Students
ACCG848 – Business and Professional Ethics
2018 – S1 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Seminar Leader
Andrew Skinner
Contact via Email
Refer iLearn
James Hazelton
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ACCG611 or (admission to MAdvProfAcc or MBkgFin)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The principal aim of this unit is to provide students with an understanding of the main ethical issues raised by the activities of the business and corporate sphere, both in relation to the society and environment within which they operate, and in relation to individuals employed within corporations. The unit has a strong research focus and students will apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the course to real-world situations. This will equip them to engage with the complex ethical issues that will inevitably arise during the course of their careers.
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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:
- Critical engagement with the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics.
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
- An ability to relate ethical theories to relevant business case studies and current events.
- The ability to undertake qualitative research, including analysing previous literature and applying theoretical frameworks to a real-world business ethics issue.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Assessed Coursework | 30% | No | Ongoing - see Unit Schedule |
| 2. Class participation | 10% | No | Ongoing |
| 3. Essay proposal | 10% | No | 9am, Tuesday 27/3/18 |
| 4. Final Essay | 50% | No | Part 1 1/5/18; Part 2 5/6/18 |
1. Assessed Coursework
Due: Ongoing - see Unit Schedule
Weighting: 30%
Submission
Assignments must be submitted on iLearn by 11pm on the day prior to the seminar. Students should also bring a copy of their assignments to class. Four (4) assignments worth 6 marks each will be marked at random. One assignment will be marked in the first three weeks of the session to provide students with early feedback on their performance. Assignments should be a maximum of three (3) A4 pages (excluding references).
Estimated student workload
Students are expected to spend 3-6 hours per week reviewing prescribed readings and preparing their weekly assignment.
Marking criteria
Refer to the ACCG 848 Assessment Guide, available on iLearn.
Deliverables
Written assignment.
Preparation instructions
Assignment questions will be posted on the unit webpage.
On the front page of each weekly assignment that you submit include the following:
- your student name
- your student number
- the following statement: “This assignment is my own work”
- the assignment number
Extension
No extensions will be granted. Students who have not completed the task by the due date will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an Application for Special Consideration is made and approved (in accordance with the policies and procedures).
Penalties
Late work will not be accepted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critical engagement with the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics.
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
2. Class participation
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
Submission
Active perception is expected of ACCG 848 students as discussion is an essential part of developing ethical sensitivity and skill. Seminars should be used by students to test their understanding of the unit in an environment where immediate feedback is available from the convenor and students should be well prepared for seminars. Students should be engaged with the issues relevant to the seminar and be involved in seminar activities, particularly, responding to, and asking, questions – being active is an important aspect of both study and professional practice and seminars will be of more benefit to all students if each individual is willing to participate.
Estimated student workload
Students are expected to spend approximately 2 hours re-reading their assignment and related materials before attending class.
Marking criteria
Refer to the ACCG 848 Assessment Guide, available on iLearn.
Extension and penalties
A specific penalty applies where a student misses seminars unless a Special Consideration application is approved. For example if a student attends less than 50% of the allotted seminars the total available mark for seminar participation will be reduced by 50%.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critical engagement with the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics.
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
3. Essay proposal
Due: 9am, Tuesday 27/3/18
Weighting: 10%
Submission
The essay proposal must be submitted via iLearn and will be reviewed by Turnitin.
Estimated student workload
Students are expected to spend approximately 10 hours developing their essay proposal.
Marking criteria
Refer to the ACCG 848 Assessment Guide, available on iLearn.
Deliverables
Essay Proposal document.
Preparation instructions
Refer iLearn.
Extension and penalties
No extensions will be granted unless a Special Consideration application has been approved. Late submissions be penalised with a deduction of 10% of the total marks for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission = 20% of marks deducted).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
- An ability to relate ethical theories to relevant business case studies and current events.
- The ability to undertake qualitative research, including analysing previous literature and applying theoretical frameworks to a real-world business ethics issue.
4. Final Essay
Due: Part 1 1/5/18; Part 2 5/6/18
Weighting: 50%
Submission
Part 1 (20%) and Part 2 (30%) of the essay must be submitted via iLearn and Turnitin.
Estimated student workload
Students are expected to spend approximately 40 hours developing their essay, comprising approximately 16 hours on Part 1 and 24 hours on Part 2.
Marking criteria
Refer to the ACCG 848 Assessment Guide, available on iLearn.
Deliverables
Written essay
Preparation instructions
Refer iLearn.
Extensions and Penalties
No extensions will be granted unless a Special Consideration application has been approved. Late submissions be penalised with a deduction of 10% of the total marks for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission = 20% of marks deducted).
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
- An ability to relate ethical theories to relevant business case studies and current events.
- The ability to undertake qualitative research, including analysing previous literature and applying theoretical frameworks to a real-world business ethics issue.
Delivery and Resources
Classes and schedule
ACCG 848 utilises a combination of video lectures and class seminars. Lecture videos will be posted on iLearn. For class times, refer to the Macquarie University timetable.
Required and Remmended Texts and/or Materials
The prescribed text for this unit is:
Joseph DesJardins An Introduction to Business Ethics (5th Edition), (McGraw-Hill, New York, 2014)
The material in this text is fundamental to the concepts covered in the unit and should be read carefully.
