ENS2159 Unit Plan
Unit code: ENS2159
Unit title: Engineering Innovation and Ethics
Introduction
Welcome to Engineering Innovation and Ethics. We hope that you find this unit both
informative and enjoyable. This unit has two distinct parts: innovation in organisations and
ethics in professional engineering.
Innovation
The study of innovation is aimed at providing students with a better understanding of the
importance of innovation in organisations, innovation as a process, management of
innovations, and technological and non-technological factors as drivers in innovation. It
deals with the role of engineering professionals in technological innovations and aims to
extend their knowledge beyond the engineering/technical aspects of innovation. The
innovation module introduces innovation sequence, from idea generation through research
and development, adaptation and implementation, engineering plant and factory
considerations to the end point of getting the product or service to the market.
Entrepreneurial skills, negotiating skills and communication skills are stressed.
Ethics
The ethics module introduces the professional responsibilities related to ethics, industrial
relations, occupational safety and health, and concern for the community and the
environment. Apart from basic theoretical aspects of ethics, the module examines several
cases that highlight personal values, organisational values and conflicts.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Analyse industry practice as it relates to Indigenous Australian community
engagement.
2. Apply effective teamwork skills to collaboratively plan, research, and communicate
outcomes of an engineering study.
3. Comment on national engineering priorities and policies which encourage
innovation.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics required by the profession.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety
procedures.
6. Discuss basic principles of industrial relations and the legal frame work.
7. Discuss environmental issues, sustainability and the role of an engineer in protection
of the environment.
8. Evaluate industry practice around sustainability and environmental protection.
9. Explain the importance of intellectual property provisions for engineers.
10. Explain the nature and importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for
engineers.Teaching and learning approach
Lectures and seminars/presentations
Lecturer/tutor information
Name: Dr Mehrdad Raisi
Email: [email protected]
Office: 5.218
Unit Coordinator
Name: Dr Alexander Rassau
Contact details: [email protected]
Office: 23.202
Text
Beer, D., & McMurrey, D. (2009). A Guide to Writing as an Engineer (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ:
John Wiley
Study schedule
This schedule provides a guideline on the topics covered and activities required each week.
It is subject to change due to any unforeseen circumstance that may arise during the
semester.
Wk
Ethics and
Innovation
Topic/s
Literacy
Skills Topic/s Reading Tutorial Assignment due
1 Introduction to
Innovation,
Creation and
Entrepreneursh
ip
Introduction Why Innovate?
Women entrepreneurs
world firsts
Intro and
Group
formation
2 Innovation
Diffusion,
Adoption and
Implementation
Referencing Australian Innovation
system- executive summary
and introduction
Practice
presentations
on innovation
cycle
3 Technology
Transfer
Writing
Structure
Changing
Commercialisation
Strategies in Australia
Mckinseyinnovation_commersialisati
on
Practice
presentations
on innovation
cycle
L1 – Draft A1
report
introduction
and outline
Due (Monday
13 March
11.59 PM)
4 Introduction to
Intellectual
Property
Presentation
Skills
Manage your IP Practice
presentations
on innovation
cycle5 Management
of Innovation
and the Role of
Leadership
Teamwork
and
Freewriting
Transform your business A2
Presentations
A1 Report
Due (Sunday
26th March
11.59 PM)
6 Introduction to
Ethics
Paraphrasing
and
Summarising
Thinking ethically
Ethics and virtue
A2
Presentations
L2 – Draft A2
report
introduction
and outline
Due (Tuesday
11 April 11.59
PM)
7 Ethics and
Engineers
Australia
Editing and
Style
Code of ethics A2
Presentations
8 Professional
Responsibility
Poster
Presentations
A2
Presentations
A2 Report
Due (Sunday
23rd April
11.59 PM)
9 Occupational
Safety and
Health
Reflective
Writing
Poster
Presentations
10 Standards Conclusion to
Literacy Skills
Standards mean business Poster
presentations
A3–Reflective
Writing
Evaluation
Due (Thursday
11 May 11.59
PM)
11 Sustainability Role of Engineers in
climate crisis
CSIRO- sustainability and
innovation
Poster
presentations
12 Review Prosperity without growthexecutive summary
Poster
Presentations
A4 Report
Due (Sunday
21st
May 11.59
PM)
Literacy Skills
The writing tutorial component of this unit will be run like a writing workshop that supports
your written reports. It is a place to work on drafts, as well as develop your drafting skills.For those who have covered aspects of literacy skills in the first year unit ENS1154, you may
use each module in this course as a reference point, rather than complete the activities. You
are still required to complete assignments. All other students are encouraged to do the
activities in each module.
