Vorlesungsverzeichnis

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Veranstaltungen von Prof. Dr. Rodney Irwin

Lehrveranstaltungen

Corporate Sustainability Leadership in Global Companies (Seminar)

Inhalt: Sustainability means many different things to different people yet in spite of differing definitions it is enjoying a continuous growth in popularity. In the past 15+ years many Multi National Corporation’s (MNC’s) have embraced the concept to various levels of complexity. Unilever, BASF, Siemens, to name but a few have all been acknowledged as leaders in the field. Their CEO’s are visionaries in the pursuit of sustainable outcomes and in the process have set targets and ambitions not traditionally associated with a profit seeking enterprise. Others such as Volkswagen, BP, BHS and some pharmaceutical companies have not faired so well in light of scandals destroying their reputation.. In this course we will examine the environmental and social origins of what we now call Corporate Sustainability. We will begin by gaining insight into the (social) scientific foundation for the world’s most pressing problems. Utilizing examples from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and other sources, we will critically evaluate how sustainability can create growth opportunities whilst generating value for society at large. Throughout the course we will explore what makes a leader a sustainability leader and reflect upon these ideas in each session. Students can expect to engage in role-play, gaming and simulations throughout the course as well as self-reflection. The course will cover the following themes • The origins of sustainable development and the role of business. In this theme we will look at the history of the modern corporation, the roles of businesses and duties of directors and corporate governance in different jurisdictions. Moving forward we will then explore the relationship with classical economics of the firm and social responsibility. The trends in natural and social science that have given rise to the Sustainable Development agenda (MDG’s SDG’s) etc. and the business case for engagement is undertaken. The WBCSD’s Vision 2050 ambition and Action 2020 strategy will serve as a case and will introduce you to the updated Vision 2050 just launched in March 2021. • Business Response to the SD agenda. Through the use of case studies, report reviews and other sources students will critically examine the range of activities MNC’s have and are currently engaged in, in the pursuit of creating sustainable outcomes to address climate change, social and environmental impacts. • Supporting Business Engagement Many tools, frameworks and standards have been developed to support businesses. In this theme we will critically examine a selection of tools that support decision making and strategy such as the Natural Capital Protocol, the Social Capital Protocol, Life Cycle Analysis, Reporting – The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Integrated Reporting (IR), The Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). • Sustainability Leadership What makes a leader a sustainability leader? This theme will use activities to help students examine their leadership style and though simulations, gaming and group activities allow students to challenge assumptions, try new ideas and techniques and develop new skills.