Key facts
UNE unit code: BUS599
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- 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 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 an expert understanding of the key concepts and theories relevant to a business project;
- use a range of cognitive and/or communication skills to research, analyse, synthesise and reflect critically on relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, and professional decisions related to taking action in a business;
- 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 - Assurance Task | 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: 1800 (or equivalent) Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. |
| Innovation Report: Written Report and Oral Presentation - Assurance Task | 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: 4200 (or equivalent) Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass or better in the unit. |
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.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
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.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
