Outline

Overview

There is often no single, one-size-fits-all solution to problems. This is because our complex world is dynamic and interdependent, where multiple stakeholders with competing interests are deeply and widely interconnected. We need to make decisions in this complex, rapidly changing context with incomplete information. Solving complex problems requires not only innovative thinking, but also a multidisciplinary perspective that draws on higher-order thinking. Guided by complex systems theory and higher-level analytical approaches, we engage in the process of enquiry to grasp the complexity of some of the world’s wickedest problems. We draw on strategic thinking, systems thinking, design thinking, and other higher-order thinking skills to help in the understanding and solutioning of complex problems. In cross-disciplinary teams, we devise different ways of insightfully tackling major issues and proposing innovative and practical approaches for positive social change.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	must be in the Dalyell stream
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Please note that where this unit of study is on offer in either the Intensive January or the Intensive February session, the classes for these sessions commence prior to semester one.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Carlos Vazquez Hernandez, carlos.vazquezhernandez@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Carlos Vazquez Hernandez, carlos.vazquezhernandez@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Praveena Chandra, praveena.chandra@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Conceptual Foundations Briefing Paper	20%	Ongoing Due date: 22 Jan 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Jan 2021	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Case Analysis Written Analysis	20%	Ongoing Due date: 22 Jan 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 Jan 2021	1,000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Ideas Paper and Poster Pitch Written analysis, Digital Poster and Pitch	20%	Ongoing Due date: 28 Jan 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 Jan 2021	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Enquiry Piece Essay	40%	Ongoing Due date: 05 Feb 2021 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Feb 2021	3000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Conceptual Foundations (individual assignment)

The student is expected to write a 500-word (max.) briefing paper. A briefing paper is a report-type written assignment that is meant to present complex concepts in a short and succinct manner to the reader. In this individual assignment, you will propose a rigorous approach to analysing a complex problem that will be allocated to you in class. In your briefing paper, you are expected to critically apply the different concepts and frameworks taken up in class (check CANVAS).

Case Analysis (group assignment)

Drawing on the Conceptual Foundations assignment, students will propose a combined approach to analysing their complex problem. The proposed approach must: (1) utilise relevant frameworks and concepts, (2) identify relevant complex problem dimensions to be included in the analysis, and (3) explain the research needs to be done to gather more insights. The assignment consists of two parts. (Part 1) A 600-words written summary. (Part 2) A digital poster presenting a snapshot of your proposed analytical approach as described in your written summary (Part 1). Prior submission, students will be given the opportunity to present their digital poster (check CANVAS).

Ideas Paper Poster Pitch (group assignment)

The student is to deliver a summary written analysis, poster and pitch. In this group assignment, you will present your analysis and proposed solutions to the industry complex problem previously allocated to you in Assessment 2. In this assessment (Assessment 3), you will implement the planned approach you described in Assessment 2. This assignment consists of two parts. (Part 1) A 2000-word written summary of your complex problem analysis and proposed solution/s. (Part 2) A digital poster presenting your analysis and proposed solution/s as described in the summary, which the team will pitch at an industry conference (check CANVAS).

Enquiry Piece (individual assignment)

The student is to write a 3000-word essay on one of the dimensions of their team’s complex problem. The student will present a critical analysis of the dimension, and the challenges it presents. They must draw on the research that they would have done in line with this dimension, and opportunities/challenges presented within the context of the broader complex problem. The student should focus on discussing broader implications of their team’s proposed solution. They may present a different point of view from their team’s, or an enhancement/extension of the team’s analysis and proposed solution (check CANVAS).

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	Module 1: Understanding Complex Problems 1) Introduction to the UoS 2) Enquiry vs Inquiry 3) Complex Problems	Block teaching (8 hr)
	Module 2: Analysing Complex Problems 4) Organisational Problems as Complex Problems 5) Approaches to Problem-Solving 6) Human-centred approaches to problem-solving	Block teaching (8 hr)
	Module 3: Making sense of Complexity 7) Thinking Differently 8) Insightful Information 9) Change and Notions of Value	Block teaching (8 hr)
	Module 4: Risk Management and Industry Engagement (a and b) 10) Risk Management 11) Industry Engagement (a) 12) Industry Engagement (b)	Block teaching (8 hr)
	Module 5: Closing the loop 13) Team Presentations	Block teaching (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Teams will be formed in the first day of classes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Check readings on eReserve and on CANVAS.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Explain the unique characteristics and challenges of complex problems.
LO2. Craft a clear problem statement.
LO3. Analyse a complex problem through higher level thinking and with an interdisciplinary perspective.
LO4. Propose multidimensional solutions to a complex problem.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional information

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

BUDL3901: Unravelling Complex Problems

Intensive February, 2021 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect