Not specific skills are required.
Sustainability is commonly defined as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Report, 1987). It is characterized by three overarching concerns: maintaining ecological and environmental health; creating economic welfare; and ensuring social justice.
The course on Sustainable Business introduces students to the principles, practices, management and reporting techniques for sustainability. It is focused on the role that business could play to advance sustainable development considering the importance to integrate social, economic and environmental aspects in management and performance measurements.
The course is designed to enable students to develop knowledge and skills on sustainability and sustainable management considering business tools for implementing, measuring and reporting sustainability. The course moves from the belief that a dedicated learning process towards sustainability is the first step for having sustainable managers of tomorrow.
Upon successful module completion, students will acquire the following skills:
- Understand sustainability as a multidimensional and multilevel concept and be able to evaluate the role of the companies and single individuals in achieving a more sustainable society
- Ability to evaluate complex challenges that sustainability brings from different perspectives
- Ability to apply management and reporting tools to address sustainability challenges.
The course is organized in three main parts and covers the following topics and concepts:
Part I - Introducing Sustainability and Sustainable Development
Introduction to the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development and to the UN Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Part 2 – Business Models for sustainability
Introduction to sustainable business strategy and sustainable business models for sustainability (e.g., innovative and circular economy)
Part 3 – Managerial and accounting tools for sustainability
Introduction to managerial and accountings tools for implementing, measuring, controlling and reporting environmental and social issues in business (e.g. environmental and social certifications, balance score card for sustainability, sustainability reporting, etc.)
All the key concepts, tools and techniques and their application will be explained and illustrated in traditional lectures and seminars. The learning process will be enhanced by presentation and discussion of case studies also supported (if and when possible) by group interaction.
Lectures will be integrated with seminars led by entrepreneurs and experts in the field.
Students could be required to engage with directed study reading before the module begins to support the lectures’ and seminars’ content. Students could be asked to prepare and discuss on specific case studies.
The course is assessed by a written exam, which will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects explained during the course. In particular, the exam consists of open ended and/or essay-type questions.
Each student has to achieve a mark of 18/30 or above to pass in the exam.
Clearness, synthesis, consistency and critical judgment will be given particular merit.
Results will be communicated to students through the formal university platforms (like ESSE3).
More information will be provided during the course.
Course handouts and teaching materials will be available on the elearning platform (Moodle space).
We strongly suggest you to subscribe to receive all and updated information about the course.
Changes with respect to what stated in the syllabus could be introduced if the course will be taught online or partly online.