The following text may also be helpful to students that wish to deepen their understanding of business and professional ethics:
Grace, D. & Cohen, S., Business Ethics (4th edition), (Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 2010).
Teaching and Learning Activities
This unit provides an opportunity for students to research an ethical issue of their choosing after providing some background in moral theory. Having obtained an understanding of the basic moral theories in the first half of the semester, students will select an individual topic to via an essay proposal. They will then develop this proposal into a full essay, submitted in two parts during the semester.
On average the unit will require students to complete between 6 to 8 hours of private study per week.
Technology Used and Required
The unit web page can be accessed from ilearn.mq.edu.au. Please note that student activity on the unit web page is logged, and may be utilised by the Unit. Convenor and other University staff in resolving student disputes regarding such issues as assignment submission. Instructions for obtaining help with accessing the unit web page can also be found at the above URL.
Requirements to satisfactorily complete the unit
Satisfactory completion of ACCG 848 is an overall passing grade. There is no requirement to achieve a passing grade in each individual assessment component. However, since each assessment component contributes to the overall learning outcomes of the unit, students are expected to complete each assessment task in order to maximise their educational experience.
Unit Schedule
|
Week |
Lecture topic |
Ethical issue topic |
Ethical theory topic |
Professional topic |
Assign Due |
|
1 |
Is business ethics a science or an art? |
Introduction |
Introduction |
Introduction |
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2 |
When in Rome, do – uh, what, exactly? |
Globalisation and bribery |
Ethical relativism |
Professional goals |
A1 (Introduction) |
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3 |
Should we sweat about sweatshops? |
Labour outsourcing |
Utilitarian ethics |
Sleep |
A2 (Globalisation) |
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4 |
What happens at Fight Club . . |
Employee responsibilities & whistleblowing |
Kantian ethics |
Sleep |
A3 (Outsourcing) |
|
5 |
Customers – always right or routinely ripped off? |
Customers |
Virtue ethics |
Diet |
A4 (Employees) Essay proposal due |
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6 |
Who to believe: the Pencil or the Piano Man? |
Corporate Social Responsibility |
Critical Theory |
Diet |
A5 (Customers) |
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7 |
So long and thanks for all the fish |
The environment |
Environmental ethics |
Exercise |
A6 (CSR) |
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Recess - private study |
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Recess - private study |
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8 |
What happens at fight club . . . |
Employees |
Discourse ethics |
Exercise |
A7 (Environment) Essay Part 1 due |
|
9 |
Fair trade |
Fair trade |
Revision |
Mindfulness |
A8 (Employees) |
|
10 |
Why your first day could be your last |
Peer pressure |
Situationist ethics |
Mindfulness |
A9 (Fair trade) |
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11 |
Current topics 1; Extending your essay with a research paper |
Self-driving cars |
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A10 (Situationism) |
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12 |
Current topics 2; Final essay tips, |
Sexual harassment and unconscious bias |
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A11 (Cars)
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13 |
Conclusions |
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A12 (Harassment) Essay Part 2 due |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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.
Supplementary Examination
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Disruption to Studies Policy the
examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. Please note that
the supplementary examination will be of the same format as the final examination.
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
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
- Critical engagement with the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics.
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
- An ability to relate ethical theories to relevant business case studies and current events.
- The ability to undertake qualitative research, including analysing previous literature and applying theoretical frameworks to a real-world business ethics issue.
Assessment tasks
- 1. Assessed Coursework
- 2. Class participation
- 3. Essay proposal
- 4. Final Essay
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
- Critical engagement with the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics.
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
- An ability to relate ethical theories to relevant business case studies and current events.
- The ability to undertake qualitative research, including analysing previous literature and applying theoretical frameworks to a real-world business ethics issue.
Assessment tasks
- 1. Assessed Coursework
- 2. Class participation
- 3. Essay proposal
- 4. Final Essay
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:
Assessment task
- 3. Essay proposal
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
- Critical engagement with the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics.
- Critical engagement with the major ethical theories that have informed the development of the business ethics literature.
- An ability to analyse and critically evaluate moral theories and arguments.
- An ability to relate ethical theories to relevant business case studies and current events.
- The ability to undertake qualitative research, including analysing previous literature and applying theoretical frameworks to a real-world business ethics issue.
Assessment tasks
- 1. Assessed Coursework
- 2. Class participation
- 4. Final Essay
Changes from Previous Offering
Unit content has been updated to reflect recent developments in business ethics and the teaching of professional development topics has been moved to earlier in the semester in response to student feedback. Some elements of the previous offering (assessed peer review and presentations) have been removed and additional ethics material added.
Research and practice
ACCG 848 makes extensive use of contemporary research in business ethics, including research by Associate Professor Hazelton, the Unit Convenor. The unit also examines contemporary practices in business ethics and requires students to examine a contemporary business ethics issue as their research topic. The unit provides students with a grounding in qualitative research methods appropriate to examining an ethical issue through gaining an understanding of various ethical frameworks and how to apply these frameworks in practice. Students are also required to engage with contemporary academic literature and ultimately produce work which can be used as a basis for further academic research. The unit promotes a global outlook as examples throughout the unit are from a variety of countries and students may choose an international topic to research. Similarly sustainability principles are considered in the unit - particularly in relation to social equity - and a sustainability-related topic may be chosen as the focus of the final essay.