Outline

Overview

Organisational sustainability is a critical part of the contemporary managerial practice, focusing on organisations' economical, social and environmental impact. This unit critically evaluates the intentions, practices and outcomes of organisational sustainability initiatives. By applying relevant theoretical frameworks, students are encouraged to enhance their understanding of the role and responsibilities of management, the impact of organisations on employees, and the wider societal and environmental implications of contemporary organisational trends. With an emphasis on the human dimensions of organisational actions, this unit builds on foundational units of study in Management, Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	WORK6033
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Christopher Wright, christopher.wright@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Final written exam	30%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Class tests Pen & paper multiple choice test	30%	Multiple weeks	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation & discussion Summary of weekly learning	10%	Multiple weeks	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Poster presentation Oral presentation	10%	Week 13 Due date: 02 Nov 2026 at 17:00	10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Poster essay Written essay	20%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 16 Nov 2026	2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

In-class tests

Worth: 30% of overall grade

Due: Week 3 (Mon 17 Aug), Week 5 (Mon31 Aug), Week 7 (Mon 14 Sept), Week 10 (Mon 12 Oct) & Week 12 (Mon 26 Oct)

Class tests will be administered during the first 15 minutes of class on these dates

Participation & Discussion

Worth: 10% of overall grade

Weekly completion of learning template submitted after each class.

Sustainability Poster Presentation

Worth: 10% of overall grade

Due: Week 13 class (Mon 2 Nov)

Group presentation in class.

Sustainability Poster Essay

Worth: 20% of overall grade

Due: Submission by Friday 6 Nov 23:59)

All groups will submit a formal written essay outlining their poster. The essay will detail the sustainability dispute you investigated, the findings and central argument. It should include an Introduction, main body (including sub-sections) and a conclusion. APA7 referencing is required. The essay should not exceed 2000 words excluding references and appendices.

Final Exam

Worth: 30% of overall grade; Due: formal exam period

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 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:

A 10% per day late penalty will apply to any written work submitted after the due date.

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 - What is Sustainability?	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	The Business Case for Sustainability	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Climate Change: The Sustainability Issue of our Time	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Corporate Environmentalism	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Corporate Political Activity and Sustainability	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Social Sustainability	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Social Movements for Sustainability	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Sustainable Solutions?	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Poster Preparation	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 10	Organisational Culture, Emotions & Sustainability	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Managing Sustainability & Organisational Change	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Critically Evaluating Sustainability: Alternative Paths in the Anthropocene	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Poster Presentations	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at weekly classes is expected as a requirement of this Unit of Study.

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

Weekly required readings will be available online via the Readings tab on the Canvas site for the Unit of Study.

In addition the follwing text book will be used throughout the 13 weeks of the Unit (available via the Library or can be purchased online via Amazon or Book Depository):

Nyberg, D., Wright, C. & Bowden, V. (2022). Organising responses to climate change: The politics of mitigation, adaptation and suffering. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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. Recommend and justify integrated human resource, organisational and industry strategies, policies and implementation approaches that are appropriate to support organisational sustainability objectives in particular contexts
LO2. Use suitable research methods and information technologies to acquire, analyse and interpret data, concepts and theories salient to addressing particular organisation related sustainability issues and challenges and formulate appropriate findings, recommendations and remedies
LO3. Question, assess and respond independently and creatively to assumptions, propositions and debates within sustainability related human resource and organisational theory and practice
LO4. Prepare and present professional reports that address sustainability-related problems and make recommendations that are coherent, persuasive, and appropriate for the situation
LO5. Influence others to work collaboratively to recommend and report on policies and strategies to address complex human resources and organisational problems related to sustainability

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 is the fourth time this unit has been offered - some minor changes in content have been made given recent developments in sustainability practice.

Additional information

Business School Policies

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

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

SIEN6002: Managing Sustainability

Semester 2, 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

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