Outline

Overview

To be a successful innovator or entrepreneur, it is necessary to have knowledge of several fundamental business and organizing processes, along with related skills. In this unit, students learn how to turn creative ideas into viable business opportunities that seed new start-ups or drive innovation within existing enterprises. Students participate in a realistic simulation to create and validate ideas and develop them into sustainable business models addressing real-world commercial and social problems. Experiential learning that draws on a range of contemporary innovation concepts and practices is emphasised, providing students with opportunities to incubate, validate and pitch their ideas for concrete business and social ventures. To facilitate this entrepreneurial process, students work creatively and collaboratively, bringing together skills acquired across other disciplines of study.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	SIEN1000 and SIEN1001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	IBUS2104
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Llewellyn Thomas, llewellyn.thomas@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Llewellyn Thomas, llewellyn.thomas@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Paulo Da Silva Armi, paulo.armi@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	MONICA JORY, monica.jory@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Participation and professionalism Participation and professionalism	20%	Ongoing Closing date: 30 May 2025	Ongoing
Outcomes assessed:
Small continuous assessment	Assessing founding stories Assignment testing understanding of venture. #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Business model analysis Analysis of venture business model using critical self reflection and AI.	20%	Week 06 Due date: 11 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Apr 2025	10-15 slide infographic deck
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Pitch presentation Presentation of group-generated solution	30%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 May 2025	12-15 minute presentation
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Reflection Reflective essay showcasing learning journey	20%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 06 Jun 2025	2,000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = 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

Assessment 01: This is a 12-15 minute presention worth 30%, done by the group in Week 13, of the validates new idea that they have for the venture that addresses sustainability concerns.

Assessment 02: This is a small continuous assessment in Week 03 worth 10%, done individually in tutorial, where the student assesses the venture's core idea and appropriateness of the founding team.

Assessment 03: Ongoing participation and professionalism worth 20%, monitored by tutors throughout the unit.

Assessment 04: An individual presentation, due in Week 06 and worth 20%, where the student uses AI, their crititcal reflection notes completed in the previous 5 weeks, and their understanding of the venture's business model, to analyze the assumptions that underlie the business model.

Assessment 05: An individual essay, due in Week 13 and worth 20%, where the student reflects on how the unit has impacted their personal and professional futures as they see them.

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) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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 Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

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	Lecture: Introduction & Kick-off	Lecture and tutorial (1 hr)
Week 02	Lecture: Entrepreneurships in turbulent environments Tutorial: Analysing the external context	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Lecture: Customer co-creation Tutorial: Analysing the offering	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Lecture: Resourcing for innovation and entrepreneurship Tutorial: Analysing resources and capabilities	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Lecture: Stakeholders and ecosystems Tutorial: Analysing interdependencies and stakeholders	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Lecture: Business model innovation Tutorial: Analysing business models	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Lecture: When entrepreneurship meets sustainability Tutorial: Understanding impact innovation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	No Lecture or Tutorial - Easter Break	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Lecture: From value proposition to minimum viable product Tutorial: Developing impact value propositions	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Lecture: Validating value propositions and business models Tutorial: Assessing customer feedback and value	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Lecture: Impact business models Tutorial: Developing an impact business model	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Lecture: Corporate innovation stories Tutorial: Craft your pitch	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Lecture: Professional pathways in innovation and entrepreneurship Tutorial: Pitch your impact business model	Lecture and tutorial (3 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. Identify trends and opportunities in the social, technological and market/business landscapes, including understanding users and formulating new venture ideas that have not been explored before
LO2. Construct a market analysis and assess feasibility of a new venture, and design a new business model
LO3. Discuss what an empathic understanding of users and stakeholder is and apply it to their problem in order to identify new value propositions that satisfy user and stakeholder needs and wants in an ethical and responsible manner
LO4. Discuss and apply cognitive strategies that define the mindset of innovators and entrepreneurs
LO5. Demonstrate proactivity in talking with potential users and stakeholders to understand their needs and then testing your proposed solution

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.

Added extra tutorial assessment (10%) in week 3 as early feedback as per policy changes; reduced weight on other assessments to accommodate; renamed modules; updated some assessment content and dates (but not type); week 08 edits due to timetabling.

Additional information

Business School Policies

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) and automated writing tools

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SIEN2001: Validating Ideas and Building Ventures

Semester 1, 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) and automated writing tools

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links