Business Ethics and Sustainability
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BUSI3189 | Nottingham University Business School China | 3 | 20 | Full year China |
- Code
- BUSI3189
- School
- Nottingham University Business School China
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Full year China
Summary
This module explores the (inter)relationships between business, society and the environment through the theories and practices of business ethics and sustainability (BE & S).
Students will be introduced to different ethical frameworks that can be used to understand a business’ responsibilities to a broad range of stakeholders; ranging from investors and customers, to employees, communities and ecosystems.
The module equips students with the capacity to describe and address specific situations that enable and/or constrain ethical and sustainable decision-making in businesses. Ultimately, the module develops students’ ‘moral imagination’ – to become responsible managers of the future- in light of competing stakeholder expectations, situational factors, and broader challenges of sustainability.
Re-assessment format is decided by the school.
Target Students
NUBS students
Classes
- One 2-hour workshop each week for 3 weeks
- One 1-hour-30-minute seminar each week for 3 weeks
- One 1-hour-30-minute lecture each week for 17 weeks
Assessment
- 35% Coursework 1: 2500 words group coursework
- 15% Presentation: 12 mins group presentation
- 50% Exam 1 (2-hour): 2-hour exam (Semester 1)
Assessed in both autumn & spring semest
Educational Aims
To introduce students to the theories and practices of business ethics and sustainability in national and global contexts. To elucidate theoretical and practical connections between business ethics and sustainability.To sensitize students to the network of stakeholders who affect, and are affected by, business practices. To elucidate how specific business contexts shape and constrain responsible management decision-making therein.To explore a range of topical social, environmental and ethical issues and analyse the role of business within these.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- The dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk
- The management of the supply chain
- The comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools
- The development of appropriate policies and strategies within a changing environment to meet stakeholder interests
- The use of risk management techniques and business continuity planning to help maximise achievement of strategic objectives on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.
- The need for individuals and organisations to manage responsibly and sustainably and behave ethically in relation to social, cultural, economic and environmental issues
- The design, development of organisations, including cross-cultural issues, change, diversity and values
Intellectual skills
- The ability to analyse facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions
- The ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making
- Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation
Professional practical skills
- Self-analysis and awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development.
- People management, to include communications, team building, leadership and motivating others
- The ability to apply business models to business problems and phenomena.
Transferable (key) skills
- Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media
- An awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation and their use in generating business contacts
- Self-management and a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time
- Ability to work with people from a range of cultures
- Articulating and effectively explaining information
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
Conveners
- Prof Hao Tan
Last updated 09/01/2025.