Module BUSI4S5D2: Sustainability and Ethics (Online)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4S5D2: Sustainability and Ethics (Online)

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To contribute to the overall aims of the programme by developing students' understanding of the impact of sustainability and ethical issues on organisations.
• To explore the concept of global sustainability as it relates to business and other organisations.
• To consider the role and purpose of business and other organisations in relation to other actors in society.
• To review current trends in Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Risk Management and Compliance, and Governance.
• To develop links with the Business School's research strategy by incorporating current research into corporate social responsibility.

Content

• Global ecological and social sustainability and the impact on and responsibilities of organisations
• The role and purpose of business and other organisations
• Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Stakeholder theory and alternative approaches to business ethics
• Governance

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students should be able to:
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of: the parameters for global ecological and social sustainability; Stakeholder Theory and its relation to Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance.

• By the end of the module students should:
• Be competent in accessing and assimilating literatures of an advanced nature in global ecology, sustainability, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder theory and governance, and relating them to practice.
• Critically evaluate the requirements of global ecological and social sustainability on business and other organisations
• Critically evaluate the role and purpose of business and other organisations in relation to other actors in society
• Critically evaluate trends in Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Risk Management and Compliance, and Corporate Governance

• The ability to communicate effectively: communicating complex ideas orally and in writing;
• The ability to think critically and creatively and to argue coherently.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype). 
• The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University