Course coordinator
Dr Nasreen Sultana
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Why should businesses care about social responsibility? This course prepares you for the economic, social, political, and cultural contexts that shape organisational decision-making and stakeholder relationships. Through a critical exploration of leadership, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory environments, you will develop the analytical tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of contemporary organisational practice and responsibility.
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.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
None.
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 contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Nasreen Sultana
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
This course aims to equip you with a foundational understanding of the complex environments in which modern organisations operate. By examining the roles of government, business, and not-for-profit organisations, you will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities of managing responsibly within global and local contexts. The course places particular emphasis on ethics, labour and employment systems, and the interdependence between sectors, preparing you for further study in leadership, governance, and organisational strategy.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse the political, social, and environmental relationships of businesses.
LO2.
Collaboratively, discuss the complexities of business–society relationships to consider diverse perspectives.
LO3.
Recommend business decisions that create social impact by incorporating stakeholder perspectives.
LO4.
Evaluate ethical and sustainability considerations in business decision-making and practice.
LO5.
Apply elements of Indigenous worldview to develop solutions.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Case study team presentation
|
25% |
Week 4 - Week 13
During tutorials |
| Essay/ Critique |
Individual stakeholder and ethics analysis
|
25% |
29/05/2026 1:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026 |
Assessment details
Case study team presentation
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
Week 4 - Week 13
During tutorials
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In this assessment, students work collaboratively in small teams to analyse a real-world business case that illustrates the complex relationships between business, society, and the environment.
Each group will present up to three case analyses during the semester (Weeks 4–13), following the tutorial schedule. The final presentation mark reflects the team’s overall performance in the best 2 out of 3 presentations, moderated by individual contribution through peer evaluation.
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
Upload one copy of the group slides to Blackboard before the in-tutorial presentation begin.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Individual stakeholder and ethics analysis
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
29/05/2026 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
In this assessment task you will focus on an ethical or social-responsibility controversy faced by a real company within the last 12 months. You will work individually to write a 2000-word analysis of the company’s stakeholder relationships and evaluate any unethical decisions made. You need to apply relevant theories from MGTS7608 Business and Society, discuss any relevant Sustainable Development Goals, and provide academic recommendations for the company.
Your submission must include a short (150-200 word) reflection on your use of artificial intelligence included in an appendix.
AI Statement
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
Submit a Word or PDF document via Turnitin
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
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
6/06/2026 - 20/06/2026
- Other conditions
- Time limited, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
You will undertake an exam during the exam period at the end of the semester.
Further information will be available in Blackboard.
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 | 120 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.
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 Introduction to the Course
Note: Week 1 the Lecture has the duration of 3h. Following weeks will be 1h. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Corporation and its Stakeholders & Obligation and Country Review Chapter 1 of textbook: Role of stakeholders in the business and society relationship Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tutorial Expectations and Requirements Tutorial Expectations and Requirements Obligation and Country Concepts reflection Team formation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Managing Public Issues and Stakeholder Relationship Chapter 2 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Corporation and its Stakeholders Team finalisation Case study presentation assessment practise Sub-activity: Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Corporate Social Responsibility and Citizenship Reading: Chapter 3 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Managing Public Issues and Stakeholder Relationship CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Ethics and Ethical Relationship Reading: Chapter 5 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Corporate Social Responsibility and Citizenship CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Business and Government Relations Reading: Chapter 7 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
NO TUTORIAL - PUBLIC HOLIDAY Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday 3rd April 2026 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid-sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester break |
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Managing for Sustainability Reading: Chapter 10 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Ethics and Ethical Relationship CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Shareholders rights and Corporate Governance Reading: Chapter 13 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Business and Government Relations CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Consumer Protection Reading: Chapter 14 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Managing for Sustainability CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Managing a Diverse Workforce Reading: Chapter 16 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
NO TUTORIAL - PUBLIC HOLIDAY Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday 4th May 2026 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
The Community and Corporation Reading: Chapter 18 of the Textbook plus article AVAILABLE IN BLACKBOARD Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Shareholders rights and Corporate Governance CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
The Public and Corporate Reputation Reading: Chapter 19 of the Textbook Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Consumer Protection CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Course Review & Exam advice and preparation Exam advice and preparation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Managing a Diverse Workforce CASE STUDY ASSESSMENT 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 for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
- Recording of Teaching Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.