREER

BY YVONNE NEHME (2014-15 Committee Member)

You’ve just started uni, are still figuring out your life and fret the idea of having to start thinking about your career. Well, it doesn’t have to be this big gloomy cloud of grey.

Whilst you may not know where you want to end up when you graduate, it’s important that you start developing your soft skills from the get go! Employer’s look for graduates that have communication, teamwork, amongst other handy abilities and these can be constantly refined and developed. This may be through a part time/casual job, getting involved in university programs or even partaking in team sport. Whatever it is, it is important that you set goals and identify the skills you would like to work on to create the best employable you!

If you have a particular career set in mind, then what are you waiting for, go for it! Try to engage in internships or cadet programs; seek the experience you so desire. And for those that are clueless, have no fear, try to engage in many different opportunities and experiences to figure out what you do and don’t like.

The UTS Business Internship subject offered under most majors, is an invaluable way to get the much-coveted employment experience. In addition, the Business Society runs a range of events throughout the year where you can meet prospective employers and start to understand your career interests.

The UTS Careers Service comes quite handy when considering your career. They offer career consulting, great advice and assistance in finding employment opportunities. In addition, they run work-ready programs and assist with resumes, applications and interviews. Feel free to swing by and attend a 15 minute DropIn session. They are open from 10am to 4pm and are located in Building 1, Level 4, Room 13. What’s even better, is that no appointment is necessary so what are you waiting for! Visiting the Career Hub https://careerhub.uts.edu.au/students/login?ReturnUrl=%2f is a must. It is a useful tool where you can check out job advertisements, career events and more.

CONSIDERING A CADETSHIP? FERAS HAMDAN

As a business student, it was not until I was in my later years of university where I saw the importance of obtaining experience within my chosen field of study. Within my second year I was given the opportunity to become a Cadet Accountant within Business Services and Tax at a leading Audit and Advisory firm, Mazars Australia. This has given me the chance to experience accounting within a practical setting rather than theoretically through my studies.

My biggest tip to first, second and final year students is to be proactive in terms of job searching, attending company related information sessions and networking with cadets, graduates and recruiters. I was never active within my first year of study and hadn’t done adequate research into companies that I would like to work for someday. In the early stages of my second year, I took initiative to attend as many information and networking events as I can and set the aim to leave with either a new contact on LinkedIn or a business card. In efforts of my regular attendance, I met new friends who were connected to various companies and had often asked on occasion whether I was looking for professional experience.

In essence, I’m just your regular student with grades that are easily achievable however; the biggest difference between the average student and myself is that I was active within the events offered by the UTS Business Society. I urge the importance of attending information events and ask questions in relation to the career you’re interested in, as it may ultimately lead you into a job whilst or after completing your degree at university.

First Years Guide

14

2

KEEPING MENTALLY COOL WHILE STARTING UNI

BY ANTON MALLACH

Beginning uni is one of the most exciting times in our lives but also one of the scariest.

New friends to be made, getting lost on campus; it’s all a part of the experience.

It’s no secret that starting uni can bring a lot of nervousness and anxiety. You’ve just left the high school bubble and are stepping into the big pond that is UTS. So here are a few tips to make that transition that little bit less stressful.

You’ll be late a few times… Don’t sweat it!

Back in high school, attendance was checked every class and failure to do so had a real impact on your marks. In uni, while it’s obviously important to try hard and work for those HD’s, if the weather at the beach is too great or if another game of pool at The Underground beckons, it’s ok to rock up a little late once in a while.

Everyone’s in the same boat.

Undoubtedly, one of the most nerve-wracking parts of starting uni is leaving your high school group behind and finding new people to hang with. You definitely shouldn’t get so nervous about being in this situation. Everyone you meet in the first few weeks of uni will be going through exactly the same thing, so walk up and have a chat, you wont regret it.

Another great way to meet new friends at uni is to sign up to clubs (like BSoc, hint hint ) and go to their events where you’ll meet people with similar interests to you.

If things get a bit tough, have a chat about it.

When you’re up to your neck studying for finals, writing big papers and still trying to make it to the pub for students’ night (Wednesdays) things can get a little crazy. It’s perfectly normal to be feeling overwhelmed by these things, you won’t be the only one! If you do feel a little down, have a chat to the crew at Batyr (confidentially message them here https://www.facebook.com/BatyrUTS/) who love listening and helping you with any stuff you might be going through.

Get organised The key to a (relatively) stress free semester is organisation! Be sure to enrol in your subjects early (they’ll fill up), be proactive with group assignments and try to find some time every week to allocate to studying, it’ll make all the difference!

First Years Guide

15

2

SUBJECT REVIEWS 22107 Accounting for Business Decisions A BY ASH BLUMOR Accounting for Business Decisions A provides first year students, like yourselves, with an overview of the role of accountants and accounting information in the business environment, including applying accounting information in external and internal decision contexts of a business and preparing internal and external financial statements.

