Key facts
UNE unit code: BUS399
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information

Resolve your own real-world challenge, problem or opportunity as you learn and apply Waterfall, Agile, Lean Development and Design Thinking.
You may start a new project or carry over existing challenges from other units, including units from the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship. Your project might develop a new business idea, change an existing process, or create a marketing plan. It may be implemented in a start-up, existing for-profit enterprise, not-for-profit, or social enterprise. The choice is yours.
You will gain experience in designing, developing, researching and implementing an action in a business. You will explore relevant theories and apply innovation methodologies including Waterfall, Agile, Lean Development and Design Thinking.
Throughout the unit, you will hone your communication skills with Shark Tank-style pitches and written reports.
Contact the unit coordinator to discuss your proposal. For permission to enrol, you will need to outline an appropriate challenge.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Enrolment in this unit requires students to do the following:
1. Contact the Unit Coordinator via email to discuss your proposal and request permission to enrol in the unit. Remember: challenges may be from your workplace, brought over from other Units at UNE or from the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship.
2. Enrol online in the unit, completing the 'Waive Prerequisites' form and attaching the Unit Coordinator's written approval.
AskUNE can assist with the above steps if needed.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a well-developed understanding of the key concepts and theories relevant to a business project;
- use a range of cognitive and/or communication skills to identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant information drawn from a range of sources in order to demonstrate judgement and analytical skills in solving business problems;
- work independently and/or collaboratively to plan and execute tasks to enhance professional knowledge and skills; and
- demonstrate the ability to recognise, reflect on, and respond appropriately to a range of ethical, cultural or social issues involved in the application of business knowledge.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Innovation Plan - Written Report and Oral Presentation | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Written Report is a 2 - page extended abstract comprising a brief plan of each student’s Innovation Project. The Oral Presentation is a 5-minute Pitch covering the same material and will be followed by at least 5 minutes question/answers covering both the Extended Abstract and Pitch. The Oral Presentation is typically conducted via Zoom in the week following submission of the Written Report. No. Words: 1500 (or equivalent) |
Innovation Report - Written Report and Oral Presentation | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Written Report comprises a Final Report, 7-page maximum, documenting the Innovation Project, and a separate Critical Review, 2-page maximum, covering self-reflection and lessons learnt. The Oral Presentation is a 10-minute Pitch covering the same material as the Final Report, and will be followed by at least 10 minutes question/answers covering the Final Report, Critical Review and Pitch. The Oral Presentation is typically conducted via Zoom in the week following submission of the Written Report. No. Words: 3500 (or equivalent) |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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