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Mike Rosenberg
Business and environmental sustainability are not natural bedfellows. Business is about making money. Sustainability is about protecting the planet. Business is measured in months and quarters. Sustainability often requires significant short term costs to secure a sometimes uncertain long-term benefit. To some activists, all executives are exploitative, selfish one percenters. To some executives, all activists are irresponsible, unyielding extremists.
Read more
Business and environmental sustainability are not natural bedfellows. Business is about making money. Sustainability is about protecting the planet. Business is measured in months and quarters. Sustainability often requires significant short term costs to secure a sometimes uncertain long-term benefit. To some activists, all executives are exploitative, selfish one percenters. To some executives, all activists are irresponsible, unyielding extremists.
Read more
Business and environmental sustainability are not natural bedfellows. Business is about making money. Sustainability is about protecting the planet. Business is measured in months and quarters. Sustainability often requires significant short term costs to secure a sometimes uncertain long-term benefit. To some activists, all executives are exploitative, selfish one percenters. To some executives, all activists are irresponsible, unyielding extremists.
And yet engaging with the issue isn’t optional – all businesses must have a strategy to deal with sustainability and, like any strategy, this involves making choices.
This Strategy and Sustainability course based on Rosenberg's recently published book by Palgrave (http://www.palgrave.com/la/book/9781137501738) that encourages learners to filter out the noise and make those choices in a hard-nosed and clear-eyed way. Prof. Rosenberg’s nuanced and fact-based point of view recognizes the complexity of the issues at hand and the strategic choices businesses must make. He blends the work of some of the leading academic thinkers in the field with practical examples from a variety of business sectors and geographies and offers a framework with which senior management might engage with the topic, not (just) to save the planet but to fulfill their short, medium and long-term responsibilities to shareholders and other stakeholders.
This course promises to be both engaging and thought-provoking, aimed at anyone who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of a subject that is no longer perceived as a choice but a necessity for future managers and business leaders alike.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/i7zcza/strategy
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview & Week 1: Business & the Environment
Welcome! Before starting today's video lectures, please have a look at the course syllabus below. In this first session, we'll explore six fundamental differences between how, in my view, CEOs and board members think about the impact of business on the environment and how environmental activists, lobbyists, journalists, and legislators think about the same ideas. The session also deals with the evolution of environmental concern over the last 60 years and how business has responded. Objectives: To understand the different mindset that business has with respect to other parts of civil society and develop an appreciation for the relatively rapid evolution that has occurred in the relationship between business and the environment in the last 60 years.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview & Week 1: Business & the Environment
Welcome! Before starting today's video lectures, please have a look at the course syllabus below. In this first session, we'll explore six fundamental differences between how, in my view, CEOs and board members think about the impact of business on the environment and how environmental activists, lobbyists, journalists, and legislators think about the same ideas. The session also deals with the evolution of environmental concern over the last 60 years and how business has responded. Objectives: To understand the different mindset that business has with respect to other parts of civil society and develop an appreciation for the relatively rapid evolution that has occurred in the relationship between business and the environment in the last 60 years.
Read more
Week 2 - Strategic Issues
This session calls out the strategic issues in which environmental sustainability plays a key role, such as securing a license to operate, dealing with competition, and shaping consumer and societal perception. Learning Objectives: To dig into the different ways in which the issue of environmental sustainability becomes a subject for business strategy.
Week 3 - Strategic Options
This session first introduces the idea of environmental sensibility which will be different for companies in different business sectors and in different parts of the world. It then develops six strategic approaches that businesses might follow according to the degree to which they choose to comply with or go beyond legislation. Learning Objectives: To understand the idea of environmental sensibility and to explore different levels of response. In addition, learners will be able to determine the right approach for specific firms in a specific sector and place.
Week 4 - Environmental Interest Groups
Part of the issue in choosing a strategy to deal with environmental issues is to fully understand the broad spectrum of environmental interest groups. This session explores how the movement took off, distinguishing between four types of groups and examining how business might consider interacting with them (and vice versa). Learning Objectives: To explore the nature of four different types of environmental interest groups such that their motivations and behaviors can be better understood.
Week 5 - Differences Across Industries and Around the World
This session explores differences across business sectors including automotive, oil & gas, fast-moving consumer goods, mining, and IT/consumer electronics. We will also contrast the situation in the United States with Europe, China, India, and Africa. Learning Objectives: To underline the importance of adapting a specific firm’s strategy to its sector, its geographic scope and even the nature of its ownership and governance structure prior to developing a specific strategic response.
