2x written assignment @30% each (1500 words)
[Outcomes 1-2 or 1-4 and 6-10]

1 written assignment 40% (2500 words)
[Outcomes 1 - 10]

Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. Tasks competently completed.
See Criterion Referencing guide in the Award Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Merit criteria
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, evidencing well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the obvious key questions. Evidence of sound reading and a thourough critical analysis of the available literature.
See Criterion Referencing guide in the Award Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Distinction criteria
Originality and creativity in response. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter, evidence of wide reading beyond the VLE study guide, excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed.
See Criterion Referencing guide in the Award Handbook:
Sect. 8.7

Corporate Environmental Management 1. Systems and Strategies. 2nd Edition
Ed. Richard Welford Earthscan. 1998

Business and the Environment
Ed. Richard Welford and Richard Starkey. Earthscan. 1996

Clean and Competitive
Rupert Howes, Jim Skea and Bob Whelan. Earthscan. 1997

Hijacking Environmentalism - Corporate Responses to Sustainable Development
Richard Welford. Earthscan. 1997

Croner's Environmental Management - Policy and Procedures
Croner Publications Ltd.

1. Explain the purpose of an EMS in terms of controlling and improving the environmental performance of an organisation and describe the factors which govern the operation of an EMS within one2. Describe the nature, content and methodology for carrying out an environmental review and describe the importance, structure and preparation of an environmental policy3. Describe and critically evaluate the criteria associated with significant environmental aspects and impacts and discuss the methodologies and techniques that are used for the identification and prioritisation of these4. Explain how appropriate environmental objectives and targets flow from the review and the identification of environmental aspects and impacts5. Explain how to document an EMS, how to put in place suitable document control mechanisms and how to create an Environmental Action Plan
6. Demonstrate how to measure progress in the operation of an EMS using appropriate performance measurement techniques, and critically evaluate the importance of, and the means of achieving, a management review within an EMS7. Discuss and critically appraise the purpose and nature of an EMS audit, and third party accreditation of an EMS - including accreditation to ISO 14001 and within EMAS8. Explain and discuss the role of a corporate environmental report or statement9. Explain and discuss the drivers which might persuade a small/medium sized enterprise (SME) to implement an EMS and critically evaluate the particular challenges associated with the devising, implementing and operation of an EMS within an SME10. Develop high-level skills covering the retrieval, accumulation, interpretation, collation and reporting of web-based and paper-based environmental information and data - together with extensive development of team-working, reflective learning and task/project management skills.

This module will provide an understanding of basic environmental and sustainable business practices, as well as an explanation of how to go about the process of formulating the environmental policy, objectives and targets for an organisation. It will cover the principles of environmental management, and will offer an opportunity for you to gain an appreciation of the wider impact of environmental policy and regulation in corporate environmental planning. It will help you to understand the reasoning for engaging in a corporate environmental continual improvement process and explain the value of communication with internal and external stakeholders. It will provide you with knowledge of environmental management quality standards such as ISO 14001 and EMAS, and an understanding of how environmental management systems are audited and reported upon.

Course textbooks and learning materials - as supplied

Suitable computer that is able to access the WWW, the University server and Blackboard

Library facilities as necessary

Distributed learning using the COSE virtual learning environment
A 2/3-day workshop (based at the University) prior to undertaking the module
You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and themes, and learning resources. Over subsequent weeks, you will work through course material that provides a structure for reading key texts and papers, and specifying tasks that must be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your designated learning group.

A ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - THIRD ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%.
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