Sustainable Business - an ecological perspective, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Business and Economics Programme - International - English
• Business and Economics Programme - International - French
• Business and Economics Programme
• Business and Economics Programme - International - Spanish
• Business and Economics Programme - International - German

Entry requirements

General entry requirements for undergraduate studies
and
Social Studies, English, and Mathematics corresponding to the level of Swedish upper secondary education (Samhällskunskap 1b or 1a1 and 1a2, Engelska 6 and Matematik 3b/3c or Matematik C)
and
at least 60 ECTS credits passed from the programme, or equivalent

Intended learning outcomes

After having successfully completed this course, the student should be able to

• identify, explain and apply key concepts of ecological sustainability, natural resource management and environmental problematiques
• analyse correlations between ecological sustainability and sustainable business from a management perspective
• identify patterns and problems with business and sustainability, develop plausible explanations, suggest possible solutions, and reflect upon the outcomes of actions taken
• critically analyse and integrate knowledge gained through reading, discussions and cases, and express it orally and in writing

Course content

Sustainable development is a growing concern for businesses all over the globe. Resource use in production and impacts on ecological sustainability constitute challenges, but also opportunities, for private business. In order to integrate efficient resource management thinking in corporate strategy and realize potentials in clean-tech solutions, managers need a basic knowledge of the field of natural resource management, ecological sustainability and how these correlate to green business models, corporate brands and CSR work. In this course we will hence use the inter-disciplinary field of environmental science as a stepping stone to explore ecological challenges and potentials for private business.

Teaching and working methods

The course is designed to encourage active participation and the students are involved in various forms of interactive learning situations. The basic learning pillars are

• Interactive literature seminars, complemented by individual reading to lay a theoretical foundation, introduce the students to the research areas, and provide a basis for discussion
• Workshops where the students will discuss and apply what they have learned during project work, literature seminars and reading, in order to practice their ability to analyse situations and present reasonable and relevant solutions to ecological challenges for sustainable business
• Paper-writing based on seminars, readings, cases and team discussions

Examination

The course will be examined through a number of exercises that are spread out over the duration of the course.

• Project work
• Active participation
• Individual written examination

A larger portion of the points will be acquired through the final case and the individual preparation of casework.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department