BMO5501 Unit Study Guide Sem 1 2015 Sydney V15

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Unit Name: BUSINESS ETHICS AND

SUSTAINABILITY

Unit Code: BMO5501

Year: 2015

Semester: 1

Location: City Campus

Prepared by: Dr Peter Demediuk CPA

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Contents

Welcome 2

Acknowledgement of Country 2

Introduction to the unit ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Key staff .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Required readings ........................................................................................................................................................... 4

Indicative schedule for this unit ........................................................................................................................................... 4

Assessment details: ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

Succeeding at Victoria University ...................................................................................................................................... 18

Providing feedback: Student Evaluation System (SES) .................................................................................................... 18

Welcome Welcome to this unit of study. This Unit Guide provides important information and should be kept as a reference to assist with your studies. This Guide includes information about your reading and resources, independent learning, class activities and assessment tasks. It is recommended that you read this Guide carefully: you will be expected to manage your learning as you work towards successful study. Detailed information and learning resources for this unit have also been provided on the Unit website on VU Collaborate

which can be reached via the Student Portal at vu.edu.au/student-tools/myvu-student-portal. It is important that you access your Unit website regularly. Please also refer to information provided on the Student Portal that supports studying at VU. Acknowledgement of Country We respectfully acknowledge and recognise the traditional owners, their Elders past and present, their descendants and kin as the custodians of this land.

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Introduction to the unit

Unit Title: Business Ethics and Sustainability

Unit Code: BM05501 Year: 2015 Semester Tri One Credit Points: 12

Other details: BMO5501is a foundation unit for Master of Business programs in the College of Business.

Staff

Unit co-ordinator Name: Dr Peter Demediuk

Location: FS 1094 City Flinders

Phone: 0438 0785507

Email: [email protected]

See the units Collaborate website for

programmed consultation times for Jean-

Etienne.

Teaching team Name: Jean-Etienne Joullie

Location: VU Sydney

Email: [email protected]

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.

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Learning and teaching strategies This Unit of Study will be delivered as a weekly three-hour seminar (or equivalent). It is expected that you will spend at least ten hours per week studying this Unit of Study (including seminar time). In periods where you need to complete assignments, the workload may be greater. Learners are responsible for managing their own time in completing prescribed reading, undertaking research and completing assessment tasks. Students are expected to participate in practical problem solving sessions, usually through teamwork, in class, and through case study analysis. Students are supported through regular in-class contact, such as lectures, tutorials and workshops and are expected to participate in online learning activities, peer discussion and review, and self-reflection. Learning contract/ process The more information is processed the more useable and accessible it is to the individual. This subjects teaching approach is premised on this assumption, and lectures, video, as well as class and group discussion are methods used to assist the processing and storage of information in long-term memory. So, participate and take every opportunity to maximise your learning. To support your learning outcomes I expect that you:

Arrive on time and attend all classes,

Read the relevant text chapters and articles before each lecture/tutorial or were applicable watch suggested videos

Participate fully in class and in other discussion forums, and

Meet the agreed dates for assignment submission. Graduate capabilities In addition to discipline knowledge, skills and their application, the study of this unit is intended to contribute to students developing the capabilities needed to be:

Adaptable and capable 21st century citizens who can communicate effectively, work collaboratively, think critically and solve complex problems

Confident, creative lifelong learners who can use their understanding of themselves and others to achieve their goals in work and learning

Responsible and ethical citizens who use their inter-cultural understanding to contribute to their local and global communities.

In this unit you will receive feedback on your development of key aspects of the above graduate capabilities through the research reports and reflective journal.

