Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student
- understands the role of economic, social and environmental responsibility as an integrated part of the corporate strategy and everyday business
- is able to evaluate and analyze environmental and social performance of companies
- is able to determine different standards, certificates and labels concerning CSR and their role in company communication
- is familiar with the basic idea of environmental management and knows how to use it in strategic decision making

Implementation and methods of teaching

Responsible business (corporate responsibility, sustainability in business) is a very wide and complex concept. This course is a basic level course that aims at helping students understand the interrelated connections between the UN Sustainable Development Goals, stakeholder requirements and business life both in theory and in practice. The contents include also topics related to sustainability communication and reporting, circular economy, as well as inspiring examples of existing companies/new business models/innovative approaches.

The course can be completed completely online. The materials consist of online teaching materials and individual assignments.

Timing and attendance

September 18 - December 10 2023 online. Students can proceed individually.

Learning material and recommended literature

All learning materials will partly be provided by the teacher via Moodle, partly collected and/or created by the students.

Alternative completion methods

Must be agreed with the tutoring teacher in advance.

Working life cooperation

The learning materials and assignments are based on real life examples.

Learning environment

The course can be completed individually and completely online.

Student time use and work load

The course can be completed individually. The Moodle page will be open 18 Sept. - 10 Dec. 2023. All assignments and tasks must be uploaded/completed by Dec. 10.

Contents

After completing this course the student:
- understands the complexity and interconnectedness of CSR both in theory and in practice
- is able to critically analyze and evaluate information in relation to corporate responsibility and sustainable development
- is able to implement ethical, social and environmental aspects into the company strategic decision-making and into practice
- can discuss and argue own viewpoints related to CSR decisions on a professional level

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course can be completed by students of all faculties. Basic business knowledge is helpful but not necessary.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Required assignments are not delivered, they are inadequate, or they are not delivered during the course implementation.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student
- shows ability to describe ethical and environmental performance of companies and organisations
- shows ability to critical thinking related to CSR and sustainable development
- participates in discussions on given topics
- is able to deliver the given assignments on time

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student
- shows ability to evaluate ethical and environmental performance of companies and organisations
- discusses the given topics and gives independent and critical arguments
- gives concrete, relevant and realistic recommendations for companies to improve their environmental or social performance
- shows ability to find implementation possibilities concerning CSR and/or sustainable development in own work/life

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student
- shows ability to critically analyze ethical and environmental performance of companies and organisations
- understands the aims, possibilities and challenges of circular economy or social enterprises
- discusses the given topics on a professional level
- can validate his arguments coherently
- gives concrete, realistic and innovative recommendations for companies to improve their environmental or social performance
- shows ability to implement issues concerning CSR and/or sustainable development in own work/life