Introductory description

This module introduces students to debates about the role of business and the private sector in promoting sustainable development. The module will approach these issues from a transdisciplinary and critical perspective, drawing from interdisciplinary work and from disciplines including Political Science, International Relations, Geography, Sociology, Law, History, Anthropology, Economics, and Management and Organization Studies.

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.

Topics to be covered in this module may include (but are not limited to): Neoliberalism and the restructuring of the public/private boundary (e.g. privatization, contracting-out, public-private partnerships) ; The changing role of trans/multinational corporations (e.g. foreign investment, global supply chains and sustainability); Private finance and sustainable development (e.g. mechanisms for 'green' and 'blue' finance, ethical investment and 'ESG' investing, Islamic finance); business ethics (e.g. corporate social responsibility; ethical consumption and fair trade); business and politics (e.g. lobbying, business power, private authority and private governance); sustainable business practices (e.g. social enterprise, circular economy)

Learning outcomes

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

• Understand and critically engage with key debates about the role of business in achieving sustainability.
• Assess and apply different theories, concepts, and methods of analysis relevant to the role of business in achieving sustainability.
• Produce critical analysis of relevant case studies related to business and sustainability, informed by independent research.
• Demonstrate advanced writing and oral communication skills.

Indicative reading list

Readings will consist of advanced texts, primarily research monographs and journal articles, dealing primarily with the critical analysis of business and sustainability. They would draw from a number of relevant disciplines including Political Science, International Relations, Geography, Sociology, Law, History, Anthropology, Economics, and Management and Organization Studies. These should engage students in a diverse range of critical perspectives.

Research element

Healey & Jenkins (2009) propose that Research-led-teaching design should consider four discrete opportunities. This module has been designed to include these opportunities.

1. Research-led learning, where the module syllabus is developed from current research in relevant fields, being based on contemporary and seminal, peer reviewed and other high quality research literature.

As such, all knowledge for student engagement will be consciously and specifically chosen for its merits in reference to broader academic understanding. This will initially include engagements with foundational, interdisciplinary literature on business and sustainable development at local, national, and global levels.

1. Research-tutored learning, where students engage actively in discussing high quality, contemporary and seminal research literature.

This module will provide students with the opportunity to discuss and critically engage with the above literatures, as it is primarily taught in a participatory, seminar format. Students will also engage in depth with a selected issue in these literatures in writing the take-home exam and presentation.

1. Research-orientated learning, where students are actively taught methodological understanding and skills for the independent creation of new knowledge.

Students will be introduced to key methodological and conceptual debates by virtue of engaging with the above literatures.

1. Research-based learning, where student use developing methodological skills to create original knowledge of their own.
   This module will provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply the above skills, particularly in the case study analysis.

Interdisciplinary

Positive global transformations are widely recognised to require transdisciplinary approaches. This module has been designed according to our signature problem-based, response focused pedagogy, and as such will draw on a transdisciplinary knowledge in the design and delivery of learning opportunities.

(Authentic) assessment will require students to demonstrate transdisciplinary aptitude. In particular, students will need to be able to synthesize, critique, and apply knowledge about business and sustainable development, drawing from interdisciplinary work and from disciplines including Political Science, International Relations, Geography, Sociology, Law, History, Anthropology, and Business Studies.

International

This is a module on the Master’s in Global Sustainable Development which offers a transdisciplinary and international learning experience allowing students to achieve breadth and depth of knowledge.

Subject specific skills

• Understanding of role of business in sustainable development, including relevant considerations of business organization, social and political context
• Understanding of key debates and controversies around the role of business and private sector actors in sustainable development
• Ability to critically analyse relevant cases and engage in key debates about business and sustainable development

Transferable skills

Critical analysis
Written communication
Oral communication
Research skills