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2024/2025  KAN-CDIBV2408U  Digital Sustainability: Transforming Business Practices

English Title
Digital Sustainability: Transforming Business Practices

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 80
Study board
Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration and Digital Business
Course coordinator
  • Christiane Lehrer - Department of Digitalisation (DIGI)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
  • Information technology
  • Innovation
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 23-01-2024

Relevant links
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors:
  • Understand the fundamentals of sustainability and its importance in the digital age
  • Describe and apply concepts, models and principles related to digital technologies and sustainability
  • Analyze the impact of digital technologies in addressing sustainability challenges
  • Develop innovative digital solutions to address sustainability challenges
  • Critically reflect on the social and environmental impact of digital solutions
Course prerequisites
No prerequisites
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
There is a mandatory group assignment of max. 10 pages (mini-case with presentation in class) that addresses the concepts, models, and principles covered in the course. The presentations are given in class by the exam groups drawing on a self-selected case for illustration.

If a student cannot hand in due to documented illness, or if a student does not get the activity approved in spite of making a real attempt, then the student will be given one extra attempt before the ordinary exam. The extra attempt will require handing in a written report of 10 pages on a topic assigned by the course instructor.
Examination
Digital Sustainability: Transforming Business Practices:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Case based assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Summer
Aids Open book: all written and electronic aids, including internet access
Read more here about which exam aids the students are allowed to bring and will be given access to : Exam aids and IT application package
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination may warrant that it most appropriately be held as an oral examination. The programme office will inform the students if the make-up examination/re-take examination instead is held as an oral examination including a second examiner or external examiner.
Description of the exam procedure

The assignment consists of a case analysis. The case will be decided during the actual course to ensure high relevance between course content and examination.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

At a time of unprecedented global challenges, the imperative of sustainability has never been more important. Climate change, resource scarcity and societal injustices underscore the urgent need for businesses to transform their practices for a sustainable future. This course explores the convergence of sustainability and digital transformation.

 

Digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain promise novel, technology-enabled solutions to address sustainability challenges. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize resource management, optimize energy consumption and promote the circular economy. Amidst this promise, however, digital technologies also bring new complexities. The proliferation of digital solutions is contributing to resource depletion, the accumulation of e-waste and ethical concerns, casting a shadow over the path to sustainability.

 

This course explores the complex relationship between digital innovation and sustainability. It explores the potential of digital technologies to mitigate environmental degradation and social inequality while addressing the new challenges posed by digital transformation.

 

Through critical analysis and practical application, students will develop innovative solutions while addressing the ethical and environmental implications. This course aims to enable students to lead change and make technology a driving force for positive environmental and social change.
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures will enable students to describe key concepts and theories and analyze case studies that illustrate the convergence of digital technologies and sustainability. These lectures provide the basis for understanding the fundamental principles and their application in real-world contexts.

Lectures are followed by interactive workshops to encourage practical application of theoretical concepts and critical thinking. In these workshops, students work in groups on digital solutions to specific sustainability issues and develop their knowledge and skills to design and present innovative solutions.

Students are expected to actively participate in the workshops. There will be a mandatory group assignment (mini-case with in-class presentation) applying the concepts, models and principles covered in the course.
Feedback during the teaching period
The course provides the following opportunities for feedback:

1) Groups will have the chance to receive feedback on their work with lecture material and group projects during the interactive workshops.

2) Half-way through the course, students will present their work-in-progress in class to receive feedback from the teacher(s) and peers on their group project as well as mastery of course material.

3) At the end of the course, there will be an open Q&A session for collective feedback in preparation for the final exam assignment.

4) Throughout the course, individual questions can be addressed during office hours with the teacher(s).
Student workload
Lectures 24 hours
Workshops 24 hours
Class preparations 96 hours
Exam and preparations 62 hours
Total 206 hours
Expected literature

The literature can be changed before the semester starts. Students are advised to find the final literature on Canvas before they buy any material.

 

Kotlarsky, J., Oshri, I., & Sekulic, N. (2023). Digital sustainability in information systems research: Conceptual foundations and future directions. Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 24(4), 936-952.

 

Veit, D. J., & Thatcher, J. B. (2023). Digitalization as a problem or solution? Charting the path for research on sustainable information systems. Journal of Business Economics.

 

Zeiss, R., Ixmeier, A., Recker, J., & Kranz, J. (2021). Mobilising information systems scholarship for a circular economy: Review, synthesis, and directions for future research. Information Systems Journal, 31(1), 148-183.
Last updated on 23-01-2024