BEX2030 · Social business: Principles and practice

Overview

Embark on a transformative exploration of social businesses (eg: social enterprises, cooperative and mutual enterprises) and related organisational issues. This unit delves into the dynamic landscape where the entrepreneurial spirit meets social impact. Learn to identify pressing social challenges and develop innovative solutions. Gain insights into purpose-driven business models which focus on profit for purpose over profit-maximisation. Learn how to assess social impact and performance in social businesses. By the end of the unit, you will possess the skills to drive sustainable change and navigate the complexities of social businesses, shaping organisations that balance performance with positive societal impact.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. develop an understanding of the different social business models and their role in sustainable business and community outcomes
2. build a working knowledge of the context, concepts, processes, opportunities, and challenges of different social business models
3. develop the knowledge and skills to initiate social innovation to help solve grand challenges through rigorous market analysis, designing sustainable solutions, searching for funding, and effectively communicating for impact
4. integrate traditional organisational practices such as development of purpose and strategy, financial reporting and analysis, governance and decision-making, performance measurement, sustainable development and ESG in the operation of social business mode.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.