Sustainability and Social Responsibility (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

Student is able to holistically plan, implement and assess sustainability management and social responsibility in working life. Student understands the linkages between quality and sustainability. Student knows most important sustainability and social responsibility related certification systems which are used in the field she/he works at, and is able to evaluate their usefulness in a particular case.

Content (course unit)

Principles of sustainable development and social responsibility; certification systems and standards in sustainability management; planning, implementing and assessing sustainability management in working life or as part of project management.

Location and time

Kick-off session on 19th January 2018
Final session on 16th March 2018 or as on-line discussion

Exam schedules

No exams

Evaluation methods and criteria

Evaluation is based on process and products
* constructive activity in Tabula
* showing wide understanding in applying the concepts and principles of sustainable development and corporate responsibility in the individual assignment

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Blended learning
Kick-off session on 19th January
Group and individual tasks in Tabula
Final session on 16th March or as on-line discussion

Learning materials

To be added

Student workload

On-line discussions on concepts and developments in sustainability and corporate social responsibility (20 hrs)
On-line discussions on tools of sustainability and corporate social responsibility management (20 hrs)
Individual assignment on developing sustainability or corporate social responsibility. (80 hrs)
Commenting other students' plans and drafts. (10 hrs)
Kick-off and summarizing sessions 8 hrs.

Content scheduling

19.1. – 31.1. Principles of sustainable development and social responsibility;
1.2. – 11.2. certification systems and standards in sustainability management;
12.2.-16.3. planning, implementing and assessing sustainability management in working life or as part of project management.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Students work on sustainability practices of their work places or other related organisations.

International connections

Students form an international group bringing their points of view and developing each other's understanding about sustainability and social responsibility.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student does not able to define the concepts of sustainability or responsibility. The student is not able to analyse working life cases from the viewpoints of sustainability or corporate social responsibility. The report does not meet the set standards.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student is able to define the main concepts related to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Student understands some dimensions of sustainability and social responsibility in working life context. The student identifies sustainable and responsible practices (including certification systems), but is not able to explain their benefits for companies or project management. The student identifies his/her communication skills and takes responsibility of his/her studies.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student is able to use the basic concepts of sustainability and is able to identify elements of sustainability and corporate social responsibility in areal working life case. The student is able to solve problems related to sustainability and understands clients' and stakeholders' views. The student understands the main principles of certification and standards as a tool in sustainability management. The student is able to take responsibility in cooperation and ready to develop his/her communication skills.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student is able to critically apply concepts of sustainability and corporate social responsibility into working life context. The student understands how sustainability and corporate social responsibility are part of the practices and principles in the field she/he works/studies. The student is able to analyse and develop sustainability and corporate social responsibility in an organisation and/or as part of project management. The student is able to apply tools of sustainability management and explain the choice of used tools. The student is able to work constructively in cooperation with others.