BSN550 Responsible Enterprise
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: | BSN550 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | 36 credit points of completed study or enrollement in BS39MJR-PHILNPS or BS11MJR-PHILNPS |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,092 |
| International unit fee | $4,584 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSN550 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study or (be enrolled in BS39MJR-PHILNPS or BS11MJR-PHILNPS) |
| Coordinator: | Craig Furneaux | c.furneaux@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Excellent enterprises generate a profit, but also seek to achieve these economic benefits ethically and sustainably - thus minimising impact on people and planet. In this multidisciplinary business core unit, you will develop an applied understanding of ethical frameworks in business, and practise critical systems thinking and problem solving skills required for effective leadership in the future world of work. You will explore your own values in relation to Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical perspectives. You will apply a values-based approach to conceptualising and addressing complex systems and business problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spanning for-profit, not-for-profit, government and hybrid contexts. This unit informs further study across the breadth of business disciplines, developing business capabilities to prepare you for the future of business and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply a practical understanding of Indigenous Australian values and perspectives to contemporary business issues and practice. [SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically reflect on and articulate your personal values, ethics and assumptions in order to make informed business decisions. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, TS 4.1, SE 5.1]
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex, multidisciplinary business problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a systems-thinking approach. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
- Critique responses to complex business problems based on personal interests, skills and values [HO 2.2, SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore:
- Business sustainability and responsibility;
- Business ethics and sustainability frameworks;
- Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical frameworks and perspectives on business ethics and values;
- Systems thinking approaches and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Critical thinking approaches and scenario planning.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is delivered in a blended format to maximise flexibility for students. Weekly lectures are presented and recorded to provide a background, introduction and overview to the main topics and perspectives being considered each week. Additionally, readings, cases, additional videos and associated exercises will be made available online. Completing the assigned exercises prior to class is recommended for maximising learning from the unit.
This theoretical understanding will be developed further and applied to practical outcomes through weekly tutorials, which will involve synchronous delivery via both face to face and online classes. Synchronous delivery will include activities such as audio-visual presentations, case studies, lectures, role plays, and problem-based learning. A benefit of these activities is to develop through discussion and reflection a better understanding of your own ethical and disciplinary approaches to problems, and appreciation for the values and perspectives of others, particularly those from other business disciplines.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester 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 the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The goal of the assessment items is to enable students to develop the critical and ethical thinking skills needed to analyse complex problems from a systems perspective. The first assignment is designed to enable a student to clarify from their own ethical framework in the context of a business problem related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The second assignment explores the complex, dynamic and systemic nature of the interaction between roles, relationships and resources which create systemic business problems. Finally, the third assignment provides an opportunity for students to consider and critique potential organisational responses to the Sustainable Development Goal, building on the first two assignments.
While there is a consistency and coherence across these three assignment tasks, students can still draw on their own disciplinary understanding in the assessment and in the class discussions. As a consequence, students should develop a greater appreciation and respect for the perspectives of other disciplines and other value systems.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Ethics and Values Clarification
Students will be presented with an ethical business problem related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students will critically reflect on why it is important to respond to this problem, based on their own ethical value system. This response should acknowledge other ethical frameworks, such as Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological perspectives on ethics and values.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS 4.1, SE 5.1, SE 5.2
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: System Dynamics Mapping
Students will undertake further critical analysis of the problem introduced in Assessment 1, from a systems perspective. Students will develop a complex map of how various actors and factors contribute to, or inhibit, the problem being investigated. Students will draw on, and justify the system dynamic model, using existing data. Students will be asked to provide a audio description of their systems model and its main components.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Reflective Report
Students will be presented with an organisational case study which includes a number of potential scenarios outlining what an organisation might do in response to the ethical issue introduced in Assessment 1. Students will critique each scenario based around ethical frameworks (identified in Assessment 1) and their understanding of the causes, consequences and leverage points of the problem in the system (developed in Assessment 2). They will recommend one of the scenarios based on their analysis, and justify their recommendation. Students will then reflect on the process together with any conflict that may have arisen between their own values and their recommendations for the organisation.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
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)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Online
| Unit code: | BSN550 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study or (be enrolled in BS39MJR-PHILNPS or BS11MJR-PHILNPS) |
Overview
Excellent enterprises generate a profit, but also seek to achieve these economic benefits ethically and sustainably - thus minimising impact on people and planet. In this multidisciplinary business core unit, you will develop an applied understanding of ethical frameworks in business, and practise critical systems thinking and problem solving skills required for effective leadership in the future world of work. You will explore your own values in relation to Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical perspectives. You will apply a values-based approach to conceptualising and addressing complex systems and business problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spanning for-profit, not-for-profit, government and hybrid contexts. This unit informs further study across the breadth of business disciplines, developing business capabilities to prepare you for the future of business and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply a practical understanding of Indigenous Australian values and perspectives to contemporary business issues and practice. [SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically reflect on and articulate your personal values, ethics and assumptions in order to make informed business decisions. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, TS 4.1, SE 5.1]
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex, multidisciplinary business problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a systems-thinking approach. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
- Critique responses to complex business problems based on personal interests, skills and values [HO 2.2, SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore:
- Business sustainability and responsibility;
- Business ethics and sustainability frameworks;
- Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical frameworks and perspectives on business ethics and values;
- Systems thinking approaches and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Critical thinking approaches and scenario planning.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is delivered in a blended format to maximise flexibility for students. Weekly lectures are presented and recorded to provide a background, introduction and overview to the main topics and perspectives being considered each week. Additionally, readings, cases, additional videos and associated exercises will be made available online. Completing the assigned exercises prior to class is recommended for maximising learning from the unit.
This theoretical understanding will be developed further and applied to practical outcomes through weekly tutorials, which will involve synchronous delivery via both face to face and online classes. Synchronous delivery will include activities such as audio-visual presentations, case studies, lectures, role plays, and problem-based learning. A benefit of these activities is to develop through discussion and reflection a better understanding of your own ethical and disciplinary approaches to problems, and appreciation for the values and perspectives of others, particularly those from other business disciplines.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester 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 the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The goal of the assessment items is to enable students to develop the critical and ethical thinking skills needed to analyse complex problems from a systems perspective. The first assignment is designed to enable a student to clarify from their own ethical framework in the context of a business problem related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The second assignment explores the complex, dynamic and systemic nature of the interaction between roles, relationships and resources which create systemic business problems. Finally, the third assignment provides an opportunity for students to consider and critique potential organisational responses to the Sustainable Development Goal, building on the first two assignments.
While there is a consistency and coherence across these three assignment tasks, students can still draw on their own disciplinary understanding in the assessment and in the class discussions. As a consequence, students should develop a greater appreciation and respect for the perspectives of other disciplines and other value systems.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Ethics and Values Clarification
Students will be presented with an ethical business problem related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students will critically reflect on why it is important to respond to this problem, based on their own ethical value system. This response should acknowledge other ethical frameworks, such as Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological perspectives on ethics and values.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS 4.1, SE 5.1, SE 5.2
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: System Dynamics Mapping
Students will undertake further critical analysis of the problem introduced in Assessment 1, from a systems perspective. Students will develop a complex map of how various actors and factors contribute to, or inhibit, the problem being investigated. Students will draw on, and justify the system dynamic model, using existing data. Students will be asked to provide a audio description of their systems model and its main components.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Reflective Report
Students will be presented with an organisational case study which includes a number of potential scenarios outlining what an organisation might do in response to the ethical issue introduced in Assessment 1. Students will critique each scenario based around ethical frameworks (identified in Assessment 1) and their understanding of the causes, consequences and leverage points of the problem in the system (developed in Assessment 2). They will recommend one of the scenarios based on their analysis, and justify their recommendation. Students will then reflect on the process together with any conflict that may have arisen between their own values and their recommendations for the organisation.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
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)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSN550 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study or (be enrolled in BS39MJR-PHILNPS or BS11MJR-PHILNPS) |