Why is this academic literacy component important to your engineering degree?
1. It will allow you to take accountability for the ongoing development of your language
skills
2. You'll get the chance to interact in small groups in writing, which will help you to stay
engaged in your group projects, and help you to get pieces of it finished on time.
3. It will encourage you to work on the following skills, which are required not only at
university, but also in the workplace:
a. Writing clearly with cohesion and flow
b. Writing efficiently in groups
c. Communicating effectively in cross-cultural environments
d. Critically analysing information
e. Editing and revising reports and presentations
f. Using evidence effectively, including quotations and paraphrases
g. Summarising accurately
h. Researching technical topics
4. Writing tutors will give you language-level guidance, which isn't always available.
5. We acknowledge that some academic literacy skills are a bit dry, and their necessity
is not readily apparent to all; therefore, learning them in an authentic way must
happen through practice (so instead of only telling you the rules for a good
paragraph, you'll get the chance to practice writing one).
6. Past student assessments have demonstrated that acquisition of these skills is not
happening at the levels expected by industry.
7. Many engineering units ask you to submit group reports, which leaves room for
some students to slip through without developing their own individual skills—this
format enables individual writing to be seen and commented on as well.
Assessment information - Ongoing Blackboard participation
Marking criteria
• Addressing all discussion questions and directions.
• Communicating ideas clearly.
• Interacting with peers respectfully by posting required feedback on time.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analysis.
• English language proficiency, including grammar and mechanics.
Please note that the Literacy Skills assignments are only marked for literacy skills not
technical skills.Assignment Instructions
Literacy Assignment 1 (L1) – this is an individual assignment
Submission information
An electronic copy of the assignment must be submitted via Turnitin. Please do not email
your assignments.
Format: Typed draft worth 10%
Assignment instructions
Provide a draft introduction for the Assignment 1 report (see below) and a draft outline of
the remainder of the report. The introduction must be properly structured with full
sentences. The outline may use bullet points.
Marking criteria
INTRODUCTION /6
• A well-structured draft introduction of your A1 assignment– refer to notes in
the Literacy Skills Week 3 folder (2)
• Clear arguments and ideas addressing the topic (2)
• Clear and concise writing free from typographical and grammatical errors (2)
OUTLINE /4
• An outline showing clear headings for each section with a brief overview of each
section (2)
• At least one reference using APA 6th edition referencing – the reference should
be cited in-text (in the introduction or outline) and end-text – (2)
It should also include:
• The ECU assignment cover sheet.
• Work typed on A4 size paper with 1.5 line spacing
Assignment 1 (A1) – this is an individual assignment
Submission information
An electronic copy of the assignment must prepared and submitted via Cadmus (details of
this tool will be provided during the lectures). Please do not email your assignments.
Weighting: 20%
Assignment instructions
This assignment is an Individual assignment on Engineering Ethics, which consists of a
written report. You are required to research your chosen topic (a list of topics to choose
from will be accessible via Blackboard) highlighting aspects of particular impact andassessing their relevance to engineers. You should also express your own opinion and
thoughts. You will deliver this in the form of a written report.
Marking criteria
ASSIGNMENT LAYOUT & RESEARCH /5
• Report of an industry standard, being clear and concise and free from typographical
and grammatical errors
• Sections integrate well demonstrating good flow and coordination of ideas
• Correct application of APA referencing standard throughout the report
• Effective use of related research
CONTENT – KEY CRITERIA /15
• Highlighted ethical aspects and assessment of their relevance to engineers
• Analysis and evaluation of ethical issues and expression of your own opinions and
thoughts where applicable
• The arguments are logically developed; well-structured and supported
• Thoughtful introduction and conclusion
• An executive summary of no more than one page, setting the scene, highlighting the
major findings from your report and offering possible recommendations.
• Challenges faced in producing the required information and how you have overcome
them
• Lessons learnt and your recommendations
• Indicate the competencies you believe you may have demonstrated and to what
extent (refer to Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies Document)
Model assignment available via blackboard
Learning outcomes
Completing this assessment item will help you achieve the following learning outcome/s:
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics required by the profession.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of occupational health and safety
procedures.
• Discuss basic principles of industrial relations and the legal frame work.
• Discuss environmental issues, sustainability and the role of an engineer in protection
of the environment.
• Evaluate industry practice around sustainability and environmental protection.
