Module manager: Dr Jo Cutter
Email: j.cutter @leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
The module responds to students' desire to develop knowledge and skills in relation to the formulation of policy and practice to combat climate change and ensure economic, social and environmental sustainability. The module also examines how climate change and environmental crises are shaped by and shape business and organisation policy and practice. The first part examines the nature of the climate challenge and the anticipated risks for businesses and organisations and then explores the national and international policy initiatives currently focused on addressing the issue. It examines the conceptual frameworks that shape the ways in which different social actors are engaged in these debates. The second part of the module focuses on businesses and organisations. It examines key questions of how business models are challenged and changing to address climate change and the implications for organisational change, work and employment of new "green" business models and strategies. We will work using a range of case studies from different sectors. The module also considers the significance of consumers and worker voice in these new business contexts. Finally, the module returns to the question of policy and justice in the inevitable industrial transitions that are taking place as a result of moving to a low-carbon economy. The module involves a mixture of activities, real world projects and case studies, group discussions and individual research that encourage students to critically appreciate the strategic challenges that management in contemporary organisations are facing with regard to addressing climate change and equip students with the skills and knowledge required of leaders in a complex, unpredictable and fast-changing business environment. There will the chance for students to participate in co-curricula activity, such as sustainability challenge competition undertaken in collaboration with external partners.
This module examines business and organisation policy and practice are changing in response to the climate change and environmental crises. Governments, businesses and global institutions are (to varying degrees) preparing to decarbonise economic activity. How climate targets will be achieved are questions critical to our students who, once graduated, will have the responsibility within or to advise large and small businesses around the globe on how to make systems of production and work fit for a sustainable green economy.
This module will equip students with knowledge and skills to help in the rethinking and creation of new sustainable production and management systems, from everyday management practices in the workplace, through to policy on transport, logistics and energy consumption, to questions of regulation and social protections, technological innovation and the reuse of natural resources that will shape the new economic and social institutions that climate adaptation and mitigation require.
The primary objectives of the module are equip students with the knowledge and skills:
1. To understand the extent and nature of current and projected effects of climate change on businesses and work.
2. To build awareness of key current climate policy and the relationship with wider political economy.
3. To critically reflect on ways that climate effects are shaped by different societal actors and interests.
4. To understand approaches to the evaluation of policy and practice likely to enhance the impact on climate targets.
5. Critically engage with practical examples of climate initiatives undertaken by management and workers in different contexts (e.g. waste management; energy efficiency; changes in working time; mobility and transport)
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the key principles and developments relating to climate policy governance and sustainable business practice.
2. Flexibly and creatively apply this knowledge to current business challenges
3. Engage in critical reflection of the ethical debates on climate change and sustainability policy and practice.
4. Critically engage with current issues in research and scholarship in the field of sustainable business and employment.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate:
1. Critical thinking skills
2. Academic writing skills
3. Teamwork skills
4. Presentation skills
5. Systems thinking skills needed to understand complex climate actions
The module will be taught through a mix of interactive lectures and seminars covering an introduction and overview of climate change and climate change policy at the regional, national and supra-national level; the framing of analysis of climate policy including concepts of green economy, de-growth and post-growth. The module will then focus upon business and organisational challenges within this wider context, exploring new business models and organisational change for sustainability, the implications for work and the voice of workers and consumers in shaping change. The module will conclude with considering the business and policy practices related to organisational and industrial change including the negotiation between different social actors.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Seminars | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided to the students during the interactive lectures and seminars. Lectures will include segments of Q&A on the content of lectures notes and readings. Seminars will include groups of students working on case study analysis, group work and class presentations, time will be allocated at the end of seminars for tutor feedback on student contributions and presentations. Activities will include In class quizzes, feedback on short presentations of group work both in class and via use of module Padlet. Students will also be provided with a study aid tool that encourages them to reflect on their weekly learning.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 2,500 word case report | 70 |
| Coursework | Group Poster | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The resit for this module will be 100% by 3,000 word coursework.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 01/05/2025
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