Course coordinator
Dr Sandra Figueira
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- 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.
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 Sandra Figueira
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff doﾠnotﾠhave 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 emailﾠbusiness.mytimetable@uq.edu.auﾠfrom 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation, Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Team Presentations
|
30% |
19/08/2024 - 23/08/2024 26/08/2024 - 30/08/2024 2/09/2024 - 6/09/2024 9/09/2024 - 13/09/2024 30/09/2024 - 4/10/2024 14/10/2024 - 18/10/2024 |
| Examination |
In-semester exam
|
25% |
17/09/2024 11:00 am |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
45% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
Assessment details
Team Presentations
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Presentation, Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
19/08/2024 - 23/08/2024
26/08/2024 - 30/08/2024
2/09/2024 - 6/09/2024
9/09/2024 - 13/09/2024
30/09/2024 - 4/10/2024
14/10/2024 - 18/10/2024
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
After completing your textbook reading for the week, you must read/watch the case study relevant to the topic in weeks 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 12.
The case studies can be found in the respective weekly folder in the Learning Resources section in Blackboard.
In the tutorial, you will be a member of a team. Each week your team will need to help prepare a brief presentation outlining a response to the questions relating to the case. Three (3) teams will be selected at random each week to provide a 7-minute presentation to the class on their ideas and responses to the case study questions.
Each team will be required to deliver three (3) presentations over the semester. The two (2) best marks will be chosen for the final grade.
Members of the team will be required to submit a peer assessment of the other members of the team. Peer results will be used to adjust students' individual team assignment results.
Each presentation is worth 15 marks.
After successfully completing this assignment students will have demonstrated their ability to identify issues in the business and society context, make a professional presentation, apply multi-disciplinary knowledge, produce a well-reasoned and evidence-based argument.
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 the presentation using the Blackboard Assessment link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
In-semester exam
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
17/09/2024 11:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The exam will consist of two parts - Part A weight is 50% and Part B weight is also 50%.
Part A will consist of 25 multi choice questions that reflect the topics covered in the course from week 3 to week 8. Questions will be based on the topics covered in the text book and online modules so it will be vital for students to complete their readings each week.
Part B will consist of a case analyses of a short case study provided with the exam paper.
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 | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Invigilated by Zoom |
Submission guidelines
Please complete Part A - 25 Multi-choice questions link available on exam folder in Assessment tab in Blackboard.
Please submit Part B in a Word document in the Turnitin link available on the Exam folder in the Assessment Tab in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- 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.
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 - no 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.
Additional learning resources information
Sustainable Development Goal
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals 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
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 |
Tutorial |
No Tutorial No tutorial this week |
|
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Corporation and its Stakeholders Review the online module: Role of stakeholders in the business & 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 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Lecture - Public Holiday Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Tutorial - Public Holiday Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. |
|
Week 5 |
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 6 |
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 7 |
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 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 |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
In-semester Exam See Blackboard for further details about the In-Semester examination arrangements. |
Tutorial |
Presentations skills Development and Feedback Please see Blackboard for more details. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-semester break |
Week 10 |
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 11 |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Lecture - Public Holiday King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 7 Oct 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No Tutorial - Public Holiday King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 7 Oct 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Business and Government Relations Review online module: Business and Government Relations Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Business and Government Relations CASE STUDY: Business budget hit list. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Review previous weeks content Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
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 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.