This course aims to introduce students to Australia's Indigenous history and cultures as relevant to understanding and undertaking business opportunities and policy development within the Australian context. An overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultural identity will be interwoven with perspectives and integration in areas such as economics, accounting, marketing, management and finance. Students will gain an understanding of the rightful place of Australia's Indigenous peoples, an appreciation of key areas and interests in the business world as pertaining to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples, and an understanding of working alongside communities for business development and relationship building.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Analyse contemporary Australian Indigenous knowledge and perspectives emerging in an ongoing history of interaction and mutual influence with non-Indigenous peoples, ideas and institutions.
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of various modes of communication in intercultural contexts, specifically those related to public policy and business.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the various legal and administrative instruments impacting Australia's Indigenous peoples in a business and economic setting.
4. Critically analyse the influences of colonialism, racism and privilege on research conducted in Indigenous contexts.
5. Compare and contrast economic development and neo-colonial policy development and implementation experiences across Australia.

Research-Led Teaching

This course is designed to introduce students to the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives as they pertain to business and economics. Materials presented are based on both historical and modern contexts.

Additional Course Costs

n/a

Required Resources

Readings, media and other resources will be made available on the Canvas course site.

Recommended Resources

There are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Australian Indigenous worldviews, key concepts: country, natuions, kinship and sovereignty. Terminology and protocols	on-campus lecture, no workshopKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
2	Indigenous economy sysems pre-contact and generational impacts on wealth. Trade routes and resource management	on-campus lecture, workshop 1Workshop 1 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
3	Law and Governance, United Nations Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)	on-campus lecture, workshop 2Workshop 2 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
4	Business and Enterprise Development: The Indigenous Business Sector, successes, opportunities and challenges.	on-campus lecture, workshop 3Workshop 3 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
5	Indigenous Business Ecosystems, Indigenous Chambers of Commerce, impacts of procurement policies and Corporate Social Responsibility.	on-campus lecture, workshop 4Workshop 4 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
6	Introduction to Accounting: reflection on western economic business foundations and innovation in Indigenous business and governance.	online modules, workshop 5Workshop 5 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
7	Indigenous perspectives in Accounting: Office for the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and relevant legislation, accouting for Indigenous Cultural Connections to land.	online modules, workshop 6Workshop 6 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
8	Economic empowerment: links between UNDRIP and economic empowerment, funding models and financing in the community-controlled sector.	online modules, workshop 7Report due Monday 17:00Workshop 7 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
9	Place and History: overview of Australian Indigenous Peoples, cultures and diversity, historical timeline, and current context.	online modules, workshop 8Presendations slides due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59Group presentations
10	Government Policy Settings: Closing the Gap, Coalition of Peaks, demographics.	online modules, workshop 9Workshop 9 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59Group presentations
11	Indigenous values, economies and economics. Land Rights and Native Title.	online modules, workshop 10Workshop 10 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59
12	Future Directions and Innovation, Indigenous Data Governance and Sovereignty.	on-campus lecture, workshop 11Workshop 11 Responses due Monday 9amKLIQE notes due Friday 23:59

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
KLIQE Notes	15 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5
Workshop Responses (Part A) and Participation (Part B)	25 %	*	*	1,2,3,4,5
Business and Economic Analysis of a Reconciliation Action Plan or Indigenous Strategy - Part A: Individual Report	20 %	24/04/2026	22/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5
Business and Economic Analysis of a Reconciliation Action Plan or Indigenous Strategy - Part B: Group Presentation	10 %	06/05/2026	*	1,2,3,4,5
Final Examination	30 %	*	02/07/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in the oncampus lectures and workshops is expected in line with ANU Code of Conduct. Non attendance at workshops will impact your ability to complete assessment.

Examination(s)

see Assessment Task 5.

Assessment Task 1

KLIQE Notes

15% compulsory & non redeemable

You will be required to take notes of the Lecture (in person or online materials) following a KLIQE structure.

KLIQE (Knowledge, Link, Industrial/entrepreneurial mindset, Questions, Engagement feedback) is designed as a way to foster engagement and reflection.

• The notes will be submitted through the Canvas link by 23:59 each Friday* (beginning week 1).
• The best 10 out of 12 will count toward your final grade.
• There is no word limit.
• Each submission is worth a maximum of 1 point (0 if nothing is handed in; 0.5 if it is evident little effort was put in).

*If for some reason you can not submit by 23:59 Friday you have a 2 working day grace period. i.e you have up to 23:59 Tuesday to upload your answers. You do not need to ask for an extension, or provide documentation. Submissions beyond this time are considered late and requrie documentation. However, given the best 10 of 12 count, you are able to not submit 2 with no penalties. If you miss more than this, keep all documenation and apply for reweighting through the ECA portal within 5 days of the finish of teaching.

Further details about structured note-taking will be given in Week 1.

Assessment Task 2

Workshop Responses (Part A) and Participation (Part B)

25% Compulsory and non-redeemable {15% for workshop responses and 10% for participation}

Part A: Workshop responses

Each week the workshop response questions need to be prepared PRIOR to the workshop and submitted via Canvas. These will be due by Monday 9am* of each week, starting from week2. You may wish to bring a copy of these answers to your workshop to refer to and add to during the discussion. The answers provided will be marked out of 5 on the following basis:

• 5/5 for attempting all questions fully, using a variety of the source material provided in the course and showing depth of analysis/reflection/interaction.
• 4/5 for attempting all/most questions, using one or two of the source materials provided in the course and showing some depth of analysis/reflection/interaction.
• 3/2 for attempting all/some questions, and/or using one or two of the source materials provided in the course and/or showing some depth of analysis/reflection/interaction. 
• 2/2 for attempting some questions only, and/or using one or two of the source materials provided in the course and/or showing little depth of analysis/reflection/interaction. 
• 1/2 for attempting some questions only, and/or using little evidence of the source materials provided in the course and/or showing little depth of analysis/reflection/interaction. 
• 0/5 for no submission.

