BSB130 Social Enterprises
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: | BSB130 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | BSD130 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | BSB130 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD130 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Students are assumed to have completed Year 10 or equivalent. |
| Coordinator: | Tom Harmer | t.harmer@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Real world social and environmental issues are increasingly addressed through business means in an emerging form of hybrid organisation – the social enterprise. Traditionally, the government and charity sectors sought to meet community needs, however resource constraints and increasing demand make this increasingly difficult. Social enterprises provide innovative and sustainable solutions to resourcing and fulfilling charitable purposes via business means. This business core option unit introduces you to social enterprises in a global perspective, and helps you to develop Human-Centred Design skills as you build a social enterprise business plan.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of socially responsible business behaviour, and pro-social business theories, trends and key developments in Australian and international contexts. [KS 1.1, SE 5.2]
- Apply human-centred design principles to identify, collect, analyse, organise and communicate information and evidence and devise social business plans. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, PC 3.1]
- Apply critical thinking and social business planning skills to develop business strategies tailored to meeting real world issues. [HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
- Demonstrate reflective practice in applying social enterprise knowledge and skills, working individually and in group settings. [TS 4.1, TS 4.2]
Content
- Understanding social enterprise - introduction and international overview
- Social business missions, operational models and social value propositions
- Using Human-Centred Design principles when developing social business plans
- Exploring relationships, revenues and resources
- Introduction to evaluation concepts
- Conceptualising a theory of change
- Reflective practice
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 & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
3.2 Communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to engage, inform, and influence diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and presentation formats across varied business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
4.2 Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Learning Approaches
This unit is delivered in a blended format. Weekly lectures are pre-recorded to provide a basic understanding of the theory and issues, and are available all the time. This theoretical understanding will be developed further and applied to practical outcomes through tutorials, which will involve synchronous delivery face to face and online classes. To achieve the learning outcomes of the unit you must complete the assigned exercises prior to class.
The unit is therefore appropriate for both on-campus and off-campus students through the use of online collaborative tools (such as Zoom and an asynchronous blog) to facilitate discussion.
Proper attention to the teaching and learning strategies should enable students to meet the assessment requirements of the unit, which are carefully selected to help you learn. You will be assessed on your developing knowledge, understanding and skills using a range of inter-related assessment methods.
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
There are three assessment items in this unit.
The first is to develop an initial social enterprise idea, which will enable you to gain feedback on the overall idea and fundamental aspects of your proposed enterprise. This will be a group assessment item, thus providing peer learning and support around developing a social enterprise idea.
This second assessment is focused on developing a social enterprise business plan. This core document is critical for building other aspects of the business such as marketing, financial and governance plans.
The final assessment item enables students to complete a personal reflection on the human centred design process of developing the social enterprise business plan.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Social Enterprise Business Idea
Working in groups in your tutorial, you will develop and present a new social enterprise business idea, which involves articulation of how this will meet a social and/or environmental need. The assessment will demonstrate your understanding of the needs (empathise); articulate the problem you want to solve (define); set out a potential solution (ideate); identify your preferred solution and discuss the way your solution would deliver financial social and/or environmental value to stakeholders. One day prior to the presentation, the group is required to submit a portfolio of evidence supporting your social enterprise business idea.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item is based on teamwork and provides evidence of achievement of associated Unit Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes. Individual submissions/presentations will not be accepted.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled tutorial.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), TS (4.2), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Social Enterprise Business Plan
Individually you will build on your social enterprise business idea to provide a fully justified social enterprise business model. Using a Business Canvas adapted to social enterprises, you will design and present, in written form, a comprehensive overview of a proposed solution and explain in detail a proposed business. An outline of how the design will be tested, and how evaluation of financial social and / or environmental performance will be communicated to stakeholders, will also be required.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Individual oral reflection
Social enterprises intentionally set out to create social and/or environmental change. This assessment item provides an opportunity for self-reflection on change that has happened individually during the course of the unit. During your Week 13 tutorial, you will be asked to reflect on your own experiences and perspectives in both the human centred design process, as well as the use of GenAI in the product (or outcome) of the design process.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled tutorial.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS (4.1), SE (5.2)
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
Access to a laptop/computer and Microsoft Excel.
