SIEN5001: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

SIEN5001: Foundation in Strategy, Innovation and Mgmt

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit introduces students to essential knowledge, frameworks and tools to manage strategically and innovatively. The unit begins by providing students with a mindsets framework for managing responsibly and sustainably. The core concepts and central frameworks of strategic management are introduced and applied to current case studies. Students are then introduced to the complexity of innovation processes and models for assessing and maximising value for innovation. The concepts and frameworks from across the unit are then brought together as students explore the challenges of managing ethically and responsibly in complex environments.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
IBUS5002 or WORK6002
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Leanne Cutcher, leanne.cutcher@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Christian Russo, christian.russo@sydney.edu.au
Sineadh Boccalatte, sineadh.boccalatte@sydney.edu.au
Agustina Salas, agustina.salas@sydney.edu.au
Donna Denyer, donna.denyer@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
BringYourOwnDevice exam on campus
35% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Assignment AI Allowed Case Study Report
Written report
25% Week 06
Due date: 03 Apr 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 Apr 2025
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5
Assignment group assignment AI Allowed Innovation Framework Applications, Analysis and Evaluation
Presentation and report
30% Week 11
Due date: 12 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 26 May 2025
1500 words + video presentation
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Participation AI Allowed Online participation
Online participation
10% Weekly Ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO2
group assignment = group assignment ?
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Participation (10%):  Your participation will be assessed by your engagement with the online modules and your contributions to the online exercises.

Case Study Report (25%)  Working individually, you will adopt the role of an external advisor to prepare a detailed case analysis and recommendation to an organisation. You will be assessed on your ability to judiciously apply strategy concepts, tools and frameworks from the unit to conduct a strategic analysis of the organisation and formulate coherent recommendations.

Innovation Framework - Video and Report: (35%)  The CEO of the case organization has invited you to join their new “innovation taskforce” to evaluate innovation opportunities, and identify potential new directions the company should invest in. Specifically, the CEO wants you to identify, recommend and justify the most significant innovation opportunity for the company. In small groups, you will apply the ‘Real Win Worth It Framework” to analyse innovation opportunities and issues. 5% of your mark will be individual and based on peer assessment. 

Final Exam (35%) You will sit a supervised exam where you will be examined on a range of course material.
Students will be assessed in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) exam taken on campus with supervision. Further information about the delivery of the exams will be provided closer to the test exam.

 

 

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.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% for everyday or part thereof up to and including ten days after the due date. For work submitted more than 10 days after the due date 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.

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 Introduction to managing, strategizing and innovating. Lecture (1.5 hr) LO1 LO5
Week 02 Managing: Managerial mindsets Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO6
Week 03 Managing: Principles for responsible management and corporate social responsibility Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO6
Week 04 Strategizing: External analysis Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 05 Strategizing: Internal analysis Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 06 Strategizing: Business and Corporate Level Strategy Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6
Week 07 Strategizing: Implementing Strategy Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Innovating: Routine, disruptive and radical innovation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5
Week 09 Innovating: Open innovation and innovation eco-systems Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Innovating: Assessing the context for innovation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Innovating: Stable and volatile processes of innovation Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 12 Social Innovation: Strategies for Sustainable Impact Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6
Week 13 Managing in Turbulent Times Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Attendance and class requirements

Students must attend a minimum of 80% of workshops

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

Please see the CANVAS website for the full set of course readings.

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. Evaluate and synthesise advanced disciplinary frameworks and principles in a range of complex business contexts.
  • LO2. Communicate persuasively and professionally to diverse stakeholder groups via the appropriate communication and presentation approach suitable to differing business contexts.
  • LO3. Evaluate new opportunities and ideas in ambiguous business contexts, using innovative and creative strategies.
  • LO4. Collaborate effectively with others from diverse backgrounds and integrate social and cultural perspectives in decision making.
  • LO5. Apply inter- and multi-disciplinary perspectives to effectively respond to changing and complex business environments.
  • LO6. Integrate ethical perspectives with personal and professional values in decision making.

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.

Updated due/closing dates.

Disclaimer

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

This unit of study outline was last modified on 28 Mar 2025.

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