Overview

This unit is designed to challenge the conventional mindset and frameworks used in the delivery of innovation and high risk strategies within volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. Students will explore a range of conceptual theories as well as real examples such as non-human biological systems, asymmetric warfare, geo-politics, medicine, space flight, infrastructure and of course business. While the predominant approach is to focus on failure to explore lessons learned, we will seek to uncover lessons from success. The approach to risk in this unit will be framed from the perspective of exploiting VUCA environments through adaptation to shape the environment for strategic success instead of the predominant focus on what could go wrong.

Requisites

Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
HE Block 7
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
07-October-2024
17-November-2024
Last self-enrolment date
07-October-2024
Census date
18-October-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
01-November-2024
Results released date
17-December-2024

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Critically evaluate and apply high-risk strategies in various organisation types
  • Apply business fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of high risk strategies for innovation in Australian organisations
  • Reflect on the characteristics of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) with Australian business
  • Research an Organisation’s approach to delivering high risk strategies and building a sustainable organisation making recommendations for improvement to a range of stakeholders
  • Communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences and function as an effective member or leader of a team

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Block Teaching
3.00 12 weeks 36
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning
9.50 12 weeks 114
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Assignment 1Group 35 - 45% 1,2,3 
Assignment 2Individual 35 - 55% 1,2,3,4 
PresentationGroup 10 - 20% 1,2,3,5 

Content

  • Effective strategy delivery
  • VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity)
  • Strategic issues in uncertainty management
  • Tactical issues at the project level
  • Organisational issues
  • Change and governance

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.