This module explores business situations, activities and decisions where issues of right and wrong are addressed. Its main emphasis is on the topics of corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability and business ethics, which are currently very prominent in the contemporary business environment and are important to business theory and practice. The module considers the key theoretical and practical aspects of managing CSR and sustainable development (SD). You will develop their understanding of the crucial issues of CSR and sustainability which help determine and frame the goals of business activities from an ethical perspective. Tutorial exercises, lectures, guest speakers, case studies and videos will be used to support the learning process.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module will be organised through lectures, tutorials and independent scheduled exercises. Students will be required to work in study groups for class discussions around cases. They will have access to a Canvas site and linked websites which back up the core text. A variety of published material will be used to structure and support this work. Students will be expected to make full use of the internet and case studies to analyse company policy on CSR and SD. Students will be encouraged to undertake a wider search for materials and insights into particular company and organisational policy.
Due to the experiential nature of the learning on this degree, and the importance of professional development enabling students to develop practical skills, learn from and interact with others, attendance is compulsory. Any students not attending a minimum of 80% of their timetabled sessions will be at risk of academic failure or termination from the course.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures, tutorials and independent scheduled exercises | 66 |
| Guided independent study | 234 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
This module will be assessed through one group assignment worth 20% of the module marks and an individual assignment, worth 80%.
The individual assignment will involve critical analysis of corporate social responsibility and sustainable development policies and practices. Student will apply their knowledge to business scenarios and carry out an in-depth analysis and review of CSR/SD concepts and policies with reference to business practice
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) Identify and differentiate between CSR, SD and business ethics | Group assignment Individual assignment |
| 2) Describe the development of CSR and SD policies and practices at international, national and local levels | Group assignment Individual assignment |
| 3) Identify and evaluate CSR, SD and ethical practices within specific business functions (eg finance, marketing, HRM, operations) | Individual assignment |
| 4) Critically evaluate the role of corporate stakeholders in initiating CSR and SD practices globally and locally | Group assignment Individual assignment |
| 5) Produce recommendations for strategic CSR or SD management decisions which relate to contemporary business practice | Individual assignment |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Group assignment | Coursework 1 | 20% |
| Individual assignment | Coursework 2 | 80% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Crane, A. and Matten, D. Business Ethics. Oxford University Press.
Blowfield, M. and Murray, A. Corporate Responsibility. Oxford University Press.
Griseri, P. and Seppala, N. Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility. South-Western.
McIntosh, M., Thomas, R., Leipziger, D. and Coleman, G. Living Corporate Citizenship: Strategic Routes to Socially Responsible Business. Financial Times/Prentice Hall.
Mellahi, K., Morrell, K. and Wood, G. The Ethical Business: Challenges and Controversies. Palgrave Macmillan.
Welford, R. and Starkey, R. Business and the Environment. Earthscan.
Zadek, S., Evans, R. and Pruzan, P. Building Corporate Accountability. Earthscan.