Course coordinator
Dr Alexandra Kriz
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Globalisation is a widely used term in business, politics, and trade, but its real meaning and implications are often misunderstood. This course delves deeply into the concept of globalisation to critically evaluate its influence on the business world and understand how it creates interdependencies and shapes behaviours of, and outcomes for, interconnected stakeholders. Potential future trajectories of global business are explored with an emphasis on how such futures can be co-constructed to produce more socially desirable outcomes.
This course provides a transdisciplinary and meso/macro approach to investigate the various mechanisms that contribute to the dynamic globalisation phenomenon. These aspects both impact on and are impacted by enterprise operations as a central actor in the modern global world. Controversial issues associated with globalisation and business are discussed in a way that prioritises scientific evidence and the pursuit of ‘truth’. Such issues include, but are not limited to, geopolitical and ideological shifts, technological disruption and digital transformation, equitable and sustainable development challenges, and the changing systems of work and human-technology interaction, among many other topics. The course embeds a systems perspective on globalisation and business, and introduces students to human-centred design and other research tools that are critical for their employability. These skills empower students to explore and potentially re-evaluate how our citizens, enterprises, institutions, and broader stakeholders can collectively innovate to design sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous global futures.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
More emphasis on 'teaming' is a focus of this course to ensure that thriving, diverse teams are developed throughout semester.
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed students will have some knowledge of world geography and knowledge of common macroeconomic terms. Before attempting this course, you are advised that it is important to complete the appropriate prerequisite course(s) listed on the front of this course profile. No responsibility will be accepted by UQ Business School, the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law or The University of Queensland for poor student performance occurring in courses where the appropriate prerequisite(s) has/have not been completed, for any reason whatsoever.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(MGTS1301 + 4 units courses)
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
IBUS2301
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
IBUS7306
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 35 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Alexandra Kriz
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to empower students to critically evaluate the dynamic and interdependent system of globalisation and business. Students learn employability-oriented techniques that enable them to understand how enterprises, alongside other stakeholders, can catalyse responsible innovation in our global world to resolve tensions and holistically influence future global trajectories. Our role as global citizens is also explored, along with the challenges and responsibilities that this role entails.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Articulate the meaning and process of the globalisation of economic activities.
LO2.
Evaluate the causes and effects associated with globalisation.
LO3.
Evaluate the roles and ethical responsibilities of individuals, enterprises, governments, multilateral organisations, and other stakeholders in global business.
LO4.
Work collaboratively to formulate innovative responses to resolve wicked problems and grand challenges shaping globalisation and business.
LO5.
Justify decisions with consideration of stakeholders’ cultural and social diversity, including Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Wicked Problem Taming Activity
|
15% |
Submission 1 Week 5, Submission 2 Week 6,
Students hand-in the relevant templates in class and must submit in Blackboard a use of AI document that accompanies each template. |
| Reflection |
Reflection
|
15% |
Presentations in class of week 12. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation |
Team Presentation and Reflexivity Journey Map
|
25% |
Template 1 during class Week 7, Template 2 during class Week 8, Template 3 during class Week 9, Template 4 during class Week 11, Presentation during class Week 12, |
| Examination |
Final exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Wicked Problem Taming Activity
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Submission 1 Week 5,
Submission 2 Week 6,
Students hand-in the relevant templates in class and must submit in Blackboard a use of AI document that accompanies each template.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
Task description
Teams will be formed during seminars and students need to work together to develop insights and complete templates in-class that show how teams would resolve components of a nominated wicked problem that will be presented to students during the semester. Highest scoring submission (i.e., Week 5 or 6) will be used for the assessment mark.
One student from each team must submit the hard copy of their team charter on behalf of their team during class in Week 5.
Students have the opportunity to partake in a 'practice round' in week 4, with feedback provided to better prepare them for the following week. For each template submitted, teams will also need to upload a use of AI document on Blackboard that accompanies that week's template, in order to receive a mark for this assessment.
All team members will be required to complete peer evaluations using BuddyCheck to ensure equal member contributions. Results from these evaluations may impact individual grades.
If you have not yet completed the Working in Teams: A Practical Guide edX course please consider undertaking the course for your own professional development purposes - https://www.edx.org/course/working-in-teams-a-practical-guide
AI Statement:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Highest scoring submission will be used for the assessment mark.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for this assessment due to its in-class nature. Contact the course coordinator in exceptional circumstances.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Reflection
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
Presentations in class of week 12.
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
Individuals will be asked to reflect on their own, and other team presentations (more detail will be provided in-class and students will be provided with templates to assist them to undertake this task in-class). Students will be asked to be reflective and reflexive in their responses in terms of comparing their team's and other team presentations in-class. Students are encouraged to for example question their assumptions, challenge their own worldviews based on research and evidence presented in-class, and embrace what Carol Dweck terms a 'growth mindset'.
