2021/22 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5051M Business, Environment and Sustainability

15 creditsClass Size: 170

Module manager: Dr Sally Russell
Email: S.Russell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides a conceptual foundation for exploring the role of business in tackling the challenges of sustainability. However 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. We therefore place a strong emphasis in the module on examining the real experiences of business and also the stakeholders with which they interact, drawing on contemporary case studies in the literature and also the experience of the teaching staff. Examples are explored from a variety of conceptual perspectives to promote critical reflection on the potential and also 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 on the VLE.

Objectives

By the end of the module you will be better able to:
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.

Syllabus

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

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	6	2.00	12.00
Seminar	5	2.00	10.00
Private study hours			128.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Lecture and seminar preparation: 50 hours
VLE activities and assignment: 38 hours
Essay preparation: 40 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Seminar contributions, VLE postings, formative feedback on essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	3 Blog Posts	15.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		15.00

100% Time limited exam

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1)	2 hr	85.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		85.00

100% Time limited exam

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/06/2021 16:25:49

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