Foundations and cases in sustainable business

BMAN75051 Foundations and cases in sustainable business 15 Semester 1 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Anna Krull Unit coordinator Alliance Manchester Business School 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 This unit introduces students to sustainability and social responsibility in contemporary business. Using real-world case studies, it explores how organisations can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and navigate the tensions and challenges of sustainability in organisations. Students will learn core concepts, frameworks, and tools used to analyse sustainable and unsustainable business practices, and will apply these to assess and develop responsible strategies. Through a mix of lectures, seminars, and interactive activities, students will develop the skills needed to evaluate sustainability initiatives, communicate insights effectively, and engage critically with diverse perspectives in the field. This unit introduces students to sustainability and social responsibility in contemporary business. Using real-world case studies, it explores how organisations can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals and navigate the tensions and challenges of sustainability in organisations. Students will learn core concepts, frameworks, and tools used to analyse sustainable and unsustainable business practices, and will apply these to assess and develop responsible strategies. Through a mix of lectures, seminars, and interactive activities, students will develop the skills needed to evaluate sustainability initiatives, communicate insights effectively, and engage critically with diverse perspectives in the field. The unit aims to:Enable students to understand, analyse, and discuss the role of business in progressing the SDGs;Provide tools and concepts for identifying and critically analysing (un)sustainable business practices;Utilise real-life case studies as a platform to critically engage with (un)sustainable business practices and to develop recommendations;Provide opportunities to identify and work through / with tensions, challenges, and different perspectives on sustainable business. Appraise the characteristics of sustainable and socially responsible organisations.Critically evaluate sustainable and unsustainable business practices applying relevant principles and evidence. Assess how sustainable business practices contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Discuss solutions for unsustainable businesses to meet sustainability challenges Develop or enhance professional business communication skills to communicate sustainable business solutionsIdentify, and utilise credible sources for sustainability-related analysis Collaborate effectively within a diverse team to enhance collective problem-solvingCommunicate analysis and recommendations on sustainable business to professional audiences Introduction - Business and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Foundational Principles of Sustainable BusinessCorporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder EngagementBuilding the Business Case for SustainabilityBusiness Strategies for SustainabilityCross-Sector Partnerships and CollaborationsSustainable InnovationSustainability reporting and certification The unit is delivered through weekly sessions including a 1.5 hour lecture and a 1.5 hour seminar. The lectures introduce foundational material while seminar activities include discussions, debates, practical exercises, and presentations. Wider research around the lecture content is expected and additional background material including videos, websites, reports, and newspaper articles will be provided. Formative feedback will be given during lectures, seminars, and an online discussion board. The course is supported by a dedicated Canvas site and uses an online discussion board to encourage knowledge exchange. 0 Other 100% Group Assessment 40%Individual Assessment 60% Written feedback online within 15 working days of submissions deadline MSc Sustainable Business N Alphabetically and non-exhaustive:Carroll, A. B. (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility: Perspectives on the CSR Construct’s Development and Future. Business & Society, 60(6), 1258–1278.Dyllick, T., & Muff, K. (2016). Clarifying the Meaning of Sustainable Business: Introducing a Typology From Business-as-Usual to True Business Sustainability. Organization & Environment, 29(2), 156–174.Hahn, T., Pinkse, J., Preuss, L., & Figge, F. (2015). Tensions in corporate sustainability: Towards an integrative framework. Journal of Business Ethics, 127(2), 297–316. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2047-5">https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2047-5</a>Scheyvens, R., Banks, G., Hughes, E. (2016). The private sector and the SDGs: The need to move beyond ‘business as usual.’ Sustainable Development, 24, 371–382.Stibbe, D.T., Reid, S., & Gilbert, J. (2019). Maximising the Impact of Partnerships for the SDGs. Oxford: The Partnering Initiative and UN DESA.Van Tulder, R., Seitanidi, M.M., Crane, A., & Brammer, S. (2016). Enhancing the impact of cross-sector partnerships: Four impact loops for channeling partnership studies. Journal of Business Ethics, 135, 1–17.van der Waal, J. W. H., & Thijssens, T. (2020). Corporate involvement in Sustainable Development Goals: Exploring the territory. Journal of Cleaner Production, 252, 119625.Chapters from book: Van Tulder, R., & Van Mil, E. (2023). Principles of sustainable business: Frameworks for corporate action on the SDGs. Routledge.Key journals include: Business & Society; Business Strategy & the Environment; Journal of Cleaner Production; and Journal of Business Ethics.Case studies are sourced from external providers and / or might be developed by the course coordinator or guest speakers. Lectures 15 Seminars 15 0 120