Each week you will have a lecture and a tutorial. The concepts developed and learnt in the lecture are tested in your weekly tutorial questions and the tutorials are used as a means of analysis and understanding.

TIP 101: If you want to do well in this subject, homework is a MUST! Not only does it test what you have learnt in the lecture, it forces you to apply the information to more complex scenarios AND in order to know whether or not you are on the right track, one must attend the tutorials!!! Answers are NOT available online, nor do they become available online at the end of the semester.

In regards to exams and assessments Accounting for Business Decisions A consists of a Mid-Semester and an End-of-Semester exam, which are weighted accordingly. However, you may or may not have the opportunity to participate in and create your own screencast for 10 EXTRA and I am talking about 10 EXTRA marks.

Having said all this, the best thing about this subject is the lecturer. I don’t want to ruin the surprise but let me tell you J-T is the bomb! Again, University and definitely 22107 is not about who is the smartest or who knows the most about debits and credits, this subject will reward those students who complete all their tutorial homework, listen and attend lectures and simply believe.

22207 Accounting for Business Decisions B BY ASH BLUMOR Similar to Accounting for Business Decisions A, B involves a lecture and a tutorial per week.

However, unlike 22107, 22207 equips you with the appropriate accounting skills necessary to participate in a managerial, rather than a financial capacity, including the skills to facilitate and enhance decision-making, accountability and control. Ethical implications of decisions are also considered throughout the course of this subject.

Each lecture, again focuses on a certain topic which is carried through into homework and your tutorial each week. Again it is imperative to attend tutorials for attendance marks, answers and the all-important random homework checks (same as Accounting for Business Decisions A).

However, dissimilar to 22107, 22207 involves a large Mid-Semester project, which incorporates the use of MYOB. This assignment requires time, the library and the TEXTBOOK!

If I can give you one tip in this subject it would be to obtain the MYOB textbook! The library has it, so if you can’t buy it borrow it! This assignment definitely tests ones patience and concentration but grab a friend or two and the time will easily pass.

First Years Guide

16

2

25300 Fundamentals of Business Finance

BY CHRIS STEVENSON

23115 Economics for Business

Fundamentals of Business Finance provides a thorough overview of key concepts central to finance, including time value of money and its application to calculating present and future values, the valuation of debt and equity, capital budgeting and ascertaining the optimal capital structure.

Economics for Business provides a thorough, foundational understanding of macro and microeconomics. It explores essential economic concepts such as supply and demand, elasticity, aggregate demand and supply, as well as the effect of government monetary and fiscal policy on the macro economy.

I certainly enjoyed Fundamentals of Business and its emphasis on practical financial skills.

The subject explained foundational concepts in a coherent manner, and it was great to have the opportunity to assemble a team to complete the group assignment, allowing you to obtain further experience in working alongside a team. I also found the course layout to be very beneficial, in that the introductory time value of money, present value, future value and annuity topics are covered at the start of the course. This allows students to develop a strong understanding of these concepts before applying them in a more practical context with equity and debt valuation, and capital budgeting.

I found the subject to be highly informative and interesting. The subject comprehensively covers key economic concepts in an easy to understand manner, while linking economic theory to practical situations, for example, the impact of a price ceiling on the rental market in New York, to demonstrate the fallacy of government intervention in free markets. I liked the separation made between macro and microeconomics, as it enabled students to get a good grasp of certain concepts on a smaller scale and then apply them on a larger scale in macroeconomics.

As this subject is very practical and hands-on, the key to excel in it is to practice calculations and problem questions again and again and again! The best way to do this is to ensure you complete all tutorial homework each week, as well as the tutorial in-class questions, and ask your tutor any questions you may have…don’t worry they don’t bite!

It is also essential to ensure you develop a thorough understanding of the topics covered in the first few weeks, as the application of present value for example, is recurrent throughout the course. As a result, if you have a good understanding of these initial topics, then you’re less likely to become confused when the concepts are applied in more complex contexts.

BY CHRIS STEVENSON

The key to excel in Economics for Business is to complete all tutorials each week and stay up to speed with the content covered in lectures.

Often the concepts will build upon each other, for example, the effect of government policies on the free-market forces of supply and demand. As a result, it is essential to develop a strong understanding of these earlier topics to better understand the interaction between them and subsequent topics. Furthermore, it is crucial to give full attention to the online quizzes and news analyses. These assessments constitute a significant portion of the course: 40% and they serve as an excellent preliminary way to ascertain how well you are understanding the content as you progress through the course.

First Years Guide

17

2

26134 Business Statistics

BY FERAS HAMDAN

Business statistics is a subject that analyses data in relation to interpreting probability, estimation and risk of certain environmental changes within business from occurring. The subject allows for students’ to adopt a critical mindset to determine the statistical estimation of events such as determining a population size affected by certain economic conditions through the use of sampling. Moreover, students are exposed to an analytical understanding of mathematical principles and statistical models such as hypothesis testing, ANOVA and Regression analysis, which are greatly appreciated within the finance major.

