2022/23 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5052M Business, Environment and Sustainability
30 creditsClass Size: 175
Module manager: Rory Padfield
Email: R.W.Padfield@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Jan (adv yr), Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2022/23
Module replaces
SOEE5281M & SOEE5051M.This will not affect the new intake of students for 2022/23. Part-time students returning will need individual conversations with their programme managers to avoid repetition of learning content in the new SOEE5052M.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. 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.Objectives
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.Learning outcomes
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 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 10 | 1.50 | 15.00 |
| Practical | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1.50 | 15.00 |
| Private study hours | 259.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 41.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Feedback provided on 300 word blog post assessments in weeks 2,4,7,9; including peer-review feedback.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Report | Field trip report | 30.00 |
| Reflective log | 4 x 300 word blog posts | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Please note that this is a 'Reflective blog', not a 'reflective log'.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Open Book exam | 2 hr 00 mins | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 11/01/2023
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD