GSZ543 MIT Immersion Program (Entrepreneurship & Digital Transformation)


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Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 09A 2024, Gardens Point, Internal (Start Date: 01 Sep 2024)

Unit code:GSZ543
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:GSZ405
Coordinator:Catherine Batch | c.batch@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Emerging digital business models present an array of potential opportunities and pitfalls that are not immediately obvious, yet leaders must make effective decisions in this rapidly changing data-centric context. Without sufficient awareness or understanding of the nascent changes in “digital", data analytics, emerging technologies and affiliated strategic platforms decision-makers limit their organisations' ability to achieve sustainable competitive advantage and continue delivering stakeholder value.  Contemporary leaders require the ability to integrate emerging digital, engineering and technology based innovations (e.g. digital business models, autonomous technologies, data analytics) into their organisations in order to take advantage of emerging opportunities and/or mitigating against disruptive elements.  

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate the capacity to review and critically evaluate emerging technologies and organisational practices in the context of digital transformation. KS 1.1, HO 2.1
  2. Demonstrate the capacity to critically evaluate the value proposition and market opportunity for a new venture idea capable of challenging the status quo of an industry or sector. KS 1.1, HO 2.1
  3. Critically reflect on the role of the entrepreneurial mindset in the practice of leading transformational agendas in complex digital environments. HO 2.2, SL 4.1
  4. Demonstrate advanced communication skills to persuasively advocate for a new business venture or initiative. HO 2.1, PC 3.1, PC 3.2

Content

QUT faculty will collaborate with MIT faculty on an annual basis to cover a range of contemporary topics based around (but not limited to) the key areas listed below:

  • Entrepreneurial practice (e.g. Aleut's 24 steps of Disciplined Entrepreneurship) 
  • Adaptive Leadership Framework 
  • Digital Platforms
  • Data Analytics and Data Driven Decisions 
  • Sustainability / Circular Economy
  • Business Model Transformation 
  • Future of Work 
  • Innovation Process 
  • Digital Transformation Tools (e.g. IoT; Blockchain; Cyber security; Cloud based services/models)

Course Learning Outcomes (Postgraduate - Executive)

The Graduate School of Business has established the Assurance of Learning (AoL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced theoretical and practical knowledge (including systems thinking approaches, multidisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of research principles and methods) that incorporate recent development in business disciplines and professional practice.
1.2 Apply advanced technical and technological knowledge and skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and contribute to developments that enhance innovative, sustainable and effective business performance in local, national and global business environments.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues and situations and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge. 
2.2 Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex business environments.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead in diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.
3.2 Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in oral communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate and lead across diverse and complex contexts and for diverse audiences.

Self and Leadership (SL)
4.1 Demonstrate adaptive personal leadership and accountability, including self-awareness, reflective practice and foresight in adapting and applying knowledge and skills to inform and influence effective and innovative practice.
4.2 Lead, manage and foster the development of collaborative teams that value and leverage the diverse knowledge and skills of others to contribute to the development of robust, adaptable and sustainable courses of action.

Social, Ethical and Cultural Understanding (SEC)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business, to contribute to responsible organisational governance and citizenship in local, national and global business environments.
5.2 Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate, interpret and critically reflect on, appropriate culturally and socially inclusive and responsible decisions and actions across diverse social and cultural contexts.

Learning Approaches

The aim of the QUT/MIT Immersion Program is to develop awareness and best practice capability in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation as a result of engaging and connecting with the disciplinary expertise of the world-class MIT faculty, leading MIT institutes, and participating in high-quality learning experiences and activities which provide exposure to the MIT innovation eco-system.  

Where possible this will be done in the form of an international/residential study tour.  Where travel restrictions apply, engagement with MIT faculty and representatives will be undertaken virtually, augmented by learning activities undertaken in the home country lead by the QUT Faculty team. This unit will be supported by online resources available through Canvas and a tour workbook that will provide details of the scheduled events and travel arrangements.

