Outline

Overview

This unit gives students the opportunity to apply their learnings from across the major to a practice-derived problem (new business/social venture opportunity, or a challenge provided by an established private, public or not for profit organisation); developing and validating their own solutions and ideas, and developing their project to a level that warrants presenting it to key stakeholders. This unit sees multidisciplinary teams of students doing customer/user/stakeholder interviews to deepen their understanding of the problem they are seeking to solve, developing and refining their minimal viable product, assessing and addressing issues of ethics and social responsibility, launching as a venture or intrapreneurship project with customers and/or users and/or stakeholders, and culminating in a demo day to investors or top management of stakeholder organisations from private, public or not-for-profit sectors.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Completion of at least 112 credit points including SIEN1000 and SIEN1001 and SIEN2001
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	All other requirements for the major or program associated with this capstone must be completed prior to or concurrently with (if enrolment rules permit) this unit of study. Capstones must be completed at the University of Sydney Business School only.
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Suwen Chen, suwen.chen@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
Creative work	Final Reflection Final reflection of the semester in a visual format such as infographics.	25%	Formal exam period Due date: 19 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Nov 2025	Visual	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Engagement Two components: (1) Class participation and (2) Engagement	15%	Multiple weeks	Ongoing	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Early Reflection Individually reflect on the first two weeks of the study	10%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 30 Aug 2025	2-minute video	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Midway Reflection Individually reflect on and evaluate the previous week’s learnings.	20%	Week 08 Due date: 24 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 04 Oct 2025	1500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Group Project In-class presentation on the Demo Day	30%	Week 13 Due date: 05 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 15 Nov 2025	Oral presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Assessment task 1: For this task, you will engage with the theme of resilience in entrepreneurship. This reflection requires you to produce a 2-minute video where you discuss the personal challenges associated with starting and managing a venture, drawing upon the experiences shared by guest speakers, insights from readings from units you have studied so far, and your personal entrepreneurial aspirations or experiences.

Assessment task 2: For this task, you are required to submit one 1500-word (max.) reflection in the middle of the semester.

Assessment task 3: In this group task, you will tackle the Team Challenge, culminating in an oral team presentation on Demo Day. This challenge is designed to simulate the entrepreneurial process from ideation to pitching, providing you with a platform to apply and showcase your innovative and entrepreneurial skills. The process begins in Week 5, where you will form teams. These teams will be consistent through the subsequent weeks leading up to the group presentation on Demo Day.

Assessment task 4: For this task, you are required to submit one visual reflection (e.g., infographics, poster) at the end of the semester.

Assessment task 5: There are two components to this assessment item: (1) Class attendance and (2) Participation and Engagement in class.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

Each faculty or school and unit of study has specific criteria for meeting the learning outcomes of each unit. These can generally be found in your unit of study outline. Contact your unit of study coordinator for further details.

Result code	Result name	Mark range	Description
HD	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.
DI	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.
CR	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.
PS	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.
FA	Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

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:

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 & Expectations (ice-breaking, unit structure, students’ learning style, assessments etc.)	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	The dark side of being an entrepreneur and resilience & reflective thinking models	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	Chau Chak Wing Museum visit (Innovation Project briefing)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Building high-performing teams & leadership	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Team formation for group project	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Review of previously taught key concepts	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	Embedding “Impact” into your business idea/innovation project	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	Project in Action & Consultation	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	Entrepreneurial finance in a nutshell	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Legal basics for start-ups & entrepreneurial ecosystem	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Bring everything together	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Impact Career Guide	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Demo Day	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. Integrate and apply skills and knowledge from various disciplines of innovation and entrepreneurship to real-world problems.
LO2. Critically assess and address issues of ethics and social responsibility in the development and launch of a venture or intrapreneurship project.
LO3. Identify, validate, and present an appropriate business model and/or organizational change plan.
LO4. Demonstrate proficiency in storytelling, presentation skills, and stakeholder engagement.
LO5. Recognise challenges and stresses associated with entrepreneurship and innovation and propose strategies to manage them.
LO6. Plan the appropriate steps for further business/social venture development or further implementation of innovations in large established organisations.

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 the learnings from this semester, I've increased the final assessment percentage to 25% (from 20%) to reflect the amount of effort students need to put in, and hence decreased the group project by 5%. Also fine tuned the order and content for a couple of weeks as we will be working with CCW Museum for the first time to undertake a real project with them.

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

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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

SIEN3600: Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Practice

Semester 2, 2025 [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

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links