BMO5501 Unit Study Guide Sem 1 2015 Sydney V15
BMO5501 Unit Study Guide Sem 1 2015 Sydney V15
BMO5501 Unit Study Guide Sem 1 2015 Sydney V15
Unit Code:
BMO5501
Year:
2015
Semester:
Location:
City Campus
Prepared by:
Contents
Welcome
Acknowledgement of Country
Year:
2015
Credit Points: 12
Other details: BMO5501is a foundation unit for Master of Business programs in the College of Business.
Staff
Unit co-ordinator
Teaching team
Unit description
This unit critically reviews the socio-cultural environment in which business operates. Ethical frameworks for decision
making will be critiqued and students will construct the debates surrounding contemporary corporate responsibility and
sustainable development as they impact on organisations in their local and global contexts. Emphasis will be on how new
pressures on businesses arise, and how effective the various models that structure organisational responses are to these
dynamic and emergent challenges.
Prerequisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Mode of delivery
On campus
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Discriminate between key western philosophical approaches to ethics
2. Discriminate between ethics, legal requirements, and religious doctrine as they impact on contemporary business
and be able to critically comment upon the role of culture in ethical decision making.
3. Advocate a position and establish ways of advancing that position - on the ethical issues associated with the
western capitalist business system through analysis, critique and the presentation of corroborating evidence.
4. Exemplify professional judgement: in assessing alternative perspectives of corporate responsibility in the context
of contemporary business issues; and in the management and measurement of sustainable performance.
5. Evaluate the sustainability agenda and justify assessment of the implications for business.
6. Evaluate and debate the role of social movements and institutional changes to business operations.
7. Clearly communicate conclusions to inter-disciplinary audiences demonstrating a high level of personal autonomy
and accountability.
w/b
23/2
Session 1 notes
edu/video/introduction-togiving-voice-to-values
2/3
9/3
16/3
Ethics Theory
Session 2 notes
23/3
Session 5 notes
Crane & Matten (2007) Ch 4
30/3
Session 6 notes
6/4
Teaching break
13/4
Workshop: Assignment 1A
Session 7 notes
oral group presentations;
reports on a Social Enterprise
20/4
Sustainability: balancing
economic, social and
environmental performance
Session 8 notes
Lund and Lindgreen
(2013)
Matten & Crane (2005)
27/4
Session 9 notes
Garriga & Mele (2004)
10
4/5
DJSI
(task 25 session 9 notes)
Bet (short case)
(task 26 session 9 notes)
Analysis:
Unilever and good business (article)
Unilever sustainability report (report)
(task 27 session 10 notes)
Analysis:
Climate change checklist
Green product labels
B corporations cabot creamery
B corporations certified 1
B corporations certified 2
Measuring toxic footprint
(task 28 session 10 notes)
7
11
11/5
Social performance in
practice: management,
measurement and reporting
Supplier audits & purchasing
practices
Session 11 notes
Deegan and Shelley
(2013)
12
18/5
Session 12 notes
Assessment Tasks:
Descriptions
Case Study
Social enterprise
report
Group Report
1 Part B
Case Study
Practice
recommendations
Group Report
Reflective Journal
Individual
Reflective piece
Exam
Case study based 2
hour closed book
exam
Assessment
Criteria
Weighting
(%)
Due date
Refer page7
15%
Week 7
Refer page 8
25%
Week 11
Refer page 9
15%
Week 12
Refer page 10
5%
As
allocated
Refer page 10
40%
As
scheduled
ASSESSMENT
40%
15%
25%
Due: Week 7
Due: Week 11
General Instructions
This group assignment (3 or 4 students) is in two (2) parts:
Part A is due in Week 7 (15%: 10% for the written submission and 5% for the oral presentation in class)
Part B is due in Week 11 (25%: 25% for the written submission)
Submit as a PDF to the dropbox within Collaborate (your lecturer will give you instructions)
Only one group member is to submit
File name: Your group identifier assignment number (e.g. the file names for group 3 would be G3A1A.pdf &
G3A1B.pdf).
