MSc Sustainability & Management – (M.Sc.)

Contents

You will study four core and one elective unit over the first two terms. In the final term, you will complete a dissertation, giving you the opportunity to analyse a corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainability issue in depth.

Core course units:

Corporate Social Responsibility- You will evaluate the factors that need to be considered by politicians in encouraging the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). You will explore how corporate strategists develop a business and corporate strategy including CSR, and evaluate the economic and cultural factors involved in the adoption of CSR.

Principles of Environmental Sustainability-This unit explores the linkages between environment, socio-political and economic issues in modern society. Through case studies and the analysis of academic literature, you will develop expertise in theories pertaining to modernity’s shift to environmental governance for sustainability.

Methodology and Qualitative Research Methods- You will examine key methodological debates in management research and the methods and techniques of qualitative data gathering and analysis. This unit is particularly appropriate if you intend to pursue research-related careers in both academic and non-academic settings.

Quantitative Methods for Graduates-You will be introduced to the basic statistical concepts and procedures used in empirical research. You will be provided with the background that is required to understand and apply the more specialised statistical methods used in graduate research.

Dissertation-You will analyse a CSR or sustainability issue in depth. By the end of the dissertation, you will be able to plan and manage a project, define aims and objectives, identify appropriate data sources and collection methods, be aware of and deal with potential pitfalls, execute a dissertation plan, and construct an effective argument.

Elective course units:

Business Ethics-You will have the opportunity to explore ethical issues in the business world and analyse moral dilemmas. You will investigate theoretical perspectives from the field of moral philosophy and their application to business.

Business Strategy-This unit provides an understanding of how international business strategy fits into a programme of sustainable development for an organisation. The aim of the module is to introduce you to the way in which a firm can achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Corporate Governance-You will explore the growing importance of corporate governance for businesses. The lecture series is designed to provide you with a critical analysis of agency theory, stakeholder approaches, and neo-liberal views on corporate governance and stock market failures.

Practices of Sustainability in Developing Areas-You will explore sustainability implications in the specific context of developing countries, such as those arising from water usage, land degradation and desertification, and those relating to tourism.

Foundations of Modern Management (Induction week course only)-
You will be introduced to management in an integrative manner by identifying five elements important to the commercial success of an organisation: customers, shareholders, employees, numbers and technology. The unit will consider issues of business ethics and trust as regards managing relations with each of the stakeholder groups.

On completion of the course graduates will have:

* gained insight and experience in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility and be well prepared to work in a number of related areas
* developed a thorough understanding of graduate research, enabling them to pursue further study at postgraduate level.