Business and Economics

Problem Based Learning: A new way of studying business

What is Problem Based Learning?
Problem Based Learning (PBL) is a unique way of learning that teaches you how to solve complex problems. It is only available at Monash Universitys Peninsula campus. You learn the same course content as Bachelor of Business students studying at other campuses, but in a different way. PBL does not use the traditional lecture and tutorial format. Rather, it uses a small group approach, focusing on problems similar to those you will typically encounter in the workforce. Widely used in medical schools in Australia and internationally, PBL is now being adopted in leading business schools in Europe. Based on the success of these international programs, Monash University is the first of the Group of Eight elite Australian universities to offer an undergraduate business degree where all core units are undertaken using a PBL approach. The Bachelor of Business PBL program at Peninsula campus aims to provide you with the skills needed for leadership and management in the business world, now and into the future.

Its been really hands on and you get involved in your work, you have a better connection with the work that you are doing. You have a greater understanding because youre not only learning it but youre applying it.
2011 Bachelor of Business PBL student

Bachelor of Business
The complexity and pace of the modern international business world requires graduates who can think analytically, act decisively and have a broad knowledge base. The Bachelor of Business prepares you for those challenges by equipping you with high-level skills in a range of key disciplines, plus a deep understanding of your chosen specialisation. The structure blends a conceptual theoretical framework with practical applications. And because we continuously adapt to the rapidly changing business environment, you graduate job-ready. The course is offered on three Monash campuses. At Berwick and Caulfield, traditional teaching methods are employed. However, at our Peninsula campus, the Problem Based Learning methodology is used.

Australia

China

India

Italy

Malaysia

South Africa

www.buseco.monash.edu.au

How does it work?

1. You learn course content by solving real life world business problems. The problems that you are given reflect compelling contemporary issues in your field of study. 2. You work in small learning groups to analyse, research, and discuss problems, and you also develop and defend solutions to these problems. You learn from each other as well as from your academic mentors. Sometimes you will leave the classroom and head into industry and undertake your learning there. 3. As you engage with these problems you will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of business discipline areas as well as strong skills in communication, team work, analysis, combining theory with practice and, of course, problem solving. 4. You will have access to a stimulating learning environment with the educational support necessary to maximise your learning outcomes. PBL business units have more face-to-face class time than traditional business units. This means that students are individually supported by teaching staff throughout the course of each days learning activities and are able to receive feedback to help them better understand the principles being discussed. 5. Because of your in-depth involvement with your withinsemester assessment tasks, there is less emphasis on end of semester exams.

We would like our graduates to really have those skills that enable them to work well in teams. Our business is all team orientated. Its identifying a problem that a client might have and its being able to work to solve that problem. There are no labels of divisions; there are no labels of topics. We have to take a problem and we have to provide a solution.
Rob Dalton, Partner, Ernst & Young

Benefits of Problem Based Learning

In addition to gaining a degree from a world class university, the Bachelor of Business at our Peninsula campus offers you the opportunity to gain skills that will provide you with a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Stimulating learning environment

As most of the problems you will address have a real life basis, you will develop a strong understanding of how business actually operates and gain an appreciation of the link between theory and practice. The strong links between theory and practice mean that the problem-based curriculum stimulates and maintains interest.

Internships
You will have the opportunity to participate in the Industry Based Learning program, which is equivalent to two units of academic study. This component of the PBL course provides you with hands on work experience before you leave university.

Employability
There are few fields of study that open up as many career opportunities as business. All organisations and businesses need people with strong business skills. The PBL approach offers way of standing out from the crowd. The PBL program will help you develop highly sought-after graduate employability skills, including:

Ability to apply knowledge from different business discipline areas to solve real-world problems Teamwork and time management skills Strong capacity for autonomous research and effective communication

Bachelor of Business
Typical ATAR 80-82
3 years full-time

The Bachelor of Business at Peninsula currently offers a choice of three majors:

Career options
There are few fields of study that open up as many career opportunities as business. All organisations and businesses need people with strong business skills. The PBL approach offers you a way of standing out from the crowd.

PBL course structure

Six compulsory core Business units: Principles of accounting and finance Commercial law Microeconomics Business statistics Introduction to management

Business strategy provides a firm foundation in business skills and knowledge synthesis. These abilities are required by business strategists and decision makers who are involved in identifying and implementing a companys values, mission, vision and objectives and provide direction for the business. The major is composed of units drawn from the management, marketing, and accounting discipline areas. Sports management provides the skills needed to engage in a range of sport-related businesses and activities. These include managing sports facilities, events, teams, and competitions as well as the marketing and administration of sport. Tourism is an important and vibrant industry within Australia and internationally. The skills gained can be utilised in festival and event management, local, state, and national tourism development, marketing and public relations.

Marketing theory and practice

An eight-unit major in: Business strategy Sports management

Tourism

Plus A further 8 units of elective study* and the opportunity to undertake a business internship or business research project equivalent to 2 units.
* This can be a second major in another business discipline or a mix of units that are of interest to you.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to specialise in another area of business at Peninsula campus, or you may decide to undertake additional units (or another specialisation) at one of our other metropolitan campuses. Specialisations undertaken at another campus will be offered in a traditional lecture/tutorial mode.

Entry requirements
VCE applicants require a study score of at least 25 in units 3 & 4 Maths and 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other Year 12 English. SEAS and subject bonuses may apply. Selection is competitive. You can contact Peninsula staff on 9904 4314 or email enquiries.peninsula@buseco.monash.edu for information about alternative entry pathways.

Business and Economics undergraduate courses 2013

Bachelor of Business
Single degrees Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Business (Accounting) Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) Bachelor of Business (Law) Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Bachelor of Business (Psychology) Double degrees Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business (Accounting) Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business (Management) Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Visual Arts Bachelor of Business (Accounting)/Bachelor of Business (Banking and Finance) Bachelor of Business (Accounting)/Bachelor of Business (Management) Bachelor of Business (Management)/Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Recreation Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Business

Bachelor of Commerce
Single degrees Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) Bachelor of Commerce Scholars program Double degrees Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Arts Scholars program/Bachelor of Commerce Scholars program Bachelor of Arts (Global)/Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business Information Systems Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Commerce Scholars program/ Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Pharmacy/Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Economics
Single degrees Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Economics Advanced with Honours Double degrees Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Economics Bachelor of Commerce Scholars program/ Bachelor of Economics

Bachelor of Accounting
Single degree Bachelor of Accounting

Contacts and further information

Faculty of Business and Economics
Peninsula Campus McMahons Road Frankston Victoria 3199, Australia Telephone: +61 3 9904 4314 Email: peninsula@buseco.monash.edu www.buseco.monash.edu.au/undergrad/bbus/pbl/

Future student enquiries

Local students Telephone: (03) 9903 4788 Email: future@monash.edu.au www.monash.edu.au/study/ International students International Recruitment Services Monash University 871 Dandenong Road Caulfield East, Victoria 3145 Telephone: +61 3 9903 4788 Email: study@monash.edu www.monash.edu/study/international/ Monash University reserves the right to alter information, procedures, fees and regulations contained in this document. Please check the Monash University website for updates (www.monash.edu). All information reflects prescriptions, policy and practice in force at time of publication. Published July 2012. CRICOS provider: Monash University 00008C

www.buseco.monash.edu.au