Literacy Assignment 2 (L2) – this is a group assignment
Submission information
An electronic copy of the assignment must prepared and submitted via Turnitin. Please do
not email your assignments.
Format: Typed draft worth 10%Assignment instructions
Each group member is to contribute a paragraph introducing the section of the Assignment
2 report (see below) they are responsible for. Each group member’s name needs to be
clearly shown directly above their section. The group also needs to include a draft outline of
the remainder of the report. Each paragraph must be properly structured with full
sentences. The outline may use bullet points.
Marking criteria
SECTION PARAGRAPHS /6
• Each group member needs to submit a well-structured paragraph introducing
the section of the A2 assignment they are responsible for (2)
• Clear arguments and ideas addressing the topic (2)
• Clear and concise writing free from typographical and grammatical errors (2)
OUTLINE /4
• An outline showing clear headings for each section with a brief overview of each
section (2)
• At least one reference using APA 6th edition referencing – the reference should
be cited in-text (in the paragraphs or outline) and end-text – (2)
It should also include:
• The ECU assignment cover sheet.
• The names and student numbers of all group members
• Work typed on A4 size paper with 1.5 line spacing
Assignment 2 (A2) – this is a group assignment
Submission information
An electronic copy of your report must be submitted via Turnitin.
Please do not email your assignments.
Format: Typed report worth 20% and oral presentation worth 5%
Preparation
Nominate an innovative company with a focus in the field of engineering. Make a careful
selection of your company to ensure that it matches your interest and it effectively
illustrates innovation. Prepare a selected set of references and review them to provide a
suitable knowledge base before your visit. Approach the company with a suitable
background having developed a good understanding of its achievements, its sense of
direction and its current activities. You will also need to prepare a set of interview questions
and organise yourself to keep a record of your contacts with the company.
Try to arrange several visits to the company before the interview session(s) i.e. you should
be reasonably familiar with the company profile. Annual reports and other companybrochures would help. Assemble the questions you intend to use at interviews and order
these in a logical sequence. Be ready to use supplementary questions.
Assignment instructions
This assignment is a group assignment on Engineering Innovations, which consists of two
components: a written report and an oral presentation.
The purpose of this assignment is to enable you to establish close contact with an
engineering company; to encourage you to explore various sub-processes of innovation and
to emphasise our increasing dependence on international initiatives as contributors to
developments in engineering.
Prepare a written report on each on the following aspects of innovation (start each section
on a new page):
Profile the recent innovative achievements of the company. (Up to 3 pages)
Explore in detail one engineering innovation credited to the company, or adopted and
implemented by the company that is an innovative process or an innovative product. (Up to
3 pages)
Identify any aspects of diffusion and entrepreneurship associated with the innovation,
emphasising as appropriate the international perspective. (1 page)
Explore the organisation’s cross-cultural (in particular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander)
engagement policies where they exist and their possible impacts on their approach to being
innovative. If the company does not have such policies, make recommendations as to what
policies may be appropriate for them to consider adopting.
Show how an engineer with senior status functions as an innovator in the company
environment. (1 page)
Comment on circumstances that hindered and/or facilitated innovation in the company. (1
page)
Prepare a diagrammatic model summarising the innovation process adopted by the
company in relation to one engineering innovation.
Attach an executive summary of no more than one page, setting the scene, highlighting the
major points from your report and offering recommendations for future innovative action
you might take as an engineer employed by the company.
Also include in your written report:
A list of references covering your background reading
Attach as appendices (1) your letter to the company seeking co-operation, (2) a brief letter
of thanks to company management following the conclusion of your assignment, (3) a
selection of materials describing the company (if available), and (4) the questions you
prepared for your interview(s) with company engineer(s).
The ECU assignment cover sheet
The names and student numbers of all group members and a clear indication of their
contribution to the report (important note: this is a mandatory requirement and reports
that do not include these contribution estimates will not receive any marks, note also that
mark scaling may occur if large contribution discrepancies are indicated).Challenges faced in producing the required information and how you have overcome them
including your recommendations and lessons learnt.
Your written report should be of sufficient quality to present to company management. The
emphasis is placed on the quality of the contents, not quantity. Ensure that your report is
clear and concise and that it is free from typographical and grammatical errors.
ORAL PRESENTATION
You will be given 15 minutes to deliver your oral presentation in class which includes
questions from the audience. It is mandatory for each member of the team to present a
separate section. It is expected that you attend your colleagues' presentations and
participate in their Q&A.
