Duration
30h Th
Number of credits
| Master in global transition and sustainability management | 5 crédits | |||
| Extra courses intended for exchange students (Erasmus, ...) | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course Managing Firms and Business Models within Planetary Boundaries examines the firm as an economic, social, political and ecological actor in a context shaped by the overshoot of planetary boundaries. It brings together four content blocks: the historical evolution of theories of the firm; business and governance models associated with sustainability transitions; tensions between economic performance, social justice, human rights and ecological constraints; and the analysis of concrete cases from a range of sectors. Particular attention is paid to the dialogue between classical views of the firm, shareholder value theory, stakeholder theory, corporate social responsibility, economic democracy, B Corps and mission-led firms, social economy organisations, and frameworks such as planetary boundaries, circular/regenerative economy, Doughnut Economics and post-growth perspectives.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- explain the main historical and contemporary theories of the firm
- compare different business and governance models against sustainability transition
- analyse tensions between profitability, social legitimacy, human rights and environmental sustainability
- use the frameworks of planetary boundaries, SDGs, circular economy and fair transitions to assess existing organisations
- formulate evidence-based recommendations to redesign an organisation's or territory's business model, governance and performance indicators
- work in cross-disciplinary teams and communicate a critical analysis clearly in English.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
A command of English that will enable students to follow the course and participate actively.
The course is designed for an interdisciplinary master-level audience. A general awareness of major sustainability issues, the ability to read academic material in English, and a willingness to engage in critical analysis, structured debate and collaborative work are expected.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The course is organised in 10 sessions of 3 hours. It combines short lecture inputs, case analysis, structured debates, collective-intelligence exercises, small-group work and synthesis moments.
The pedagogical approach includes a light flipped-classroom logic: brief readings or preparatory resources are shared before selected sessions so that face-to-face time can be devoted to interpretation, discussion and application.
Methods include controversy mapping, stakeholder mapping, case studies, fishbowl discussions, business-model and governance redesign exercises, and group presentations. Particular care will be taken to include students from varied backgrounds through short concept notes and explicit instructions.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
Face to face. The course is designed as an interactive face-to-face learning experience with a strong participatory and deliberative dimension, in line with the format announced for this program.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Further information:
Materials will include slides, concept notes, activity instructions, case studies and, where relevant, complementary digital resources. Readings will be organised progressively, usually with one required extract and, where appropriate, one complementary or contrasting text per session.
Indicative bibliography:
- Kate Raworth, Doughnut Economics;
- Paul Hawken (ed.), Drawdown;
- Tim Jackson, Prosperity Without Growth;
- Michael Braungart & William McDonough, Cradle to Cradle.
Written work / report
Further information:
Assessment will evaluate conceptual understanding, critical analysis and the ability to formulate applicable recommendations.
Proposed assessment structure:
- individual reflection note comparing two theories of the firm: 20%;
- group project redesigning a business model and governance structure: 35%;
- oral presentation of the group project: 20%;
- individual take-home final assignment applying course frameworks to a real case: 25%.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
This is a new course within the Master in Global Transition and Sustainability Management. Its pedagogical design has been developed for a cohort of around 40 students with varied backgrounds, balancing theoretical input, interaction and applied work. Particular attention will be paid to alignment with the other teaching units in the "Managing transitions" module and to progressive adaptation based on the actual profile of the cohort.
Contacts
Lecturer: Pierre Leonard
Email: pierre@littlegreendots.be
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.
Further information:
No MOOC is formally associated with the course at this stage. Short video resources or online lectures may nevertheless be recommended as complementary material when relevant.