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2026/2027  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 for Global Relations
Programme Bachelor of Science (BSc) in International Shipping and Trade
Course coordinator
  • Michele Acciaro - Department of Strategy and Innovation (SI)
Main academic disciplines
  • CSR and sustainability
  • Management
  • Strategy
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 28-01-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
At the end of the course students will be able to:
  • Explain key concepts of strategic management and sustainability in the context of maritime business.
  • Analyse strategic and operational challenges related to sustainability in shipping and maritime logistics.
  • Apply theories, concepts, and analytical tools from strategic management and economics to evaluate sustainable business models in the shipping industry.
  • Assess the strategic implications of sustainability-related technologies and regulatory developments for maritime companies.
  • Develop and justify coherent strategic choices for sustainability based on case analysis.
  • Communicate analyses and solutions clearly and professionally in group discussions and oral presentations.
Examination
Strategic Management and Sustainability in Maritime Business:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Active participation

The completion of this course is based on active student participation in class. The course will be considered as passed if the students participation - based on an overall assessment - in the class activities fulfill the learning objectives of the course. The individual student’s participation is assessed by the teacher.
The student must participate in A combination of assignment and presentation
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Grading scale Pass / Fail
Examiner(s) Assessed solely by the teacher
Exam period Autumn
Make-up exam/re-exam Oral exam
Duration: 15 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time: No preparation
Examiner(s): If it is an internal examination, there will be a second internal examiner at the re-exam. If it is an external examination, there will be an external examiner.
Description of activities
A combination of assignment and presentation: The completion of this course is based on active student participation in class. The course will be considered as passed if the student’s participation – based on an overall assessment – in the class activities fulfills the learning objectives of the course. Assessment of active participation is based on an overall evaluation of the student’s achievement of the learning objectives across the course activities.The individual student’s participation is assessed by the teacher.

Student participation is based on continuous engagement throughout the course. This includes preparation of assigned readings and cases, active contribution to in-class discussions, completion of short analytical exercises, collaborative group work on a case study, and an oral group presentation of the case results. Participation is assessed holistically by the teacher based on the student’s demonstrated preparation, analytical contribution, ability to apply course concepts, and engagement in discussions and group activities.

In particular the course will be assessed through a group case study assignment, where students will work collaboratively on a real-world business scenario provided in class. The case study, which is directly aligned with the course learning objectives, is designed to challenge students to apply their knowledge, analyse complex problems, and develop actionable solutions.

The assignment emphasises 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 compulsory exercises in class will be tailored to ensure students know in what way to approach the assignment. Students will be asked to present the results of the case before the end of the course.
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.

Course activities are designed to support the progressive achievement of the learning objectives, moving from conceptual understanding to analytical application and strategic evaluation through case-based learning.
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 necessary for passing this course, as it fosters a deeper understanding of the material and enhances critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
Feedback during the teaching period
Feedback is provided continuously throughout the course. Students receive formative feedback during lectures, case discussions, and group work, focusing on their analytical approach, application of course concepts, and clarity of argumentation. Feedback is also provided on short analytical exercises and during group presentations, including peer and instructor feedback. This ongoing feedback supports students in developing their understanding and improving their performance in relation to the learning objectives.
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 28-01-2026