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Sustainable Business Challenges

Module description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of fundamental factors that are influencing the future of business. You will have the opportunity to explore complex sustainability issues and acquire knowledge about innovative methods of management that foster responsible environmental practices and societal influence. Students will examine innovative ideas and emerging patterns that connect sustainability with efficient business strategies.

The curriculum incorporates authentic case studies, promoting the development of analytical reasoning and the ability to solve complex problems. You will connect with professionals from the industry, take part in collaborative projects, and cultivate an advanced awareness of the intricate relationship between business and sustainability. By collaborating with industry professionals, you will gain valuable networking opportunities and acquire insights into the current trends and challenges in the business and sustainability sector.

This module encompasses not only theoretical knowledge but also focuses on equipping you with the essential skills needed to excel in the future. It places particular emphasis on the significance of critical thinking and decision-making abilities. By acquiring expertise in concepts that are progressively essential for global companies, you will obtain a clear advantage in your postgraduate career.

No prior knowledge skills or experience required to take this module. No pre-requisite and co-requisite modules needed. The module is suitable for business specialist and non-specialist students.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The purpose of this module is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex connection between business practices and the sustainability of the environment, society, and economy - it is designed to offer students a thorough understanding of various subjects, including current worldwide issues, upcoming patterns, and inventive approaches in the sustainable business field.

The module is specifically designed to serve as a connection between theoretical knowledge acquired in academia and its practical application in real-world scenarios, thereby establishing a direct link between the learning experience and potential employment prospects in the future. The primary focus is to involve students in learning experiences that are enriched with research, motivating them to investigate and make valuable contributions to the developing domain of sustainable business. Through the exploration of practical situations, students acquire not only theoretical knowledge but also cultivate practical aptitude, problem-solving proficiency, and a deeper sense of ethical considerations.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. evaluate developments in contemporary business and management thinking from an historical and global perspective
• 2. develop an understanding of the interconnectedness of management processes and functions
• 3. develop academic arguments around key issues in the global sustainable development and sustainable business debate
• 4. assess the role of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the design of sustainable management solutions

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. explore and research emerging innovations in management approaches associated with ethics, sustainability, values and purpose from around the world
• 6. demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between business, society and the environment and think holistically about implementing transformative change

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. share ideas and experiences from different disciplines/places/cultures/generations without prejudice and preconception
• 8. demonstrate high levels of critical thinking and research skills while drawing upon a range of data sources from both academic and applied contexts
• 9. work collaboratively on group work activities, demonstrating team working skills and respecting differing global perspectives

Syllabus plan

Some of the indicative topics covered:

• Introduction to Management as a concept, discipline and historical perspective, the different approaches to management around the world
• The interconnected nature of management processes and functions
• Contemporary approaches to management – latest perspectives such as ‘purpose’, ‘values’, ethics and sustainability and how these might differ around the world 
• Management Decision Making, Strategy and Marketing 
• Intelligence and data management – Business Analytics and how they drive decision making 
• Disruptive changes in the Digital Economy
• Future trends and foresight studies for International Management
• The role of entrepreneurship and competition
• Nature of technological change: radical vs. instrumental
• The role of business ethics in designing and implementing new management strategies, which are fundamental to a sustainable future for all.  

Guest speakers drawn from across   sectors such as   health, public services provision, transport, tech, fashion, future trends analysis and tourism  

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Students will be re-assessed in the form of assessment which they failed only. 

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Griffin, R. W. (2022). Fundamentals of management. Cengage Learning, Inc..
• Robbins S P, De Cenzo D A and Coulter M ( 2016) Fundamentals of Management – Management Myths Debunked, 10th Edition, Pearson, London 
• Kopnina, H. & Bliwett J (2018) Sustainable Business, Issues, London, Routledge
• Velasquez, M. G. (2018). Business ethics: Concepts and cases. Pearson.
• Visser, W., & Tolhurst, N. (Eds.). (2017). The world guide to CSR: A country-by-country analysis of corporate sustainability and responsibility. Routledge

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• A range of materials will be posted to the ELE page for the module – links to websites/news stories and other sources of interest to managers studying strategy and marketing.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

• Recommended Journals: International Journal of Forecasting; Journal of Long Range Planning; Strategic Direction; Journal of Business Ethics; Natural Resources Forum: A United Nations Sustainable Development Journal;

Key words search

sustainability; CSR; business ethics; sustainable future; management: management strategy; planning; operations management; future trends