Resources
Reading materials will be provided via the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan - Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
Relates to: Individual oral reflection - Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan, Individual oral reflection
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- 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: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan, Individual oral reflection - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea - 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: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: Individual oral reflection - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Online
| Unit code: | BSB130 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | BSD130 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Students are assumed to have completed Year 10 or equivalent. |
Overview
Real world social and environmental issues are increasingly addressed through business means in an emerging form of hybrid organisation – the social enterprise. Traditionally, the government and charity sectors sought to meet community needs, however resource constraints and increasing demand make this increasingly difficult. Social enterprises provide innovative and sustainable solutions to resourcing and fulfilling charitable purposes via business means. This business core option unit introduces you to social enterprises in a global perspective, and helps you to develop Human-Centred Design skills as you build a social enterprise business plan.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of socially responsible business behaviour, and pro-social business theories, trends and key developments in Australian and international contexts. [KS 1.1, SE 5.2]
- Apply human-centred design principles to identify, collect, analyse, organise and communicate information and evidence and devise social business plans. [KS 1.2, HO 2.1, PC 3.1]
- Apply critical thinking and social business planning skills to develop business strategies tailored to meeting real world issues. [HO 2.2, SE 5.2]
- Demonstrate reflective practice in applying social enterprise knowledge and skills, working individually and in group settings. [TS 4.1, TS 4.2]
Content
- Understanding social enterprise - introduction and international overview
- Social business missions, operational models and social value propositions
- Using Human-Centred Design principles when developing social business plans
- Exploring relationships, revenues and resources
- Introduction to evaluation concepts
- Conceptualising a theory of change
- Reflective practice
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 & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
1.2 Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
3.2 Communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to engage, inform, and influence diverse audiences using appropriate technologies and presentation formats across varied business contexts.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
4.2 Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles to analyse and respond to business issues with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Learning Approaches
This unit is delivered in a blended format. Weekly lectures are pre-recorded to provide a basic understanding of the theory and issues, and are available all the time. This theoretical understanding will be developed further and applied to practical outcomes through tutorials, which will involve synchronous delivery face to face and online classes. To achieve the learning outcomes of the unit you must complete the assigned exercises prior to class.
The unit is therefore appropriate for both on-campus and off-campus students through the use of online collaborative tools (such as Zoom and an asynchronous blog) to facilitate discussion.
Proper attention to the teaching and learning strategies should enable students to meet the assessment requirements of the unit, which are carefully selected to help you learn. You will be assessed on your developing knowledge, understanding and skills using a range of inter-related assessment methods.
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
There are three assessment items in this unit.
The first is to develop an initial social enterprise idea, which will enable you to gain feedback on the overall idea and fundamental aspects of your proposed enterprise. This will be a group assessment item, thus providing peer learning and support around developing a social enterprise idea.
This second assessment is focused on developing a social enterprise business plan. This core document is critical for building other aspects of the business such as marketing, financial and governance plans.
The final assessment item enables students to complete a personal reflection on the human centred design process of developing the social enterprise business plan.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Social Enterprise Business Idea
Working in groups in your tutorial, you will develop and present a new social enterprise business idea, which involves articulation of how this will meet a social and/or environmental need. The assessment will demonstrate your understanding of the needs (empathise); articulate the problem you want to solve (define); set out a potential solution (ideate); identify your preferred solution and discuss the way your solution would deliver financial social and/or environmental value to stakeholders. One day prior to the presentation, the group is required to submit a portfolio of evidence supporting your social enterprise business idea.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assessment item is based on teamwork and provides evidence of achievement of associated Unit Learning Outcomes and Course Learning Outcomes. Individual submissions/presentations will not be accepted.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled tutorial.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.1), TS (4.2), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Social Enterprise Business Plan
Individually you will build on your social enterprise business idea to provide a fully justified social enterprise business model. Using a Business Canvas adapted to social enterprises, you will design and present, in written form, a comprehensive overview of a proposed solution and explain in detail a proposed business. An outline of how the design will be tested, and how evaluation of financial social and / or environmental performance will be communicated to stakeholders, will also be required.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.2)
Assessment: Individual oral reflection
Social enterprises intentionally set out to create social and/or environmental change. This assessment item provides an opportunity for self-reflection on change that has happened individually during the course of the unit. During your Week 13 tutorial, you will be asked to reflect on your own experiences and perspectives in both the human centred design process, as well as the use of GenAI in the product (or outcome) of the design process.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This assessment item requires your attendance at your scheduled tutorial.
The late submission period does not apply, and no assignment extensions are available.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): TS (4.1), SE (5.2)
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
Access to a laptop/computer and Microsoft Excel.
Resources
Reading materials will be provided via the unit Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated business knowledge, combining disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary insight, to address complex and evolving business challenges.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan - Apply technical and digital capabilities, including emerging technologies such as AI, and data analytics, to solve real-world business problems and drive innovation and transformation.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Investigate complex business issues by critically analysing, evaluating, and synthesising theory and practice to generate evidence-based insights.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea - Exercise independent judgment and initiative to adapt and apply knowledge and skills for strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making in diverse, dynamic, and technology-enabled contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Communicate effectively and professionally in written forms, demonstrating information literacy and the ability to craft clear, purposeful, and audience-appropriate messages using suitable media and formats across diverse business contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Engage in reflective practice and demonstrate responsibility and accountability for your own learning, professional development, and performance in a rapidly changing world of work.
Relates to: Individual oral reflection - Collaborate effectively in diverse and digitally enabled team environments, applying teamwork knowledge and skills to achieve shared goals.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible and sustainable business practices to address national and global business challenges in ways that create long-term value.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan, Individual oral reflection
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- 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: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea , Social Enterprise Business Plan, Individual oral reflection - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea - 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: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Plan - Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
Relates to: Individual oral reflection - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: Social Enterprise Business Idea