Social enterprises and social businesses (enterprises pursuing the dual mission of financial sustainability and social purpose) are becoming important actors in addressing poverty and achieving sustainable development goals. Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, STREAT and CERES in Australia, Dialogue in the Dark in Europe, Honey Care in Africa are some of the examples of social enterprises creating livelihood opportunities for marginalized groups through their business model.

This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of social enterprise and social business and their role in social value creation. We will aim to explore how these emerging models are effective in the context of sustainable development goals and how are they addressing the current social economic challenges such as poverty, inequality and environmental crisis while remaining financially sustainable.

Students in the course are expected to be active participants in creating solutions to grand challenges and will learn how to use their skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the society.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate understanding of emerging models in “base of the pyramid” that are scalable and sustainable
2. examine and discuss the theory and practice of social business and social enterprise, and identify the facilitators and barriers to social entrepreneurs
3. develop a systematic and critical understanding of emerging business models, and their strengths and weaknesses in addressing social and environmental challenges
4. apply practical tools for their own social enterprise and social business
5. describe and reflect upon contemporary development challenges and the role of social change agents
6. examine logistical and ethical issues related to conducting research and developing social ventures in bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) communities.

Research-Led Teaching

This course uses the articles published in top-tier management journals to illustrate the emerging issues such as measuring social impact, hybridity, scaling and funding issues in social enterprises. The research assignments provide the opportunity for students to apply their research and analytical skills to various aspect of social enterprises.

Field Trips

There are no field trips in this course.

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs expected for this course.

Examination Material or equipment

There are no examinations run by ANU Examinations for this course.

Required Resources

The course uses journal articles and reports that are available through the ANU library and public platforms. Further details will be made available via Canvas.

Recommended Resources

Kickul, J., & Lyons, T. S. (2020). Understanding social entrepreneurship: The relentless pursuit of mission in an ever changing world. Routledge.

Ridley, R., & Myers, J. Understanding Social Enterprise: Theory and Practice.

Yunus, M. (2009). Creating a world without poverty: Social business and the future of capitalism. Public affairs.

Stroh, D. P. (2015). Systems thinking for social change: A practical guide to solving complex problems, avoiding unintended consequences, and achieving lasting results. Chelsea Green Publishing.

Qureshi, I., Bhatt, B., & Shukla, D. M. (2021). Overview of sharing economy at the base of the pyramid. In Sharing economy at the base of the pyramid: Opportunities and challenges (pp. 1-23). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.

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	Introduction to Social Enterprise and Contemporary Challenges	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation(Weekly, throughout the semester, worth 15% total)
2	Social enterprises and the Base of the Pyramid (BoP)	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
3	Social Enterprise and Social Impact	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
4	Social Enterprises Paradoxes, and Hybridity	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
5	Social Enterprise Business Models and Impact Measurement	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
6	Social Enterprise in Practice	Assessment 1: In-seminar participationAssessment 2: Individual Case Project: Elevator pitch (25%)
7	Scaling Social Enterprise Impact	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
8	Social Enterprise Finance and Investment	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
9	Ethics, Governance, and Accountability in Social Enterprise	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
10	Social Enterprise, Power, and Systemic Limitations	Assessment 1: In-lecture participationAssessment 3: Group Case Project (25%) - Report Due
11	Social Enterprise in Practice	Assessment 1: In-seminar participationAssessment 3: Group Case Project (25%) - Q and A
12	Social Enterprise Comparative Analysis, Synthesis, and Course Reflection	Assessment 1: In-seminar participation
13	End of Semester Examination Period	Assessment 4: Final Examination will be scheduled during the end-of-semester exam period (Exam 35%)

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.

This course will be delivered in a seminar format, with in-class participation integrated as a core component of each teaching session.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
In-Seminar Participation (Individual - 15%)	15 %	*	*	1,2,3
Case Project-Elevator Pitch (Individual - 25%)	25 %	02/09/2026	21/09/2026	1,2
Case Project : Report (Group - 25%)	25 %	18/10/2026	05/11/2026	1,2,3
Examination (Individual - 35%)	35 %	*	09/12/2026	1,2,3

* 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

Students are expected to attend all seminars and attempt all assessments.

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.

Examination(s)

The end-of-semester examination will be held during the ANU-designated examination period and will be conducted under invigilated conditions in accordance with ANU examination policies. Students are expected to be available for the scheduled examination.

Further details on the examination structure will be provided on Canvas at least two weeks prior to the examination period. Additional information is available at https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable

Assessment Task 1

In-Seminar Participation (Individual - 15%)

In-Seminar Participation

Active participation is a core expectation of this course, requiring students to engage meaningfully in weekly in-Seminar activities.

