Course Title: Social Entrepreneurship

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Social Entrepreneurship

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BUSM1324

City Campus

Undergraduate

630H Management

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011

BUSM2309

Singapore Inst of Management

Undergraduate

630H Management

Face-to-Face

 Offsh 1 08,
Offsh 1 09,
Offsh 1 10,
Offsh 1 11,
Offsh 3 08,
Offsh 3 09,
Offsh 3 10,
Offsh 3 11,
Offsh1 12,
Offsh1 13,
Offsh3 12

Course Coordinator: Afreen Huq

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5198

Course Coordinator Email:afreen.huq@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Previously known as BUSM1324 Entrepreneurship in Society. If you have already completed this course, do not enrol again.


Course Description

Traditionally, there have been three quite different sectors: the public sector (government and its various agencies), the private sector (for-profit companies of all sizes) and the non-profit sector. During the past few years however, a new sector - described as the "social purpose business" sector - is emerging on the political, economic and social landscape, because the boundaries of the three are beginning to merge. Non-profits are adopting entrepreneurial strategies and starting businesses; for-profits are invading territory previously occupied only by non-profits and government; and public sector agencies are forming partnerships with the other sectors and developing entrepreneurial strategies of their own.

This practitioner-orientated subject looks at the role of the entrepreneur in society. The social entrepreneur is primarily concerned with increasing ‘societal wealth’ by providing practical and innovative solutions to social and environmental problems worldwide. During this course, methods and techniques used by social entrepreneurs from various industry sectors will be examined. The resourcing, requirements and orientations of both for-profit and not-for-profit organisations in the pursuit of ‘social’ opportunity will be compared. Ethics and styles of management will be studied including triple bottom line, ethical business practices and the concept of social responsibility and ’give back’ principles.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

During this course and on completion of Social Entrepreneurship the students will be able to:

  • Develop a critical understanding of the concepts underpinning Social Entrepreneurship and the work of social entrepreneurs
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the scope, demands and constraints of the non-profit sector
  • Recognise the changing roles of not-for-profit organisations, their relationships with key stakeholders, and related managerial challenges
  • Develop an insight into the importance of concepts such as ‘Triple Bottom Line’ and ‘ethical business conduct’ in Australia and overseas
  • Understand a range of strategic and operational issues faced by those who create and manage not-for–profit organisations
  • Have an appreciation of the benefits derived commercially, communally and personally from sponsorships and other forms of philanthropy
  • Analyse the appropriateness of business and management models in specific contexts within a not-for-profit organisation and assist in making a difference to their work
  • Develop awareness of networks within the not-for-profit sector for students about to start their own enterprise or work in the sector.



Overview of Learning Activities

Students will explore theories and concepts associated with the defined learning outcomes and the practical application of these theories and concepts via learning modes such as formal lectures, guest lectures and tutorials involving case studies, class discussions, research and presentations.


Overview of Learning Resources

Prescribed Text/s
Students will need to acquire the prescribed Textbook for this course.

Use of DLS
Students also have access to course materials and additional readings on the DLS website via the course Blackboards including external internet links and access to RMIT Library online and hardcopy resources.

Other references
A list of other references will be made available on the DLS.


Overview of Assessment

Overview
A range of assessment will be undertaken in this course that may involve examinations, mini-quizzes, essays, business reports, case study analysis, presentations and participation.

Please use the RMIT Business referencing guidelines document for report style found at: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s9sx559hurvc.rtf .

An online version can also be found at: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/bus/public/referencing/index.html.

Academic integrity and plagiarism
RMIT policies concerning academic integrity and plagiarism apply to students in this course. For more details see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity/students