Business Ethics (11549.1)

Required texts

There is no required textbook for this unit, but you are likely to need to consult with sources, including reports, cases, journal articles and textbooks. I will assign readings for components of the unit, as the unit focuses on ethics in a contemporary context and certainly in light of the Royal Commission on Financial Services.

The various of reports of the Royal Commission can be found following this link:

https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/banking 

The link to FASEA's code of Ethics is: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L00117

https://www.afa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/Financial-Planners-and-Advisers-Code-of-Ethics-2020-Guide.pdf 

You may need to consult journal databases for relevant information and materials. These can be accessed through library website, Google Scholar and other sites such as Emerald and Science Direct. Please ask the unit convenor for assistance if you are unfamiliar with searching for journals and journal articles. 

For understanding business ethics in general, the below book available in UC library would be of useful.

Submission of assessment items

Extensions & Late submissions

Pass criteria: submission of all assessment items and obtaining a total of 50% marks. 

Special assessment requirements

Use of AI is not permitted in this unit

The University's position is that artificial intelligence services must not be used for assessment or assessment preparation by students unless explicitly allowed in the assessment instructions for an assessment task published with the assessment task and/or in the unit outline. That is, an AI service may only be used if:

a) its use is authorised by the unit convener as part of the specified task; and

b) it is used in the way allowed in the assessment instructions and/or unit outline; and

c) its use is appropriately referenced, meaning that the students must reference the use of AI in their assessment in the same way as they reference other source material.

The use of AI has not been specified in the assessment instructions for the unit or in the unit outline and thus, AI is not a permissible resource. 

Academic integrity

Students have a responsibility to uphold University standards on ethical scholarship. Good scholarship involves building on the work of others and use of others' work must be acknowledged with proper attribution made. Cheating, plagiarism, and falsification of data are dishonest practices that contravene academic values. Refer to the University's Student Charter for more information.

To enhance understanding of academic integrity, all students are expected to complete the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) at least once during their course of study. You can access this module within UCLearn (Canvas) through the 'Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism' link in the Study Help site.

Use of Text-Matching Software

The University of Canberra uses text-matching software to help students and staff reduce plagiarism and improve understanding of academic integrity. The software matches submitted text in student assignments against material from various sources: the internet, published books and journals, and previously submitted student texts.

Participation requirements

You are encouraged to prepare for, attend and participate actively (comment, take notes, be active) in all workshops. Active attendance involves note taking, answering questions, sharing ideas and learning from others in the class. This is the best method of preparing your own personal viewpoints for the purposes of the assessment, including the exam. Reading someone else's notes or watching a recording is pedagogically less useful than actively participating. Students are expected to be on-time for classes and please note the class is interactive.

Required IT skills

Basic IT skills are necessary. 

Students are expected to be able to use Microsoft Word in addition to University systems available over the Internet (e.g. MyUC, Email, E-Reserve, LearnOnline, Library Catalogue, and Library Databases).

Students are encouraged to use Zotero, Endnote or RefWorks for managing references for their assignment work.

As is common in the professional world, we will also be using Blackboard Collaborate (Virtual Room). As this unit involves online meetings in real time using Virtual Room in your UCLearn teaching site, you will be able to communicate in real time with your lecturer and other students. To participate verbally, rather than just typing, you will need a microphone. For best audio quality we recommend a microphone and speaker headset. For more information and to test your computer, go to the Virtual Room in your UCLearn site and 'Join Course Room'. This will trigger a tutorial to help familiarise you with the functionality of the virtual room.

When you enter the meeting room, please mute your microphone.

Please also note that as this is a unit associated with professional training, it makes sense that when you enter the Virtual Room, you turn on your camera to introduce yourself to the class. Equally, as is good professional training, when asking a question, seeking clarification or adding to our discussion, it would be appropriate to turn on your camera and participate actively. This is considered more appropriate than merely typing into the chat function. A professional courtesy includes practicing your professional skills by having a visual presence. 

Work placement, internships or practicums

None.

• Semester 2, 2024, Flexible, UC - Canberra, Bruce (219414)
• Semester 2, 2024, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (219415)
• Semester 2, 2023, Flexible, UC - Canberra, Bruce (214403)
• Semester 2, 2022, Flexible, UC - Canberra, Bruce (209624)
• Semester 2, 2021, Flexible, UC - Canberra, Bruce (209030)
• Semester 2, 2020, On-Campus, UC - Canberra, Bruce (198512)