Business Sustainability and Social Impact
Overview
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 positive social impact. A major focus is on gaining a critical appreciation of stakeholder theory and understanding how this theory frames relationships between business and other sectors of economy and society, including not for profit actors and government. It will also cover several important areas that stakeholder theory has helped to shape and define including business ethics, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, philanthropy and social impact.
Requisites
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of sustainability and social impact issues and trends in relation to business and its connection with government and civil society
- Analyse the nature of business and economic processes considering various stakeholder perspectives of sustainability and social impact
- Work collaboratively to produce well-reasoned and evidenced arguments that address major societal issues
- Communicate using a variety of digital technologies
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture (asynchronous) |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Group | 40 - 50% | 1,2,3 |
| Pitch Presentations | Individual | 20 - 40% | 1,2,4 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2 |
Content
- The changing business-society interface: understanding business, government and civil society relations
- Stakeholder theory and business ethics
- Corporate social responsibility, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship
- The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the global dimensions of business sustainabilityÂ
- Business and climate change
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.