Sustainable Vikings: Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility in Scandinavia from Coursera

This course gives you immediate access to the world leading sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. Scandinavian firms dominate the major sustainability and CSR performance indicators including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). In this course we explore the concepts of sustainability and CSR and focus attention on how Scandinavian firms, like Novo Nordisk, have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. We consider what lessons can be drawn by managers and firms irrespective of where they may be located in the world.

Through this course, participants will:

• Gain appreciation of the concepts of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) and be able to situate these concepts within the broader debates about the role of business in society

• Understand the sustainability and CSR approaches by leading Scandinavian companies

• Describe how partnerships between companies, NGOs, and government are fundamental to the sustainability and CSR by Scandinavian companies

• Be able to describe the characterization of the “Scandinavian management” and the role Scandinavian management plays in sustainability and CSR approaches by Scandinavian firms

• Become familiarized with concept of “Scandinavian Cooperative Advantage” and understand how it challenges the dominant view of strategic management.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Scandinavia: An Introduction

Scandinavian Leadership & Management

Case study of a Scandinavian sustainability leader: Novo Nordisk

Scandinavian Corporate Governance

Course reflections: On Becoming a Sustainable Viking

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

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Offers a glimpse into the successful sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of Scandinavia's leading firms, which dominate major sustainability and CSR performance indicators like the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

Provides valuable insights into the concepts of sustainability and CSR, as well as their role in the broader context of business and society

Utilizes case studies, such as Novo Nordisk, to illustrate real-world examples of effective sustainability and CSR implementation

Suitable for individuals interested in gaining a deeper understanding of sustainability and CSR, particularly in the context of Scandinavian businesses

Aligned with current industry trends and best practices, providing valuable knowledge for professionals seeking to enhance their CSR and sustainability initiatives

Led by Robert Strand, a recognized expert in the field of sustainability and CSR, ensuring high-quality instruction and insights

Reviews summary

Engaging, well-paced course on sustainable business in scandinavia

Learners say this course is an engaging introduction to sustainability in Scandinavia. It features interviews with experts, engaging discussions, and a look at how Novo Nordisk practices sustainability. The structure is clear and the pace is well-paced, but some students found it repetitive. Overall, the course is well received and is a great overview of CSR and sustainability in Scandinavia.

Course challenges students' assumptions about sustainability and CSR.

"Thoroughly enjoyed as the course and it questioned my pre-existing notions about sustainability and corporate social responsibility."

Course focuses on Novo Nordisk as a case study.

"Dr Strand does an excellent job of providing the historical context and a case study of Novo Nordisk to provide the basis for the repeated success of Scandinavian companies in Environmental Sustainability and Social Responsibility."

"It was a good idea to base the teaching on the example of Novo Nordisk and have a lot of interviews."

Peer-based final grading system can be frustrating.

"Problem is, that very often we can observe a debate in the ivory tower of academia without practical, evidence-based content."

"Also, the structure of the course is bleeding."

"On two questions with a scale of 0-4, with 2 being 'sufficient response', you will fail if you lose more than 1 point."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Vikings: Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility in Scandinavia with these activities:

Create a digital repository of course materials

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Having all your materials organized in one place will make studying more effective and cut down on preparation time.

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Gather all your notes, assignments, quizzes, and other materials for this course.
Scan or upload digital copies of all your materials.
Organize your files into a logical structure using folders or a note-taking app.

Review Business Ethics

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Familiarize yourself with business ethics to ensure you have a solid foundation for the course materials.

Browse courses on Business Ethics

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Review your notes, past assignments, and quizzes from a prior Business Ethics course.
Review the textbook from a Business Ethics course.
Practice answering ethical dilemmas.

Learn about the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI)

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The DJSI is a key indicator of sustainability performance; this tutorial will help you understand its methodology and how companies are evaluated.

Browse courses on Sustainability Reporting

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Find online tutorials on the DJSI, such as those offered by the S&P Global website.
Go through the tutorials, making notes on the key points and methodologies used by the DJSI.
Read articles and case studies about companies that have performed well on the DJSI to understand best practices.

Four other activities

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Participate in a discussion forum on Scandinavian Management

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Scandinavian companies have a unique approach to management; engaging in discussions with peers will provide valuable insights.

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Join an online forum or discussion group dedicated to Scandinavian Management.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Listen to the perspectives of others and seek to understand different viewpoints.