I found the subject to be quite challenging however, it was rewarding once I understood the statistical framework. Business Statistics allowed me to develop a heightened understanding within analysing business trends, risks and the probability for certain events occurring in the economy. It also served as an introduction to many subjects faced within the accounting and finance majors.

I believe the key to excel within Business Statistics is to consistently maintain regular attendance within lectures and tutorials. My biggest pro tip for achieving a great mark within Business Statistics is to practice tutorial questions on a regular basis as well as maintaining interaction within class so you are prepared to ask and answer questions. Lastly, if mathematics seems a little daunting you can utilize the UTS U: PASS program to its fullest advantage. U: PASS is a student run initiative that provides free tutelage and extra content to assist with subjects such as Business Statistics.

24108 Marketing Foundations

BY FERAS HAMDAN

Marketing is a vast subject that utilises basic concepts of economics to explain factors that affect consumer demand with reference to micro and macro factors that afflict business decisions. Students will obtain a thorough understanding of the microenvironment, which are forces within businesses control that affect the following stakeholders; Customers, Clients, Partners and Competitors. In a wider picture, students will gain an understanding of the political, social, technological, legal and economic forces, which is the Macro environment that is not within businesses control. The Micro and Macro environment work together to achieve and regulate Business practice to ensure fair competitive consumer markets.

The subject gave me the ability to think creatively through the informative lectures, practical hands on tutorials and assignments, which involved team collaboration. Moreover, it gave me the opportunity to pitch a mock market research proposal as a Nike Executive to provide management with a marketing plan.

The assignment gave me the abilities to assess consumer behaviour as well as how certain Nike products are positioned to appeal to different age, cultural and lifestyle groups.

The subject focuses on marketing theories that continually build up throughout the semester, so it is imperative to regularly attend lectures and tutorials. The group assignment is provided to students earlier in the semester and it is important to attend tutorials to discuss and facilitate discussions within the team regarding your Marketing Report as well as mock Presentation.

First Years Guide

18

2

26100 Integrating Business Perspectives (IBP)

BY LACHLAN PEDEN

21129 Managing People and Organisations (MPO)

BY LACHLAN PEDEN

IBP is all about giving students an understanding of the business landscape and the relationship with its environment with a focus on social issues, like sustainability. In class you will be asked to consider this wide range of factors in order to create a viable business concept.

A large part of this subject will include group work where you will develop a business concept with some members of your tutorial.

You can use this as an opportunity to make new friends at uni and to gain some valuable teamwork experience. Don’t forget to make the best of your tutorials as it will probably be the most convenient time for your group to work together on your concept Participation in tutorials is also vital, not only because attendance is marked, but also because of the in class activities that take place. Initially these activities may seem arbitrary but they are in fact designed to help you through the process of forming your business concept. If you engage with the activities and use them as a guide, developing an original and viable business concept will become much easier.

For most business students IBP will also be the first time you will write an essay at university.

One of the most common mistakes made when it comes to academic writing is regurgitating subject material rather than forming an argument and critically analysing information.

Remember that proper referencing is crucial.

You can find a detailed guide to Harvard UTS referencing on the UTS Library website.

If you’re not entirely confident in your academic writing skills, pay a visit to HELPS.

MPO introduces students to the fundamentals of management. It is designed to provide an understanding of major theories and their application to contemporary managerial issues.

Understanding these managerial theories is essential to success in MPO. On a weekly basis, students will be asked to complete one reading and then are required to answer questions on it. Weekly readings are supplemented with a list of related articles for further study and reference. Having a firm grasp on all the readings is necessary, particularly when you use them in your essays. Some students might extract key words or phrases that support their argument, however without proper understanding of what the author is trying to demonstrate, the quote can be misused.

MPO will involve a degree of group work, however unlike IBP and marketing it is not assessed. In your groups you will be expected to discuss the weekly reading questions and on occasion, prepare a visual presentation on a management concept. Group work in MPO is a case of ‘you only get out what you put in’; if you make the effort, it can be truly rewarding.

Like IBP you will be required it write two essays, this time however you will be expected to carry on your choice of topic area from the first essay.

Therefore try to choose a topic that interests you and that you are fairly knowledgeable in.

Unlike other business exams you will take in your first year, MPO’s final exam is solely comprised of multiple choice questions. But remember that all lecture and tutorial work, including readings, is assessable.

First Years Guide

19

2

WHAT IS HAPPENING NEXT? The UTS Business Society has many more events planned this semester including: 

End of Semester Frat Party at the Underground



First Year Exam Workshops



UTS Bsoc v UTS LSS Sport Day



CA ANZ Pitch Perfectly Throwdown

Listen out for more information regarding these events via emails, Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy xxx

First Years Guide

20