Ethics and Sustainability

Unit code: BSK1001 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
Footscray Park
India Online
Victoria University Online
VU Brisbane
VU Sydney
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

Overview

Explore the importance of integrity and environmental responsibility in business, with the Ethics and Sustainability unit.

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

  • practical case studies
  • interactive explorations
  • engagement with Indigenous leaders
  • reference to industry professionals and the 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:

  1. Review, adapt and apply business ethics, via knowledge of the philosophical underpinnings of ethical theories and frameworks to address contemporary ethical and sustainability problems arising in business situations;
  2. Articulate the consequences of unethical conduct and discuss its impact on local and global communities;
  3. 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;
  4. Propose creative resolutions, both collaboratively and individually using business ethics theories and concepts to current issues with responsible and professional judgment; and
  5. Propose ethical and sustainable, environmentally, socially and culturally sensitive solutions to contemporary multi-stakeholder problems utilising effective and relevant communications and technologies.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Multiple Choice Online Tests (10x2%)
Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 15%
Critical analysis of a recent article of a known business issue linked to a UN SDG
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 30%
Part 1.Padlet item on business ethics issue working towards the UN SDG Wiki (individually-assessed,15%) Part 2.Group Presentation of Padlet item(15%)
Assessment type: Creative Works
|
Grade: 35%
Student Created Wiki of a UN SDG (Group)

Wiki of a UN SDG assignment tasks are progressive (in three parts).

Other locations

For students studying at Central University of Finance and Economics
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 20%
Multiple Choice Online Tests
Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 15%
Critical analysis of a recent article of a known business issue linked to a UN SDG
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 30%
Part 1.Padlet item on business ethics issue working towards the UN SDG Wiki (individually-assessed,15%) Part 2.Group Presentation of Padlet item(15%)
Assessment type: Creative Works
|
Grade: 35%
Student Created Wiki of a UN SDG (Group)

Required reading

Moral issues in Business
Shaw WH, Barry V, Muntean D, Issa T, Ilott G, Cately B (2021)| South Melbourne, Australia: Cengage Learning

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Accounting
BBAQ | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Business
BBNS | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 years
Bachelor of Psychological Studies/Bachelor of Business
ABPB | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years
Bachelor of Sport Management/Bachelor of Business
SBSB | Bachelor degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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