English   Danish

2025/2026  BA-BISHV2401U  Strategic Management and Sustainability in Maritime Business

English Title
Strategic Management and Sustainability in Maritime Business

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board of Global Relations
Course coordinator
  • Michele Acciaro - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 12-03-2025

Relevant links

Learning objectives
At the end of the course students will be able to:
  • Analyze and structure strategic and operational challenges related to sustainability in shipping and maritime logistics, proposing viable solutions.
  • Combine and apply concepts, theories, and methods of strategic management and economics to create and evaluate sustainable business models in the shipping industry.
  • Develop and articulate relevant strategic choices for sustainability in shipping.
  • Define and critically assess the strategic implications of emerging sustainability-related technologies in shipping, incorporating strategic management perspectives.
  • Understand and analyze innovation processes in international shipping, leveraging strategic management tools to foster sustainable practices.
  • Assess complex problems with conflicting objectives in maritime business, utilizing strategic management tools for effective decision-making and communication of solutions.
  • Critically engage with current academic, policy, and industry debates in the maritime business.
Examination
Strategic Management and Sustainability in Maritime Business:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Group exam
Please note the rules in the Programme Regulations about identification of individual contributions.
Number of people in the group 2-4
Size of written product Max. 20 pages
Assignment type Case based assignment
Release of assignment An assigned subject is released in class
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

In this group case study assignment, students will work collaboratively on a real-world business scenario provided in class. The case study, which is directly aligned with the course objectives, is designed to challenge students to apply their knowledge, analyze complex problems, and develop actionable solutions. The assignment emphasizes teamwork, critical thinking, and the practical application of theoretical concepts. The case study will be released a few weeks into the course and a few exercises in class will be tailored to ensure students know in what way to approach the assignment.

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

This course explores the role of strategic management in making maritime companies more competitive through sustainability. Environmental sustainability has become essential across all shipping sectors, driven by the climate crisis, stricter regulations, public scrutiny, and a growing focus on ecological responsibility.

 

Traditionally, the shipping industry prioritized short-term profits with minimal focus on social and environmental responsibilities. However, this is changing as companies increasingly integrate sustainability into their strategies due to pressure from regulators, customers, and stakeholders. New technologies, decarbonization efforts, and social considerations are reshaping the industry, requiring innovative approaches to meet regulatory demands and ensure long-term growth.

 

The course provides advanced insights into the challenges and opportunities in the shipping industry as it adapts to a rapidly changing regulatory and economic environment. Students will learn to balance short-term profitability with long-term sustainability, make decisions under uncertainty, and develop innovative solutions. A strong emphasis is placed on equipping students with the skills to lead transformative change and align business strategies with the evolving expectations of customers and stakeholders.

Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course employs a mix of teaching methods to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. These methods include case study analysis, collaborative group discussions, and lectures that combine traditional frontal teaching with elements of blended learning. Students are expected to come to each session well-prepared by completing assigned readings and analysing cases in advance. Active participation in class discussions and activities is strongly encouraged, as it fosters a deeper understanding of the material and enhances critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback will be given in class in group work based on group discussions and presentations.
Student workload
Lecture 38 hours
Preparation 167 hours
Exam 48 hours
Expected literature

Literature will be provided during the course. The following is an indicative list.

  • Acciaro, M. (2014). Real option analysis for environmental compliance: LNG and emission control areas. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 28, 41-50.
  • Acciaro, M. (2022). Sustainable Maritime Business, Lecture notes.
  • Christodoulou, A., & Cullinane, K. (2022). Potential alternative fuel pathways for compliance with the ‘FuelEU Maritime Initiative’. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 112, 103492.
  • Dirzka, C., & Acciaro, M. (2021). Principal-agent problems in decarbonizing container shipping: A panel data analysis. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 98, 102948.
  • Harlaftis, G., et al. (2012). The World's Key Industry: History and Economics of International Shipping. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire; New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Harvard Business School cases (coursepack to be downloaded from Harvard Business School Publishing prior to first session; detailed instructions will be provided through CBS Learn).
  • Hitt, M. A., et al. (2015). Strategic Management: Competitiveness & Globalization: Concepts and Cases. Mason, Ohio, South-Western Cengage Learning.
  • Johnson et al. (2017). Exploring Strategy. Text and Cases (11th Edition). Edinburgh Gate; UK, Pearson.
  • Lorange, P. (2009). Shipping Strategy: Innovating for Success. Cambridge; New York, Cambridge University Press.
  • Lun, Y. V., Lai, K. H., Wong, C. W., & Cheng, T. E. (2016). Green shipping management. New York: Springer.
  • Pomaska, L., & Acciaro, M. (2022). Bridging the Maritime-Hydrogen Cost-Gap: Real options analysis of policy alternatives. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 107, 103283.
  • Psaraftis, H. N., Amboy, P., & Psaraftis. (2019). Sustainable shipping. Berlin: Springer International Publishing.
Last updated on 12-03-2025