1997 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

In Stage three, subjects can be taken which provide students
with additional analytical tools used in decision-making in a
wide variety of business problems. In addition further
specialist subjects in tax, auditing, financial reporting and
personal investment can be studied.
Some accounting subjects can be counted towards an
accounting major or minor, or towards a finance major or
minor (but not both at the same time). This illustrates the
broad range of studies which come under the accounting
umbrella.
Some students will undertake accounting studies as an essential
adjunct to a career in business. An accounting background is of
great benefit to those seeking careers in general management.
Other students will wish to pursue a career in accounting, and
choosing the appropriate combination of subjects will allow
them to become members of the professional accounting
bodies: the Australian Society of Certified Practising
Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Swinburne accounting qualifications are recognised both in
Australia and overseas.
Students with accounting majors or minors find rewarding
work in industry, commerce, the public sector, the financial
industry or business consulting. Students who undertake a
course leading to professional accounting qualifications may
work in any of these areas and in addition may work in
public accounting. Accounting at Swinburne is the key to a
great career.
Business Computing
In today's world, information has pervaded every aspect of
business organisations. As such, the study of information
systems and the supporting technology is vital for any
business student.
The Business Computing minor would be taken by students
who see themselves as users of information systems. The
emphasis is on the effective use of information technology
within an organisation and the development of skills for
solving problems.
Selecting this option in combination with other relevant
business studies enables the graduate to effectively apply
information technologies in the solving of business
problems.
Business Law
The Business Law major will provide students with the
knowledge necessary to appreciate the impact that law has
on the business environment. With the increasing legal
regulation of society it is essential that students are aware of
the factors which either encourage or inhibit business
activities.
Law subjects emphasise skills such as the ability to
understand arguments, to manipulate abstract concepts and
to communicate verbally and in writing. These skills
highlight the vocational value of law subjects to students.
While not leading to a legal qualification, a business law
major can lead to a range of careers and positions in
insurance, banking, finance and the public sector. Legal
knowledge would be valuable to a property officer,
accountant, trust officer/administrator, company legal
officer, . company secretary or local government
..
administrator.
Economics
Understanding economic principles is a fundamental
requirement for a career in business. An economic approach
to important practical social and business problems is the
focus of the economics major.
Stage one is designed to acquaint students with the economic
principles necessary to understand and evaluate economic
commentary and reports and to analyse the operations of
government and industry in Australia.
In stage two students may choose from subjects such as
macroeconomics, managerial economics and macroeconomic
policy.
The third stage provides an added insight into some the
specialist practical areas of international finance and
financial institutions and monetary policy.
Students completing an economics minor find employment
in a wide range of challenging fields. These include
administration in both public and private sectors,
management consulting, economic policy evaluation and
financial analysis and economic research.
Finance
Finance is a field of studv which is concerned with financial
and capital markets, government influences on those
markets and the role of the organisation within this
framework. Finance theory is a relatively recent
development, and draws on the disciplines of both
economics and accounting. It is taught under the auspices of
both departments. A finance minor will equip graduates
with a knowledge of financial instruments which are
available; investment options available for both personal and
enterprise investment; how different forms of financial
markets function; the relationship between risk and reward;
and the relationship between the business enterprise and
financial markets, both domestic and international. It will
lead to knowledge which assists in making financial
decisions for an organisation. Finance is one of the fastest
growing employm;nt areas. Finance graduates who
undertake some further studv also aualifv . , as Certified
Financial Planners.
Marketing
Successful companies take the path of 'market focus', that is,
their strategies are customer driven. Marketing deals with
the building and implementation of customer focus.
The meaning of marketing is often misunderstood. One
need look no further than the many advertisements without
any real substance as to customer benefits and/or the
delivery of these benefits. Frequently no distinction is made
between selling and marketing.
Unfortunately marketing has been introduced into many
organisations as the 'in word', a kind of cosmetic change, the
solution to the company's problems, without changing the
focus and the attitudes prevailing in the organisation. It has
not worked, resulting in companies becoming disillusioned
Swinburne University of Technology 1997 Handbook 155