Course coordinator
Dr Jonah Zankl
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This course provides students with the opportunity to research, discuss and critically reflect upon the existing landscape and impact of social enterprises and not-for-profits as catalysts of systems change. While the creation of innovative solutions to social or environmental problems remains an imperative task, this course focuses on developing a solid understanding of the complexity of social issues as well as the variety and effectiveness of proposed solutions, without which we risk reinventing the wheel while the potential of existing but unexploited solutions lies bare.
This course is structured into three parts, focused on (1) understanding theory, (2) learning methods, and (3) applying knowledge. To enhance learning and achieve the course aims, students will take part in lectures, discussions, group work, and reflection exercises. This course engages in a blended learning approach where students will prepare for the course through online modules, which will serve as the foundation for the in-person seminars and group work.
The first part of the course introduces students to theoretical foundations of social enterprise and not-for-profits. Students will learn about and engage with definitions of different social enterprises and the unique challenges they face, their historical and geographic contexts, the forms they may take, and issues relating to systems change.
The second part of the course takes a hands-on approach to understanding how social enterprises and not-for-profits can meaningfully understand their environment and opportunities to initiate systems change. Students will learn the key tools, frameworks, and approaches to systems mapping and considerations in assessing the impacts of different intervention opportunities. In groups, students will work through a detailed systems mapping exercise, drawing on exercises and in-class activities to support developing the core assessment item for this course. Students will present and share their systems maps with industry experts to further their analysis and understanding.
The third part of the course will focus on evaluating levers for change and the potential implications of different activities on complex social systems. Students will individually explore a lever for change that can intervene in a chosen system and outline how a social enterprise/not-for-profit is well-positioned to act on this lever. Students will engage in further research to map out interdependencies to initiate change and identify key bottlenecks that would need to be addressed for desired outcomes to be likely.
Throughout the course, two key methods of learning are employed: interaction and reflection. Each session in parts one and two will start with a lecture-style presentation that will expand on the online modules. Students will then engage critically with the content—in groups and with the wider class. Participation is integral for learning and students will be encouraged to speak in front of the class throughout the course. A presentation to the whole class also forms part of the course assessment. Thus, to get the most out of this course, students must be willing to engage, interact with the class, and critically reflect on what they are learning.
In many ways, social entrepreneurship is about designing organisations that can alleviate human suffering and enable thriving. However, designing these organisations requires deep understanding of the systems in which they will operate, the potential unintended consequences of action, and the need for reflection and awareness of broader systems impacts.
Course requirements
Restrictions
Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Jonah Zankl
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
To assist students in developing the skills for understanding the social, economic and human aspects of the systems in which a social enterprise or not-for-profit intervenes.
To enable students (in teamwork) to critically analyse existing systems that uphold societal challenges. To challenge students to identify levers of change that are appropriate for social enterprises and not-for-profits to address, while exploring the interdependencies and relationships which might limit or support their effectiveness. To develop a new generation of responsible business leaders capable of managing the complex challenges faced by business and society in the 21st century.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Clearly articulate personal values and how they can inform approaches to developing businesses that address community and global issues and outcomes.
LO2.
Critically analyse a societal issue that can be addressed by a social enterprise or not-for-profit.
LO3.
Collaboratively apply systems mapping techniques to articulate existing relationships between structures, stakeholders, and outcomes.
LO4.
Develop a social enterprise plan to intervene at suitable leverage points for systems change.
LO5.
Persuasively justify approaches to responsible systems intervention in the context of societal issues and outcomes, illustrating interdependence between social impact and business models.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration |
Map the System Proposal & Group Update
|
18% |
Map the System Worksheet 1 Week 2, Tue 2:00 pm Map the System Worksheet 2 Week 3, Tue 2:00 pm Map the System Worksheet 3 Week 4, Tue 2:00 pm Map the System Project Proposal Week 5, Tue 11:00 am
Worksheets must be completed in hard copy at the end of the seminar, which will be initialed by the course coordinator, and uploaded to Blackboard. The proposal must be uploaded to Blackboard. |
| Presentation, Portfolio |
Map the System: Group Presentation and Report
|
37% |
Map the System Worksheet 4 Week 5, Tue 3:00 pm Map the System Worksheet 5 Week 6, Tue 3:00 pm Map the System Worksheet 6 Week 7, Tue 3:00 pm Map the System Report Week 9, Mon 11:00 am
Worksheets must be completed in hard copy at the end of the seminar, which will be initialed by the course coordinator, and uploaded to Blackboard. The report and presentation materials must be uploaded to Blackboard. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Exploring Levers of Change | 25% |
30/05/2025 3:00 pm |
| Examination, Reflection |
Map the System Reflection
|
20% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Map the System Proposal & Group Update
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 18%
- Due date
Map the System Worksheet 1 Week 2, Tue 2:00 pm
Map the System Worksheet 2 Week 3, Tue 2:00 pm
Map the System Worksheet 3 Week 4, Tue 2:00 pm
Map the System Project Proposal Week 5, Tue 11:00 am
Worksheets must be completed in hard copy at the end of the seminar, which will be initialed by the course coordinator, and uploaded to Blackboard.
