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2021/2022  KAN-CCMVV2408U  Global Business and Sustainability

English Title
Global Business and Sustainability

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 48
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Faith Hatani - Department of International Economics, Goverment and Business (EGB)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
  • Globalisation and international business
  • International political economy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 07-05-2021

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Demonstrate a good understanding of the subject matter and synthesise the relevant academic literature in a well-focused manner to address key issues.
  • Apply academic frameworks effectively to real-life business cases to analyse sustainability challenges.
  • Critically assess business activities of MNEs in view of the sustainability of the business as well as society.
  • Discuss and examine cross-sector interactions for sustainability efforts.
  • Logically explain the potential avenues of responsible business and strategies for sustainable practices.
  • Provide a well-structured and in-depth analysis in an appropriate academic style.
Course prerequisites
A genuine interest in sustainability, as well as the knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), are essential to successfully complete this course. A good understanding of interdisciplinary approach will be a plus.
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 1
Compulsory home assignments
The student must get 1 out of 2 assignments/activities approved in order to attend the ordinary exam.

Activity 1: Group Presentation
Activity 2: Group Presentation

The student will not have extra attempts to get the required number of compulsory activities approved prior to the ordinary exam. If the student has not received approval for the required number of compulsory activities or has been ill, the student cannot participate in the ordinary exam.
Prior to the re-take exam, the student will be given an extra attempt. The extra attempt is a 10-page home assignment that will cover the required number of compulsory activities. If approved, the student will be able to attend the retake exam.
Please note that students must have made an effort in the allocated assignments throughout the course. Students who do not participate in the assignments (no show/U) are not entitled to the extra assignment and will have to wait until the next ordinary exam to complete the course.
Examination
Global Business and Sustainability:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 15 pages
The exam is an academic written product. Thus, it must apply a theoretical framework and provide analysis and discussion, not just descriptions.
The length must be up to 15 pages including figures/tables but excluding a list of references. Footnotes/endnotes and appendix should not be used.
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 2 weeks to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Summer, Date and time of the submission deadline are to be specified.
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A different exam question will be set by the course coordinator.
Description of the exam procedure

The exam question will be published two weeks before the deadline for the exam hand-in. The course coordinator will set the exam question in line with the frameworks of the course syllabus. Students individually need to design a title, focus and specific setting for analysis to address the given question clearly and directly. (Students are not entitled to supervision.)
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course critically examines the role of international business in achieving sustainability. It assesses the positive and negative impacts of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in tackling sustainability challenges in business and society as identified in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this regard, the course also considers the complex interactions between MNEs and other types of supranational organisations in an international context. It is therefore important for students to develop the understanding of managerial practices in view of sustainability, and enhance analytical skills in the advancement of responsible business across borders.

 

The course will cover the following topics by taking an interdisciplinary approach:

- Foreign direct investment and sustainable development

- Global value chains and sustainability governance

- Upgrading and innovation for sustainability

- Cross-sector interactions to scale up global sustainability efforts

 

Students are expected to participate in classroom activities proactively and develop their logical arguments by drawing upon academic frameworks. By doing so, the course aims to help students deepen their insights into responsible management essential for future business leaders.

 
Description of the teaching methods
The course consists of lectures, mini-cases, discussions and exercises (including group presentations and peer-review activities). Presentation topics will be assigned by the course coordinator during the course.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students can obtain feedback through proactive participation in class such as discussion and presentations. Thus, students should be well-prepared for each class and actively participate in the lesson.
Student workload
Classroom attendance 33 hours
Preparation for classes and exam 175 hours
TOTAL 208 hours
Expected literature

This course does not use a specific textbook. A full reading list of academic articles and additional materials will be provided on Canvas. The following e-book can be a useful background reading;

Van Tulder, R. (2018). Business & The Sustainable Development Goals: A framework for Effective Corporate Involvement. RSM Erasmus Univ. Rotterdam.
Last updated on 07-05-2021