A ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - SECOND ASSIGNMENT weighted at 30%.
A ASSIGNMENT - THIRD ASSIGNMENT weighted at 40%.
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This module will provide you with an appreciation of the factors that contribute to sustainable business practice, and the ability to identify how these can be incorporated into the management of an organisation. It will give you an understanding of how the economic, environmental and ethical/societal impacts of a organisation's activities can be measured and reported upon, and an outline of some of the practical ways in which an organisation can measure and reduce its environmental and societal impacts, both strategically and operationally

1. Describe ways in which organisations can impact upon the environment and society2. Critically discuss the converging environmental and societal pressures that face an unsustainable business3. Explain the arguments and options that are available to businesses to help them make themselves more sustainable 4. Argue cogently for the incorporation of environmental/societal considerations into an organisations' operations, including improved environmental/social justice, legal compliance, energy reduction, waste minimisation and stakeholder dialogue
5. Discuss the concepts of sustainability, sustainable business practice and the 'triple bottom line', and explain and rationalise how "the environment" and "sustainability" can be viewed as a business issue as well as a technology or ethical issue6. Clearly demonstrate an understanding of concepts underpinning sustainable business development, such as the precautionary principle, product stewardship, polluter pays, ethical probity etc.7. Identify the growing importance of ever greater transparency and inclusion with respect to an organisation's activities8. Discuss ways in which markets can be reshaped to embrace sustainability, and critically examine the effect of increasing sustainability pressures on markets together with market opportunities that will arise as a result of moves toward more sustainable business practices9. Explain how partnerships between companies, government and NGOs, as well as within the supply chain, can contribute to sustainable development
10. Summarise and critically evaluate the importance of looking at future scenarios in determining a business's sustainable viability11. Discuss the relevance of the linkage between stakeholder dialogue and stakeholder capitalism, and its combined importance for the secure future of an organisation12. Discuss the arguments supporting the contribution of life cycle analysis (LCA) in sustainability auditing13. Develop high level... management skills.

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.

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

For students who are studying whilst in environment-related full-time employment:
Reflective Learning Log 40%
[Outcomes 1 - 13]

2x written assignment @30% each (1500 words)
[Outcomes 5-8,13]
[Outcomes 9-13]

For other students:
2x written assignment @30% each (1500 words)
[Outcomes 5-8,13]
[Outcomes 9-13]

1 written assignment 40% (2500 words)
[Outcomes 1 - 13]


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 thorough 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 page 39

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

Cannibals with Forks
John Elkington. Capstone. 1999.

WWW-based Company Sustainability Reports (various)