The QUT Program manager will be primarily responsible for the coordination and management of the cohort and its non-scholastic activities during the Immersion.  This will include issues relating to travel and accommodation logistics, incident management, cohort integration, as well as the leadership of social and cultural events.  The QUT Program Manager will collaborate closely with the MIT Global Programs team leading up to, and during the Immersion, particularly in relation to the provisioning of students into the MIT system and any relevant visa/immigration requirements.

Students should note the following:

  • The itinerary, although confirmed, may be subject to change at short notice. If changes are made you will be made aware of the changes as soon as possible.

To maximise the immersion learning opportunities the tour has a very tight schedule for day and evening events. Your punctuality is critical to ensure the smooth operation of the tour, with the travel time between places often taking hours. Lateness is a social taboo and shows a lack of consideration for fellow students and disrespect for our hosts.

The MIT immersion provides little time or energy whilst on the tour for students to attend to their normal work, family or religious duties as back home. Students are responsible for ensuring that their personal activities (work-related, leisure and/or religious) do not interfere with their ability to attend and participate in all required activities.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the teaching period, which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation.
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary.
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation.
  • Indirect: to whole class.

Assessment

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Impact Lab Solution

In developing an entrepreneurial opportunity, the process begins with identifying a problem or recognising an opportunity and creating a business concept that articulates it. In the initial phases, the entrepreneur or intrapreneur (1) builds a concept to solve the business challenge; (2) fashions a story that conveys the meaning of the new opportunity, and (3) prepares a presentation that tells the story and explains the concept to potential customers, partners, problem-owners and investors. Forming teams of 3-5, students will be required to pitch their concept or solution to a senior panel of reviewers.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), PC (3.2)

Weight: 50
Length: 6-minute presentation and 6-minute Q&A plus supporting documentation (max 1500 words)
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): As timetabled
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4

Assessment: Immersion Reflection

Students are asked to reflect on the experiences they had during the immersion in the context of their own approach or “mindset” relating to their leadership of innovation and entrepreneurial activities and with a focus on digital transformation.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Postgraduate Executive (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SL (4.1)

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: 2,000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): As timetabled
Related Unit learning outcomes: 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

In addition to the QUT unit cost students will be expected to also pay a travel package fee associated with the unit.  The exact cost of the travel package will be determined on a year by year basis.  All MIT tuition fees are paid for by QUT.

Resources

MIT Sloan School of Management will provide unit resources and learning materials via their on-line learning portal.

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate Executive)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Impact Lab Solution

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: ULO3, Immersion Reflection

KS (1.1): Advanced Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Impact Lab Solution

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO4, Immersion Reflection

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: ULO4, Impact Lab Solution

SL (4.1): Personal Leadership, Accountability and Reflective Practice

Relates to: ULO3, Immersion Reflection

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

GS50 Executive Master of Business Administration

  1. Demonstrate, apply and integrate contemporary, advanced multidisciplinary knowledge, business practices, and research principles underpinned by a systems thinking framework to respond to global, complex real-world challenges.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Impact Lab Solution
  2. Critically analyse, interpret, evaluate and synthesise complex data, research, theoretical knowledge, ideas and situations to lead and support decision-making in global complex business environments.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Impact Lab Solution
  3. Demonstrate holistic thinking, creativity, problem solving and critical reflection to design, plan and implement strategies and solutions for strategic leadership in global complex business environments.
    Relates to: ULO3, Immersion Reflection
  4. Demonstrate advanced professional written communication skills in a variety of genres to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking, engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders in a range of contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Immersion Reflection
  5. Demonstrate advanced professional oral communication skills and media to clearly communicate strategic and complex thinking and to engage, persuade, influence and lead diverse stakeholders to achieve a strategic outcome.
    Relates to: ULO4, Impact Lab Solution
  6. Demonstrate reflective practice, foresight, self-awareness and personal accountability and the flexibility to adapt leadership style to achieve personal and organisational outcomes in complex business environments.
    Relates to: ULO3, Immersion Reflection