Assignments will not be accepted without the correct file name
Part A: Social enterprise report
Objective
To compile a report on the objectives, operations and outcomes of a social enterprise in Australia.
Scenario
A major international business magazine has contracted your team to write a profile article on an Australia social
enterprise. They have heard that there are some really interesting enterprises downunder that would be of interest to
overseas readers for example the MADCAP Caf that employees young people with mental health issues to make the
coffee in stands at Masters Hardware stores a chain owned by Woolworths; or the fifty-six threads caf run by AMES
which trains young refugees and migrants in hospitality skills.
Required
Prepare an article for the magazine that reports on the objectives, operations and outcomes of a social enterprise in
Australia and include performance data and photos where possible. The magazine is expecting: great content in a two
page article which is engaging, and exhibits a clear and crisp writing style (10%); and an oral presentation to a business
conference sponsored by the magazine (5%). You can choose any social enterprise operating in Australia. Your report is
expected to contain some pertinent primary data such as quotes that you get directly from the operators or clients
gathered in person, by phone or by electronic means. As this is a magazine article, no formal Harvard referencing at the
end (out of text) is required - but sources would usually be given in-text e.g.: the website notes that 300 people were
assisted ; staff said that business is increasing rapidly .
Part B: Practice recommendations - a sustainability framework for international expansion
Objective
The objective of this project is to consider ways of ensuring sustainability if a business sends its production offshore.
Scenario
Amy is a successful young Melbourne fashion designer. The AMY brand is well established and has excellent brand
presence that targets under 35s premium fashions. Amy has been urged to expand production to meet growing local and
international demand for the quirky yet stylish creations that flow from her small design and marketing team. Amy is
extremely proud and protective of her logo which has credibility in the marketplace daring and caring. AMY products
contain much in the way of recycled things and the business is a high profile supporter of social initiatives; for example
supplying young high school graduates from poorer areas with clothing for debutant balls and end of year formals as well
as contributing to the financing of the events.
10
Currently the entire AMY range is manufactured in Melbourne through contracted suppliers Stitch-up. Amy knows the
Stitch-up management and staff well and visits them frequently at their plant near Melbourne Airport. Stitch-up have a
good reputation for quality, occupational health and safety(OH&S) and outsourcing practices.
However the relatively high costs and capacity constraints found in on-shore production are seen as disablers to Amys
expansion.
Amy is considering the feasibility of having her clothing range manufactured off-shore either in China, India, Bangladesh,
Fiji, or Vietnam. For Amy, such a move needs to be sustainable in terms of economic, social and environmental
performance. Assume the only options to Amy persevering with local production are:
1. Amy to set up her own manufacturing factory in the chosen country
2. Amy to contract out the production work to a manufacturer overseas
3. Amy to form a joint venture (JV) with an overseas company that will take in manufacturing, marketing and sales
aspects but not design; and the JV would appear in the form of a new business - AMY International.
Required:
Your team represents a small Melbourne consulting firm that has been asked to prepare a briefing document for Amy on
the feasibility of having the AMY clothing range manufactured off-shore.
Develop a report for your client Amy on problems and solutions in achieving sustainable economic, social and
environmental performance in offshoring manufacturing, one that that considers:
1. The different theoretical perspectives on corporate social responsibility might managers like Amy may take (see
for example Garriga and Mele paper). 2 marks
2. The issues (challenges or opportunities) that other companies (in the clothing or different industries) have
experienced in achieving sustainable economic, social and environmental performance in developing countries in
general and the target country you have chosen to report on in particular choose one of China, India,
Bangladesh, Fiji, or Vietnam. 6 marks.
3. The initiatives - how have other companies responded to these issues (above); how do they measure
performance; and how successful do these responses appear to have been? 5 marks.
