There will be 2 assessments, which will enable the students to demonstrate how they have achieved the learning outcomes:
- Team research proposal to be signed off by client, due Semester 2, Week 4 (500 words, 20%)
- Team research report to be presented to client, due Semester 2, Week 13 (2,000 words, 80%)

This module will build on L5 'Sustainable business', which introduces key concepts in sustainability and CSR.

Specifically, students will carry out a relevant research project put forward by the University or another client organisation. This will entail identifying an addressing a particular sustainability/CSR challenge e.g. measuring/reducing carbon footprint, identifying an appropriate certification standard to pursue

Working in teams of 4-5 people, they will meet with the client, develop a project brief, and carry out the research. The research will be delivered to the client via a presentation and project report.

In order to facilitate the research/consultancy process, students will build their time management and client relationships skills via appropriate workshops.

Students will also produce a reflective report on their experience of working as a consultant.

1. UNDERSTAND HOW ORGANISATIONS CAN ADD BUSINESS AND SOCIAL/ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE BY INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) INTO THEIR MAINSTREAM OPERATIONS
Knowledge & Understanding

2. DEVELOP THEIR ANALYTICAL SKILLS BY WORKING WITH A CLIENT ORGANISATION TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS A PARTICULAR SUSTAINABILITY/CSR CHALLENGE
Communication
Problem Solving

3. ENHANCE THEIR EMPLOYABILITY BY ENABLING THEM TO ENGAGE IN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH OF DIRECT PRACTICAL RELEVANCE TO PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS
Application
Reflection

Introductory lectures to revisit key themes in sustainability/CSR.
Workshops to cover practicalities of project management and research, client management, presentation skills, working in teams and critical reflection.
Access to tutor via scheduled meetings.
Learning support material will be provided via the Blackboard Learning Environment.

Library, internet

FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS ONLY

Elkington J. (1999) Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. (Oxford: Capstone) ISBN 978-0865713925
Saunders M, Thornhill A and Lewis P. (2009) Research methods for business students, 5th edition. (London: Pearson) ISBN 978-0273716860
Wickham P. A. (2007) Management consulting: Delivering an effective project, 3rd edition. (London: Financial Times) ISBN 978-0273683476