Participation will be assessed using a mix of task types that vary from week to week, with each task marked against the course's learning outcomes. Task types may include:

1) In-Seminar multiple-choice questions (MCQs) testing understanding of key concepts from that week's material.

2) In-Seminar short-answer questions, requiring students to briefly explain, apply, or critically discuss a concept from the week's content.

3) In-Seminar memos, where students write a half-page response to a key question, marked on the quality of their analysis and application of concepts.

4) In-Seminar individual reflective questions and group discussion, assessed on the quality of students' contributions to case-based activities and discussion.

Each week, the lecturer will select one of these task types appropriate to that week's content and learning objectives.

Participation marks for each week's Seminar will be available to view in the markbook on Canvas by the end of the teaching week. Students are encouraged to confirm the mark within a week and to discuss any concerns or questions with the lecturer.

Aims:

• To encourage active engagement and collaborative learning in the seminar 
• To support the development of understanding, application, and critical discussion of social enterprise concepts

Objective:

This assessment evaluates students’ ability to engage constructively in discussions, demonstrate understanding of key concepts and ideas, apply them to case-based activities, and, where appropriate, contribute to informed, critical discussions.

 

Commitment Load:

Students are expected to attend scheduled seminars and participate actively in whichever task format is set for that week, including in-seminar questions, short written responses, and group or individual discussion.

Delayed feedback/ Special Consideration: 

No late submissions or extensions are permitted for this assessment task due to its in-seminar nature.

For students approved under the Education Access Plan (EAP), alternative arrangements may be permitted in accordance with ANU guidelines.

Weight of Assessment: 

This assessment contributes 15% to the overall course grade.

Assessment Task 2

Case Project-Elevator Pitch (Individual - 25%)

This assessment requires students to work individually to research and analyse a selected social enterprise operating within the global context. Students will examine how the enterprise addresses a specific social or environmental challenge and applies a sustainable business model to create both social and financial value.

The task focuses on applying social enterprise theories and models to a real-world case, including consideration of the facilitators and barriers that influence the model's effectiveness in practice. Students then present their findings as a concise pitch, positioning the lecturer as a potential investor.

 

Aims:

• To develop students’ ability to apply social enterprise theories and models to real-world contexts
• To support individual research, critical analysis, and persuasive communication skills

Objective:

This assessment evaluates students’ ability to apply relevant theories and concepts to analyse a social enterprise case, explain how social and financial value is created, and identify key facilitators and barriers influencing its implementation, and communicate this analysis persuasively to a potential investor.

Commitment Load:

Each student will deliver a 3-minute elevator pitch to a potential investor (the lecturer), making the case for their selected social enterprise. The pitch should clearly convey the social or environmental problem being addressed, the enterprise's business model, the social and financial value it creates, and the main facilitators and barriers shaping its success.

Presentation and Submission Requirements

The assessment will be conducted as an in-seminar individual pitch supported by visual materials (e.g. slides, posters). Each pitch will run for no more than 3 minutes and may be followed by brief questions. Students exceeding the 3-minute time limit will be asked to stop their pitch. Pitches will be video recorded to enable later validation and verification of the assessment if required.

Submission/ Presentation Date:

Week 6 (during scheduled seminar time)

Late Submission/ Special Consideration:

No late submissions or extensions are permitted for this assessment task due to its in-seminar nature.

For students approved under the Education Access Plan (EAP), alternative arrangements may be permitted in accordance with ANU guidelines.

Weight of Assessment: 

This assessment contributes 25% to the overall course grade.

Marking criteria:

Assessment focuses on the quality of application demonstrated in the pitch, including the ability to apply relevant social enterprise theories and models, explain the social problem and its context, demonstrate how social and financial value are created, and communicate persuasively to a potential investor. Further guidance on expectations will be provided during teaching sessions leading up to the assessment.

Assessment Task 3

Case Project : Report (Group - 25%)

This assessment builds on the social enterprise analysis introduced in Assignment 2. Students will form their own groups of 4-5 people to undertake a critical analysis of the selected organisation, focusing on its effectiveness in addressing the identified social or environmental challenge.

The task requires students to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the enterprise’s business model and to examine ethical, governance, and practical challenges encountered in its operation. Students should also assess the credibility of the organisation’s social impact and consider its sustainability in practice.

Aims:

• To develop students’ ability to critically analyse social enterprise models in practice
• To deepen students’ understanding of ethical, governance, and impact-related challenges in social enterprises

Objective:

This assessment evaluates students’ ability to analyse a social enterprise case by examining the effectiveness of its model, identifying ethical and governance challenges, and critically evaluating the credibility and sustainability of its impact.

Commitment Load:

Students are expected to form their own groups and work collaboratively to produce a written report of no more than 3,000 words. This includes group coordination, preparation, and writing outside of seminar time. Any material beyond the word limit would not be marked.

