• Apply the theories (e.g. Bandura's social cognitive theory, Ajzen's theory of reasoned action, and Vygotsky's theory of proxymal development) discussed in the course to the problem of effective virtual group work.
• Explain how these theories can be applied to address more effectively complex problems such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a corporate context.
• Specify how business can contribute to addressing global sustainability challenges drawing on corporate sustainability theories.
• Identify best practices on sustainable management and leadership.
• Develop a case study (3-minute video) regarding best practices in the field.

If business is to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) virtual collaboration will be essential given the inherent global nature of most goals. However, as the Covid crisis has shown, virtual collaboration is challenging. This course will hone your virtual leadership competencies, helping you increase the effectiveness of online group collaboration. Towards this goal you will be introduced to the theories underlying effective virtual group work (such as Bandura's social cognitive theory, Ajzen's theory of reasoned action, and Vygotsky's theory of proxymal development). 

This course being part of the Social Impact and Global Management (SIGMA) alliance you will work with students from six international elite business schools in Europe and Asia (Singapore Management University, Hitotsubashi University, ESADE, University of St. Gallen, Paris Dauphine, and WU Vienna).

Addressing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) requires global cooperation. You will hone your ability to collaborate in a virtual learning environment by studying and analyzing a real-world case study. Moreover, the course will introduce students to a number of corporate sustainability theories (e.g. antagonistic assets theory, NGO partnership theory) that explain the link between SDGs and corporate performance. 

In virtual teams of four students you will select a multinational corporation and study whether, and if yes how, the firm's corporate sustainability strategy affects their competitive advantage. 

This is a blended course, combining online and face-to-face sessions. The six online models introduce students to the main issues and discuss the key readings. In addition to completing all online modules, students work in virtual cross-national, cross-institutional teams, to develop a best-practice case study on a selected company or organization. Teams receive guidance from assigned supervisors from any of the participating universities.

Dr. Kai Hockerts is Professor in Social Entrepreneurship at CBS (www.cbs.dk/staff/kho). He is widely published in academic journals and has extensive teaching experiences with multinational class rooms and blended learning. In 1990n Kai was co-founder and managing director of the social start-up oikos Bayreuth (part of the oikos network). His business experience includes two years as an environmental strategy consultant at Ecobilan S.A., Paris (F). His pri­mary research focus is on corporate sustainability and social entrepre­neur­ship. Kai holds a Ph.D. in Management from the University of St. Gallen (CH). Before joining CBS he has been Adjunct Professor of Strategy at INSEAD (Fontaine­bleau).

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