Business and Society
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 24 hours face to face + Blended
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
Prerequisites
Aims and objectives
From 2023 unit re-named to: Business, Society and Sustainability
This unit challenges students to identify and evaluate major socio-economic issues, the role of various stakeholders, and the potential for business solutions that can drive sustainable development and innovation. A major focus is on gaining a critical appreciation of stakeholder theory, and understanding how this theory frames integrative thinking, across disciplines. It will also cover two important areas that stakeholder theory has helped to shape and define: business ethics and corporate social responsibility.
Unit Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1 Research and demonstrate an awareness of important issues and trends highlighting the business-society interface.
2 Explore the nature of business and economic processes using social analysis and considering the stakeholder perspectives and priorities.
3 Work individually and collaboratively to produce well-reasoned and evidenced arguments that address major societal issues from the perspective of diverse stakeholder interests.
4 Explore and critique contemporary, cross-cultural and cross-functional initiatives such as collaborative alliances.
5 Communicate using a variety of digital technologies
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment and content.
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
Face to Face Contact Class | 2 | 12 | 24 |
Online Contact Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning (asynchronous lecture) | 1 | 12 | 12 |
Unspecified Learning Activities Independent Learning | 9.5 | 12 | 114 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Swinburne Online
Type | Hours per week | Number of Weeks | Total |
Online Contact Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.5 | 12 | 150 |
TOTAL | 150 hours |
Assessment
Types | Individual/Group Role | Weighting | Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) |
Online Tests | Individual | 20-30% | 1,2 |
| Presentation | Individual | 30-40% | 1,2,4,5 |
Report | Group | 30-50% | 1,2,3,4 |
Content
• Theory differentiating between philanthropy, corporate social responsibility and corporate citizenry
• Building sustainable value through Social Enterprise, Microfinance, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Stakeholder theory
• Emerging issues in social development
• Sustainability and corporate social responsibility
• Impact of climate change on global economic, political and social agendas impacting business and society
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.