Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2025-2026

Module BUSI4BJ15: Global Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4BJ15: Global Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2025/2026 Module Cap None.
Tied to N2PD09

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • The Global Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Sustainability module will strive to equip students with up-to-date knowledge on contemporary environmental issues such as resource depletion, carbon footprint, and the roles of a diverse range of stakeholders in driving changes and addressing the issues. This module provides an overview of the contemporary economic, legislative, and political challenges in combating environmental issues and minimising the environmental footprint of businesses.

Content

  • The lectures and practical classes within this module will be organised around the following themes/topics:
  • Sustainable leadership and CSR.
  • Sustainable development goals (SDGs).
  • Corporate transparency and accountability.
  • Triple bottom line: people, planet, profit.
  • Environmental sustainability reporting and global business performance.
  • Multiple stakeholder engagement.
  • Sustainability impact assessment.
  • Circular economy.
  • Climate change and business.
  • Responsible decision making.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have:
  • Demonstrate greater awareness of environmental issues pertaining to global businesses.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sustainable leadership and sustainable development.
  • Demonstrate understanding of stakeholder engagement in sustainability initiatives.
  • Analyse and evaluate social responsibility of businesses.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have:
  • Develop expertise on climate change and the carbon footprint of businesses.
  • Develop business analytical skills.
  • Develop critical thinking and analytical skills for businesses.
Key Skills:
  • Develop environmental sustainability problem-solving skills.
  • Communicate effectively cross-cultures using appropriate technical language.

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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, seminars and guided reading.
  • The assessment of the module, by written assignment, is designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to apply it to the analysis of specific issues.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Weekly 2 hours 20
Seminars 4 Fortnightly 1 hour 4
Preparation and Reading 1 126
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Report 2500 words (maximum) 100%

Formative Assessment:

Group in-class presentation during Seminar #3. Focus on contemporary environmental sustainability issues.


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