Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor / Lecturer Salut Muhidin salut.muhidin@mq.edu.au Contact via email E4A-624 Thursday 10-11 Tutor Asifa Zaman asifa.zaman@mq.edu.au Contact via email TBA TBA
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites 18cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit examines the impact of global population issues and challenges on business management. It focuses on demographic changes in both the developed and developing countries. The unit addresses key concerns for managers operating in international business contexts. Some of the topics covered include: population growth and development; social and economic consequences of population mobility and their implications for internal and external labour markets; the challenges of an ageing population and ageing workforce for business and management; the crisis of low fertility rates in the most developed countries; and the environmental impacts of population change.

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:

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.
Perform an ability to engage in group discussion on presenting information and analysis related to global population issues and business opportunities in an effective and concise manner through oral and written presentation.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Assignment	25%	No	Weeks 4 / 6
Research Project Report	20%	No	Week 9
Group Video Presentation	15%	No	Week 11
Final Exam	40%	No	Exam Period

Assignment

Due: Weeks 4 / 6
Weighting: 25%

This assignment involves an essay writing and interpretations/evaluations of demographic development indicators. The essay writing will be approximately 3-4 pages in length--which focuses on a topic covered in the unit. It will be marked on the following criteria: content coverage, relevance, presentation and structure, provision of overview, discussion and original thought, referencing, adherence to length limits, avoidance of plagiarism, and adherence to timelines for submission. The interpretations and evaluation of demographic indicators will use assigned research reports. The information session on this assignment will be conducted in Week 2.

Submission: Submission of the electronic copies are done through turn-it-in (iLearn) in two instalments: Week 4 for the essay writing and Week 6 for the interpretations/evaluations.

Notes on Extension: No extension will be granted. Late tasks will be accepted up to 24 hours after the submission deadline. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 10 hours late in submission – 10% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.

Research Project Report

Due: Week 9
Weighting: 20%

This assessment is an earlier part of the research project that consists of two parts: a written report and a group video presentation. Each student (individually) will initially propose a particular topic covered in the unit. Students (4, 5 or 6 persons) with the same/similar research topic will then be formed as a group for video presentation. The information session on this project will be conducted in week 4.

This assignment outlines the results of a detailed analysis of the research project using empirical data and research. It is used to assess the critical thinking, analytical and research skills. The report will be approximately 10-12 pages in length. The assignments must be undertaken independently, penalties for plagiarism can be severe.

Submission: Submission of the electronic copy is done through turn-it-in (iLearn).

On successful completion you will be able to:

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.

Group Video Presentation

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 15%

This assessment is the second part of the research project that consists of two parts: a written report (individual) and a group video presentation. Students (4, 5 or 6 persons) with the same/similar research topic are formed as a group for video presentation. The information session on this project will be conducted in week 4.

Students will work in a group to present and communicate their research findings in a 5-8 minutes video presentation. The main objectives are to communicate clear and accurate information in an engaging manner for an audience of their peers. It is evaluated on the basis of its accuracy, academic rigour, clarity, and ability to engage the viewers. All members in the group will be responsible to complete the project, including the submission of a layout plan, and producing and presenting a group video project. The marks will be measured based on both the individual's contribution (5%) and the overall performance of the group (5%). Individual's class and participation is included in this assessment (5%).

Submission: The electronic copy of video project is submitted to the tutor/lecturer. The transcript of the contents of your video project should be submitted to turn-it-in (iLearn).

Notes on Extension: No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.
Perform an ability to engage in group discussion on presenting information and analysis related to global population issues and business opportunities in an effective and concise manner through oral and written presentation.

Final Exam

Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%

Examination conditions: The exam will incorporate multiple parts, including short answers and essays on certain global population themes covered in the unit. The final exam will take approximately 2 hours.

Submission: the exam will be conducted in a designated exam room and time slot, submission will be in the exam room directly to the staff in charge.

Notes on Extension: You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The only exception to not sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Disruption to Studies (http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/procedure.html)

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.

Delivery and Resources

Technology Used and Required

Students are expected to be familiar with the use of basic office software (i.e. word processing, spreadsheet, and power point) and the use of Online Learning @MQ http://ilearn.mq.edu.au. The online learning will provide copies of overhead slides for each topic.

Echo Recording: All lectures may be recorded using the Echo Recording system, it will depend on the availability of its facility in the lecture class. Whilst the Echo Recording may provide an additional resource, students are advised that no guarantees are given in relation to the availability or quality of the sound recordings or the functioning of any related websites or links to files of recordings of lectures. Students are expected to attend the lectures and tutorials on a regular basis and to actively compile additional notes during the lectures. Thus any failing of the Echo Recording will not be accepted as grounds for appeal.

Prescribed Textbook and/or Materials

Weeks, John R. (2007) Population: An Introduction to Concepts and Issues, Wadsworth Publishing. The book is available for purchase from the Co-op Bookshop.

Students are advised to be familiar with demographic concepts and techniques by consulting the book on "Demographic Methods and Concepts" by Donald T. Rowland (2003); available from the Co-op Bookshop; or "Demographic Techniques" by A.H. Pollard, F. Yusuf and G.N. Pollard (available in the special Reserve Section of the Library).

Students will also be referred to books, book chapters, and other materials for the weekly lectures. A list of references for the various topics covered in the unit is available online via Online Learning @MQhttp://ilearn.mq.edu.au. It is advisable that students download the lecture notes from the iLearn and reading materials from the library or relevant databases prior to the lecture time. Hardcopies of teaching and reading materials will NOT be provided in the class. It is highly recommended that students compile notes of their own based on the materials covered in lectures and tutorials and from recommended readings.