4. Common principles of good practice can a set of principles be discerned from the various examples of
problems/initiatives identified in the part above? 4 marks.
5. A sustainability framework for Amy one that describes the issues and initiatives which Amy should prioritise if
she were to exercise her various expansion options. 5 marks.
6. A conclusion what should Amy do in terms of expansion options. 3 marks
11
15%
3000
Week 7 seminar & week 11 seminar.
General Instructions
This individual assignment is in two (2) parts:
Part A is due in Week 7
Part B is due in Week 11
Submit as a PDF to the dropbox within Collaborate (your lecturer will give you instructions)
Attachment file name: Your last name assignment number (e.g. the Part A file name for Smith would be
SmithA2A.pdf; the Part B file name for Smith would be SmithA2B.pdf).
Assignments will not be accepted without the correct file name.
Objective:
The objective of this assignment is for you to reflect on your own thoughts and application in relation to material contained
in two online courses:
a. New Models of Business in Society available at: https://www.coursera.org/learn/businessinsociety
b. The Nomadic GVV program
Note: it is only possible to satisfactorily complete this assessment component (reflective journal) with a valid score from
the Nomadic GVV program (refer part B).
Instructions:
Part A - New Models of Business in Society program (10 marks)
1. Write your journal in 5 parts one for each of the 4 modules in the course; and one concluding comments section.
2. The journal entry for each module should:
make a personal reflection on the major themes and ideas presented (1 mark)
provide a reflective discussion on the engagement questions posed (2 marks)
3. The concluding comments section should provide a brief summary (1 mark) and evaluation of the course (2 marks)
4. Each of the 5 parts is worth 3 marks; and each parts should be around 600 words
5. As well as these 5 parts, your journal should include a title page and table of contents.
Part B - The Nomadic GVV program (5 marks)
Your engagement, understanding and influence are automatically measured and reported as you do this program, and the
total mark will be converted to assess Part B.
12
5%
Objective:
The objective is for students to facilitate the discussion of a task (case or reading) in and effective and engaging manner,
and participate in tasks that encompass key ideals in ethics and sustainability.
Note: It is only possible to satisfactorily complete this component by adequately facilitating set tasks as allocated and
participating in tasks across at 75% of classes (9 classes out of 12) unless there are extenuating circumstances such as
medical issues; and these must be discussed and agreed-upon by the lecturer. If an extenuating circumstance is approved,
the student will be required to provide written comments on the tasks missed out upon.
ASSESSMENT 4: EXAM
Duration:
Scheduled:
40%
Objective:
The objective of the exam is to test your understanding and application of the basic subject concepts on ethics and
sustainability.
Format: Case study and questions
This is a case-based closed book exam and it will be completed over 2 hours as scheduled by the University.
You are required to respond to questions for each case provided.
Ethics case(s):
make a choice on an ethical dilemma and use theoretical frameworks to support your judgement; and
prepare a GVV (giving voice to values) response for efficiently and effectively putting the decision which has been
made into action.
Sustainability case(s):
discuss issues in managing sustainability
discuss methods for measuring sustainability performance
Note: Further details will be provided in class.
Marking criteria:
Demonstrate understanding of key theories and practical applications
Apply analysis of a case in relation to key issues
Present a coherent argument that is justified through application of key concepts
Demonstrate the application of knowledge
13
marks available
marks awarded
Oral presentation
5
Written presentation
Content
Style
Engaging
Total /20
14
marks available
marks awarded
2 marks
2.5 marks
2.5 marks
3. The initiatives:
responses
measure performance
success.
3 marks
1.5 marks
1.5 marks
4 marks
.
5 marks
6. A conclusion.
3 marks
Total /25
Note: marks will be lost if appropriate references and proper referencing style are not applied or if the required structure is
incomplete.
