Unit rationale, description and aim

The digital revolution has changed the business practices. Data to support business decisions collected through internal business systems, research centres, data released from specialised agencies such Australian Bureau of Statistics, Intelligence Agencies as well as through the Internet and Social Media are growing exponentially and require analysis and interpretation to understand and use. If students are able to do this, they will need knowledge and understanding of decision-making frameworks and theories used in business, how to define problems, how to source relevant data, process, present and critically evaluate to become foundations of responsible decisions. Students will apply their knowledge in the context of managerial decision-making that contributes to sustainable organisational outcomes. 

The aim of this unit is to provide knowledge and understanding of how to apply evidence-based decision making by transforming data into information and then used as a sound foundation for business decision-making in order to promote the common good for individuals, organisations, society and the environment.

2026 10

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  • Semester 2Campus Attendance
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  • Semester 2Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Critically evaluate key frameworks, theories, and ...

Learning Outcome 01

Critically evaluate key frameworks, theories, and concepts related to data collection and analysis for informed and ethical business decision-making
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC6

Apply data and relevant information to support eff...

Learning Outcome 02

Apply data and relevant information to support effective business decision-making.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC8, GC11

Work individually or in groups to apply knowledge ...

Learning Outcome 03

Work individually or in groups to apply knowledge and understanding of decision-making frameworks in businesses
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC3

Content

Topics will include:

·       introduction to evidence-based decision making

·       trends in business analytics

·       decision making frames used in business

·       systems thinking and scenario development

·       ethics in managerial decision making

·       defining and modelling business problems

·       sourcing and evaluating data and information

·       evidence based decision making through application of practical tools

  •  the future of big data and decision making 

Assessment strategy and rationale

In order to pass this unit, you are required to complete and submit three graded assessment tasks and achieve an aggregate mark of at least 50%. Marking will be in accordance with a rubric specifically developed to measure your level of achievement of the learning outcomes for each item of assessment. You will also be awarded a final grade which signifies your overall achievement in the unit. The assessment strategy for this unit allows you to sequentially develop your knowledge and skills of evidence-based decision making to the point where you can present a solution to a real-world problem. To develop this level of capability, you will demonstrate your knowledge of evidence-based decision making through analyses of a case study, development of a group business report and further develop your understanding then apply your knowledge and understanding by presenting your findings and recommendations in the final assessment task. A Lane 2 approach to AI use is permitted with proper acknowledgment for AT1.

Overview of assessments

Task 1: Individual Decision Analysis This a...

Task 1: Individual Decision Analysis

This assessment task consists of a 1500-word individual written decision analysis report. This task requires students to independently apply and integrate the frameworks, theories, models, and concepts learned in this unit. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate an understanding of the context personality influence on decision-making frameworks. Further, students are required to make recommendations on how to improve individual decision-making process. 

Submission Type: Individual

Assessment Method: Decision analysis

Artefact: Written report

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC6

Task 2: Group Decision Analysis Report This asse...

Task 2: Group Decision Analysis Report

This assessment task consists of a 1500 word group written decision report. This task requires students working in groups of no more than 3 to interrogate quantitative and qualitative data and apply tools and techniques learned in the unit to create an evidence base to resolve a business problem. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate knowledge of the sources of big data and how to process, analyse, present and evaluate data from multiple sources in a group decision-making environment.

Individual group members to complete Peer Evaluation Tool. 

Submission Type: Group & Individual

Assessment Method: Decision analysis

Artefact: Written reports

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC9

Task 3: Verbal or video presentation/Written...

Task 3: Verbal or video presentation/Written critique: 

This assessment task consists of a 10-minute presentation with accompanying presentation script. This assessment will require students to work with a student partner to prepare a corporate video presentation of the primary influences in strategic decision making in a specific industry environment recognising their responsibility to the common good. This task requires students to demonstrate critical thinking skills, application of appropriate decision-making theory, social responsibility, and present findings. 

Submission Type: Individual

Assessment Method: Presentation / Critique

Artefact: Verbal or Video presentation / written critique


Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC2, GC3, GC6, GC8, GC9, GC11

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Face-to-Face

Students develop their understanding through weekly on-campus workshops that promote interaction, reflection, and collaboration. With required preparation completed beforehand, workshops involve discussions and activities that support both individual and group learning. Students systematically build their capability to generate informed solutions for real-world business decisions. Experiential learning is embedded through the sharing of stories, practical examples, and structured reflection guided by expert facilitators.


Multi-Mode

Students engage through a combination of face-to-face workshops, online synchronous sessions, and self-directed learning activities. This blended delivery supports inquiry-based learning and enables students to develop knowledge progressively across integrated formats. Collaboration, reflection, and case-based tasks support the application of theory to practice in evidence-based decision-making.


Online

Students complete structured online modules that incorporate instructional videos, guided readings, and reflective exercises. Learning is scaffolded to support the gradual development of knowledge and skills. Experiential learning is supported through case studies and activities that connect theory to real-world decision-making challenges in professional contexts.

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Abbas, A. E. & Howard, R. A. 2015. Foundations of Decision Analysis, Global Edition. Pearson Education Limited, Sydney.

Bratianu, C., Vãtãmãnescu, E., & Anagnoste, S. 2018. The Influence of Knowledge Dynamics on the Managerial Decision- Making Process. European Conference on Knowledge Management, pp.104-XXVII.

Dilger, A., Gehrig, T., & Sarstedt, M. 2019. (Ir)Rationality of decisions in business research and practice: Introduction to the special issue. Business Research, 12(1), pp.1-7

Ferrell, O.C. and Fraedrich, J., 20196. Business ethics: Ethical decision making & cases. 11th edn., Nelson Education.

Harrison, E. Frank. 1999. The Managerial Decision-Making Process. 5th edn., Houghton Mifflin, PA.

Thirathon, U., Wieder, B., Matolcsy, Z., & Ossimitz, M. 2017. Big Data, Analytic Culture and Analytic-Based Decision Making Evidence from Australia. Procedia Computer Science, 121(C), pp.775-783. 

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