Introductory description

The most pressing challenge we face collectively today is what the United Nations has termed the "triple planetary crisis" - climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. To combat these inter-related issues, there has been a growing emphasis on new theoretical and practical approaches to our current processes of production and consumption. These new pathways to sustainability often require a re-imagining of business-as-usual and questioning our assumptions of what is valuable.

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.

This is only an illustrative syllabus that outlines key themes as topics are likely to change in this field
Principles of Sustainability
Definitions and conceptualizations; contextualize role of key stakeholders and evolution of the sustainability movement
Cornerstone Issues and Debates
Locus of innovation, economic growth and the environment, the role of business, corporate responsbility; purposive leadership; stakeholder v shareholder governance; Net-Zero; emissions and carbon metrics
Technology and Innovation
Innovation and systems change perspectives, sustainability transitions, circular economy, design thinking approaches, business model innovations, digitial technology, 'deep' technology

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of key topics in the area of sustainability
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of innovation and technology in sustainability
• Develop analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate a complex, fast-moving topic
• Develop ability to engage in self-directed learning and independent thinking

Indicative reading list

Dresner, S. (2012). The principles of sustainability. Routledge.
Hollensbe, E., Wookey, C., Hickey, L., George, G., & Nichols, C. V. (2014). Organizations with purpose. Academy of Management Journal, 57(5), 1227-1234.
Sætra, H. S. (2023). Technology and Sustainable Development: The Promise and Pitfalls of Techno-Solutionism (p. 287). Taylor & Francis.
Schumacher, E. F. (2011). Small is beautiful: A study of economics as if people mattered. Random House.

Subject specific skills

Analyse the role and impact of innovation and technology in organisations

Transferable skills

Demonstrate ability to think independently and critically about issues
Written communicate