Week 6 - How to develop a sustainability strategy
This session presents an integrated framework for working through the issues introduced in the other sessions in order to develop a strategy. This involves understanding the firm’s past and present, looking ahead with a 10–20-year time horizon; quantifying, to the degree possible, the cost and benefits of different options; and making sure that the entire organization – from the board of directors down to line management – understands the direction chosen. Learning Objectives: To go through the critical steps required to build a robust strategy for dealing with environmental sustainability in a specific company or institution.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Covers strategic issues in environmental sustainability, which is key for strategy in business
Taught by Mike Rosenberg, who authored the book this course is based on
Explores frameworks for development of sustainability strategy
Examines differences in environmental sensibility across business sectors and regions around the world
Provides practical examples from diverse industries
May not be suitable for those without any understanding of business or sustainability
Save this course
Save Strategy and Sustainability to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Positive student feedback
Learners say this course stood out for its positive and supportive learning environment. They appreciated the instructor's engaging lectures and the course materials also received high praise.
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 Strategy and Sustainability with these
activities:
Explore your relationship with the environment
Show steps
Examine your understanding of the current debate and your own role within it.
Browse courses on
Environmental Sustainability
Show steps
-
Review your past experiences with the environment.
-
Consider your current knowledge of environmental issues. Consider reaching out to someone with opposing views to increase your awareness.
Explore environmental sustainability case studies
Show steps
Review case studies on environmental sustainability to apply theory and gain practical insights.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
-
Identify relevant case studies that demonstrate successful environmental sustainability initiatives.
-
Analyze the strategies used, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
-
Consider how you can apply learnings to your own business or organization.
Review 'Strategy and Sustainability' by Mike Rosenberg
Show steps
Review Mike Rosenberg's book 'Strategy and Sustainability' to gain insights into the complexities of environmental sustainability in business.
Show steps
-
Read the introductory chapters to gain an overview of the topic.
-
Review the different strategic approaches to environmental sustainability.
-
Consider the challenges and opportunities associated with each approach.
-
Apply the concepts to your own business or organization.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Write a mission statement
Show steps
Develop your own company mission statement on environmental sustainability.
Browse courses on
Mission Statement
Show steps
-
Identify the core values of your company, particularly as they relate to sustainability.
-
Draft a mission statement that encapsulates these values and your commitment to sustainability.
Conduct a stakeholder analysis
Show steps
Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify and engage with those who are affected by your company's environmental performance.
Browse courses on
Stakeholder Analysis
Show steps
-
Identify the stakeholders who could have an economic, social, or environmental interest in your firm's environmental activities.
-
Assess the potential impact of your company's activities on these stakeholders.
-
Develop strategies to engage with these stakeholders and address their concerns.
Create a sustainability plan
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan to guide your company's actions.
Show steps
-
Research industry best practices for sustainability.
-
Assess your company's current environmental impact.
-
Establish goals and objectives for reducing that impact.
Explore your relationship with the environment
Show steps
Examine your understanding of the current debate and your own role within it.
Browse courses on
Environmental Sustainability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your past experiences with the environment.
- Consider your current knowledge of environmental issues. Consider reaching out to someone with opposing views to increase your awareness.
Explore environmental sustainability case studies
Show steps
Review case studies on environmental sustainability to apply theory and gain practical insights.
Browse courses on
Case Studies
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant case studies that demonstrate successful environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Analyze the strategies used, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
- Consider how you can apply learnings to your own business or organization.
Review 'Strategy and Sustainability' by Mike Rosenberg
Show steps
Review Mike Rosenberg's book 'Strategy and Sustainability' to gain insights into the complexities of environmental sustainability in business.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the introductory chapters to gain an overview of the topic.
- Review the different strategic approaches to environmental sustainability.
- Consider the challenges and opportunities associated with each approach.
- Apply the concepts to your own business or organization.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Write a mission statement
Show steps
Develop your own company mission statement on environmental sustainability.
Browse courses on
Mission Statement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the core values of your company, particularly as they relate to sustainability.
- Draft a mission statement that encapsulates these values and your commitment to sustainability.
Conduct a stakeholder analysis
Show steps
Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify and engage with those who are affected by your company's environmental performance.
Browse courses on
Stakeholder Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the stakeholders who could have an economic, social, or environmental interest in your firm's environmental activities.
- Assess the potential impact of your company's activities on these stakeholders.
- Develop strategies to engage with these stakeholders and address their concerns.
Create a sustainability plan
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan to guide your company's actions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research industry best practices for sustainability.
- Assess your company's current environmental impact.
- Establish goals and objectives for reducing that impact.
