Small IT Business
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Online Real Time
VU Brisbane
VU Sydney
Prerequisites
NIT2271 - ICT Change Management
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
In this unit, you’ll learn how to plan, design, and evaluate a small IT business using modern tools and entrepreneurial thinking. You’ll explore ownership models, business planning strategies, and digital business creation using AI-powered platforms. Ethical and sustainability considerations are embedded throughout as you develop and pitch your own small business concept. By the end of the unit, you’ll be able to create practical, responsible IT business proposals—preparing you for freelance ventures, tech startups, or future roles in digital entrepreneurship, product development, or IT consulting.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Evaluate and compare different small business ownership structures and business models relevant to IT ventures.;
- Design and justify an IT business proposal that integrates key functions including marketing, finance, staffing, and operations;
- Develop and present a digital business concept using modern tools for prototyping, planning, and promotion; and
- Reflect on and respond to ethical, social, and sustainability considerations in small business contexts.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Test | Grade: 20%
In-class online test
Assessment type: Assignment | Grade: 40%
IT Business Proposal and Implementation Plan with demonstration and Q&A verification
Assessment type: Case Study | Grade: 40%
Analysis of real-world IT startups and ethical considerations with verified live interaction.
Assignment: Includes structured milestone reviews and in-class progress checks. Individual contributions are logged, validated, and justified through recorded peer review or demonstration to ensure authenticity.
Case Study: Students apply concepts to unpredictable data science scenarios. Responses are evaluated based on reasoning, method selection, and outcome justification, with an in-class component or oral defence verifying understanding.
Required reading
Selected readings will be made available via VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.