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
India Online
VU Brisbane
VU Online
VU Sydney
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
Enquire

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:

  1. 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;
  2. Articulate the consequences of unethical conduct and discuss its impact on local and global communities and UNSDGs;
  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; and
  4. 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.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 30%
Multiple Choice Online Tests (3x10%)
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 15%
Digital analysis and reflection of an ethical change
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 20%
Ethical analysis and presentation of media ethical issue
Assessment type: Creative Works
|
Grade: 35%
Collaborative student created digital artefact analysing and evaluating ethical theories and UN SDGs (Group)

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

Other locations

For students studying at VU Online
Assessment type: Assignment
|
Grade: 30%
Digital analysis and reflection of an ethical change
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 30%
Present virtual bulletin board on a business ethics issue working towards the UN SDG
Assessment type: Creative Works
|
Grade: 40%
Student created digital artefact of a UN SDG

Required reading

Readings will be available via VU Collaborate.

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
SBSM | Bachelor degree | Duration: 3 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.

Search for units, majors & minors