15
50-60%
Some reflection, but either tended to miss key point of the material presented, or
contained some inaccuracies
60-70%
Went beyond description, but tended avoid personal reflection or did not specifically
relate reflection to organisational settings
70-80%
Was thoughtful and considered, containing good personal reflection, although this may
not have always been related to organisational situations
80-100%
A thoughtful and considered journal, referred to other material and also extended
reflection to working situations
The overview should elaborate personal learnings by applying core concepts of the course.
Part B 5 marks
Engagement (1 mark); understanding (2 marks); and influence (2 marks)
2 marks
3 marks
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Submission procedure
Ensure that all assessments are submitted with the completed assignment cover sheets as appropriate - and as email
attachments in the manner noted in the proceeding assessment descriptions. Assignments will be subjected to a turn-it in
function by staff prior to marking.
Scholarly writing, plagiarism and copyright
An academic course of study requires students to source information in a number of different formats including factual
information, data and analysis, reasoned arguments and the insights of others. Part of what it means to be a scholar is to
engage with the work of others, for example, to extend or refine ones own ideas, critique the work of others, or test and
extend theories. However, remember to give credit where credit is due, that is, acknowledging the work of others in your
own work by using the correct referencing system. Failure to acknowledge other peoples work appropriately may be
regarded as plagiarism or academic misconduct. VU deals with plagiarism according to the Academic Honesty and
Preventing Plagiarism policy (http://wcf.vu.edu.au/governancepolicy/PDF/POA040915000.PDF)
Copyright law gives the owner of text, photos, pictures, films and recordings the rights to control reproduction, publication,
communication, performance and adaptation of their work. All students and staff of Victoria University are bound by the
requirements of the Copyright Act (1968) when using third party copyright material in the course of their research and
study.
For information on copyright entitlements and responsibilities for study and research please see
vu.edu.au/library/referencing-copyright/copyright
Referencing requirements for this unit
The referencing convention that is applicable to this unit is The Harvard System. The Harvard Style referencing guide can
be found at: http://www.usq.edu.au/library/infoabout/ref_guides/harvard.htm
Academic writing and referencing guidelines:
Two VU online support sites on academic writing and appropriate referencing are:
vu.edu.au/library/referencing-copyright/referencing-guides
vu.edu.au/campuses-services/student-support/language-learning/academic-writing
Failure to meet assessment deadline(s)
Any option for late assessment submission must be discussed and agreed upon with the unit co-ordinator.
Extensions, Alternative Examinations and Special Consideration
If you are not able to submit your work by the submission date or able to attend the final examination, and there are
grounds (medical, personal hardship, extenuating circumstances, etc.) for not attending the examination or submitting your
work on time, or for your performance being impaired, you may submit an online application for an extension, an alternative
exam or for special consideration. You can find information and forms for Special Consideration, Alternative Examinations
and Supplementary Examinations at http://www.vu.edu.au/student-life/exams-results/special-consideration-supplementaryexams. You may need to contact a student counsellor to assist you with this process. For further information please
see vu.edu.au/student-life/getting-help/counselling
Supplementary Assessment
Supplementary Assessment may be available to students who have marginally failed a task, have not demonstrated
competency for a unit, or who were successful in a claim for special consideration. If you wish to be considered for
Supplementary Assessment you should refer to the policy
http://wcf.vu.edu.au/GovernancePolicy/PDF/POA090212002.PDF
Forms are available at vu.edu.au/student-tools/student-forms
The student assessment policy is available at http://wcf.vu.edu.au/GovernancePolicy/PDF/POA090212002.PDF
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Course structures
Calendars and timetables
Student email
Assignment cover sheets and forms
Students rights and responsibilities
Social networking at VU
Student complaints
Student advocacy
The mark for the group assignment has been readjusted to reflect that almost equal amounts of efforts need
to be expanded for the two parts.
The reading list was slightly trimmed and additional video resources were included to assist students with
different learning styles.
The exam was changed from a 2 hour on campus exam to a 12 hour online exam to make it more equitable
for international and working students.
18
19
Collaborate
20