MNGT-C1007 - The New Sustainability in Business, Online teaching, 1.1.2025-31.7.2025

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, the student is able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of how companies impact the environment and society
2. Name several different examples of sustainable business models
3. Apply concrete tools for generating sustainable business innovations
4. Identify how sustainability can be integrated into different business operations: strategy, supply chain management, accounting as well as marketing and communication
5. Reflect on change management skills and feel motivated and capable of taking action on sustainability challenges.

Credits: 2

Schedule: 01.01.2025 - 31.07.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Paula Schönach

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The world around is largely shaped by business, for better or worse. This course is a hands-on open online course that explains how businesses can create sustainable value not only for the economy, but also for the environment and society. The course is especially designed for students interested in themes like corporate social responsibility, sustainable value creation and leading change towards sustainability. The course contains 4 modules and 13 engaging lessons that are completed in a self-paced manner on the course platform.

    Module 1 Introduction to sustainable business
    Lesson 1.1 How businesses shape the world
    Lesson 1.2 From overconsumption to sustainability - change in the role of business
    Lesson 1.3 More impactful corporate responsibility

    Module 2 Business models for sustainability
    Lesson 2.1 Types of sustainable business models
    Lesson 2.2 Value creation in sustainable businesses
    Lesson 2.3 Innovation strategies and tools for sustainability

    Module 3 Business functions and related sustainability tools
    Lesson 3.1 Strategy
    Lesson 3.2 Supply chains
    Lesson 3.3 Accounting
    Lesson 3.4 Marketing and communications

    Module 4 Transformation toward sustainability
    Lesson 4.1 Sustainability leadership
    Lesson 4.2 Future trends
    Lesson 4.3 Summary of the course

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    1. Completing self-directed lessons on the course platform

    2. Quizzes

    3. Open-ended questions

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Online course core content 16 h
    Additional readings 24 h
    Quizzes 12 h
    Open-ended questions 2 h

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Content on the course platform, external materials linked to the course platform.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language: English

    Teaching Period: 2024-2025 Autumn I - Summer
    2025-2026 Autumn I - Summer

Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof