Registration ends 07.4.2026 at 23:59 h

You will register automatically for this course if you register for one of the following courses:
Concepts and tools of sustainability management (Stefan Schaltegger)

http://www.leuphana.de/institute/csm.html

Sustainability means many different things to different people yet in spite of differing definitions it is enjoying a continuous growth in popularity. In the past 15+ years many Multi National Corporation’s (MNC’s) have embraced the concept to various levels of complexity. Unilever, BASF, Siemens, to name but a few have all been acknowledged as leaders in the field. Their CEO’s are visionaries in the pursuit of sustainable outcomes and in the process have set targets and ambitions not traditionally associated with a profit seeking enterprise. Others such as Volkswagen, BP, BHS and some pharmaceutical companies have not faired so well in light of scandals destroying their reputation..

In this course we will examine the environmental and social origins of what we now call Corporate Sustainability. We will begin by gaining insight into the (social) scientific foundation for the world’s most pressing problems. Utilizing examples from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and other sources, we will critically evaluate how sustainability can create growth opportunities whilst generating value for society at large.

Throughout the course we will explore what makes a leader a sustainability leader and reflect upon these ideas in each session. Students can expect to engage in role-play, gaming and simulations throughout the course as well as self-reflection.

The course will cover the following themes

• The origins of sustainable development and the role of business.
In this theme we will look at the history of the modern corporation, the roles of businesses and duties of directors and corporate governance in different jurisdictions. Moving forward we will then explore the relationship with classical economics of the firm and social responsibility. The trends in natural and social science that have given rise to the Sustainable Development agenda (MDG’s SDG’s) etc. and the business case for engagement is undertaken. The WBCSD’s Vision 2050 ambition and Action 2020 strategy will serve as a case and will introduce you to the updated Vision 2050 just launched in March 2021.

• Business Response to the SD agenda.
Through the use of case studies, report reviews and other sources students will critically examine the range of activities MNC’s have and are currently engaged in, in the pursuit of creating sustainable outcomes to address climate change, social and environmental impacts.

• Supporting Business Engagement
Many tools, frameworks and standards have been developed to support businesses. In this theme we will critically examine a selection of tools that support decision making and strategy such as the Natural Capital Protocol, the Social Capital Protocol, Life Cycle Analysis, Reporting – The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Integrated Reporting (IR), The Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

• Sustainability Leadership
What makes a leader a sustainability leader? This theme will use activities to help students examine their leadership style and though simulations, gaming and group activities allow students to challenge assumptions, try new ideas and techniques and develop new skills.

Intended learning outcomes – [subject specific]
• Gain an understanding of the scientific underpinnings of sustainability
• The capacity to reflect on and develop insights into the opportunities and challenges businesses face when pursing sustainable outcomes
• The ability to recognize the characteristics and traits of a sustainability leader and how to nurture them
• Develop the ability to critically evaluate sustainable performance in multinational corporations
• A reflective, critical and practical approach to the courses themes

Intended learning outcomes [general – skills]
• Ability to be reflective and think critically.
• Understanding of the complexities of the role of business when navigating the Sustainable Development Agenda
• Ability to use data and literature to form opinions on company strategy, sustainability performance.
• The ability to critically evaluate sustainability reports and business communication on their commitments to the SD agenda.

Further information on teaching evaluation: https://www.leuphana.de/en/teaching/quality-management/evaluation/course-evaluation.html