Module manager: Professor Sally Russell
Email: SOEE5052@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is not approved as an Elective
This module provides a conceptual foundation for exploring the role of business in tackling the challenges of sustainability. Whilst theory can provide insights into what business should do, it is less useful in assessing the challenges associated with the responsibilities of business in the context of sustainability. This module therefore emphasises examining the real experiences of business and the stakeholders with which they interact. The module draws on contemporary case studies in the literature and also the experience of the teaching staff and guest speakers. Examples are explored from a variety of conceptual perspectives to promote critical reflection on the opportunities and limitations of business contributions to the challenges of sustainability. Students are encouraged to debate issues and draw on their own experience through discussion, writing, presentations and in-class activities and reflective writing online.
This module provides a conceptual foundation for exploring the role of business in tackling the challenges of sustainability. Whilst theory can provide insights into what business should do, it is less useful in assessing the challenges associated with the responsibilities of business in the context of sustainability. This module therefore emphasises examining the real experiences of business and the stakeholders with which they interact. The module draws on contemporary case studies in the literature and also the experience of the teaching staff and guest speakers. Examples are explored from a variety of conceptual perspectives to promote critical reflection on the opportunities and limitations of business contributions to the challenges of sustainability. Students are encouraged to debate issues and draw on their own experience through discussion, writing, presentations and in-class activities and reflective writing online.
1. review sustainability issues as they affect business from a theoretically informed perspective
2. evaluate the policy context and pressures facing companies to address environmental and sustainable development issues
3. develop and critically analyse case studies of responsible business practice at the micro and macro level
4. reflect, debate and communicate the complex relationship between sustainability and business
Challenges facing business in the context of sustainability
- Theories of responsible business
- Sustainable business models
- Drivers for responsible business and the role of government
- Making the business case for corporate sustainability
- Organisational change for corporate sustainability
- Case studies of responsible business practice
- Issues relating to current responsible business practice
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Practical | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Private study hours | 259 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Feedback provided on 300 word blog post assessments including peer-review feedback.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | 4 x 300 word blog posts | 0 |
| Report | Field trip report | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
Please note that this is a 'Reflective blog', not a 'reflective log'.
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 3.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 07/10/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team