Marking criteria
ASSIGNMENT LAYOUT & RESEARCH /5
• Report of an industry standard, being clear and concise and free from typographical
and grammatical errors
• Work typed on A4 size paper with 1.5 line spacing
• Sections integrate well demonstrating good teamwork and coordination
• Correct application of APA referencing standard throughout the report
• Effective use of related research
CONTENT – KEY CRITERIA /15
• A profile of recent innovative achievements of the company (Up to 3 pages)
• A detailed exploration of one engineering innovation credited to the company or
adopted and implemented by the company, that is an innovative process or an
innovative product (Up to 3 pages)
• Identification of any aspects of diffusion and entrepreneurship associated with the
innovation, emphasising as appropriate the international perspective (1 page)
• Reference to organisation’s cross-cultural (including indigenous) awareness policies
where they exist and their possible impacts on their approach to being innovative.
• Demonstrate how an engineer with senior status functions as an innovator in the
company environment (1 page)
• Identify and comment on circumstances that hindered and/or facilitated innovation
in the company (1 page)
• The use of a diagrammatic model summarising the innovation process adopted by
the company in relation to one engineering innovation
• An executive summary of no more than one page, setting the scene, highlighting the
major findings from your report and offering recommendations for future
innovative action you might take as an engineer employed by the company.
• The following items should be included as the appendices:
1. Your letter to the company seeking co-operation,
2. A brief letter of gratitude to company management following the conclusion of
your assignment
3. A selection of materials describing the company (if available), and
4. The questions you prepared for your interview(s) with company engineer(s).• Challenges faced in producing the required information and how you overcame them
including your recommendations and lessons learnt.
Indicate the competencies you believe you may have demonstrated and to what
extent (refer to Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies Document)
Model assignment available via blackboard
Marking criteria for Oral presentation /5
Do the speakers appear confident and enthusiastic?
Organisation of presentation. Is it well structured?
Content. Do the speakers demonstrate enough research?
Conclusions. Are the conclusions meaningful/non-trivial?
Question time. Do the speakers demonstrate understanding of the topic?
Overall effectiveness, ability to engage audience
Learning outcomes
Completing this assessment item will help you achieve the following learning outcome/s:
• Analyse industry practice as it relates to Indigenous Australian community
engagement.
• Apply effective teamwork skills to collaboratively plan, research, and communicate
outcomes of an engineering study.
• Comment on national engineering priorities and policies which encourage
innovation.
• Explain the importance of intellectual property provisions for engineers.
Literacy Assignment 3 – this is an individual assignment
Submission information
An electronic copy of the assignment must be submitted via Turnitin. Please do not email
your assignments.
Format: Typed reflective writing evaluation worth 10%
Assignment instructions
Write a 1200-word reflective evaluation investigating the history of the treatment of
Indigenous Australians over the last century. How do you think this history should impact
upon the ethical practice of engineering? How would this influence you in communicating
with Aboriginal communities and representatives as an engineer?
Students can refer to the materials in Module 9 under the Literacy Skills tab in Blackboard
and supplement this with their own research.
This offers an opportunity for critical self-review and performance evaluation against
appropriate criteria as a primary means of tracking personal development needs and
achievements. This is consistent with the Engineers Australia’s Stage 1 Competency
Standard for Professional Engineers.Marking criteria
REFLECTIVE WRITING CONSTRUCTION /6
• A well-structured reflective evaluation piece with clear sentences and
paragraphs linked to support each other
• Clearly expressed opinions and arguments
• Logical and concise writing free from typographical and grammatical errors
• Two references using APA 6th edition referencing – the references should be
cited in-text and end-text
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS /4
• Extensive evidence and personal responses to key issues relating to Indigenous
perspectives
It should also include:
• The ECU assignment cover sheet.
• Work typed on A4 size paper with 1.5 line spacing
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
ECU is implementing a raft of procedures and supports to assist all students to develop
and demonstrate appropriate standards of English language proficiency. As part of the
process ECU is seeking to ensure that each student receives feedback on ELP on all written
assessments showing performance against ECU ELP standards.
The ECU ELP Measure shows your written ELP against the ECU standards. The ECU
minimum standard for written ELP which all students should demonstrate by graduation is
moderate proficiency (at least) in both the areas of Sentence Structure and Word Use.
Undergraduate students in their second year are expected to be able demonstrate
moderate proficiency in at least one of these areas.
The feedback you will receive for this assignment will indicate your demonstrated level of
written ELP in any assessment. You will also receive information describing the various
supports and resources you can access should you need to further develop your ELP.
