1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the ethical issues facing contemporary businesses.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Assess theoretical frameworks and the concept of value creation.
Analysis

3. Review the diverse contemporary meanings of the concepts of 'Corporate Social Responsibility', 'sustainability' and 'stakeholder'.
Reflection

4. Critically appraise different theoretical approaches to ethics, ethical decision making and corporate responsibility practice.
Enquiry
Analysis

1. Initial assessment of knowledge and understanding of ethical issues facing the business (0.5hrs) (15%) (MCQ) (LO1)
2. Create an oral presentation showing the links between the three principles of business ethics, ethical decision making and CSR with real-life examples. (750 words - 15 mins) (25%) (LO 4)
3. Compare and contrast the theoretical models and frameworks which could impact business decision making and value creation. (1,750 words) (60%) (LOs 2 & 3)

This module will introduce you to the concept that almost every business creates or destroys value for customers, suppliers, employees, communities and society, in addition to shareholders and other financiers. A number of new models of business can be built on this idea such as corporate responsibility, philanthropy, shared value and sustainability. Profits and stakeholder value go together, and this course explains how. The module also explores the idea of how to become a stakeholder entrepreneur and create a business that makes money and makes the world a better place.

The module introduces you to the role of business in society, i.e.;
- The history of corporate social responsibility (CSR) – from philanthropy to politicisation
- Current perspectives on CSR – the business case for responsibility or society’s case for business?
- Exploring the role of business in systemic social change and responding to the future needs of society

This module will incorporate a residential (overseas if possible), including visits to international organisations to further develop an understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility. You may also participate in a volunteer programme in which you will develop your understanding of ethical business practices.

Most businesses create or destroy value. In this module, you will explore how to create a business that makes money, but at the same time makes the world a better place.

The learning and teaching is designed to encourage active, case-based learning, using practical cases from industry at every stage of the taught component. The module will also encourage students to explore and critically evaluate theoretical perspectives underpinning these cases, and consider their application to their own organisations

You will undertake ‘formative’ assessments during the module to help you monitor your learning and provide you and us with ongoing feedback on your progress, that helps you prepare for the ‘summative assessment(s) during or at the end of the module.

Blowfield, M. & Murray, A. (2019) Corporate Social Responsibility. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Molthan-Hill, P. (2017) The Business Student's Guide to Sustainable Management – Principles and Practice. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge
Business Ethics Quarterly. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (Journal)
Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons (Journal)

VLE,
Internet Resources,
Specialist Texts
Case Studies

N/A