Outline

Overview

Managing organisational sustainability is critical for effective, contemporary managers. This unit focuses on how to conceptualise and to practice sustainability in its broadest sense. Topics covered include the ethical aspects of management and organisational practice, corporate social responsibility, governance models in organisations and managing in diverse environments. Students are encouraged to enhance their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of management and the impact of organisations on stakeholders including staff, government and community.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 48 credit points
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	WORK2219 or WORK3204
Assumed knowledge ?	WORK1004 or WORK2201
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Jane Strachan, jane.strachan@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final Exam Short answers and written essays	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Individual sustainability presentation Individual presentation	5%	Multiple weeks	5 min presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual sustainability reflection Individual written reflection	10%	Week 07 Due date: 18 Sep 2026 at 16:15	600 word essay	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Sustainability report Written group report	30%	Week 13	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Sustainability presentation Group poster presentation	15%	Week 13	10 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Tutorial attendance and participation Attendance and participation mark	10%	Weekly	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Final exam:聽The exam is designed to test both your content knowledge of key sustainability issues as well as your ability to analyze and evaluate information using the theories and concepts we have explored in class. Further information about the delivery of the exams will be provided closer to the exam.

Sustainability report (Group): Students will work in groups (max 4 members) over the semester and develop a formal written report on a specific sustainability issue/challenge for an organisation.聽

Sustainability poster presentation (Group): In their groups, students will create a poster that outlines a specific sustainability issue/challenge for an organisation.聽

* Group work peer review:聽Students will be required to assess individual contributions to the group work via the group feedback form provided. Unequal contributions will be factored into final marks for the poster essay.

Individual reflection:聽The aim is for students to reflect on their learning arising from the focus area. The reflection should present an argued response to the question, supported by relevant academic references (APA 7 style).

Individual sustainability presentation:聽Students will select a topic from a set of contemporary sustainability issues and prepare a presentation for a designated seminar. The presentation should encourage active participation and discussion among classmates.

Seminar participation: Each student will be assessed on their active interventions, i.e. oral contribution to discussions during seminars. This will involve group work, activities, debates and discussion. Preparation will involve completing the required readings and preparing for the work for that week.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.聽
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.聽
Fail	0 - 49	When you don鈥檛 meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the聽Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per business school policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website聽provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the聽Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)聽which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the聽Current Students website聽for more information on AI in assessments, including聽details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a聽simple extension.鈥� The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can鈥檛 complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for聽special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students,聽聽includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy聽reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction - What is sustainability?	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 02	Business case for sustainability	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 03	Stakeholders and responsible business management	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 04	Climate change	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 05	Circular economy principles	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 06	Sustainable consumption and production	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 07	Case study of a sustainability crisis	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 08	Social sustainability	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 09	Sustainable solutions	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 10	Organisational culture and negotiation	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 11	Managing sustainability in a dynamic environment	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 12	Critically evaluating sustainability	Seminar (3 hr)
Week 13	Poster presentations	Seminar (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

As per business school policy 90% attendance is required for successful completion of this unit.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Recommend and justify integrated organisational and industry strategies, policies and implementation approaches that are appropriate to support organisational sustainability objectives in particular contexts
LO2. Use suitable research methods and information technologies to acquire, analyse and interpret data, concepts and theories salient to addressing particular organisation related sustainability issues and challenges and formulate appropriate findings, recommendations and remedies
LO3. Question, assess and respond creatively to assumptions, propositions and debates within organisational sustainability
LO4. Prepare and present professional reports that address sustainability related problems, propositions and debates within sustainability related organisational theory and practice
LO5. Influence others to work collaboratively to recommend and report on policies and strategies to address complex organisational problems related to sustainability.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all 爆料王 graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one鈥檚 personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The unit content has been revised to align with the changing nature and role of sustainability management within organisations.

Additional information

Disclaimer

Important: the 爆料王 regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an .

爆料王

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SIEN3204: Managing Organisational Sustainability

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links