Ethics and Sustainability

Unit code:BSK1001Study level:Undergraduate

Credit points

12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

City Campus
VU Brisbane
VU Online
VU Sydney

Prerequisites

(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

Explore the importance of ethics and morality in decision making from a business and individual perspective.

Taking a multidisciplinary approach, we will delve into environmental and social issues as they relate to business, via:

practical case studies
interactive explorations (i.e., collaboration)
inclusive reference to industry professionals and the wider community.

You will analyse and investigate the UN Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and discuss the real-life opportunities and risks these pose for business.

By the end of the unit, you will understand how these concepts relate to your own life as an emerging business professional.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Review, adapt and apply business ethics, via knowledge of the philosophical underpinnings of ethical theories, frameworks and UNSDGs to address contemporary ethical and sustainability problems arising in business situations;
Articulate the consequences of unethical conduct and discuss its impact on local and global communities and UNSDGs;
Discuss and question the influence of social movements, politics, and peer and competitor pressure, among other factors, on ethical and sustainable decision making in businesses; and
Propose creative, ethical and sustainable, solutions both collaboratively and individually, using business theories and concepts to current issues with evidence based responsible and professional judgement.