GSZ543 MIT Immersion Program (Entrepreneurship & Digital Transformation)
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | GSZ543 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | GSZ405 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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| Domestic tuition unit fee | $7,596 |
| International unit fee | $7,380 |
Unit Outline: Flexible Period - 09A 2025, Gardens Point, Internal (Start Date: 07 Sep 2025)
| Unit code: | GSZ543 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | GSZ405 |
| Coordinator: | Catherine Batch | c.batch@qut.edu.au |
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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
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.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
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.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, 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
- 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, professional practice, and digital innovation.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Impact Lab Solution - Provide evidence of effective analysis, interpretation, evaluation and synthesis of complex data, theories, ideas, issues, situations, and trends across multiple contexts and demonstrate knowledge of how research and inquiry can be used to interpret, contribute to and create theoretical and practical knowledge.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Impact Lab Solution - Provide evidence of higher order thinking including creativity, judgement, cognitive flexibility and critical reflection in designing, planning and implementing transdisciplinary digital strategies and solutions for effective performance in complex digital business environments.
Relates to: ULO3, Immersion Reflection - Demonstrate advanced use of language and argumentation in written communication, including digital communication, to frame strategic and influential responses to engage, persuade, negotiate, collaborate, lead, and transform in diverse and complex contexts (both physical and digital) and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Immersion Reflection - 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 (both physical and digital) and for diverse audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Impact Lab Solution - 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, responsible, innovative, and agile practice in contemporary complex digital environments.
Relates to: ULO3, Immersion Reflection