Introductory description

N/A.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

An indicative syllabus is based on the following sessions and topics:

• Economic growth vs. sustainable development.
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Wicked problems and global mega-challenges.
• Strategic implementation of the UN SDGs.
• The circular economy.
• Corporate climate change strategies.
• Strategic thinking and planning – skills and tools.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Purpose-driven business.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the importance and impact of socioeconomic and ecological factors on the global business environment of the 21st century.
• Understand the nature and significance of global megatrends, wicked problems, grand challenges and the 'Anthropocene' for business.
• Practical engagement with the Agenda 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals as an international framework for action.
• Application of strategic tools and frameworks to analyse and implement sustainability challenges in business.
• Work effectively in teams and build interpersonal relations.
• Demonstrate project management, teamwork and leadership skills.
• Demonstrate written and oral skills for business presentation and communication.
• Demonstrate skills of creativity and curiosity.
• Manage time and prioritise work
• Demonstrate argumentation skills.
• Practice critical thinking and informed judgement.

Indicative reading list

As this is a fast-evolving subject there is no core text. A Talis Reading List has been created which includes a wide range of reports, datasets, books and articles on the key themes and issues of relevance to this module. The following texts are indicative recommendations only and may be subject to change:

• Business & Sustainable Development Commission (2017). Better Business - Better World. The report of the Business & Sustainable Development Commission. January 2017. http://report.businesscommission.org/
• Sustainable Development Solutions Network, 2019: https://s3.amazonaws.com/sustainabledevelopment.report/2019/2019_sustainable_development_report.pdf
• UN Global Compact & Accenture, 2019: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/news/4481-09-24-2019
• Macondo Foundation 2019: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/62803620/aliging-profit-with-purpose-global-goalsyearbook-2019-

Lecture slides also include a variety of references and links for further reading. Readings include a wide range of reports and assessments provided by consultancies, government agencies, think tanks, and other sources. These are further complemented by topical news articles and other media reports posted live on the module forum page.

Interdisciplinary

The module is designed to provide the students with an understanding of relationships between the different disciplinary areas within business & management, particularly strategic thinking. It also invites to the students to make connections with other disciplinary areas covered in their main study programme. It provides the students with a critical understanding of dominant traditions and methodologies associated with the main phenomena covered in the module and enables the students to transcend disciplinary boundaries. The interdisciplinary course cohort provides contact opportunities and learning to see from different perspectives is a core aspect of the learning experience.

International

The module draws on cases from different contexts, including different geopolitical areas, professional environments and linguistic contexts. The content and assessment invite the students to reflect on the societal relevance in different environments of the phenomena covered in the module. The assessment involves students working in groups with academic and ideally non-academic stakeholders which (will) allow for a global and local outlook to be built into the module’s work. The international and diverse course cohort provides contact opportunities and learning to see from different perspectives is a core aspect of the learning experience.

Subject specific skills

Carry out desk research, analyse and integrate information.
Combine and compare interdisciplinary knowledge.
Develop strategic thinking skills.
Be aware of and accept responsibility for the importance and impact of global ecological and social factors shaping the business environment of the 21st century.

Transferable skills

Strategic thinking - appreciate the difference between strategic thinking and strategy implementation.
Work effectively with others in group tasks and in teams.
Plan and manage time in projects.
Develop strong analytical skills.
Find, evaluate and use previous research at a level appropriate for an intermediate year module.
Use a range of tools and resources effectively in the preparation of course work.
Use appropriate analytic methods to analyse research data on corporate sustainability.
Read academic papers effectively in the context of an intensive programme.
Communicate clearly and effectively in discussions.
Communicate ideas effectively in writing.