Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff External Unit convenor, main point of contact Robert Staib robert.staib@mq.edu.au Contact via robert.staib@mq.edu.au Off Site by apointment, preferred on Block mode days Macquarie University support for Unit Convenor Greg Walkerden greg.walkerden@mq.edu.au Contact via greg.walkerden@mq.edu.au W3A 430
Credit points	Credit points 4
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to MEnv or PGDipEnv or PGCertEnv or MEnvEd or PGDipEnvEd or PGCertEnvEd or MEngMgt or MEnvMgt or PGCertEnvMgt or MEnvStud or PGDipEnvStud or MEnvPlan or MEnvSc or MSusDev or PGDipSusDev or PGCertSusDev or MWldMgt or PGDipWldMgt or PGCertWldMgt or MMarScMgt or MSc in (Remote Sensing and GIS or Environmental Health) or PGDipSc in (Remote Sensing and GIS or Environmental Health) or PGCertSc in (Remote Sensing and GIS or Environmental Health) or GradDipEnv or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSusDev or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit addresses environmental management within the corporation. Roles and responsibilities to implement and manage good corporate environmental outcomes are discussed. Discussions cover the establishment of a corporate environmental strategy; practical aspects of establishing and maintaining an environmental management system to ISO 14001 (such as planning, implementation, review, and continual improvement); processes to support corporate environmental management including managing environmental information and risk; environmental auditing; implementing methods for cleaner production and waste minimisation; environmental accounting; life-cycle assessment; and people aspects of environmental management: changing the corporate ethos and interacting with stakeholders.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of international literature relevant to corporate environmental management.
Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Assist organisations to achieve better environmental outcomes by helping them to change corporate environmental ethos and to develop better relations with stakeholders.
Plan, manage and direct the utilisation of environmental management techniques and tools including: environmental & sustainability reporting, life cycle assessment, management of environmental data, environmental risk assessment, cleaner production, auditing, environmental design and product stewardship.
Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to address environmental management issues and policy development.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake critical assessment on an environmental topic by using and citing a range of relevant literature and applying critical thinking and writing in drawing logical conclusions.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES	20%	28 August 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM	30%	1 November 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY	50%	16 November 2015

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES

Due: 28 August 2015
Weighting: 20%

ASSIGNMENT 1

DUE DATE MONDAY 28 AUGUST 2015

What environmental outcomes should an organisation achieve and how should it plan and manage their achievement?

PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDY GUIDE FOR DETAILS OF ASSIGNMENT 1

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of international literature relevant to corporate environmental management.
Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake critical assessment on an environmental topic by using and citing a range of relevant literature and applying critical thinking and writing in drawing logical conclusions.

ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM

Due: 1 November 2015
Weighting: 30%

ASSIGNMENT 2

DUE DATE SUNDAY 1 November 2015

Syndicate presentations to a panel on the design and implementation of a company Environmental Strategy and outline Environmental Management System (EMS) to address a set of specifications.

PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDY GUIDE FOR DETAILS OF ASSIGNMENT 2

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of international literature relevant to corporate environmental management.
Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Assist organisations to achieve better environmental outcomes by helping them to change corporate environmental ethos and to develop better relations with stakeholders.
Plan, manage and direct the utilisation of environmental management techniques and tools including: environmental & sustainability reporting, life cycle assessment, management of environmental data, environmental risk assessment, cleaner production, auditing, environmental design and product stewardship.
Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to address environmental management issues and policy development.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake critical assessment on an environmental topic by using and citing a range of relevant literature and applying critical thinking and writing in drawing logical conclusions.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

Due: 16 November 2015
Weighting: 50%

ASSIGNMENT 3

DUE DATE MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2015

Each student will prepare an outline of a proposed (or revised) Environmental Strategy and Environmental Management System (EMS) for a hypothetical “Board of Directors” for its approval.

PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDY GUIDE FOR DETAILS OF ASSIGNMENT 3

On successful completion you will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of international literature relevant to corporate environmental management.
Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Assist organisations to achieve better environmental outcomes by helping them to change corporate environmental ethos and to develop better relations with stakeholders.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake critical assessment on an environmental topic by using and citing a range of relevant literature and applying critical thinking and writing in drawing logical conclusions.

Delivery and Resources

DESCRIPTION

This unit addresses environmental management within the corporation. Roles and responsibilities to implement and manage good corporate environmental outcomes are discussed.

Specific Topics to be discussed include:

Corporate Environmental Strategy;
Environmental Management Systems;
Interaction with Stakeholders;
Sustainability Reporting;
Life Cycle Assessment;
Environmental Data;
Environmental Risk Assessment;
Cleaner Production (energy, water & waste);
Changing Corporate Environmental Ethos;
Auditing; and
Environmental design & product stewardship.

UNIT CONVENOR: Dr Robert Staib, Honorary Associate, Macquarie University

Phone: 0412 274 777 (mobile) E-mail: robert.staib@mq.edu.au

I am an Environmental Management Consultant, with 40 years experience in Management Consulting, Project Management Consulting and Environmental Management Consulting. I have qualifications in mechanical engineering, business management and environmental studies. I have specialised in environmental management and quality assurance on large projects. In these roles I have facilitated better environmental design and performance and monitored compliance. This has been supported by writing and assessing many Environmental Management Plans for project management, design, procurement and construction, undertaking environmental auditing of design consultants and construction contractors, providing environmental training to organisations and environmental input into design. I have convened GSE823 since 2000.

In 2005 I produced and had published the textbook used for the course. It includes chapters by some well-known and experienced authors who have brought a wealth of knowledge to the subject. I think you will find it a useful book that encapsulates many of the diverse aspects of corporate environmental management. This text is available electronically in the Macquarie University Library. In the Study Guide I have indicated the sections of the book that are relevant to each topic.

To undertake the assignments students will need to consult a wide range of references including those with more current information than is available in the above text. Many other books and reference sources are listed in the Study Guide that will be of help to students.

In 2009 I produced and had published another text book on environmental management which I have listed as background reading for the Unit. Please refer to the Study Guuide.

There are also presentations from a number of invited professional environmental people. These presentations supplement the nominated readings and assignments.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to address environmental management issues and policy development.

Assessment tasks

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of international literature relevant to corporate environmental management.
Plan, manage and direct the utilisation of environmental management techniques and tools including: environmental & sustainability reporting, life cycle assessment, management of environmental data, environmental risk assessment, cleaner production, auditing, environmental design and product stewardship.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.

Assessment tasks

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Plan, manage and direct the utilisation of environmental management techniques and tools including: environmental & sustainability reporting, life cycle assessment, management of environmental data, environmental risk assessment, cleaner production, auditing, environmental design and product stewardship.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake critical assessment on an environmental topic by using and citing a range of relevant literature and applying critical thinking and writing in drawing logical conclusions.

Assessment tasks

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.

Assessment tasks

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of international literature relevant to corporate environmental management.
Analyse corporate organisations and develop and implement environmental strategies and environmental management systems (e.g. the international standard ISO 14000) through an understanding of the environmental impacts of an organisation and the corporate process.
Assist organisations to achieve better environmental outcomes by helping them to change corporate environmental ethos and to develop better relations with stakeholders.
Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to address environmental management issues and policy development.
Write and communicate effectively in addressing any of the above aspects of environmental management within an organisation.
Demonstrate an ability to undertake critical assessment on an environmental topic by using and citing a range of relevant literature and applying critical thinking and writing in drawing logical conclusions.

Assessment tasks

ENVIRONMENTAL OUTCOMES
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Assist organisations to achieve better environmental outcomes by helping them to change corporate environmental ethos and to develop better relations with stakeholders.
Work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team to address environmental management issues and policy development.

Assessment tasks

ENVIRONMENTAL MGT SYSTEM
ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

Changes since First Published

Date	Description
23/07/2015	Minor changes to room number for Greg Walkerden