Outline

Overview

In this unit students acquire foundational knowledge about innovation and entrepreneurship (I and E), including: perspectives, theoretical frameworks, processes, and mindsets required for success. Students discuss topics such as: sources of innovation; different types of I and E; defining and operationalising 'value'; ethical and responsible innovation; I and E for sustainability, and contemporary technological frontiers and trends. This unit takes an inclusive, multidisciplinary view, identifying complementarities and specificities of innovation and entrepreneurship across different disciplines to enhance students' ability to articulate and defend arguments on the topics of innovation and entrepreneurship in their course of study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Students must meet the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Advanced Coursework) including completion of a pass undergraduate degree
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	SIEN1000
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Craig Gilliver, craig.gilliver@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Assignment 1: Reflective Innovation Report written assignment	25%	Week 05 Due date: 27 Mar 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Apr 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 2: Innovation for Systems Change team presentation	35%	Week 09 Due date: 27 Apr 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes + slide deck	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Evaluation	Assignment 3: Peer Review of Innovation Presentation written peer review	5%	Week 11 Due date: 11 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 21 May 2026	500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Assignment 5: Q and A following Poster Presentation Q&A following poster presentation	5%	Week 13	2 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Assignment 4: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Poster Presentation Assignment	30%	Week 13 Due date: 25 May 2026 at 23:59	poster plus 3 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Reflective Innovation Report: In this task, you will write a reflective essay exploring an entrepreneurial innovation that has directly impacted your life

Innovation for Systems Change: For this team-based activity, you will work collaboratively to prepare and deliver a 15-minute group presentation supported by a slide deck. Your task is to present a case study that demonstrates how innovation can drive systemic change in a critical domain. Pleaase note the slide deck is submitted through Canvas on the Monday before the presentation date.

Peer Review of Innovation Presentation: For this task, you will give constructive feedback (around 500 words) on another group’s innovation for systems change presentation.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Poster Presentation: For this individual assessment, you will design a large format printed poster that captures your personal journey through the unit. Your poster should serve as both a visual and written reflection, highlighting the key insights you have gained, the shifts in your thinking, and your future intentions as an emerging entrepreneur. Alongside the poster, you will deliver a 3-minute oral presentation to the class. Please note that the poster is submitted as a PDF through the Canvas page at the start of the presentation week.

Q and A following Poster Presentation: Following your poster presentation, you will complete a short, oral invigilated Question and Answer session. You will be asked questions designed to help you elaborate on the theoretical concepts or key learning moments highlighted in your poster.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (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.

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:

This unit follows the University policy for late submissions. Please refer to the policy online. Failure to submit peer evaluation for the group assessment would result in 0 mark for that individual.

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	Defining Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Examining Their Importance.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Defining Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Examining Their Importance	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	An Examination of Innovation and Creativity	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	An Examination of Innovation and Creativity	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	An Examination of Entrepreneurship	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	An Examination of Entrepreneurship	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	A Historical Perspective on Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	A Historical Perspective on Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Contemporary Capitalism and Leading Future Change with Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Contemporary Capitalism and Leading Future Change with Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Innovation Processes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Innovation Processes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Entrepreneurship Processes	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Entrepreneurship Processes	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 08	Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Your Innovation & Entrepreneurship Story: Part I	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Your Innovation & Entrepreneurship Story: Part I	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Innovation and Entrepreneurial Organisations	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 10	Innovation and Entrepreneurial Organisations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Innovation and Entrepreneurial Individuals	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Innovation and Entrepreneurial Individuals	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Your Innovation & Entrepreneurship Story: Part II	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Your Innovation & Entrepreneurship Story: Part II	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	The Next Chapter of Your Innovation and Entrepreneurship Story + Wrap-up.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Final Poster Presentation and Q&A	Tutorial (2 hr)

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. Critically analyse the concepts of entrepreneurship and innovation, and their roles as drivers of systemic change.
LO2. Apply reflective thinking to entrepreneurial and innovation processes drawing on multiple theoretical perspectives and models and critically and meaningfully engage in relevant debates about entrepreneurship and innovation.
LO3. Interrogate the role of innovation in addressing complex global/local/personal challenges.
LO4. Utilise frameworks for the evaluation of innovation and entrepreneurship across multiple disciplines, contexts, and industries.
LO5. Critically evaluate the ethical and societal implications of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.

This unit is an updated version of the unit that was formally co-badged with SIEN1000. Learning Outcomes and Assessments have been updated to reflect the expectation of Advanced Studies students.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney 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 online glossary.

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

BUSS4907: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

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

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links