Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding the Sustainability Challenge: the Systemic Level

This section will introduce the course and frame the complex set of issues that the course aims to tackle. You will learn about some of the most important global sustainability challenges within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and how to reflect on their implications for business.

Understanding the Sustainability Challenge: the Business Level

In this section you will learn the core concepts of corporate sustainability and the key dimensions that distinguish a sustainable organization. Instructors will discuss the foundations of the stakeholder-based view of the firm, and the logic for and against the primacy of shareholder value maximization as guiding purpose for firms' existence. We will then explore sustainability challenges and opportunities for organizations across some of the key dimensions of business, and conclude with a roundtable discussion on the nature of the sustainable enterprise.

Why Corporate Sustainability? Assessing the Strategic Opportunity

This module consists of two different parts. In the first part we will explore why corporate sustainability could be paramount for corporate success. In the second part, you will learn about successful cases of organizations focusing on a business model designed around sustainability principles and mindsets.

Seizing the Strategic Opportunity: Managing Sustainability Transitions across Business Functions

In this module, you will learn to assess the challenges related to the management of the integration of sustainability-related processes in business organizations. This transformational change challenge is assessed across some of the key business functions and will allow you to frame and address similar challenges and opportunities within your own business context.

Transitioning Organizations to Sustainable Enterprises: Developing the Road-Map

In this final part, you will learn how to approach the challenge of developing a roadmap to realize the stakeholder value creation potential in sustainability transitions at three different levels. It will entail the integration of change initiatives in the development of sustainability mindsets and behavior in managers and employees - individual level - with initiatives related to transformational change in the organizations we are working in - organizational level -, and the equally critical initiatives to transition towards sustainable behaviors and outcomes in the political, social and economic systems - systemic level -.

FINAL ASSESSMENT

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops critical thinking skills for assessing and addressing sustainability challenges in business

Provides a comprehensive understanding of corporate sustainability from a stakeholder-based perspective

Instructors have expertise in sustainability and management

Reviews summary

Corporate sustainability: from strategy to action

learners say this course offers a largely positive introduction to corporate sustainability focused on engaging assignments and strategy. Many well received elements include engaging assignments, well received instructors, difficult exams, clear deadlines, and valuable certificates. According to students, this course showcases real-world examples of corporate sustainability from beginners to more experienced professionals.

Students in the course say valuable certificates are awarded.

"I hope this course will provide a positive impact on my career."

Learners say the course provides clear deadlines.

"The quizzes at the end could be improved - the questions are a little abstract and do not always refer to the course content, which can trip you up."

Learners report the course has engaging assignments.

"This course is recommended for people who are interested in a long term carrier goal & want to create a better world in their respected corporates/society."

"This course is packed with interesting, up-to-date information - spanning from theoretical to practical."

"Definitely 100% recommended."

"Very good course, with great lecturers and material."

"Great course, with many relevant subjects to corporate sustainability managers"

"Very good theoretical approach on Sustainability issues and how should the firms tackle them."

"I would highly recommend this course as a foundation course for people interested in entering this field or for those who want to learn more about sustainability and its key topics."

Instructors in the course were well received.

"The most complete MOOC on sustainability I've ever seen until now."

"Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi and its Professors demonstrated great knowledge."

"Having now completed a couple of Coursera courses I can say this is one of the better ones."

"I liked the professor and the mix of other people presenting in different settings."

The course is well received by learners.

"I found the Corporate Sustainability Course - Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity, very good. Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi and its Professors demonstrated great knowledge."

"This is the most complete, interesting, straight to the point course on CSR i have ever seen."

"It covered all different aspects of this subject, from the most technical to the most holistic ones, keeping an eye open for all relevant variables and elements that could have been mentioned, bringing in one course the whole world of CSR together."

Some students suggest the course has difficult exams.

"For someone working in or with companies in the EU I would certainly recommend to read up on the CSRD, ESRS guidelines and relevant legislation although it is also good for persons not involved in that."

"The checking of the progress and understanding could have a bit more depth."

"The transcripts are unformatted texts which is difficult for reuse without editing."

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 Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity with these activities:

Organize and Review Class Notes and Materials

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Regularly organizing and reviewing course materials will enhance your understanding and retention of key concepts and ideas.

