Business and the Environment module (GA31002)
Examine the environmental context of business, sustainable business models, and how organisations assess and communicate their environmental impact
Business and the Environment examines the complex relationship between business activity and the natural environment.
Topics include the environmental context of business, natural resources, pollution control and waste management, energy use and climate change, and sustainable business models.
You will compare different approaches to 'greening' operations and supply chains, and examine the latest international policy efforts on climate change.
The module also covers sustainability reporting, technology and IT in environmental management, and 'green' human resource management.
A particular focus is placed on how organisations communicate messages of environmental sustainability to their employees, customers, and the wider public. Teaching uses a blended learning approach combining in-class lecture and tutorial sessions with My Dundee resources.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Understand environmental issues and the ways in which businesses both cause and are affected by environmental damage
- Apply sustainable business theories and models to assess and improve organisational environmental performance
- Develop and support environmental impact assessment, pollution control, and carbon footprint management
- Manage the transition to more sustainable business operations, including greening of supply chains and HR practices
- Communicate messages of environmental sustainability clearly to employees, customers, and the public
- Apply sustainability reporting frameworks and understand international climate policy
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of environmental issues and the ways in which businesses both cause and are affected by environmental damage
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of sustainable business theories and models and how to apply them
- Develop and support business efforts towards environmental impact assessment and pollution control, and critically assess organisations' carbon footprint
- Manage the transition to more sustainable business operations and understand how organisations can communicate messages of environmental sustainability internally and externally
Assignments / assessments
Poster Presentation (30%)
- An individual poster presentation exploring the environmental context within which your business or organisation operates.
Essay (70%)
- Students have the choice of one of three individual essay topics for this assignment, each covering an important aspect of the module.
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Combined lecture and tutorial in-class sessions
- Blended learning via My Dundee with complementary materials and activities