The proposal must be uploaded to Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
This assessment is comprised of two tasks:
- Students will complete Map the System modules 1-3 worksheets which are due at the end of the seminars in weeks 2-4, reflecting on personal values and interests in societal challenges, identifying areas of interest to explore systems change, and refining a research question and approach. These will guide team formation and Map the System topic choice for Assessment 2.
- Students, in groups of up to 5, will use the worksheets to develop a 1,250 word Map the System Project Proposal due in Week 5. Students will be expected to give a 5 minute informal update on topic selection and progress to the course lecturer/facilitator during the seminar where informal feedback will be provided.
Detailed assessment guidelines will be available on Blackboard.
AI Statement:
Note: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT 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 or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for an in-class presentation. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
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.
Map the System: Group Presentation and Report
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Portfolio
- Weight
- 37%
- Due date
Map the System Worksheet 4 Week 5, Tue 3:00 pm
Map the System Worksheet 5 Week 6, Tue 3:00 pm
Map the System Worksheet 6 Week 7, Tue 3:00 pm
Map the System Report Week 9, Mon 11:00 am
Worksheets must be completed in hard copy at the end of the seminar, which will be initialed by the course coordinator, and uploaded to Blackboard.
The report and presentation materials must be uploaded to Blackboard.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L05
Task description
This assessment is comprised of three tasks:
- Students are expected to complete and submit Map the System worksheets 4-6 during the seminars during weeks 5-7.
- Students will develop a Map the System Report, incorporating systems maps and synthesised research surrounding a chosen societal issue, exposing levers of change that are suitable for a social enterprise/not-for-profit to address, due week 9.
- Students will report on and defend findings in a 10-minute presentation & Q&A during weeks 9 & 10.
Detailed assessment guidelines will be available on Blackboard.
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes per UQ Policy.
AI Statement:
Note: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT 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 or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extensions or deferrals are not available for an in-class presentation. An extension may be available for the submitted material only.
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.
10% Late Penalty applies to submitted material only. Late submissions are not accepted for in-class presentations. Failure to present at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for the presentation portion of this assessment.
Exploring Levers of Change
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
30/05/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04, L05
Task description
Students will explore a lever for change identified in Assessment 2, that can intervene in their chosen system. Students will demonstrate understanding of systems change and outline how a social enterprise/not-for-profit is well-positioned to act on this lever. Students will be expected to map out interdependencies to initiate change and identify key bottlenecks that would need to be addressed for desired outcome to be likely.
Students will need to submit a 2,000 word report including appropriate systems maps.
AI Statement
Note: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
This report must be submitted via Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
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.
Map the System Reflection
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L04, L05
Task description
Students will be asked to critically reflect on how a systems mapping approach has supported understanding of how social enterprises can intervene in societal issues and identify any obstacles faced in applying systems mapping to a chosen issue.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Materials | Students may bring in any assessment items from the course, such as Map the Systems worksheets |
| Exam platform | Inspera |
| 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 |
What are social enterprises and not-for-profits? An overview of the course, its content, and assessments. Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Understanding Complex Social Problems In this seminar, we will introduce systems mapping as a way of understanding complex problems, and focus on project areas for social enterprises and not for profits. We will begin to form teams and identify entrepreneurial opportunities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Adopting a Systems Approach In this seminar, we will explore the dynamics of social problems through a systems lens. We will focus on understanding the constituent elements of a complex social problem for effective intervention by social enterprise and not-for-profits. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Methods for Learning about Systems In this seminar, we will examine different research approaches to understanding social challenges that social enterprises and not-for-profits might utilize. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Tools for Systems Analysis Part 1 In this seminar, we will explore the Iceberg model to understand systems change and introduce systems mapping. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Tools for Systems Analysis Part 2 |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Analysis for Action In this seminar, we will discuss how to evaluate existing interventions that can support identifying levers for change for social enterprises and not-for-profits to act on. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Assessment 2 Review Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Assessment 2 Presentations (Group A) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Assessment 1 Presentations (Group B) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 11 |
Seminar |
Social Impact and Business Strategy In this session, we will explore how to connect intervention for a lever of change with an appropriate business model and compare the different approaches of social enterprises and not-for-profits. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Exploring Interdependencies & Bottlenecks In this seminar, we will explore how to analyse an approach to working with and through existing interdependencies to advance systems change. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Unintended Consequences and Course Wrapup In this seminar, we will discuss how to explore and manage unintended consequences. We will then conclude and summarize the course. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Students will be expected to complete the relevant Map the System modules in advance of relevant classes. More details will be provided in the first seminar.
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 - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.