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Create a system for organizing notes, handouts, and assignments.
Review notes after each lecture or class session to reinforce learning.
Summarize key points and concepts in your own words.
Identify areas where further clarification or study is needed.

Explore Emerging Technologies for Sustainability

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Investigating emerging technologies will broaden your understanding of innovative solutions that can contribute to sustainability goals.

Browse courses on Renewable Energy

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Identify emerging technologies with potential sustainability applications.
Research the principles, benefits, and limitations of these technologies.
Explore case studies of businesses implementing these technologies.
Discuss the potential impact of these technologies on sustainability challenges.
Consider the ethical implications and societal considerations of these technologies.

Review the Sustainability Report of a Leading Organization

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By reviewing a detailed Sustainability Report, you will develop a concrete understanding of sustainability practices, key performance indicators, and stakeholder engagement in a real-world context.

Browse courses on Sustainability Reporting

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Identify a leading organization known for its sustainability initiatives.
Locate the organization's Sustainability Report on its website.
Review the Executive Summary and key highlights.
Analyze the environmental, social, and economic performance indicators.
Assess the stakeholder engagement strategies and their effectiveness.

Four other activities

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Practice Sustainability Impact Assessment Techniques

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By practicing impact assessment techniques, you will develop the skills to evaluate the potential sustainability implications of business decisions.

Browse courses on Environmental Impact Assessment

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Familiarize yourself with various impact assessment methodologies.
Identify and define the scope and boundaries of the assessment.
Gather data and conduct a thorough analysis of potential impacts.
Develop mitigation and enhancement strategies to address negative and positive impacts.
Communicate the assessment results and recommendations to stakeholders.

Develop a Vision Statement for a Sustainable Business

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Creating a vision statement will challenge you to articulate a compelling future state that integrates sustainability principles with business goals.

Browse courses on Sustainable Business Models

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Define the purpose and values of the business.
Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify their needs and expectations.
Research best practices and industry trends in sustainability.
Craft a vision statement that is aspirational, actionable, and measurable.
Communicate the vision statement to stakeholders and align it with business strategies.

Develop a Sustainability Improvement Plan for Your Workplace or Community

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This project will enable you to apply sustainability principles and develop a roadmap for positive change within your sphere of influence.

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Assess the current sustainability performance of your workplace or community.
Identify areas for improvement and develop specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
Create a plan outlining the actions, resources, and timeline for achieving these goals.
Implement the plan and monitor progress regularly.
Communicate results and make adjustments as needed.

Develop a Business Case for Sustainability in Your Industry

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Creating a business case will help you articulate the strategic and financial benefits of sustainability initiatives in your industry context, strengthening your advocacy efforts.

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Define the sustainability issue or opportunity facing the industry.
Identify the key stakeholders and their perspectives on sustainability.
Research and analyze the potential benefits of sustainability initiatives.
Develop a financial model to demonstrate the return on investment.
Present the business case to stakeholders and advocate for its implementation.

Career center

Learners who complete Corporate Sustainability. Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers design environmental policies and programs that guide their company's operations to meet both profit and sustainability goals. This role requires knowledge to develop strategic frameworks to integrate environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a foundation on the principles of corporate sustainability, including the macroeconomic effects of climate change and poverty, and why it is essential for companies to take sustainability initiatives for more profitable business opportunities. Additionally, the course's module on "Seizing the Strategic Opportunity: Managing Sustainability Transitions across Business Functions" can be a valuable resource for developing successful strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists research the impacts of human and natural activities on the environment, and design solutions that protect it. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a foundation on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, along with their implications for business and the environment. This course also covers the key dimensions of what makes an organization sustainable, the challenges they face, and how to seize opportunities for sustainability transitions toward successful business outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Energy Analyst

Energy Analysts provide insights and solutions for businesses to achieve their energy goals while improving efficiency, managing risk, and reducing environmental impact. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a strong foundation on the macroeconomic and microeconomic consequences of climate change, the importance of energy efficiency in tackling sustainability challenges, and the strategic opportunities of sustainability transitions. The course's emphasis on assessing the business implications of environmental, economic, and social factors can be particularly valuable for Energy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on how to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, while improving their financial performance. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity can provide valuable insights on the latest trends and best practices in corporate sustainability, including the integration of sustainability into business strategy, and the development of sustainability roadmaps. The course also covers assessing the strategic opportunity in sustainability transitions, which can be crucial for Sustainability Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officers develop and implement strategies that focus on a company's ethical and social performance, while enhancing brand reputation and stakeholder relationships. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity can provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts of corporate sustainability and their importance for business success. The course's module on strategic opportunity assessment can be specifically valuable in identifying and seizing opportunities to create stakeholder value through sustainability initiatives.