Required readings & recommended readings Prescribed reading: Nomadic Giving Value to Voice program (approx. $60 USD). Detail of how to access this program will be issued in class and on the Collaborate website at the date of your second class. You will need to click on the link provided, click on register (not sign-in), and register using your official VU email address as your login ID and making up a password that is at least 8 characters long and contains numbers and letters. On the Collaborate website (see screenshot on p. 20 of the unit guide) there are a series of resources:- unit guide; topic slides and notes; background readings; cases; articles and other media (see listings in the teaching schedule on the next page):

Unit guide: this formalises information on staff, objectives, schedule, content, and assessment tasks

Session notes: each session considers a different topic, and each topic is supported either by a set of notes (in PDF or PPT slide form) that will contain extracts of readings or direct you to particular readings that are available in electronic form on the unit website, and set tasks to be done before or during class.

Background readings: these supplement the information in the topic notes

Cases: you are required to pre-read the short case before the relevant class, identify the main issues, consider how you would respond to the opportunities and challenges, and compare your identification of issues and solutions with those of the experts provided.

Articles and other media: you are required to pre-read/listen to the article, blog or podcast before the relevant class and identify the main insights for you as a manager.

Note: all resources are also available from a dropbox site: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l4a8h0wxiqehemd/AADVP4NfCbgX3v3OimOpLULMa?dl=0

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Teaching schedule (subject to change)

Session

Date w/b

Topics and Activities

Topic notes and background readings

Discussion articles & cases

1 23/2 Introduction to ethics and sustainability

Session 1 notes Campbell & Mollica (2009) GVV video: http://ethicsunwrapped.utexas.

edu/video/introduction-to-giving-voice-to-values

Ethics & Swiss bankers (RN podcast) Dont spin a better story (article)

CSR international research bulletin (report)

The circular economy (report)

New models of business in society (ref

assessment task 2; part A)

2 2/3 Ethics Theory Session 2 notes Shaw, Barry & Sansbury (2009) Ch 2 Crossan et al (2013) Business ethics manual Dept Commerce USA (report)

Reports on Novonordisk game (task 1 - session 1 notes) Break a promise - short case (task 2 - session 1 notes) Faking it to get home for Christmas; pdf & ABC radio podcast (task 3 - session 1 notes)

3 9/3 Applying ethics theory to choices: the decision what is the right thing to do?

Session 3 notes Shaw, Barry & Sansbury (2009) Ch 5

Shakedown - short case (task 4 - session 2 notes) St James ethics centre dilemmas

(task 5 - session 3 notes) A tale of 2 stories (GVV) contemplation & discussion (task 6 - session 3 notes)

4 16/3 Post the decision; giving voice to values how to get it (the right thing) done?

Session 4 notes Ethical norms in international business transactions (report)

A tale of 2 stories (GVV) follow up (task 6 - session 3 notes) GVV-Nomadic field manual #1 Context (task 7 - session 3 notes) & GVV-Nomadic field manual #2 Conflict (task 7 - session 3 notes)

The ideas, ideals and examples in each field manual

Your answers to the quizzes

Twitter contributions yours and those of others

Ethical bank (short case) (task 8 - session 3 notes) Analysis:

GVV readings

Penalties (article)

Ethical norms in international business transactions

(task 9 session 4 notes)

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5 23/3 Scripts and strategies for responding to values conflicts

Session 5 notes Crane & Matten (2007) Ch 4

Should you sell: note; 2 files; case & experts short case (task 10 session 4 notes)

GVV-Nomadic field manual #3 Values (task 11 session 4 notes) & GVV-Nomadic field manual #4 Voice (task 11 session 4 notes)




Naivete or Boldness? (A) (task 12 session 5 notes) Naivete or Boldness? (B) (task 13 session 5 notes)

Other GVV cases (task 14 session 5 notes)

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30/3

Economic systems, societal values and business models

Session 6 notes Velasquez (1992) Ch 3 Shaw, B. & Sansbury, G. (2009) Carley & Christie (2000) Ch 1 Gladwin, Kennelly & Krause (1995) Standing (2013) Defining the Precariat; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXuhsyPsfzg (video) Doing business in countries in 2015 World Bank (report) Powermodels crowdsourcing (article) List of most ethical companies (article)

GVV-Nomadic field manual #5 Strategy (task 15 session 5 notes) & GVV-Nomadic field manual #6 Listening (task 15 session 5 notes)




