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 responsibilityModule 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 sustainabilityModule 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 communicationsModule 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
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
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