MGB348 Implementing Sustainable Change


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:MGB348
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:192cp
Equivalent:MGX310, MGB310
Coordinator:Maria Kaya | maria.kaya@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

Corporate sustainability is central to ongoing organisational success. A sustainable organisation manages its processes, products and people in an ecologically aware and socially responsible way. The ability to plan and manage the change programs needed to achieve corporate sustainability goals is an integral management competency. Sustainable change requires consideration of the fit of the organisation to its contexts (MGB133); organisational continuity (MGB236 & MGB234), efficiency (MGB235 & MGB237), and effective people management (MGB130). It also requires consideration of multi-stakeholder and Indigenous perspectives, legal and societal expectations, and human dimensions of change. This unit will help you develop the skills and tools needed to make a significant contribution to sustainable and socially responsible change. It is an important parallel for the capstone unit, where these diverse and intersecting responsibilities are applied.  

 

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Critique and apply knowledge of sustainability, stakeholder engagement and change management theories and approaches. [KS 1.1, HO 2.1]
  2. Draw on theory and pratice to analyse performance issues related to managing sustainable organisations and evaluate tools and strategies to address them. [KS 1.1, HO 2.1, 2.2]
  3. Critically apply knowledge of ethical theory and justify approaches to respond to sustainability issues in organisations. [SE 5.1]
  4. Propose change management strategies to address identified sustainability issues in organisations, taking account of socially responsible business practices. [KS 1.1, HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
  5. Use written and oral communication skills to persuade and present knowledge, ideas and analysis of sustainability issues and change management strategies. [PC 3.1, 3.2]

Content

The content of this unit integrates key concepts and ideas relevant to an understanding of sustainable change. The topic areas covered include: sustainable business models and approaches; ethical stakeholder engagement; corporate social responsibility; the dynamics and complexity of organisational change; and critical evaluation of change approaches. 

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

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 and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.

Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts

Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

The teaching and learning approach in this unit incorporates a number of methods to engage students and link theory with practice. The delivery mode is lectures and tutorials which involve a range of approaches to create interactive learning experiences. Lectures involve the use of videos, discussion, case analysis, and the application of theory. Tutorials utilise case analysis, group and small group discussions, worked examples, presentations and other activities. A range of online activities and resources are also provided to support learning. 

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 unit will prepare students to make a significant contribution to the creation of sustainable and socially responsible organisations through the development of critical thinking and communication skills. 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Individual Presentations

Presenting as an external consultant, provide advice for the company board of directors on how they should identify and ethically engage with their stakeholders with respect to a specific sustainability issue. Your presentation should be based on the application, critique and modification of stakeholder engagement diagnostics and tools.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), PC (3.2), SE (5.1)

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

Weight: 40
Length: 10 minute recorded presentation and slide deck
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 5

Assessment: Change Management Strategy

You will analyse a case study and identify a specific sustainability issue that the company should address. Using change theories and tools you will develop a sustainable and socially responsible change strategy to address the chosen sustainability issue.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)

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

Weight: 60
Length: 2,500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5

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

Requirements

No additional requirements. 

Costs

No additional costs.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Benn S, Edwards M & Williams T. (2018). Organisational Change for Corporate Sustainability - London, Routledge. ISBN: 9781315619620 (available as an e-book through the QUT library). 

Recommended text(s)

A wide range of useful references have been placed in the QUT Readings on the unit's Canvas site. These materials are recommended reading. 

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in 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 (Undergraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Change Management Strategy

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Change Management Strategy

KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Individual Presentations, Change Management Strategy

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO5, Change Management Strategy

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: ULO5, Individual Presentations

SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding

Relates to: ULO3, Individual Presentations

SE (5.2): Global Social Responsibility

Relates to: ULO4, Change Management Strategy

Course Learning Outcomes

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

BS05 Bachelor of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Individual Presentations, Change Management Strategy
  2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Change Management Strategy
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Change Management Strategy
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Change Management Strategy
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Change Management Strategy
  6. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Individual Presentations
  7. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
    Relates to: ULO3, Individual Presentations

BS06 Bachelor of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Individual Presentations, Change Management Strategy
  2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Change Management Strategy
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Change Management Strategy
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Change Management Strategy
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Change Management Strategy
  6. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Individual Presentations
  7. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
    Relates to: ULO3, Individual Presentations

BS08 Bachelor of Business - International

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Individual Presentations, Change Management Strategy
  2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Change Management Strategy
  3. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Change Management Strategy
  4. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Change Management Strategy
  5. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Change Management Strategy
  6. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO5, Individual Presentations
  7. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
    Relates to: ULO3, Individual Presentations