Outline

Overview

This unit of study introduces students to the knowledge and skills required to successfully lead and influence people in an increasingly global and diverse workplace. Unit content is drawn from relevant theories and evidence with students applying the underpinning principles from these theories to develop effective interpersonal skills, self-reflective practices, self-development goals and plans, leadership and employability skills. The knowledge and skills developed in this unit are important to building a career regardless of disciplinary specialisation. Example topics include: the importance of understanding and reflecting on one's own values and career goals/interests, communication, teamwork, ethical and social responsibility, inclusive leadership, cultural awareness and competency, as well as professional skills.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Work and Organisational Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 48 credit points (including BUSS1000 or BUSS1001)
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anya Johnson, anya.johnson@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Exam Written exam to assess critical analysis and self-reflection	35%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Unit Engagement Preparation, attendance and participation	10%	Ongoing	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	EFT Quiz 20 Multiple choice questions based on content in modules and workshops 1-3 #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Design the Future YOU Individual Reflection	30%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 10 Oct 2025	1700	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Team and Individual Presentation In class oral team presentation and Q&A	20%	Week 13	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task (EFT) Quiz: 20 multiple choice quiz questions based on content in Modules and workshops 1-3 due in Week 3
Unit Engagement:workshop preparation, attendance and participation: Student engagement with the unit, will be assessed based on a combination of preparation (weekly quiz and pre-work tasks prior to class), attendance and active participation in workshop discussions and activities.

Design the Future YOU Reflections: You will apply design thinking principles to develop an understanding of yourself in the context of your life/work. You will engage in critical analysis, integrating research and theory to deepen your understanding about your preferences, strengths, values and ethics, and areas for development as they relate to your career choices, goals and the type of organisation that would work for you. Specifically, this assessment will require you to reflect on and integrate online content from theme 1 (understanding self) in-person workshop activities, theories and required readings to design a road map for leading yourself towards a meaningful professional /career path.

Team Presentation: This team assignment will require you to work in a small team (with approximately 4-5 team members) to deliver a deep dive into a topic chosen from theme 2 (understanding others) and theme 3 (leading and influencing). Presentations will be live (includes Q&A) during workshops (note: every group member must present). This assessment provides students with the opportunity to apply and practice several important employability skills (working well with others to achieve an outcome and effective oral presentation skills). There will be a mark for the overall presentation by the team (15%) and an individual mark (5%) for effective communication and presentation skills.

Final Exam: The exam will be held in the formal examination period at the end of semester. It will be a two (2) hour closed-book exam, with 10 minutes reading time. The aim of the exam is to test your understanding of the unit and your ability to critically analyse and engage in self-reflection. Topics covered in the exam may be based on any of the modules and will require you to draw on content and discussions covered in the weekly online modules/materials, your experience working on the team assignment, in-person workshop activities and readings. More specific guidance on areas of focus will be provided.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (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.
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.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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 Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including 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.

Academic integrity

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

Our website 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 Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) 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 Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including 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 simple extension.  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’t 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 special consideration or special arrangements.

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

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education 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 reflects the University’s 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 to unit; Introduction to Theme 1: Understanding yourself	Online class (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to unit; Introduction to Theme 1: Understanding yourself	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 01	Individual differences: cognitive ability, personality, and emotional intelligence	Online class (1 hr)
Week 02	Individual differences: cognitive ability, personality, and emotional intelligence	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Motivation and goal-setting	Online class (1 hr)
Week 03	Motivation and goal-setting	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 03	Career goals, values, and ethics	Online class (1 hr)
Week 04	Career goals, values, and ethics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Theme 1 in practice: job search skills; Introduction to Theme 2: Understanding others	Online class (1 hr)
Week 05	Theme 1 in practice: job search skills; Introduction to Theme 2: Understanding others	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Diversity and culture	Online class (1 hr)
Week 06	Diversity and culture	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 06	Team and group processes	Online class (1 hr)
Week 07	Team and group processes	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Managing perceptions and conflict	Online class (1 hr)
Week 08	Managing perceptions and conflict	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Reading week AND Working in Teams	Independent study (3 hr)
Week 09	Introduction to Theme 3: leading and influencing others	Online class (1 hr)
Week 10	Leadership, power and influence	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Communication and feedback	Online class (1 hr)
Week 11	Communication and feedback	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Career sustainability: managing relationships and stress	Online class (1 hr)
Week 12	Career sustainability: managing relationships and stress	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Theme 2 and 3 in practice: job search and employability skills	Online class (1 hr)
Week 13	Team presentations	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

BUSS2000 is a blended unit. Lectures are delivered through online modules. There are weekly interactive workshops that you must prepare for by doing quizzes and completing pre-work activities weekly. The workshops commence in week 1 please review modules before attending weekly workshops.

To be eligible for a Unit engagement mark you are required to attend 10 out of 12 workshops throughout the semester. If you attend at least 10/12 workshops you will be eligible for a mark out of 10. NOTE - we will assess the unit engagement from week 3 (workshop 3) to week 13 (workshop 12). Students must attend classes to be assessed for a mark from Week 3 on-wards.

In addition, students are required to attend classes in order to be included in team formation, absent students will not be included in teams and will be at risk of not completing the team component worth 20% of the final unit mark.

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

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. Explain/Integrate/Apply theory and research in the practice of leading and influencing people in a rapidly changing global business environment.
LO2. Identify successful practice, critically evaluate the evidence from the literature and engage in self-reflection to better lead and influence others and to make decisions towards a successful business career.
LO3. Reflect on your core values, interests and strengths, and how these influence approaches to complex interpersonal challenges and impact on career preferences, choices and person-organisation fit.
LO4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using various modes of interpersonal communication including presentations and writing for different audiences.
LO5. Collaborate effectively with others by applying teamwork strategies and acknowledge how understanding and appreciating individual and cultural differences can enable effective teamwork and increase interdisciplinary effectiveness.
LO6. Illustrate ways to make a positive impact on the business environment, influence and lead others effectively and ethically, and to plan for a sustainable and ethical career.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney 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’s 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.

Based on student and teaching team feedback we have simplified the Design the future YOU assessment. We will provide a more scaffolded approach to reflective writing with the provision of early feedback. We have also reduced the complexity of the assessments for students. We have replaced 2 open assessments with a secure final exam to provide assurance of learning.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Required readings

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

BUSS2000: Leading and Influencing in Business

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

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

Required readings

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