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

ESG Analyst

ESG Analysts evaluate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies to help investors make informed investment decisions. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity can provide insights into key sustainability issues and their implications for business, along with strategic opportunities for sustainability transitions. The course's focus on the assessment of ESG factors and their impact on corporate performance can be beneficial for ESG Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

Product Sustainability Manager

Product Sustainability Managers design and implement strategies to minimize the environmental and social impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a solid foundation on the concepts of sustainability, including the macroeconomic and microeconomic consequences of environmental issues, and the importance of sustainability for business success. The course's focus on assessing the strategic opportunity in sustainability transitions may also be valuable in identifying opportunities to create stakeholder value through sustainable product design and development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Reporting Specialist

Sustainability Reporting Specialists collect and analyze data to create reports on a company's environmental, social, and economic performance. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may provide a foundation on the key principles of corporate sustainability, including the importance of stakeholder engagement and the integration of sustainability into business strategy. The course's module on developing a roadmap for sustainability transitions may also be valuable for Sustainability Reporting Specialists in understanding the process of embedding sustainability into an organization's core operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Reporting Specialist

Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analysts research and analyze policies related to climate change, providing insights for decision-making and policy development. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a solid foundation on the macroeconomic and microeconomic consequences of climate change, and the importance of policy interventions for sustainability transitions. The course's focus on understanding the sustainability challenge and assessing the strategic opportunities it presents can be valuable for Climate Policy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst

Corporate Governance Analyst

Corporate Governance Analysts assess the governance practices of companies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may provide a solid understanding of the key principles of corporate sustainability, including the importance of stakeholder engagement and the integration of sustainability into business strategy. The course's focus on understanding the sustainability challenge and assessing the strategic opportunities it presents may also be valuable for Corporate Governance Analysts in understanding how sustainability factors can impact corporate governance practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Governance Analyst

Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Sustainable Supply Chain Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental and social impact of a company's supply chain. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity can provide a broad understanding of the concepts of corporate sustainability, including the importance of stakeholder engagement and the integration of sustainability into business operations. The course's focus on understanding the sustainability challenge and assessing the strategic opportunities it presents may also be valuable for Sustainable Supply Chain Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainable Supply Chain Manager

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to protect the environment from pollution and degradation. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a strong foundation on the macroeconomic and microeconomic consequences of environmental issues, and the importance of technology and innovation for sustainability transitions. The course's focus on assessing the strategic opportunity in sustainability transitions may also be valuable for Environmental Engineers in understanding how their work can contribute to business success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Sustainability Marketing Manager

Sustainability Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns that promote the sustainability initiatives of their organization. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a foundation on the key principles of corporate sustainability, including the importance of stakeholder engagement and the integration of sustainability into business strategy. The course's focus on understanding the sustainability challenge and assessing the strategic opportunities it presents can also be valuable for Sustainability Marketing Managers in developing effective marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Marketing Manager

Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities and organizations adapt to the impacts of climate change. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a foundation on the macroeconomic and microeconomic consequences of climate change, and the importance of policy interventions for sustainability transitions. The course's focus on understanding the sustainability challenge and assessing the strategic opportunities it presents may also be valuable for Climate Change Adaptation Specialists in understanding how their work can contribute to business success.

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Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers identify and develop renewable energy projects, ensuring their financial and technical viability. Corporate Sustainability: Understanding and Seizing the Strategic Opportunity may help build a strong foundation on the macroeconomic and microeconomic consequences of climate change, and the importance of technology and innovation for sustainability transitions. The course's focus on assessing the strategic opportunity in sustainability transitions may also be valuable for Renewable Energy Project Developers in understanding how their work can contribute to business success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Renewable Energy Project Developer