MBA 2379 Corporate Social Responsibility
APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013
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MBA 2379 Corporate Social Responsibility Responsible for the course Caroline D Ditlev-Simonsen Department Department of Accounting - Auditing and Law Term According to study plan ECTS Credits 5 Language of instruction English Introduction The interest for and scope of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have increased tremendously the past 20 years and it is now widely recognized that companies should take a broader responsibility than short-term profit. From an investment point of view, 11% of funds managed professionally in USA have Social Responsible Investment (SRI) criterias, and, in Europe, there has been more than 100% increase in SRI management. From being an unknown, or, for many, a non-existent term, the term CSR is now a key word in the business world as well as in media and among governments. The risk of not having CSR issues under control is well illustrated through the many CSR related scandals (for example the milk melamine in infant formula in China, child labor at Nike suppliers and the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico). The purpose of CSR engagement however, is not only to reduce risk. Addressed appropriately, CSR can be an opportunity to improve day to day business, develop a competitive advantage and improve reputation and brand. Still, most corporations are struggling with how to approach, implement, report and evaluate CSR and this again is closely related to cultural differences. CSR (including ethics and sustainability) is therefore required in the MBA curriculum among the majority of the Financial Times Top 50 Global Business Schools. This course will address how to approach CSR issues in day to day business – and align these considerations with overall business strategy. Environmental issues, human rights, ethics, sustainability, corruption, employees’ rights, philanthropy, donations, voluntary work, supplier relations, community involvement, relevant laws and regulations, reputation and branding issues, Social Responsible Investment (SRI), media interaction, cultural attitudes and climate challenge are some of the issues which will be addressed.
Acquired skills on how:
Prerequisites Open for all registered MBA students, no course prerequisite Compulsory reading Collection of articles: Caroline D. Ditlev-Simonsen. A compendium with readings related to the different sessions will be handed out prior to class in addition to other course materials. Approximately 300 pages. Recommended reading Course outline This course is a four day module, and the following is a day-by-day schedule (subject to change): Day 1.
Day 2.Guest lecture - from a Lawyer's perspective
Day 3.
Day 4.
Computer-based tools None Learning process and workload Teaching will be based on lecture by course responsible, readings, multimedia, case preparation and presentation by students. On its learning two weeks prior to course start each student will be assigned a multinational corporation which he/she will follow on key CSR issues addressed in the course. The purpose being to investigate and compare how companies deal with CSR in practice. Examination Process evaluation: The students are evaluated on three different parameters: 20% multiple choice exam 40% written assignment 40% in class participation and contribution (case and article related presentations) Examination code(s) MBA 23791 - Process evaluation; accounts for 100% to pass the program MBA 2379; 5 credits. The course is part of a full MBA and all evaluations must be passed in order to obtain a certificate for the degree. Examination support materials Re-sit examination At the next ordinary exam. Additional information Re-takes are only possible at the next time a course will be held. When course evaluation consists of class participation or process elements, the whole course must me re-evaluated when a student wants to retake a exam. Retake examinations entail an extra examination fee. |