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2025/2026  KAN-CMIAV1003U  Climate Change and Business Transformation

English Title
Climate Change and Business Transformation

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board of Markets & Innovation
Course coordinator
  • Michele Acciaro - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
  • Management
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 27-03-2025

Relevant links

Learning objectives
At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
  • Describe, identify, and critically contribute to current academic, policy and industry debates on the business impacts of the climate crisis, in particular in terms of competitiveness, profitability and regulatory compliance.
  • Describe, structure, identify, and analyse how firms deal with the climate crisis and what transformational capabilities they require to deal with the climate crisis.
  • Describe, apply, and combine the concepts, theories, and methods of strategic management, economics, and international business in relation to business transformation.
  • Develop and apply capabilities to define and evaluate business models adaptable to the climate breakdown.
Course prerequisites
None.
Examination
Climate Change and Business Transformations:
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
Size of written product Max. 25 pages
Note that the student can choose to write an individual project of max 15 pages. The individual project is based on the same specifications/case text of the group project
Assignment type Case based assignment
Release of assignment Subject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
Duration 2 weeks to prepare
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter, *if the student fails the ordinary exam the course coordinator chooses whether the student will have to hand in a revised product for the re- take or a new project.
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
In case of re-exam a new case needs to be submitted. If a student is ill during the the preparation of the written product, and is unable to submit by the deadline, they can submit the same product for the make-up exam. If the whole group fails a new product ar an edited version of the previously submitted products can be submitted.
Description of the exam procedure

Student assessment is based on a case study centred on a company of their choice. In their analysis, students are required to investigate how climate change is impacting the chosen company and critically evaluate the associated risks and opportunities. Additionally, the case study must include a detailed plan for transforming the company into a more resilient and climate-aware business. To support their progress, students will present a draft of their report in class, providing an opportunity to receive constructive feedback from both the lecturer and peers before finalizing and submitting their work.

Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The accelerating climate breakdown has created an urgent need for businesses to transform to remain competitive and resilient in an evolving global landscape. As the impacts of the climate crisis become more pronounced, companies must shift from traditional practices to sustainable, climate-conscious approaches that secure long-term success. This transformation involves rethinking their vision and business operations, redesigning value propositions, and adopting innovative strategies. Businesses are increasingly required to implement measures such as reducing carbon footprints, improving energy efficiency, and investing in renewable energy sources. Additionally, they must develop environmentally friendly products and services that not only address the climate crisis but also align with shifting consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.

 

The course provides advanced business knowledge placed in the context of a rapidly changing, climate, regulatory and economic environment. It focuses on how businesses need to transform to better respond to the climate crisis and build on the opportunities that this response can offer. Moreover, it aids students in reflecting on the implications that an uncontrolled climate change has on a variety of business types, from energy multinationals, to transport and tourism, agriculture, and electronics. Many of the examples and cases discussed in the course highlight the tension between short-term profitability, that is often driving companies, and longer-term societal goals that should be rooted on sustainable development principles. During the course, students learn to make complex business decisions under uncertainty, evaluate innovative approaches to address climate change issues in the various sectors, communicate the need for change and drive change in their future organisations. Using a variety of examples and theories students will learn how the climate crisis impacts consumer behaviors, marketing and product development, financing, employee retention and choices of production location.

 

The curriculum is structures around four main themes: (1) Reshaping value chains; (2) Organizational resilience and adaptation; (3) Shifts in work and life; (4) Societal shifts. Module 1 focuses on how businesses can leverage on the climate crisis to increase their competitiveness, either by providing products with lower carbon footprints, marketing solutions to climate-crisis-driven problems, or strengthening their brand. In module 2, students learn how companies need to develop resilience approaches, so that their business can successfully adapt to higher global temperatures and their consequences. Module 3 focuses on how the climate breakdown is likely to change work practices and lifestyle attitudes, so that firm can find new opportunities to respond to these changing societal needs. Module 4 deals with climate-driven societal shifts, and how firms should shape their strategies to respond to these changes.  

 

Each session combines theoretical readings with case study discussions on existing climate-related challenges and strategies for firms and encourages students to understand and apply abstract frameworks but also discuss their limitations. The students will learn how to integrate ideas and concepts to solve complex realistic problems. They will also learn how to select and acquire relevant knowledge for dealing with the climate crisis at a business level. Through the analysis of how the climate-related issues have been dealt with in the past, students explore how executives were able to recognize opportunities for innovations and translate them into strategy or adapt their operations to account for a changing environment. The course will also include in-class discussions on current topycal issues. 

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
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
Research-like activities
  • Data collection
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision
Description of the teaching methods
The course employs a mix of teaching methods, including in-depth case study analysis, collaborative group discussions, and interactive lectures that blend traditional frontal teaching with novel learning approaches. This format is designed to encourage active participation and foster a stimulating learning environment. Students are encouraged to dive in the subject matter by preparing assigned readings and case materials prior to each session. This preparation ensures they can contribute meaningfully to discussions, enhancing their ability to analyse complex scenarios, debate diverse perspectives, and apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. The combination of hands-on case studies and interactive learning not only deepens understanding but also sharpens critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills. Each session is structured to inspire curiosity, drive engagement, and let students reflect on one of the biggest challenges faced by humanity.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback will be given in class during group work based on group discussions and presentations. In particular students are given the opportunity to present preliminary findings on the company they have choses to write the case study on.
Student workload
Lecture 30 hours
Preparation 128 hours
Exam 48 hours
Expected literature

A rich literature will be provided at the beginning and during the course, encompassing recent developments in relation to climate change. The following is an indicative list of literature used in the previous courses. Students should consider the purchase of a few case studies for the course.

Last updated on 27-03-2025