EV3004 - Corporate Social Responsibility in Practice

[Not offered in 2019]

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 private sector organisations, 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. Upon completion of this subject, students should have the ability to profile the CSR activities of and challenges faced by organisations and to maintain or assist in the development of parts of a CSR program. Topics studied in this subject include: the history and development of CSR, contemporary CSR issues such as those relating to climate change (e.g. climate risk, climate change disclosure), gender (e.g. gender diversity on corporate boards), circular economy, sustainable procurement, modern slavery, and the increasing importance of partnerships between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.

Learning Outcomes

• understand and describe key contemporary CSR issues and how these impact on private sector organisations;
• analyse and critically appraise CSR practices of organisations in light of societal expectations and recognise the limitations of these practices and the challenges of managing and integrating them effectively;
• design and apply CSR practices.

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.