Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit highlights how innovation and entrepreneurship are solving major global social and economic challenges such as hunger, poverty, homelessness and intergenerational disadvantage and unemployment. It considers the rise of social entrepreneurship, the shift to a focus on collaboration, and the role of corporate social responsibility, philanthro-capitalism, social finance and impact investing in creating new options for positive social impact. New tools for social change in a digital and social media world (e.g. Kiva, Kickstarter, Twitter, Facebook) are considered and trends in the measurement and demonstration of social impact are examined.

The aim of the unit is for students to gain an evidence based and rich picture of what works in driving social change in the contemporary world.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 core unit in the Enterprise and Innovation major sequence
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the contours of major social and economic challenges such as poverty and social disadvantage facing the world in local, national and international contexts; (2) illustrate the main actors both in finance and delivery involved in local, national and global innovative social change projects; (3) analyse traditional and emerging solutions to major social and economic challenges; (4) analyse the potential impact of digital and social media as tools for social change; (5) debate the role and styles of leaders in social change: entrepreneurs, advocates, policy makers, fundraisers, non-government organisations (NGOs), foundations and philanthropists; and (6) create and design a proposal and business plan for a social enterprise to potentially change the world.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial exercises and (2) assignments. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Paul Flatau
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Completion of 24 points
Incompatibility
BUSN1102 Changing the World: Social Innovation, Finance and Enterprise
Contact hours
lectures/tutorials/seminars/workshops: up to 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.