Dr Stephen Jones
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
Private sector, not-for-profit and government organisations operate in increasingly complex global systems. Effective management of these organisations requires an understanding of their economic, social, political and cultural contexts. This course will provide students with an introduction to these contexts forming the foundations for their study of leadership, human resources, government and business relations, strategy and issues involving communications and the media.
Business and Society is a key element of the Master of Business programme created as a core course, which prepares students to adopt a broad, highly-integrated interdisciplinary approach to the study of business. The course systematically examines the political, regulatory, societal, and environmental risk factors that shape the business environment in which managers must navigate. Students will learn how to analyse and proactively manage the non-market forces that managers encounter such as regulatory, social, and environmental forces and the impact of multinational business operations on the societies and environments in which they operate.
The approach will assist the building of skills needed to understand organisational value by presenting students with the key issues facing managers employed in the for-profit, non-profit and public sectors that comprise the contemporary business environment.
The interdisciplinary approach of this core course will provide students with the context and background knowledge needed to proceed effectively through the wide-ranging study of business and management they will make in the Master of Business programme. By discussing readings on the topics, students will gain a better understanding of the relationships between business, society and environments and by examining cases of real firms and taking part in a team project, students will learn to apply a range of tools and frameworks for analysing the social and environmental issues facing business.
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
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MGTS7617
Restrictions
Students in the MBus(#24) program are not permitted to enrol in this course.
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Nasreen Sultana
Tutor
Dr Nasreen Sultana
Dr Kohinur Akter
Ms Corene Crossin
Dr Kamran Shafique
Dr Jemaine Tsoi
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, and
- the Course Code
Aims and outcomes
The course will provide students with the contextual understanding necessary for the study of business and management, providing insight into the political, social and environmental systems in which business operates. It will cover key issues facing managers employed in the for-profit, non-profit and public sector, placing a special emphasis on the ethical aspects of management, the labour market and human resources and the relationships between public, private and community organisations.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify political, social and environmental issues as they relate to business.
LO2.
Develop professional and effective writing skills.
LO3.
Apply multi-disciplinary knowledge to business situations in a local and global environment.
LO4.
Identify and assess ethical and sustainability considerations in business decision-making and practice.
LO5.
Develop the ability to deliver quality business presentations as a member of a group.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Weekly quiz
|
10% |
17/03/2025 24/03/2025 31/03/2025 7/04/2025 14/04/2025 28/04/2025 5/05/2025 12/05/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution |
Case study analysis
|
35% |
17/03/2025 24/03/2025 31/03/2025 7/04/2025 14/04/2025 28/04/2025 5/05/2025 12/05/2025
Groups need to select one group member each week to submit the assessment online via Blackboard link. Only one submission needs to be made. |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
55% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
Assessment details
Weekly quiz
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
17/03/2025
24/03/2025
31/03/2025
7/04/2025
14/04/2025
28/04/2025
5/05/2025
12/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Starting in week 4, at the commencement of each tutorial, students will have the opportunity to complete a quiz. Consisting of 10-15 multi-choice questions, the quiz reflects the issues covered in the weekly textbook reading. Grades will be calculated on the 4 best results for the semester.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit in tutorial
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
No extensions permitted due to best 4 results.
Late submission
Late submissions are not accepted for in-class assessment. Failure to complete the quiz at the scheduled time will result in a mark of zero for this portion of assessment.
Case study analysis
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
17/03/2025
24/03/2025
31/03/2025
7/04/2025
14/04/2025
28/04/2025
5/05/2025
12/05/2025
Groups need to select one group member each week to submit the assessment online via Blackboard link. Only one submission needs to be made.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
After completing your textbook reading each week, you must read the case study relevant to the topic. The case studies can be found in the Learning Module in the Learning Resources section on Blackboard.
