EV3004 - Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice

[Not offered in 2022]

Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice introduces students to a wide range of contemporary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) applications and challenges, with an emphasis on voluntary initiatives. CSR will be studied in the context of society's expectations (of the roles and responsibilities) of organisations in the private sector, but connections to government and the not-for-profit sector will also be explored. The subject builds upon students' prior knowledge of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) concepts and employs the case method of teaching and blended learning. Topics covered include: the history and development of CSR, a range of contemporary CSR issues such as climate change (e.g. climate risk, climate finance, climate change disclosure), gender diversity, circular economy, environmental management systems (e.g. ISO 14001, environmental auditing), and the increasing importance of collaboration and partnerships between the for-profit, government, and not-for-profit sectors. Students advanced in their studies in environmental management, business management or an interest in how corporations approach sustainable development will benefit from this subject.

Learning Outcomes

• define and describe key contemporary CSR issues and illustrate how they impact private organisations;
• analyse, critique and evaluate CSR practices of organisations in light of societal expectations, recognising their limitations and the challenges organisations face in managing and integrating them effectively;
• design and apply CSR practices.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (30%) -
• Participation > Class participation - (20%) -

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.