| Coordinator: | Craig Furneaux | c.furneaux@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Excellent enterprises generate a profit, but also seek to achieve these economic benefits ethically and sustainably - thus minimising impact on people and planet. In this multidisciplinary business core unit, you will develop an applied understanding of ethical frameworks in business, and practise critical systems thinking and problem solving skills required for effective leadership in the future world of work. You will explore your own values in relation to Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical perspectives. You will apply a values-based approach to conceptualising and addressing complex systems and business problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spanning for-profit, not-for-profit, government and hybrid contexts. This unit informs further study across the breadth of business disciplines, developing business capabilities to prepare you for the future of business and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply a practical understanding of Indigenous Australian values and perspectives to contemporary business issues and practice. [SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically reflect on and articulate your personal values, ethics and assumptions in order to make informed business decisions. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, TS 4.1, SE 5.1]
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex, multidisciplinary business problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a systems-thinking approach. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
- Critique responses to complex business problems based on personal interests, skills and values [HO 2.2, SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore:
- Business sustainability and responsibility;
- Business ethics and sustainability frameworks;
- Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical frameworks and perspectives on business ethics and values;
- Systems thinking approaches and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Critical thinking approaches and scenario planning.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is delivered in a blended format to maximise flexibility for students. Weekly lectures are presented and recorded to provide a background, introduction and overview to the main topics and perspectives being considered each week. Additionally, readings, cases, additional videos and associated exercises will be made available online. Completing the assigned exercises prior to class is recommended for maximising learning from the unit.
This theoretical understanding will be developed further and applied to practical outcomes through weekly tutorials, which will involve synchronous delivery via both face to face and online classes. Synchronous delivery will include activities such as audio-visual presentations, case studies, lectures, role plays, and problem-based learning. A benefit of these activities is to develop through discussion and reflection a better understanding of your own ethical and disciplinary approaches to problems, and appreciation for the values and perspectives of others, particularly those from other business disciplines.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester 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 the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The goal of the assessment items is to enable students to develop the critical and ethical thinking skills needed to analyse complex problems from a systems perspective. The first assignment is designed to enable a student to clarify from their own ethical framework in the context of a business problem related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The second assignment explores the complex, dynamic and systemic nature of the interaction between roles, relationships and resources which create systemic business problems. Finally, the third assignment provides an opportunity for students to consider and critique potential organisational responses to the Sustainable Development Goal, building on the first two assignments.
While there is a consistency and coherence across these three assignment tasks, students can still draw on their own disciplinary understanding in the assessment and in the class discussions. As a consequence, students should develop a greater appreciation and respect for the perspectives of other disciplines and other value systems.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Ethics and Values Clarification
Students will be presented with an ethical business problem related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students will critically reflect on why it is important to respond to this problem, based on their own ethical value system. This response should acknowledge other ethical frameworks, such as Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological perspectives on ethics and values.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS 4.1, SE 5.1, SE 5.2
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: System Dynamics Mapping
Students will undertake further critical analysis of the problem introduced in Assessment 1, from a systems perspective. Students will develop a complex map of how various actors and factors contribute to, or inhibit, the problem being investigated. Students will draw on, and justify the system dynamic model, using existing data. Students will be asked to provide a audio description of their systems model and its main components.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Reflective Report
Students will be presented with an organisational case study which includes a number of potential scenarios outlining what an organisation might do in response to the ethical issue introduced in Assessment 1. Students will critique each scenario based around ethical frameworks (identified in Assessment 1) and their understanding of the causes, consequences and leverage points of the problem in the system (developed in Assessment 2). They will recommend one of the scenarios based on their analysis, and justify their recommendation. Students will then reflect on the process together with any conflict that may have arisen between their own values and their recommendations for the organisation.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
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)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Online
| Unit code: | BSN550 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | 36 credit points of completed study or (be enrolled in BS39MJR-PHILNPS or BS11MJR-PHILNPS) |
Overview