In this course, you will be placed into a tutorial for the semester. Within your tutorial, you will be placed into a group for the semester. As a formative learning exercise in weeks 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, your group can choose to prepare a brief executive summary (500-750 words) relating to the case study. This assessment requires you to only submit four (4) executive summaries for marking over the semester. Whether you choose to prepare an executive summary each week is up to your group to decide. Completing more summaries will be helpful for you in making sure the 4 executive summaries you choose to submit are of a high standard. The questions you need to respond to in your executive summaries relating to the case studies for each week are available in the Learning Module. You will discuss the case study in class with your group and prepare the Executive Summary in class and the group will submit it during the tutorial via Blackboard.
At the end of each Executive Summary, you will be required to submit details of the contributions of each member of the group. Contributions will be used to adjust students' individual group assignment results.
Your tutor will provide you with feedback on your submission each week so that you can make improvements where needed in your subsequent submissions. The best 4 marks will contribute towards the final grade for each group.
In completing this assignment students will have demonstrated their ability to work collaboratively in a group, identify issues in the business and society context, make a professionally written submission, apply multi-disciplinary knowledge, and produce a well-reasoned and evidence-based argument.
AI Statement:
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submit completed assignment via the submission link in the Assessment tab in Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
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.
Submission can only be made during the tutorial.
Final Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 55%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
You will undertake an exam during the exam period at the end of the semester. The exam will consist of a list of 6 short essay questions based on the topics from weeks 2 to 12. You will need to choose and respond in your own handwriting to 4 questions from the list. This is not an open-book exam. You will need to answer the questions using information based on your weekly readings. A good essay will not be based on your opinions as it must include a demonstrated understanding of stakeholder theory, and be based on evidence using examples from the course case studies to support your arguments. A good essay answer will be between 300-500 words long. You must use prose style with well structured sentences and paragraphs. Dot points will not be acceptable. You do not need to provide references but you will need to write using English academic language that is concise and clear for your marker to understand.
AI Statement
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | Dictionary permitted - no written notes in dictionary allowed. |
| 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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, A. & Weber, J. (2020) Business and Society: Stakeholders, Ethics, Public Policy, McGraw-Hill, 16th Ed. International Student Edition | Text book required for course | own item needed |
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 |
Lecture |
Introduction to the Course Review the online module: Introduction to the Course
Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Corporation and its Stakeholders Review the online module: Role of stakeholders in the business and society relationship Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Corporation and its Stakeholders Tutorial Expectations and Requirements Team formation Case study example: Santos gets approval for Narrabri gas with conditions Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Corporate Social Responsibility Review the online module: Impact of CSR on business Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Corporate Social Responsibility Team finalisation Case study practise : Country Road's ethical focus Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Corporate Reputation Review the online module: Impact of Corporate Reputation. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Corporate Reputation CASE STUDY: Qantas Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Shareholders and Governance Review the online module: Shareholder Rights and Corporate Governance. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Shareholders and Governance CASE STUDY: Connective brokers. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Ethics Review the online module: Ethics and Ethical Reasoning. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Ethics CASE STUDY: Theranos Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Consumer Protection See Blackboard for further details about the In-Semester examination arrangements. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Consumer Protection Case study: Apple, Amazon & Google Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Managing a Diverse Workforce Review online module: Managing a Diverse Workforce Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Managing a Diverse Workforce CASE STUDY: Women in Tech. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester break |
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Managing for Sustainability Review the online module: Managing for Sustainability Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Managing for Sustainability CASE STUDY: Fashion has a trash problem Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Business and Government Relations Review online module: Business and Government Relations Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Business & Government Relations Please see Blackboard for more details. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Business in a globalised world Review online Module |
Tutorial |
Business in a globalised world Case study Amazon |
|
Week 12 |
Tutorial |
Review course & summary Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Exam advice and preparation Exam advice and preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout course learning activities.
Goal 5: Gender equality and women’s empowerment
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
Goal 9: Industries, innovation and infrastructure
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.