Managing for Sustainability

Code

BUSI4563

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

Sustainable companies are those that are managed in socially, economically, and ecologically responsible ways. Today's managers are expected to understand the impact of management decisions and practices on the environment and society. This module considers how sustainability principles are applied in organisations, and how to manage for sustainability. Through use of multiple learning approaches, the module enables students to practically interact with real businesses to address some sustainability challenges faced by the organisation. The module introduces the students to frameworks and theories use to critically assess sustainability, and to integrate sustainability into the business strategy. The module enables students to develop an understanding of the practical dilemmas facing businesses as they seek to respond to multiple, and often, conflicting stakeholder's expectations. Students will be expected to analyse a sustainability business challenge and deliver a presentation and report addressing this challenge.

Target Students

Available for MSc International Business OR MSc Management OR MSc International Tourism Management and Marketing OR MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management OR MSc Civil Engineering and Management OR Non-Business School PGT students. Also available to MSc Exchange students.

Classes

• One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

This module is taught through a series of lectures.

Assessment

• 50% Coursework: 1,500 words. Reassessment details: Coursework (2,500 words).
• 50% Groupwork: 15 minutes. Reassessment details: Coursework (2,500 words).

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding. This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:

•    The management of the supply chain
•    The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.
•    The management of resources
•    The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.

Intellectual skills. This module develops:

•    Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
•    Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

Professional practical skills. This module develops:

•    Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management
•    Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring
•    The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices

Transferable (key) skills. This module develops:

•    Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
•    Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations

Conveners

• Dr Lara Bianchi