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2025/2026  MA-MMBAO1106U  Corporate Sustainability

English Title
Corporate Sustainability

Course information

Language English
Course ECTS 3 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Part Time Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn, Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Master of Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Andreas Rasche - Department of Management, Society and Communication (MSC)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 01-07-2025

Relevant links

Learning objectives
• Specify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative theoretical frameworks that explain the distinctive challenges involved in managing corporate sustainability,
  • • Understand and explain how a variety of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors can reflect opportunities and problems for a company,
  • • Analyze the conditions and limitations for how and when ESG factors can be seen as relevant (material) for corporate strategy,
  • • Understand how corporate sustainability can be embedded into a firm, focusing on reporting, corporate governance, and partnerships, and
  • • Analyze concrete problems within a firm’s corporate sustainability strategy by applying the theoretical concepts discussed throughout the course.
Examination
Corporate Sustainability:
Exam ECTS 3
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 15 pages
Assignment type Project
Release of assignment Subject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Autumn and Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
A written case assignment based on a case or a subject. The assignment must be formulated and given to the student at least 9 days prior to the expiration of the deadline. It should be 15 pages long and submitted to CBS Digital Exam. The exam is held internally, and the assignment is put forward and assessed by the relevant faculty.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

 

This course explores how senior managers can show leadership for corporate sustainability. The course combines some theoretical/conceptual debates in the field of corporate sustainability with in-depth insights into recent practical management approaches. The course explores the “core” content related to  recent discussions of how firms can become more sustainable. It can be combined with the “Governance and Sustainability” concentration where a number of issues (e.g. circularity, sustainable finance) are explored in more depth.

 

The course is divided into two main parts.

The first part explores some fundamental terms and frameworks (e.g. creating shared value, stakeholder theory, planetary boundaries) that are important for understanding the debate. It also exposes participants to different perspectives on corporate sustainability, such as a strategic perspective and a stakeholder perspective.

The second part discusses how to implement sustainability strategies into corporations, focusing on real-life ESG issues such as climate change, human rights, and anti-corruption. This part also discussed how to communicate sustainability to external and internal audiences. 

 

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
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
This course blends a variety of pedagogical methods. You learn through interactive lecturing and case discussions (which can involve group presentations). We will also use some short video supplements in class, and we will make use of videos that have to be watched prior to some of the classes. Guest speakers complement the lectures by academic staff.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback given after case sessions/group presentations
Student workload
Lectures 32 hours
Preparation + Exam 50,5 hours
Last updated on 01-07-2025