Principle 3
Finalists , Judges and Organisers meet on Zoom for 2021 SDG Challenge
SDG Challenge for First Year Business Students – The Business School ’ s
Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG ) Challenge first ran in 2020 as a collaboration between staff , students and industry partners . The SDG Challenge engages new business undergraduate students in a case competition where they learn about the SDGs by exploring the role of business in solving real world problems and contributing to sustainable communities . While participation is voluntary , the numbers registering in both years illustrate students are enthusiastic for the experience . In its first year , 150 students registered and formed 30 teams ; in 2021 31 teams competed .
Business School staff members , Dr Natalie Oh and Dr Louise Fitzgerald , partnered together with
Global Consulting Group ( GCG ) to develop and host the competition . GCG is a charity run by and for students to provide pro-bono consulting services to other charities and not-for-profits . Industry partners , including Deloitte , PWC , Google , BIS Oxford Economics and International Universities Alliances , attend and judge the four finalist teams ’ presentations .
In the first year of the Challenge , students were tasked with advising how the Australian Government could further their commitment to SDGs 11 & 13 , Sustainable Cities and Communities and Climate Action . Teams were asked for guidelines on how governments , in partnership with business , could develop resilient and sustainable communities in a future shaped by climate-induced crises . In 2021 , the case focussed on SDG 1 , No Poverty , and required teams to advise government departments on addressing poverty through affirmative programs . The Challenge has gained recognition by being formally integrated into students ’ study programs . Both staff and students are committed to the Challenge becoming an annual event .
Inter-Varsity Tech Literacy Series : WaiMasterclass – In partnership with
Women in AI , Dr
Natalie Oh from the School of Banking & Finance is academic lead of this series . The aim is to empower female business students with technology skills and networks to initiate their careers within an industry that continuously experiences disruptive innovation . In 2021 , it is presented as a series of five workshops over the course of six months , ultimately concluding with a Grand Challenge . At the conclusion of the Grand Challenge , the winning team will have the opportunity to intern at Insurance Australia Group ( IAG ).
35