MMM132 Management
This is a fundamental core unit in our four large undergraduate programs: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Business Analytics and Bachelor of Sport Management. An SDG awareness focused learning and assessment activity has been embedded in this unit. In an in-class learning activity, students learn about the SDG framework and brainstorm ways in which Kmart could support any of the SDGs. Students are assessed on their ability to apply management concepts to ERS and SDG related issues which include analysing and evaluating a large organisation’s response to specific SDG8 and SDG9.
MAA250 Ethics for Financial Professionals
While maintaining an Australian focus, this unit was redeveloped to incorporate more contemporary sources and issues while also preparing students to consider international contexts, and their role as financial professional in a global setting. Integration of materials developed by The Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA), Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (APES110), and Ethics Game by The Ethics Centre were included to engage more with ethical, social responsibility and sustainability practices. This included incorporating authentic case study approaches, a range of video resources and podcasts to provide an overview of the topic and incorporating ethical codes FASEA and APES110 helping students understand and navigate the codes themselves, and how they can apply the relevant values and sections to ethical decision making. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their ethical development in fostering ethical behaviours, advocating for social responsibility, and pioneering sustainable practices, to develop a strong ethical awareness and sensitivity to make decisions (and develop creative solutions) that will protect public interest in the long term. In exploring the relevant codes of ethics, students are taught to understand and uphold the professional ethical values in principle, rather than as a legal ruling to follow to the letter. Students complete the Ethical Lens Inventory at the start of trimester and then incorporate their personal insights when completing learning activities and assessment tasks. Students gain confidence in making a case for different ethical perspective, and then weighing different these perspectives as a way of reaching a justified decision.
MAF202 Money and Capital Markets
This is a second-year core unit in the popular Finance major of our largest undergraduate program, Bachelor of Commerce. A new topic was developed and delivered in collaboration with an industry expert Fabienne Michaux who is the Director, SDG Impact, UNDP and Interim Co-chair, Australian Advisory Board on Impact Investing. Students learn why sustainability and impact are important considerations in capital markets; current approaches to incorporating sustainability and impact considerations into investment decisions and the basic fundamentals of key sustainability and impact capital markets instruments. The three major sustainability frameworks underpinning global sustainability and sustainable development agenda, i.e. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Paris Climate Agreement – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) are examined. Students are also introduced to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) that were launched in April 2006. The topic concludes with a discussion on Social impact bonds, Green/social/sustainability use-of-proceeds bonds and the SDG bonds. Sustainability related questions are also included in seminar discussions and the final examination.
MMM241 Entrepreneurship and Innovation
SDG integration has been further strengthened in this unit by focusing on the nexus between entrepreneurial motives and contemporary economic, social and environmental issues. In assessment activities, students are required to develop their business plan explaining how their proposed business venture contributes to addressing any of the SDGs.
MAE305 Energy and Environment
This unit focuses on both energy choices and the impact of these choices on market performance, environmental conditions, and sustainability. It harnesses Australia’s position as a key player in the global Energy markets and our University’s research strengths in future alternative energy solutions such as solar micro grid and hydrogen fuel. Offered as an advanced undergraduate elective, it attracts students from all the four faculties of Deakin and builds student capacity for designing innovative, viable, evidence-based alternative energy solutions. Annual enrolments in this unit have steadily increased from 29 in 2018 to 94 in 2020. This unit focuses on the interplay between energy, environment, and sustainability. It draws upon the latest disciplinary, interdisciplinary and pedagogical research.
MIS799 Information Systems in Practice
This is the capstone unit in our large postgraduate program. In the final assessment task, students undertake an industry-based information systems pilot project, which involves project management, business or systems analysis, systems development, business analytics or business case development. This unit gives students the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and work on a real-life project, as an important learning experience and preparation for professional practice. They evaluate their solution to a real-world problem in terms of they extent to which it advances or hinders SDGs.