University of Technology Sydney

22580 Data Ethics and Governance

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Accounting
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject focuses on the regulation and ethics of data practices. Students gain a deeper appreciation of the moral and ethical foundations of data practices and apply them to topics such as ethics and regulations of data collection activities, accountability, discrimination and the biases inherent in data analytics. Students also learn about the importance of data governance. On completion, students have the skills and frameworks to make ethical and sustainable decisions related to data practices.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. Apply ethical theories and frameworks in the context of data
2. Evaluate the impact of ethical data practices on society, the environment, and organisations
3. Critically assess the data protection laws, regulations and data governance in Australia
4. Evaluate issues related to handling and governance of Indigenous data

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attribute(s):

  • Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Social responsibility and cultural awareness

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject covers contemporary challenges in data ethics and provides hands-on applications of best practices in data governance.

Classes are interactive and are used to impart important theoretical and practical concepts. You will work through real cases and assessed on knowledge application to contemporary challenges faced by organisations.

Feedback is provided regularly in several different formats: discussions of questions and problems with peers, feedback from the lecturer/tutor on ideas presented and results/feedback of assessment tasks and automated feedback through learning activities on the UTS LMS (Canvas). This feedback is provided timely throughout the session.

Pre-class work:
You are required to read and analyse weekly cases and other related materials made available on UTS LMS (Canvas) before attending the class.

In-class:
In the class, you will complete questions individually and as a group on different concepts and ethical problems. You will enhance your understanding and learning experience by engaging with the solution of the problems in small groups and presenting your ideas to peers in class. You are encouraged to become active engaged learners and you need to understand both fundamental concepts, best practices and regulatory requirements to deliver solutions.

Content (topics)

  • Data protection laws and regulations in Australia
  • Data ethics, moral responsibility, and balancing innovation and ethics
  • Data governance matters
  • Indigenous data sovereignty

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Tutorial problems (35% Individual and 30% Group)*

Intent:

Leading class discussion (Individual)*: 35%
Written report (Group): 30%
Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3 and 4

Weight: 65%
Length:

Leading class discussion: 60 minutes per group.
Written report: Weekly report submission (approximately 500 words per report).
Criteria: Leading class discussion (Individual)*
  • Quality of presentation material and clarity of verbal communication.
  • Ability to apply ethical framework, data protection laws and relevant regulations across different contexts.
  • Ability to evaluate data governance issues and their impact on society, environment and organisations.
Written report (Group)
  • Accurate application of theoretical concepts and regulations.
  • Detailed and clear use of evidence to support the discussion.
  • Comprehensiveness of analysis.
  • Depth of evaluation of the handling of Indigenous data in the cases.
  • Clarity of communication and the presentation quality in the submission.
You will receive feedback within the tutorial and on Canvas.

*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 2: Final Exam (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3 and 4

Weight: 35%
Length:

Two hours

Criteria: This assessment will be graded on the following criteria:
  • Application of data ethics and governance theories and regulations.
  • Depth of critical analysis.
  • Synthesis in concluding judgements and recommendations and level of detail and clarity of the answers.
  • Evaluation of data ethics and governance issues and impacts.
  • Depth of evaluation of the handling of Indigenous data in the cases.

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

* DAMA International, DAMA-DMBOK: Data Management Body of Knowledge (2nd Edition) July 2017.

* Martin, K., (2022) Ethics of data and analytics: concepts and cases. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group ,1st Edition

* Excerpts from news articles, videos, case studies and academic articles will be provided on UTS LMS (Canvas) and in lecture material.

References

N/A