Introduction
CANCELLED AUTUMN 2020. RESIT EXAMINATION ONLY.
Addressing sustainable management and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a requirement in today's business. Civil society, media and governments increasingly expect that companies should look beyond short-term profit toward a broader goal of long-term sustainable value creation. The launch of UN Sustainable Development Goals also calls for a broader business agenda. Still, the approach applied by many companies is not capturing the potential good for business and society.
The risk of sustainability and CSR failures is well-illustrated through many CSR-related scandals. The purpose of CSR engagement, however, is not only to reduce risk. Addressed, CSR and sustainability appropriately provide opportunities to improve day-to-day business, develop a competitive advantage, and improve reputation and brand. Sustainability and CSR are strong drivers of profitable innovation which will be a key element in this course.
The course addresses how to approach CSR and sustainability in day-to-day business – and align these considerations with overall business strategy. Issues addressed are: climate and environment, human rights, ethics, sustainability, corruption, supplier relations, community involvement, relevant international laws and regulations, interaction with stakeholders like government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and media, social responsible investment (SRI), as well as reputation and branding. Innovation, circular economy, implementation and communication related to CSR will be addressed in the course.
- This course and GRA 6841 Energy in Green Transition: Markets, Policies and Business Innovation can be taken individually or be combined.