Read 'Sustainability: A Comprehensive Guide to Environmental, Social, and Economic Responsibility' by John Elkington

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This comprehensive book provides a deep dive into sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and principles.
Identify specific examples of how Scandinavian companies have implemented sustainability practices.
Consider how the ideas presented in the book can be applied to your own organization or career.

Write a blog post on the Role of Partnerships in Scandinavian CSR

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Partnerships are crucial to Scandinavian CSR; creating a blog post will reinforce your understanding and allow you to share knowledge.

Browse courses on Corporate Social Responsibility

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Research the role of partnerships in Scandinavian CSR, focusing on successful case studies.
Write a blog post outlining the key findings and insights from your research.
Publish your blog post on a platform where it can reach a relevant audience.

Mentor a student interested in CSR and Sustainability

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Mentoring others not only benefits them but also reinforces your own understanding and solidifies your knowledge.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Reach out to organizations or platforms that connect mentors with mentees interested in CSR and sustainability.
Provide guidance, support, and advice to your mentee, sharing your knowledge and experience in CSR.
Encourage your mentee to ask questions and actively seek opportunities to learn and grow.

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Vikings: Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility in Scandinavia will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

A Corporate Social Responsibility Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's CSR strategy. They work to ensure that the company is operating in a socially responsible way and that it is meeting its environmental and social goals. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and implement CSR initiatives that can improve your company's reputation and stakeholder relationships.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager is responsible for creating sustainable operations and programs for a company. They help incorporate sustainability into all aspects of a business. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you create and implement sustainability initiatives that can improve your company's bottom line and reputation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Consultant

A Sustainability Consultant helps companies develop and implement sustainability strategies. They work with companies to identify their sustainability goals, develop plans to achieve those goals, and measure their progress. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and implement sustainability strategies that can improve your clients' bottom lines and reputations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

CSR Consultant

A CSR Consultant helps companies develop and implement CSR strategies. They work with companies to identify their CSR goals, develop plans to achieve those goals, and measure their progress. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and implement CSR strategies that can improve your clients' reputations and stakeholder relationships.

See salaries and explore the career path for CSR Consultant

ESG Analyst

An ESG Analyst is responsible for evaluating a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. They use this information to help investors make informed decisions about whether to invest in the company. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you evaluate a company's ESG performance and make recommendations to investors.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

Sustainability Investment Analyst

A Sustainability Investment Analyst is responsible for evaluating and investing in sustainable companies. They use their knowledge of sustainability to identify companies that are well-positioned to succeed in a sustainable future. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you identify and invest in sustainable companies that can generate strong returns for your clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Investment Analyst

Sustainability Policy Analyst

A Sustainability Policy Analyst is responsible for developing and analyzing sustainability policies. They work with governments, businesses, and other organizations to develop policies that promote sustainability. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and analyze sustainability policies that can create a more sustainable world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Policy Analyst

Sustainability Reporting Analyst

A Sustainability Reporting Analyst is responsible for preparing and publishing a company's sustainability report. This report provides information about the company's environmental, social, and economic performance. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you prepare sustainability reports that are accurate, transparent, and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Reporting Analyst

Sustainability Data Analyst

A Sustainability Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on sustainability data. They use this data to help companies track their progress towards their sustainability goals. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you collect, analyze, and report on sustainability data in a way that can help your company improve its sustainability performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Data Analyst

Sustainability Communications Manager

A Sustainability Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's sustainability communications strategy. They work to communicate the company's sustainability performance to stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the media. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and implement sustainability communications strategies that can improve your company's reputation and stakeholder relationships.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Communications Manager

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a company's marketing strategy. They work to promote the company's products or services to potential customers. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and implement marketing campaigns that promote sustainability and resonate with consumers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

A Public Relations Manager is responsible for managing a company's public relations. They work to build and maintain a positive reputation for the company among its stakeholders. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you develop and implement public relations campaigns that promote sustainability and enhance the company's reputation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company. They work to ensure that the company is operating efficiently and effectively. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you implement sustainable operations that can improve the company's bottom line and reputation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for leading a team of sales representatives. They work to achieve the company's sales goals. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you lead a sales team that is committed to sustainability and can achieve strong sales results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Human Resources Manager

A Human Resources Manager is responsible for overseeing the human resources function of a company. They work to recruit, hire, and develop employees. This course helps prepare you for this role by teaching you the concepts of sustainability and CSR. You will also learn how Scandinavian firms have achieved superior sustainability and CSR performances. This knowledge will help you create a sustainable and inclusive workplace culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager