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Unit outline_

SUST5006: Sustainability: Business and Leadership

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study will help build your understanding of the knowledge, skills and activities required to lead sustainability and change in, and with, businesses and organisations. The unit presents the relevance and importance of business mission and strategy, and will introduce the roles of corporate social responsibility, sustainability and change management. It will also explore stakeholders associated with business (including shareholders, consumers and government) and how they can both motivate and impede change in the context of sustainability. Learning will be facilitated through seminars, readings, as well as individual group projects.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Science Faculty
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Christopher Wright, christopher.wright@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Tutorial quiz Class tests
Multiple choice and short written answers.
50% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Presentation group assignment Poster presentation
Oral presentation
20% Week 13 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment group assignment Poster report
Essay
30% Week 14 (STUVAC) 2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Class tests: Students will participate in a number of short 15 minute class tests (weeks 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11) which will review their comprehension of required readings and core concepts outlined in previous lectures and learning sessions. The test will require both multiple choice and short written answers.
  • Group poster presentation: Students will work in groups over the semester and develop a poster reviewing a specific sustainability issue. The aim of the poster is to tackle a sustainability dispute and explore this through the theoretical lens of critique and justification (Boltanski & Thevenot, 2006). This theoretical framework will be explained and developed in class through various exercises.
  • Group poster essay report: All groups will submit a formal written essay outlining their poster presentation by Wednesday 3rd June. The essay will detail the sustainability issue you investigated, the findings and central argument. It should include an introduction, main body (including sub-sections) and a conclusion.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on 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

At HD level, a student demonstrates a flair for the subject as well as a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the unit material. A ‘High Distinction’ reflects exceptional achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates the ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding to produce original solutions for novel or highly complex problems and/or comprehensive critical discussions of theoretical concepts.

Distinction

75 - 84

At DI level, a student demonstrates an aptitude for the subject and a well-developed understanding of the unit material. A ‘Distinction’ reflects excellent achievement and is awarded to a student who demonstrates an ability to apply their subject knowledge and understanding of the subject to produce good solutions for challenging problems and/or a reasonably well-developed critical analysis of theoretical concepts.

Credit

65 - 74

At CR level, a student demonstrates a good command and knowledge of the unit material. A ‘Credit’ reflects solid achievement and is awarded to a student who has a broad general understanding of the unit material and can solve routine problems and/or identify and superficially discuss theoretical concepts.

Pass

50 - 64

At PS level, a student demonstrates proficiency in the unit material. A ‘Pass’ reflects satisfactory achievement and is awarded to a student who has threshold knowledge.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Introduction - What is Sustainability? Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 02 2. The Business Case for Sustainability Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 03 3. Climate Change: The Sustainability Challenge of our Time Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 4. Corporate environmentalism Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 5. Corporate Political Activity & Sustainability Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 6. Social Sustainability Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 7. Social Movements for Sustainability Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 8. Organisational Culture & Sustainability Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 9. Managing Sustainability & Organisational Change Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 10. Guest lecture (TBC) Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 11. The Great Barrier Reef: Case Study of a Sustainability Crisis Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 12. Critically Evaluating Sustainability: Alternative Paths in the Anthropocene Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Poster Presentations Seminar (2.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

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

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.
  • Required textbook: Wright, C. and Nyberg, D. (2015) Climate Change, Capitalism and Corporations: Processes of Creative Self-Destruction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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. recommend and justify integrated organisational and industry strategies, policies and implementation approaches that are appropriate to support organisational sustainability objectives in particular contexts
  • LO2. use suitable research methods and information technologies to acquire, analyse and interpret data, concepts and theories salient to addressing particular organisation related sustainability issues and challenges and formulate appropriate findings, recommendations and remedies
  • LO3. question, assess and respond independently and creatively to assumptions, propositions and debates within sustainability related human resource and organisational theory and practice
  • LO4. prepare and present professional reports that address sustainability related problems and make recommendations that are coherent, persuasive, and appropriate for the situation
  • LO5. influence others to work collaboratively to recommend and report on policies and strategies to address complex human resources and organisational problems related to sustainability.

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 content for this Unit of Study has been updated to include current sustainability challenges.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

 

General Laboratory Safety Rules

  • No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
  • A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
  • Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
  • In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
  • First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory
  • As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

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.