Prizes

A certificate from “The Macquarie University Marketing and Management Department" will be awarded to groups of students who have achieved the highest proficiency in the Video Project Competition.

A certificate from “The Macquarie University Marketing and Management” will be awarded to a student who has the highest proficiency in this unit.

Unit Schedule

Week	Lecture Topic	Tutorial
1	Unit Introduction; Global population growth	No Tute
2	Demographic transition & its consequences: Population and climate change	Tutorial 1
3	International perspectives on population ageing: Challenges in the labour market	Tutorial 2
4	Migration and human settlement: Global diaspora and asylum seekers	Tutorial 3
5	International Migration: Open or closed international borders	Tutorial 4
6	Population and internet: Citizens of social media	Tutorial 5
7	Guest Lecture	Tutorial 6
	Mid-Semester Break
8	Indigenous populations around the world	Tutorial 7
9	Global health challenges	Tutorial 8
10	Applied demography in community planning	Tutorial 9
11	Population issues and business opportunities	Tutorial 10
12	Students' Video Project Presentation	Tutorial 11
13	Course wrap-up and Evaluation	Tutorial 12

Learning and Teaching Activities

Lecture Class

1 x 2 hours every Thursday at 11.0am-1.0pm

Tutorial Class

1 x 1 hour every Thursday at designated time

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_2016.html

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

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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.

Academic Honesty

The nature of scholarly endeavour, dependent as it is on the work of others, binds all members of the University community to abide by the principles of academic honesty. Its fundamental principle is that all staff and students act with integrity in the creation, development, application and use of ideas and information. This means that:

all academic work claimed as original is the work of the author making the claim
all academic collaborations are acknowledged
academic work is not falsified in any way
when the ideas of others are used, these ideas are acknowledged appropriately.

Further information on the academic honesty can be found in the Macquarie University Academic Honesty Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Grades

Macquarie University uses the following grades in coursework units of study:

HD - High Distinction

D - Distinction

CR - Credit

P - Pass

F - Fail

Grade descriptors and other information concerning grading are contained in the Macquarie University Grading Policy which is available at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grading Appeals and Final Examination Script Viewing

If, at the conclusion of the unit, you have performed below expectations, and are considering lodging an appeal of grade and/or viewing your final exam script please refer to the following website which provides information about these processes and the cut off dates in the first instance. Please read the instructions provided concerning what constitutes a valid grounds for appeal before appealing your grade.

http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/new_and_current_students/undergraduate/how_do_i/grade_appeals.

Disruption to Studies Policy

The University is committed to equity and fairness in all aspects of its learning and teaching. In stating this commitment, the University recognises that there may be circumstances where a student is prevented by unavoidable disruption from performing in accordance with their ability. A special consideration policy exists to support students who experience serious and unavoidable disruption such that they do not reach their usual demonstrated performance level. In these circumstances you may wish to consider applying for Disruption to Studies. The University’s policy on the Disruption to Studies process is available at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/procedure.html

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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.

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

Graduate Capabilities

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.

Assessment tasks

Assignment
Research Project Report
Group Video Presentation
Final Exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.
Perform an ability to engage in group discussion on presenting information and analysis related to global population issues and business opportunities in an effective and concise manner through oral and written presentation.

Assessment tasks

Assignment
Research Project Report
Group Video Presentation
Final Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to critically review the relevance of demography to many contemporary global population issues and business opportunities.
Perform an ability to engage in group discussion on presenting information and analysis related to global population issues and business opportunities in an effective and concise manner through oral and written presentation.

Assessment tasks

Assignment
Research Project Report
Group Video Presentation

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

Perform an understanding and awareness of various global population issues and challenges and their social, economic and business implications.
Perform an understanding of the more advanced concepts and indicators commonly used in demography.
Perform a familiarity with the various sources of demographic related data in Australia and overseas countries.
Perform an ability to engage in group discussion on presenting information and analysis related to global population issues and business opportunities in an effective and concise manner through oral and written presentation.

Assessment tasks

Assignment
Research Project Report
Group Video Presentation
Final Exam

Changes from Previous Offering

The assessment types and case studies have been updated and changed. The assignment of Article Review has been replaced with the Essay Writing. In addition, the assignment of Poster Presentation has been replaced with the Video Presentation.

Global Perspectives and Sustainability

As clearly indicated in the unit's name "Global Population Challenges", a global perspective will be covered in all lecture and tutorial materials in this unit.

The sustainability of human population development are key issues in the demographic analysis and studies.

Research and Practice

This unit uses researches from both Macquarie University researchers and external sources as listed in the references lists on iLearn.

From Macquarie University, most research themes within the Centre for Workforce Futures have been incorporated as the main resources in this unit. Among others, it includes the recent researches on:

Resource Efficiency and Sustainability in the Workplace Symposium
Climate change work and employment
The Case for a National Portable Long Service Leave Scheme in Australia
Digital Productivity in the Workplace of the Future
Women, Management and Work

From other sources, it incorporates researches published in highly rank academic journals and internationally well known organizations. Among others, it includes the following journals and organizations:

Journals: Demography, Journal of Population Research, Lancet, International Migration, and Population Development Review
Reports and Working Papers Series from UN, WHO and World Bank