Feedback will be provided within 2 week of each submission.

The best 8 submissions count toward 15% of the final grade.

*If for some reason you can not submit by Monday 9am you have a 2 day grace period. i.e you have up to 12pm Wednesday to upload your answers (before the workshop). You do not need to ask for an extension, or provide documentation. However, no answers can be accepted after the time of the workshop. However, given the best 8 of 11 count, you are able to not submit 3 with no penalties. If you miss more than this, keep all documenation and apply for reweighting through the ECA portal within 5 days of the finish of teaching.

Part B: Workshop Participation

You will be expected to contribute the class workshop discussion/yarning circles each week. The contribution can be through answering questions, posing thoughtful questions, interacting and engaging in the group/class activities. Please do not confuse attendance for participation. Your active participation in the discussions ensures for a deeper, richer experience for both yourself and your classmates. Each week will be given a mark out of 1. 

The best 8 weeks will count toward 10% of the final grade.

Assessment Task 3

Business and Economic Analysis of a Reconciliation Action Plan or Indigenous Strategy - Part A: Individual Report

20% Compulsory and non-redeemable

The assessment requires students to analyse a RAP or Indigenous strategy developed by an Australian organization using business and economic perspectives.

Students will examine how reconciliation commitments are embedded within organizational strategy, governance, and economic decision-making and assess the extent to which these commitments are likely to generate meaningful and sustainable economic outcomes for Indigenous peoples and organisations.

Due Date: Friday 24th April 11:59pm* via Canvas link

The analysis should address the following components:

• Organisational context: identify the organization and its sector. Describe the organisational and market context in which the RAP or strategy was developed. Explain why reconciliation is relevant to the organization from a business or economic perspective.
• Strategic intent and economic rationale: Analyse the stated objectives of the RAP or Indigenous Strategy. Examine how reconciliation is framed in relation to organisational strategy, risk management, workforce development, procurement or value creation. Assess whether the economic rationale for reconciliation is articulated.
• Commitments, resources and governance: Analyse the specificity and credibility of the key commitments. Examine governance arrangements, accountability mechanisms, and resourcing. Assess the role of Indigenous participation in decision-making. Apply relevant business and economic concepts (e.g. incentives, cost benefit considerations, long term versus short term value.
• Economic impacts and distributional effects: evaluate the likely economic impacts of the RAP or Strategy including effects on employment, procurement, enterprise development, or capability building. Consider how costs and benefits are distributed across stakeholders.
• Risks, limitations and trade offs: Identify key risks, limitations, or weaknesses in the approach taken. Analyse potential trade offs between reconciliation commitments and other organisational objectives.
• Recommendations: Provide 2-3 evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the RAP or Strategy. Recommendations should be feasible and aligned with business and economic analysis.

Your answer should be no more than 1000 words. Anything more than 10% over the word limit will not be read nor marked.

Further information and a marking rubric will be available by week 3 of semester.

AT3 is Part A and will form the basis of AT4.

*If for some reason you can not submit by Friday 24th 11:59pm you have a 2 day grace period. i.e you have up to 11:59 pm Tuesday to upload your assignment. You do not need to ask for an extension, or provide documentation. However, extenstions beyond this require documentation and are difficult to process due to AT4 and the presentation requirement.

Assessment Task 4

Business and Economic Analysis of a Reconciliation Action Plan or Indigenous Strategy - Part B: Group Presentation

10% Compulsory and non-redeemable

The assessment requires students to take the RAP or Indigenous Strategy that they analysed for Assessment Task 3 (Part A) and compare and contrast their findings with a group of 3-4 peers. Due Date: Wednesday 6th May 10am - slides for the presentation uploaded to Canvas

Presentations will take place during the workshop in weeks 9 and 10 (depending on class numbers).

Each presentation will include 7 minutes of presentation with 3 minutes of Q and A time from peers and workshop facilitators. Presentations will be stopped promptly at 7 mins and 30 seconds. Each student needs to present during the allocated time.

Groups will be formed through Canvas during week 7. Any students not allocated to a group by Thursday 23rd May 5pm will be allocated by the teaching team. You will need to choose group members from your workshop. Please raise any issues with the teaching team early.

To prepare the presentation students should discuss together, their individual findings for Assessment Task 3 (Part A). Through the discussion students will identify common practices and trends and explore where each student's recommendations may be applied more broadly across other organisations. The presentation should draw on general business and economic perspectives, drawing on Indigenous perspectives where relevant.

Students should use the same model for analysis as in their individual assignment as a guide for presentation content.

• Organisational context
• Strategic intent and economic rationale
• Commitments, resources and governance
• Economic impacts and distributional effects
• Risks, limitations and trade offs
• Recommendations

Presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy).

Please note, extensions on presentations are not possible due to the group nature of the activity.

Assessment Task 5

Final Examination

30% Compulsory and non-redeemable

A final examination will be held during the exam block.

• The exam will be of 2 hours in duration
• You will be expected to respond to a variety of questions based on material from the whole course. The questions/answers will take the form of short written pieces.
• Further details will be given in week 10.

This is a hurdle assessment. Students need to attempt the exam to satisfactorily pass the course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students