10102170Intro to Sustainable Business
Course Information
Description
How does a business become sustainable? What are the benefits and challenges of moving toward more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable business strategies? Introduction to Sustainable Business will familiarize students with the principles and practices of sustainability, with an emphasis on the creation and management of a sustainable business. Students will learn to develop a business case for sustainability, write a basic sustainability plan, and acquire the tools they need to continue to develop sustainable business practices.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Examine key sustainability principles
    Assessment Strategies
    by passing exams and quizzes
    by participating in class discussions
    by making online journal entries
    by presenting in class
    by preparing short written papers
    Criteria
    you explain the guiding principles of sustainability
    you identify the energy sources that our building and transportation systems use, nationally and locally
    you describe what is meant by Systems Thinking
    you evaluate your own ecological footprint
    you present an analysis of a chosen sustainability term
    you analyze various sustainability frameworks( e.g. The Natural Step)
    you explain how a community can impact local and global sustainability
    you describe some of the challenges of sustainability in relationship to the earth's finite resources
    you describe some of the current global environmental challenges
    you participate in online discussions
    you follow course presentation/report guidelines
    you include and cite outside research

  2. Apply sustainability principles to business
    Assessment Strategies
    by passing exams and quizzes
    by participating in class discussions
    by making online journal entries
    by presenting in class
    by preparing short written papers
    Criteria
    you identify "best practices" for business sustainability
    you describe basic water efficiency measures
    you describe basic energy efficiency measures
    you describe basic waste management measures
    you identify criteria for a sustainable purchasing policy
    you identify corporate and company leaders in sustainability
    you describe the change agent process
    you identify a business leader you admire
    you identify your own leadership style
    you explain the role of business in the sustainability movement(s)
    you identify and articulate challenges/promises of moving toward more sustainable business systems
    you participate in online discussions
    you follow course presentation/report guidelines
    you include and cite outside research

  3. Make a business case for a sustainability project
    Assessment Strategies
    by participating in class discussions
    by making online journal entries
    by creating a written business case for a sustainability project for an existing business
    by making a short "elevator speech" business case for a sustainability project
    by class presentations and role playing
    Criteria
    you analyze an existing business in terms of one sustainability objective
    you evaluate cost-benefit for achievement of this objective
    you make a compelling argument in favor of adoption of your analysis
    you find, identify and evaluate resources that facilitate sustainability business practices
    you participate in online discussions
    you post assigned messages to the discussion
    you follow course presentation/report guidelines
    you include and cite outside research

  4. Create a sustainability plan or project
    Assessment Strategies
    by participating in class discussions
    by making online journal entries
    by developing a written sustainability plan for a subsystem of a real or imagined business
    OR by developing a sustainability project ina service learning environment
    Criteria
    you analyze business case studies
    you choose the best framework for your objective
    you define best or sustainable practices for your target subsystem
    you recommend best practice implementation plan for your subsystem including: (a.) well-defined benefits, (b.) reasonable, prioritized and measurable short and long-term goals, (c.) reasonable, prioritzed, measurable and budgeted resultant tasks, (d.) identification of responsible parties, (e.) realistic timelines; guidelines for transparency (reporting) and stakeholder involvement
    you identify allies and develop a plan to enlist support
    you provide for transparency and stakeholder involvement
    you identify local laws and ordinances that support sustainability
    you participate in online discussions
    you post assigned messages to the discussion
    you follow course presentation/report guidelines
    you include and cite outside research