Assignment 4 – this is a group assignment
Submission information
An electronic copy of your report must be submitted via Turnitin and an electronic version
of your poster must be posted as an item of evidence in the GradCap workbook on your
ePortfolio in Pebblepad.
Please do not email your assignments.
Format: Written report worth 20% and poster presentation worth 5%Preparation
1. This assignment is a group assignment on the theme of innovation for sustainability,
which consists of a poster presentation and a report.
2. You are required to research into your chosen innovation. It is important that you
highlight aspects of particular impact and assess the relevance to engineers. You will
deliver this in the form of a poster presentation and also submit an associated report.
Your report and poster presentation should explore the origins of the innovation and
why/how it is innovative. The impact of this innovation on the society, including any
environmental impacts and/or other ethical issues created and how these have been
managed. Particular attention should also be given to the theme of sustainability and
how this innovation addresses this issue.
POSTER PRESENTATION: You will need to prepare and present your findings on an A1 size
poster, which will be placed in the classroom. Students will then move from one poster to
another and read the information provided as well as ask questions from the presenter. It is
mandatory for each member of the team to present a separate section. It is expected that
you attend your colleagues’ presentations and participate in their Q&A. To receive a mark
for this component of assessment, you will also need to upload an electronic version of your
poster as an item of evidence against the “2.4 f) Demonstrates commitment to sustainable
engineering practices and the achievement of sustainable outcomes in all facets of
engineering project work.” Engineers Australia professional competency in the GradCap
Workbook on your PebblePad ePortfolio and write a short statement justifying your claim
against this competency.
Report marking criteria
ASSIGNMENT LAYOUT & RESEARCH /5
• Report of an industry standard, being clear, concise and free from typographical
and grammatical errors
• Work typed on A4 size paper with 1.5 line spacing
• Sections integrate well demonstrating good teamwork and coordination
• Effective use of related research
CONTENT – KEY CRITERIA /15
An executive summary of no more than one page, setting the scene, highlighting the
major findings from your report and offering recommendations.
Indication of how/why your chosen option is innovative
Clear indication of sustainability issues (social, economic and environmental) being
addressed.
Identify how the sustainability issues apply and provide assessment of their relevance to
engineers.Clear indication of any ethical issues which may relate and how they have been addressed
Analyse/evaluate the relevant issues and express your own opinions and thoughts
Challenges faced in producing the required information and how you overcame them
including your recommendations and lessons learnt.
Indicate the competencies you believe you may have demonstrated and to what extent
(refer to Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies Document)
Model poster available via blackboard
Learning outcomes
Completing this assessment item will help you achieve the following learning outcome/s:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethics required by the profession.
2. Discuss environmental issues, sustainability and the role of an engineer in protection
of the environment.
3. Evaluate industry practice around sustainability and environmental protection.
4. Explain the nature and importance of innovation and entrepreneurship for
engineers.
Additional Submission Information
With the exception of the Assignment 1 report that will be completed and submitted in the
Cadmus system, all reports must include the ECU assignment cover sheet and importantly
for group submissions the names and student numbers of all group members.
Please note that for group submissions a contribution table clearing indicating the
percentage contribution of each team member must be included in the report. It is the
responsibility of each team member to inspect and approve the final report before
submission, this includes the contents of the contribution table. Your submission will not
be assessed without this table. Note that marks scaling may occur if significant inequality
in contribution is identified in the table.
Marks will be deducted for any incorrect aspects of referencing or deviation from the
required format for the assignments.
All written unit assessments, excluding those completed under supervised conditions,
may, at the Unit Coordinator’s discretion, be extended to require an oral examination to
clarify and support the written submission. The oral examination will normally be held in
person with the Unit Coordinator but may be conducted by telephone or other means at
the Unit Coordinator’s discretion. The oral examination will be conducted as soon as
possible after the assessment but may be deferred if the student is unable to attend and
can provide supporting evidence. The oral examination will be able to override the
original assessment of the written submission. Failure to attend for an oral examination,
if requested, will result in a mark of 0 for the assessment.Your feedback
Please note that your feedback is greatly appreciated and utilised to improve how this unit
is offered every semester. We look forward to your direct engagement and valuable
comments to ensure continuous improvement.
Some examples of improvements that have been made since this unit was last run based on
student feedback:
• Improvements in the clarity and format of the unit plan
• Streamlining in format of lecture content
Academic Misconduct
Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are
substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules.
Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
• plagiarism;
• unauthorised collaboration;
• cheating in examinations;
• theft of other students’ work;
Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not
been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.
The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be
accessed through the ECU website.