NA_SB Sustainable Business

University of Finance and Administration
Summer 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
Ing. