Reference no: EM132376938 , Length: word count:3000

BUS2SBY Sustainability Assignment, La Trobe University, Australia

Assessment Task 1: Individual Research Paper

Purpose and aims: This assessment is designed to apply the knowledge and skills developed by the students in evaluating the role of systems thinking in global and local sustainability challenges. The topic for your paper is: 'Systems thinking is critical in developing solutions to sustainability challenges.'

To what extent do you agree with this statement, and why? Draw on ONE of the following wicked problems to illustrate your answer:

• Gender Bias and Artificial Intelligence -
• No new coal mines in Australia -

Assessment Task 2a: Group Written Report

Purpose and aims: As a small group**, students will research, analyse and critique an existing activism campaign aimed at addressing a social or environmental issue. Each team is required to choose ONE campaign from the following list:

1. 350.org (Stop Climate Change)

2. Greenpeace campaign on reforming palm oil industry

Once the campaign of interest has been chosen, students will critically analyse and appraise the campaign objectives, planning, design and outcomes and write up their findings in an executive business report.

This assessment requires students to actively engage and work collaboratively with a diverse range of students to be able to understand the perspectives of others; therefore, small groups of 5 (groups will be formed in week 3 or 4) will be formed by self-selection (with the support of the lecturer) however, you are highly recommended to have a range of disciplines, ages, cultural and linguistic skills as the greater the diversity of your group, the broader the range of ideas that will be available to you. This assessment task provides students an opportunity for inter-cultural learning, which requires a culturally heterogeneous mix of students.

Description of the assessment: Students are required to reference at least 4 types of resources in the group written report:

• Minimum of 6 journal articles (students are required to use scholarly and peer-reviewed articles) and textbooks.
• Newspaper/Magazine articles
• Company/NGO Websites
• Company Sustainability reports

Suggested Template for Group Written Report

1. Assignment Cover Sheet

2. Executive Summary

3. Background to the Issues

a. Identifying the problems/issues the campaign aims to address

b. Defining the campaign goals/objectives

c. How did the campaign establish credibility as an activist?

4. Analyzing the policy environment

a. Power-holder maps

5. Developing the strategy

a. Integrated Strategy Maps

6. Implementing the plan

a. Campaign calendars

7. Critical discussion of campaign outcomes

8. Conclusions

9. References

10. Appendices

The percentages give you an indication of the relative word count for each of the sections, for example, 20% of 3000 words is 600 words. Tables, figures, references and appendices do not contribute to the word count for the report. A total of 15-20 references are expected for the report.

Assessment Task 2b: Group Poster Presentation

Aims and description of the assessment: In their groups, students will apply their learning from Assessment Task 3a to researching, designing and presenting an activism campaign on a sustainability-related issue of interest to them (Different from the campaign analysed in Assessment task 3a). This assessment gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning and understanding of both the theoretical perspectives on sustainability, and implications with respect to developing practical solutions for positive change and how they can get involved as members of civil society.

Students are expected to prepare a professional poster presentation of their proposed campaign that is well researched, informative, succinct and engaging. The length for the total presentation is 12 minutes (including 2 minutes of question time), and each student is expected to present for 2 minutes.

After their presentation, students are required to keep their poster on display for at least 30 minutes and be present to answer any further questions the audience may have.

All presenting groups will be provided with peer feedback. During presentations, students will be providing feedback using the grading rubric. The feedback will be anonymous, and will be collated and provided back to each group.

Guidelines for poster preparation and presentation

Each group member to present for an equal length of time (2 mins)

The presentation must be 10 mins in total, with each member of the group presenting.

Note - Need only Assessment Task 2a: Group Written Report. Total 3000 words.

Attachment:- Sustainability Assignment File.rar