Sustainable Decisions and Organisations

Code

BUSI4564

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module consists of a series of lectures and workshops, as well as role play associated with a primary case study; and is taken be all MBA students. The course integrates and reflects upon the interdisciplinary nature of the MBA programme, and challenges students’ understanding and application of the material presented in the core MBA modules. This is undertaken by focusing on the role of different business executives and stakeholders in achieving economic and socio-environmental sustainability; through an examination of their possibly contradictory objectives, values and decision-making processes surrounding the development of a new business strategy. A wide range of external practitioners feature in the course, and students have to present and defend their integrated, sustainable strategy to them in a real board conference, and have to run a real media conference with journalists from the press. 

Target Students

Only available for FT MBA students

Classes

• One 7-hour lecture
• One 4-hour lecture

32 teaching hours in a 1 week block. 1 hour event activity, 67 hours self study and assessment preparation.

Assessment

• 60% Coursework: The assessment will consist of: a) Group strategy document 40% (2,500 words); b) group board presentation 10%; c) group media statement 5% (500 words); d) group media conference 5%.
• 40% Assignment: reflective essay 40% (2,000 words)

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding. This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:

• The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective. 
• Markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services 
• People - the management and development of people within organisations
• Customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation
• Finance - the sources, uses and management of finance 
• The use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications
• The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future. 

Intellectual skills. This module develops:  

• Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately 
• Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options the ability to implement and review decisions 
• Using information and knowledge effectively: scanning and organising data, synthesising and analysing in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge 

Professional practical skills. This module develops:

• The ability to conduct research into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting 
• Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others team selection, delegation, development and management.  Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations: setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring 
• The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change 
• The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainable issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices

Transferable (key) skills. This module develops: 

• Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports 
• High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management time management conflict resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience 
• Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations 

Conveners

• Dr Niamh O'Sullivan