Students must hand-in their reflection at the end of the class.
AI Statement:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit at end of class.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Contact the course coordinator in exceptional circumstances.
Team Presentation and Reflexivity Journey Map
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Template 1 during class Week 7,
Template 2 during class Week 8,
Template 3 during class Week 9,
Template 4 during class Week 11,
Presentation during class Week 12,
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Peer assessed.
Task description
Teams (i.e., same teams as pitches) develop and present their resolutions to an identified design thinking challenge that relates to globalisation and business (note: this is a different challenge to the nominated wicked problem presented earlier during the semester). As part of a dynamic resolution, students also need to pivot their resolution journey in ways that respond to a number of 'global shocks' that will be progressively announced in class. Teams should also be prepared to address question(s) following the final presentation (presentations will be held in Week 12).
Teams also need to submit their team's reflexivity journey map, along with submission of templates each week provided in class for this assessment (templates will be provided and required for submission in class during weeks 7, 8, 9, and 11). All team members must contribute to a minimum of two (2) of the provided templates in class to ensure they are contributing toward the team's presentation development. Teams are expected to reference any AI use in their submission material.
Any optional presentation slide decks, infographic maps or other presentation material that teams may wish to use in their presentation must be submitted in Blackboard by 1pm Friday 15th May (Week 11) to ensure for seamless presentations during class time the following week. Please contact the course coordinator in exceptional circumstances.
One student from each team must submit their team charter on behalf of their team (note: a new team charter needs to be completed for this assessment separate to the wicked problem taming activity charter) and this must be submitted in hard copy during class (i.e., submitted during class in Week 8).
More information to be provided during semester.
All team members will be required to complete peer evaluations using Buddycheck to ensure equal member contributions. Results from these evaluations may impact individual grades.
AI Statement:
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.
A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Must submit at least 2 templates.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
Task description
The final exam will include essay-style questions. Further details will be provided via Blackboard. The exam should take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
AI Statement:
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Globalisation & wicked problems Globalisation: a transdisciplinary approach. What is globalisation and what do we mean by a transdisciplinary approach? MNEs as powerful actors in the global environment. Complexity of global trade and legal dynamics. Wicked problems in the global business environment. Globalisation: challenges and responsibilities. |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Design thinking for global business Learning about design thinking and human-centred design techniques that can be applied to tame wicked problems and grand challenges in the global business environment. |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Societies and cultural logics Culture and society at a macro-level: influencing, and being influenced by a globalised world. How are culture and society relevant to globalisation? National vs regional vs globalised vs corporate vs digital cultures: multiple perspectives. Challenges and responsibilities in the socio-cultural environment. |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Economic & political systems Global economic and political environment. Brexit. 'Magnet Cities'. Competitive advantage of regions and nations. Global politics. The challenging political environment, and the economic environment: challenges and responsibilities. |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Globalisation and inequalities Globalisation and inequalities. Critically analysing growth, social progress, inequalities, and development goals. Where to from here? The role of institutions in driving social equalities in a globalised world. |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Ecosystems on the edge One global game of dominoes? Globalisation as a complex system. Understanding feedback loops in a global system and observed behaviours through case studies. Navigating global systems: challenges and responsibilities. |
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester break |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Technology and innovation Technology and innovation. Concepts and processes. National systems of innovation. Patents and innovation. Technological diffusion and innovation. Globalisation and technology: a social shaping of technology perspective. Institutions as a catalyst for innovation. Technology innovation: challenges and responsibilities. |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Ecology and climate change Ecology and environmental issues. The environment: A tragedy of the commons? Managing environmental impacts. Sustainable consumption. Ecology and climate change: challenges and responsibilities. |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Ethics and social responsibility Ethics and social responsibility. CSR and corporate governance. The social enterprise. The importance of moral sentiment. The role of multiple stakeholders in shifting the agenda: challenges and responsibilities. |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
The modern workplace Globalisation and its impact on human capital and society. The concept of the 'Global Factory'. Technology and disruption of the workforce. Globalised technologies reshaping productivity and ways we work and interact. |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Sharing and circular economy Globalisation and the sharing economy. Business models going global. The 'trust' economy altering the global consumer and business landscape. Economies of the future: Sustainability through a circular economy? |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Sustainability in the Balance and Exam Skills and Preparation Changing global environment; risks and uncertainties in our future world; can we achieve a sustainable future? |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through lectures and assessment.
Goal 5: Gender equality and women’s empowerment
Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.