Culture - short case (task 16 session 5 notes) Analysis:

Ducking tax (additional readings folder)

Sharing not just for start ups (article)

Unlocking ROI (promo) (task 17 session 5 notes) Effect of societal cultures (task 18 session 6 notes) Note: Assessment 2, Part A - New Models of Business in Society program is due in session 7

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6/4 Teaching break

7 13/4 Workshop: Assignment 1A oral group presentations; reports on a Social Enterprise

Session 7 notes

Enron: smartest guys in the room - movie extracts (task 19 session 7 notes) Assessment 1, Part A magazine article on a social enterprise is due Assessment 2, Part A - New Models of Business in Society program is due

8 20/4 Sustainability: balancing economic, social and environmental performance

Session 8 notes Lund and Lindgreen (2013) Matten & Crane (2005)

Holding (short case) (task 20 session 7 notes) Guardian, greenbiz & CSR europe stories (task 21 session 8 notes) Analysis:

Sustainability, the business of sustainability (model)

The truth about CSR (article)

Celebrities board coffee bandwagon (article)

Profit at the bottom of the pyramid (article)

Social enterprise profiting from poverty (podcast)

(task 22 session 8 notes)

9 27/4 Theories, models and frameworks for sustainability

Session 9 notes Garriga & Mele (2004) Blowfield & Murray (2011)

Cake (short case) (task 22 session 8 notes) GRI and P&G (task 23 session 9 notes) Analysis imperatives?: Collaboration imperative & sustainability

(article)

Sustainability a CEO can love (article)

Sustainability in the boardroom (article)

Transparency and performance assessment

(task 24 session 9 notes) DJSI (task 25 session 9 notes)

10 4/5 Environmental performance in practice: management, measurement and reporting

Session 10 notes Baker, M. and J. Robins (2011)

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)

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11 11/5 Social performance in practice: management, measurement and reporting Supplier audits & purchasing practices

Session 11 notes Deegan and Shelley (2013)

Short seller (short case) (task 29 session 10 notes) Analysis:

Making charity pay (article)

CSR extracting with purpose (article)

Audits of suppliers and purchasing practices (article)

(task 30 session 11 notes) Analysis:

Bold talks by women (article) which refers to: project futures (podcast) and thank you water (podcast)&

Social enterprises (podcast) (task 31 session 11 notes) Assessment 2, Part B your results from the GVV program will be automatically collected

12 18/5 Unit review and exam preparation

Session 12 notes

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Assessment details: (note;

Assessment Assessment Tasks:

Descriptions Learning Outcomes and Graduate Capabilities

Assessment Criteria

Weighting (%)

Due date

1 - Part A Case Study Social enterprise report Group Report

Learning outcomes: 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Graduate Capabilities:




Refer page7 15% Week 7

1 Part B Case Study Practice recommendations Group Report





Refer page 8 25% Week 11

2 Reflective Journal Individual Reflective piece

Learning outcomes: 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6. Graduate Capabilities:



Refer page 9 15% Week 12

3 Task facilitation & participation Individual work





Refer page 10 5% As

allocated

4 Exam Case study based 2 hour closed book exam

Learning outcomes: 1,2,3, 4, 5. Graduate Capabilities:



Refer page 10 40% As

scheduled

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ASSESSMENT There are 4 assessment components.

Each assessment component (1, 2, 3 & 4) must be satisfactorily completed in order to gain an overall pass in the unit.

ASSESSMENT 1: CASE STUDY REPORT 40%

Part A: Social enterprise report 15% Word Length: 2,000 Due: Week 7 Part B: Practice recommendations sustainability framework 25% Word Length: 3,000 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.

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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

The reports and should be prepared according to the format:

Executive Summary

Table of Contents

Brief introduction: what are we trying to do

Discussion Section (1 to 6 above)

Conclusion

Recommendations

References

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ASSESSMENT 2: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL 15%

Word Length: 3000 Due: 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.

