Compulsory prerequisites required (Propedeuticità) are published on the web site: https://lt-ea.unibg.it/it/node/122
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 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.
It introduces students to the principles, practices, management and reporting techniques for sustainability, therefore it contributes to expand the knowledge of the complexity of the business administration.
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 designed to enable students to develop knowledge and skills on sustainability and sustainable management considering business tools for implementing, measuring and reporting sustainability.
It 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 its main challenges. A specific focus will be deserved to the UN Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Part 2 – Business Models for sustainability
Introduction to sustainable business strategies 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 lectures and seminars contents.
Students could be asked to prepare and discuss on specific case studies.
The course is assessed by means of a written exam, which will focus on the theoretical and practical aspects. In particular, the exam consists of open ended and/or essay-type questions.
The exam aims to value the achievement of learning objectives referred to sustainable business topics. In particular, questions are formulated to value the study, the capability of understanding and critical thinking of students on these topics. Clearness, synthesis, consistency and critical judgment will be given particular merit.
Each answer will be graded with a score from 0 to 30 and the final grade will be the average of the grades.
Each student needs to achieve a mark of 18/30 or above. Any mark below 18 will be considered as a ‘fail’ and students will be required to retake the exam.
Results will be communicated to students through the formal platform ESSE2 or other formal University tool.
Course handouts and teaching materials will be available on the elearning platform (Moodle space).
We strongly suggest you to subscribe to Moodle page to receive all and updated information about the course.
In case of provisions of the competent authority on containment and management of epidemiological emergency, the teaching may be subject to changes from what is declared in the syllabus in order to make the course and examinations in line with the regulations.