Group Work Requirements:

Students are responsible for forming their own groups of four to five members. Groups should be finalised early in the teaching period to allow sufficient time for coordination and collaborative work. Students who have difficulty joining a group should contact the course convener, who will assist with group allocation.

While this assessment builds on the social enterprise case each student explored individually in assignment 2, each group should select one social enterprise as the focus of its report. The group may use a case studied by one of its members or agree on a new case. Active participation, equitable contribution, and effective coordination among group members are essential throughout this stage.

Report Requirements

The report should be no more than 3,000 words in total, including references and, if any, appendices, and supported by appropriate academic and non-academic sources. Any material beyond the word limit would not be marked. It should demonstrate clear progression from the individual assignment by incorporating more critical evaluation, including analysis of ethical considerations, governance issues, and the limitations of the social enterprise model.

To support transparency and ensure fair assessment, the cover page should identify all group members and briefly outline their respective contribution percentages.

Although this is a group-based assessment, each student is individually responsible for contributing to the group's work. Contribution statements should accurately reflect each member's role. Where concerns arise regarding unequal participation, the course convener may review these statements and seek further clarification. In cases where there is clear evidence of a significant imbalance in contribution, individual marks may be adjusted accordingly.

Use of Artificial Intelligence:

All groups must submit the written report in Microsoft Word or another format that preserves and shows tracked changes. The submitted file must show the development of the report and the contribution process, regardless of whether generative AI tools were used.

Students may use generative AI tools and grammar tools only where this use is consistent with ANU academic integrity requirements. All groups must include a short statement at the end of the report declaring whether AI tools were used. If AI tools were used, the statement must explain how they were used, what decisions remained the students’ responsibility, and how accuracy, originality, and academic integrity were ensured.

Submission Date:

2026-10-18; 11:59 pm

In-Seminar Q and A date:

2026-10-21; In-Lecture

Late Submission/ Special Consideration:

Written Report - Late submissions will be subject to the standard ANU late penalty of 5% per business day unless an extension has been approved.

In-seminar Q and A - No late submissions, extensions, or repeat attempts, are permitted for this assessment component due to its in-seminar nature. For students approved under the Education Access Plan (EAP), alternative arrangements may be permitted in accordance with ANU guidelines.

Weight of Assessment: 

This assessment contributes 25 % to the overall course grade.

Marking criteria:

Assessment will be based on two components:

The written report (80%) will be assessed on the quality of analysis, including the ability to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the social enterprise model, assess ethical and governance considerations, and examine the credibility and limitations of social impact. Clarity of writing, structure, and appropriate use of references will also be considered.

The in-seminar Q&A (20%) will take place during the seminar on 21 October 2026, following the report submission. Each group will respond to questions about their report, including its analysis, sources, and conclusions. The Q&A is assessed at the group level, but the lecturer may direct questions to individual members. This allows the depth of the group's understanding to be tested and helps confirm that the contribution has been shared across the group. Where the group's responses demonstrate a weak or superficial understanding of the report's content, analysis, or sources, the overall mark for this Q&A will be reduced accordingly.

The detailed marking rubric will be provided on Canvas at least two weeks before the assessment is due and will also be discussed in the seminar.

Assessment Task 4

Examination (Individual - 35%)

This is a time-limited, in-person examination. The assessment evaluates students’ understanding, application, and critical analysis of social enterprise concepts covered in the course.

The examination consists of two essay-based questions that require students to draw on relevant theories, concepts, and examples to develop clear, well-reasoned responses. Questions are designed to assess students’ ability to explain key ideas, apply models to real-world contexts, and critically evaluate the effectiveness, challenges, and impact of social enterprises.

Assessment Type: Individual

Examination Structure: Two compulsory essay questions

Examination Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)

Examination Conditions: In-person, on-campus examination, time-limited (responses must be completed within the examination period).

Further details can be found in the official Examination Timetable, and for what to expect on the examination, see Examination Conduct.

Return of assessment/ feedback:  

As the final assessment, results will be released on Canvas together with the publication of final grades. Due to the nature of the exam, feedback will be returned in the form of marks.

Weight of Assessment: 

This assessment contributes 35% to the overall course grade.

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 when submitting any written assessment. Please retain a copy of your submission for your records. Unless an exemption is approved by the Associate Dean (Education), all submissions must be made through Canvas.

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

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that do not require in-seminar participation, 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.

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.

Requests for Assessment Adjustment (Assessment Extension and Extenuating Circumstances Application) should be submitted via ANUHub.

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.

Returning Assignments

All assignments will be marked, and where appropriate, feedback will be provided either in the weekly seminar, in person by appointment with the course lecturer, or via the Canvas site.

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.

Resubmission of Assignments

Unless specified otherwise in the assignment requirements, resubmission are permitted up until the due date and time, but not allowed afterwards.

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