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ASSESSMENT 3: TASK FACILITATION AND PARTICIPATION 5%

Duration: As allocated during classes Scheduled: As allocated during classes

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 40%

Duration: A two hour exam (closed book) Scheduled: As scheduled in the Universitys examination timetable

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

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ASSESSMENT 1 PART A: BRIEFING PAPER GRADING SHEET - 15%

.

Names: ________________________________ marks available marks awarded

Oral presentation

5

Written presentation

Content

Identification of key contextual elements

Description of objectives, operations and outcomes

Primary data, performance data and photographs

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Style

Engaging

Clear crisp writing

3

Total /20

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ASSESSMENT 1 Part B: CASE STUDY REPORT GRADING SHEET 25%

Names: ________________________________

marks available marks awarded

1. The different theoretical perspectives. 2 marks

2. The issues (challenges or opportunities):

developing countries in general. 2.5 marks

the target country in particular. 2.5 marks

3. The initiatives:

responses 3 marks

measure performance 1.5 marks

success. 1.5 marks

4. Common principles of good practice 4 marks

5. A sustainability framework for Amy. 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.

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ASSESSMENT 2: REFLECTIVE JOURNAL 15%

Part A 10 marks

In general a pass mark will be awarded if you went beyond description of the online course material and offered some kind

of analysis and personal reflection. The better you did this, the higher marks you will be awarded. Higher scoring

assignments will be those that also related the insights generated to business situations. There is no specific requirement to

introduce additional references or theory however if you do this in order to provide further elaboration of your points, or to

introduce an alternative perspective that is compelling to you (but which may not have been covered in class), a higher

mark may be achieved not simply because you referred to other references, but because they assisted you to explain

your thinking and to strengthen your reflections.

In general terms, the marks will reflect the following:

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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-supplementary-exams. 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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Student Complaints Resolution Victoria University has a Student Complaints Resolution policy to guide you through the steps you can take to resolve issues related to your time at the University. If your issue relates to your study, the first step is to raise it directly with the relevant academic staff. You also have the option to make a confidential appointment with a Student Advocate if you are unsure how to approach the situation. For more information go to vu.edu.au/student-life/getting-help/student-complaints-resolution. Succeeding at Victoria University As a university of opportunity, Victoria University is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to succeed in their studies. If you require any support during the semester you are advised to speak to your unit co-ordinator, course co-ordinator or class teacher. There is also additional support and guidance for students. At VU we have a range of support, development and guidance and opportunities for you outside the classroom as part of your learning experience. The portal (vu.edu.au/student-tools/myvu-student-portal) provides detailed information on a range of student services (outlined in Table C below) with which you will find helpful. Table C

General student support services

Services for international students

Services for students with disabilities and/or medical conditions

The Library

Academic Support and Development

Student life and student associations

Course structures

Calendars and timetables

Student email

Assignment cover sheets and forms

Students rights and responsibilities Social networking at VU

Student complaints

Student advocacy

Providing feedback: Student Evaluation System (SES) Your feedback on your experiences within this unit is important, because it assists VU to improve the learning experience of units and courses for future students. You are encouraged to provide informal feedback directly to your unit and course co-ordinators. The University also collects your anonymous feedback systematically through the Student Evaluation Survey (SES), the name for the two combined student evaluation instruments: the Student Evaluation of Unit (SEU) and the Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET). Students are asked to complete the SEU and SET near the end of each unit. SEU and SET results are anonymous, and are not made available to the teaching staff in the unit until after the University has released your final grades.

Examples of actions taken recently to improve this unit, that were based on or influenced by student or other feedback

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.

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Student software access Information about free access to Microsoft Office 360 for students. In addition the students have access to 50gb of cloud based storage which can eliminate issues associated with lost assignments due to computer crash or lost memory sticks.

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Collaborate

Unit Guide Version Number: 13 Last Validation Date: 13/3/15

BMO5501 Unit Study Guide Sem 1 2015 Sydney V15

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