Career center
Learners who complete Strategy and Sustainability will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. They may also be responsible for managing the marketing budget and timeline. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Marketing Managers in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help marketing managers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and executing marketing campaigns that are both effective and realistic.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They may also be responsible for overseeing the project budget and timeline. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Project Managers in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help project managers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in planning, organizing, and executing sustainability projects that are both effective and realistic.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may also be responsible for overseeing the environmental performance of organizations. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Environmental Engineers in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help engineers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems that are both effective and realistic.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They may also develop and recommend policy solutions. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Policy Analysts in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help policy analysts understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and recommending policy solutions that are both effective and realistic.
Business Development Manager
Business Development Manager
Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. They may also be responsible for managing relationships with existing clients. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Business Development Managers in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help business development managers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in identifying and developing new business opportunities in the field of sustainability.
Public relations manager
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public relations of their organizations. They may also be responsible for developing and executing public relations campaigns. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Public Relations Managers in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help public relations managers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and executing public relations campaigns that are both effective and realistic.
Educator
Educator
Educators teach students about a variety of subjects. They may also develop and implement lesson plans. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Educators in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help educators understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and implementing lesson plans about sustainability issues that are both engaging and informative.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news stories. They may also conduct interviews and research. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Journalists in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help journalists understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in writing and reporting on news stories about sustainability issues that are both accurate and informative.
Nonprofit Executive
Nonprofit Executive
Nonprofit Executives manage nonprofit organizations. They may also be responsible for fundraising and developing strategic plans. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Nonprofit Executives in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help nonprofit executives understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and implementing strategic plans that are both effective and realistic.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for their organizations. They may also be responsible for overseeing the organization's environmental performance. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Managers in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help managers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and implementing sustainability strategies that are both effective and realistic.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Managers are responsible for developing and implementing CSR strategies for their organizations. They may also be responsible for overseeing the organization's social and environmental performance. This course may be useful for those who want to work as CSR Managers in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help managers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and implementing CSR strategies that are both effective and realistic.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants help organizations understand and manage their environmental impact. They may also develop and implement environmental management systems. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Environmental Consultants in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help consultants understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and implementing environmental management systems that are both effective and realistic.
Research Analyst
Research Analyst
Research Analysts conduct research on a variety of topics. They may also develop and present research reports. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Research Analysts in the field of sustainability in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help research analysts understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in conducting research on sustainability issues and developing and presenting research reports that are both informative and engaging.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and may represent clients in environmental litigation. They may also advise clients on environmental compliance and regulatory issues. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Environmental Lawyers in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help lawyers understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in representing clients in environmental litigation and advising clients on environmental compliance and regulatory issues.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
A Sustainability Analyst may be responsible for reviewing a company's environmental practices and identifying areas for improvement. They may also be responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies. This course may be useful for those who want to work as Sustainability Analysts in that it provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic issues involved in environmental sustainability. The course may also help analysts understand the different perspectives of businesses, environmental activists, and other stakeholders. This understanding may be helpful in developing and implementing sustainability strategies that are both effective and realistic.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/i7zcza/strategy
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Strategy and Sustainability.
Superb starting point for understanding how to approach these challenges strategically, giving readers a conceptual framework for comprehending the subject in a straightforward and digestible format.
While slightly older, this book from a sustainability pioneer offers a broad and philosophical perspective on the relationship between business and the environment. Expect to gain insights into the systemic nature of these relationships.
Provides an in-depth history of the environmental movement. If you seek a deeper grasp of the historical backdrop from which the business and environmental sustainability connection evolved, this book is an excellent option.
Adds depth to the environmental context in which business sustainability fits. Readers will obtain a clearer perspective on environmental issues, the urgency, and the importance of seeking sustainability solutions.
Is an eloquent and passionate exposition on humanity's impact on the environment. It can help individuals comprehend the gravity of environmental problems and the importance of implementing sustainability initiatives.
Powerfully illustrates the unintended consequences of certain business practices on the environment. It serves as a reminder of the crucial necessity to consider sustainability.
Offers a unique perspective on sustainability by emphasizing the need for circular economies and eliminating waste.
Save
Provides an optimistic outlook on sustainability, showcasing innovative and sustainable solutions.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economic benefits of sustainability, demonstrating how businesses can profit from environmentally friendly practices.
Collection of essays that explores different aspects of the relationship between business and the environment from an economic perspective.
Textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable development concepts and practices.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/i7zcza/strategy
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Effort
2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
IESE Business School
Instructor
Mike Rosenberg
Language
English
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Good to know
Covers strategic issues in environmental sustainability, which is key for strategy in business
Taught by Mike Rosenberg, who authored the book this course is based on
Explores frameworks for development of sustainability strategy
Examines differences in environmental sensibility across business sectors and regions around the world
Provides practical examples from diverse industries
May not be suitable for those without any understanding of business or sustainability
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