Excellent enterprises generate a profit, but also seek to achieve these economic benefits ethically and sustainably - thus minimising impact on people and planet. In this multidisciplinary business core unit, you will develop an applied understanding of ethical frameworks in business, and practise critical systems thinking and problem solving skills required for effective leadership in the future world of work. You will explore your own values in relation to Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical perspectives. You will apply a values-based approach to conceptualising and addressing complex systems and business problems aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spanning for-profit, not-for-profit, government and hybrid contexts. This unit informs further study across the breadth of business disciplines, developing business capabilities to prepare you for the future of business and ignite your career.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply a practical understanding of Indigenous Australian values and perspectives to contemporary business issues and practice. [SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
- Critically reflect on and articulate your personal values, ethics and assumptions in order to make informed business decisions. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, TS 4.1, SE 5.1]
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex, multidisciplinary business problems aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using a systems-thinking approach. [HO 2.1, HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
- Critique responses to complex business problems based on personal interests, skills and values [HO 2.2, SE 5.1, SE 5.2]
Content
In this unit, you will explore:
- Business sustainability and responsibility;
- Business ethics and sustainability frameworks;
- Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological ethical frameworks and perspectives on business ethics and values;
- Systems thinking approaches and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Critical thinking approaches and scenario planning.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit is delivered in a blended format to maximise flexibility for students. Weekly lectures are presented and recorded to provide a background, introduction and overview to the main topics and perspectives being considered each week. Additionally, readings, cases, additional videos and associated exercises will be made available online. Completing the assigned exercises prior to class is recommended for maximising learning from the unit.
This theoretical understanding will be developed further and applied to practical outcomes through weekly tutorials, which will involve synchronous delivery via both face to face and online classes. Synchronous delivery will include activities such as audio-visual presentations, case studies, lectures, role plays, and problem-based learning. A benefit of these activities is to develop through discussion and reflection a better understanding of your own ethical and disciplinary approaches to problems, and appreciation for the values and perspectives of others, particularly those from other business disciplines.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester 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 the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The goal of the assessment items is to enable students to develop the critical and ethical thinking skills needed to analyse complex problems from a systems perspective. The first assignment is designed to enable a student to clarify from their own ethical framework in the context of a business problem related to the Sustainable Development Goals. The second assignment explores the complex, dynamic and systemic nature of the interaction between roles, relationships and resources which create systemic business problems. Finally, the third assignment provides an opportunity for students to consider and critique potential organisational responses to the Sustainable Development Goal, building on the first two assignments.
While there is a consistency and coherence across these three assignment tasks, students can still draw on their own disciplinary understanding in the assessment and in the class discussions. As a consequence, students should develop a greater appreciation and respect for the perspectives of other disciplines and other value systems.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Ethics and Values Clarification
Students will be presented with an ethical business problem related to one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students will critically reflect on why it is important to respond to this problem, based on their own ethical value system. This response should acknowledge other ethical frameworks, such as Indigenous Australian, philosophical and psychological perspectives on ethics and values.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS 4.1, SE 5.1, SE 5.2
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: System Dynamics Mapping
Students will undertake further critical analysis of the problem introduced in Assessment 1, from a systems perspective. Students will develop a complex map of how various actors and factors contribute to, or inhibit, the problem being investigated. Students will draw on, and justify the system dynamic model, using existing data. Students will be asked to provide a audio description of their systems model and its main components.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Reflective Report
Students will be presented with an organisational case study which includes a number of potential scenarios outlining what an organisation might do in response to the ethical issue introduced in Assessment 1. Students will critique each scenario based around ethical frameworks (identified in Assessment 1) and their understanding of the causes, consequences and leverage points of the problem in the system (developed in Assessment 2). They will recommend one of the scenarios based on their analysis, and justify their recommendation. Students will then reflect on the process together with any conflict that may have arisen between their own values and their recommendations for the organisation.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): HO (2.2), PC (3.1), TS (4.1), SE (5.1, 5.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
Resources
Weekly resources will be provided on the unit Canvas site.
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)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report
TS (4.1): Self-Reflection and Accountability
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3, System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO2, Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: System Dynamics Mapping, Reflective Report - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Reflective Report - Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Ethics and Values Clarification, Reflective Report