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Unit outline_

BUSS4908: Innovator's Skills and Actions

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit presents students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and hone foundational skills in innovation and entrepreneurship: creativity and ideation; design thinking and empathy; opportunity framing, identification and construction; experimentation and hypothesis validation; systems thinking; critical thinking; project management; and networking skills. The unit introduces various frameworks and processes for developing ideas and opportunities into viable business/social venture concepts; and requires students to apply them. The unit requires students to engage with the disciplines and industries/sectors in which they are interested, where they actively search for and construct opportunities. Students are introduced to and work with the Business, Lean and Impact-Gap Canvas frameworks. At the completion of this unit, students have a 'bank' of business/social venture opportunities ready for further validation and development as well as an insights map of their own understanding and knowledge of their chosen discipline or industry.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
Students must meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced Coursework) including completion of a pass undergraduate degree
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
SIEN1001
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Afreen Choudhury, afreen.choudhury@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small test Mini Case Study Analysis
Short essay analysing mini case study
10% Week 02
Due date: 09 Aug 2024 at 10:00
50-minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Assignment Innovation Workbook
Innovation workbook showcasing learning journey
35% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 25 Sep 2024
2,000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Presentation group assignment Innovation Project Report Presentation
Presentation of group-generated solution
35% Week 13
Due date: 31 Oct 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 10 Dec 2024
12-15 minute presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO4
Participation Participation and Professionalism
Class participation
20% Weekly N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Mini Case Study Analysis: Based on the provided mini case, you are required to write a short essay analysis. The main objectives of this assessment are to evaluate your ability to analyse and articulate ideas and insights.

Innovation Workbook: In a creative and engaging workbook format, you will write a reflective essay focusing on one of the ‘powerful practices’ introduced in the unit, analysing how applying the practice will improve your capability as an innovator or entrepreneur. Additionally, you will showcase your innovation learning journey and personal development sparked during the unit. 

Innovation Project Report Presentation: In groups, you will present a visual report that captures your understanding of a grand challenge and proposes an innovative or entrepreneurial solution that will positively contribute to addressing the challenge.

Participation and Professionalism: You will attend and participate in classes, including tutorials and lectures, in a professional manner. This involves constructively and respectfully contributing to discussions and completing assigned tasks both in-class and outside-class.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Preparing for Success: We explore the goals of innovation and entrepreneurship, and consider how best to achieve those goals using different tools. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 02 Collaborating to Innovate: We examine the importance of effective teams and collaboration in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. We also consider the skills, mindsets, and tools needed to become a successful collaborative innovation leader. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Creativity and Co-design: We explore creativity and the importance of co-design in developing engaging and effective ideas. We will also learn more about the roleswe tend to adopt in groups so that we can better realise our co-creative potential. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 Exploring the ‘Problem’ Space: We learn about the design process and how to apply its tools and approaches to understand an innovation problem area through primary and secondary research. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 05 Distilling Insights to Satisfy Users: We learn how to gain an understanding of the needs, drivers and journeys of the ‘users’ for whom we are innovating and entrepreneuring by identifying patterns and trends from research. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 06 Framing the ‘Solution’ Opportunity: We continue using design methods to explore the desirability, viability, and feasibility of possible holistic, innovative solutions that not only meet user needs but are also sustainable and implementable. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 07 Generating Valued Ideas: We explore approaches to ideating a range of potential solutions to users’ problems, including how to develop a compelling value proposition for customers. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 08 Rapidly Proptotyping Solutions: We discover how to translate insights about users into concepts, prototypes and minimum viable products. We also delve into agile methodologies for managing innovation projects. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 09 Business Model Generating: We learn about business models, or the ways organisations create and capture value in exchange for addressing users’ needs. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 10 Implementing Innovations: We learn how to turn ideas into actionable plans with tools that help us prioritise features, allocate resources, and outline the steps necessary to bring an innovative solution to market Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 11 Communicating Innovation and Entrepreneurial Visions: We learn about the essentials of an entrepreneurial pitch, including the importance of storytelling and embedding narrative into pitches of innovations and new ventures. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Revisiting the Innovators’ Toolbox: We revisit, in brief, the modules covered during the unit and consider how our learnings might shape and feature in our final project presentations. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Presenting at the Project Fair: We will showcase the results of all your hard work throughout the unit, putting to use your entrepreneurial communication skills, like story-telling, pitching and presenting, and getting feedback from instructors and peers and the opportunity to learn from your peers' journeys and results. Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO6

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

  • Massa, P. (2021). Entrepreneurship in the Wild. MIT Press.​ (Textbook)
  • Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, pp. 31-56. New York, NY: Avery.​
  • Duhigg, C. (2016). What Google Learned From Its Quest to Build the Perfect Team. The New York Times.​
  • ​TED Talk (Video): Margaret Heffernan: Forget the Pecking Order at Work
  • Gino, F. (2019). Cracking the Code of Sustained Collaboration. (Cover story). Harvard Business Review, 97(6), 72–81.
  • ​Elias, S. R. S. T. A., Chiles, T. H., & Crawford, B. (2021). Entrepreneurial imagining: How a small team of arts entrepreneurs created the world’s largest traveling carillon. Organization Studies​
  • ​TED Talk (Video): Simon Sinek: Why good leaders make you feel safe
  • Catmull, E. (2008). How Pixar fosters collective creativity. Harvard Business Review, 86(5), 65–72.​
  • Bernstein, Ethan, Francesca Gino, and Bradley Staats. "Opening the Valve: From Software to Hardware (A)." Harvard Business School Case 415-015, August 2014.​
  • Catmull, E. (2008). How Pixar fosters collective creativity. Harvard Business Review, 86(5), 65–72.​
  • Bernstein, Ethan, Francesca Gino, and Bradley Staats. "Opening the Valve: From Software to Hardware (A)." Harvard Business School Case 415-015, August 2014.​
  • Hastings, R., & Meyer, E. (2020). No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention (Section One: First Steps to a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility). Penguin Press.​
  • ​Itzchakov, G., & Kluger, A. N. (2018). The Power of Listening in Helping People Change. Harvard Business Review Digital Articles, 2–7.​
  • The Way We Work, a TED series (Video): LeeAnn Renniger: The secret to giving great feedback
  • Reeves M., Goodson, B., Whitaker, K. (2021). The power of anomaly: To achieve strategic advantage scan the market for surprises. Harvard Business Review, July-August
  • Murray, F. and Johnson, E. (2021). Innovation starts with defining the right constraints. Harvard Business Review

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.

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

  • LO1. Identify and describe a personal focus as entrepreneur and innovator, and use it to discover potential business, technological, social development or cultural opportunities that demonstrate creativity and originality.
  • LO2. Analyze opportunities and contrast strengths and weaknesses.
  • LO3. Assemble and work productively in a team to develop the opportunity.
  • LO4. Present the most promising business, technological, social development or cultural opportunities.
  • LO5. Identify and describe in actionable detail the next three steps to develop further the idea.
  • LO6. Seek opinions, perspectives and evaluations from customers, users, stakeholders and/or experts and consolidate learnings.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

The first draft of the new unit has been updated to align with the SIEN1001 unit.

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.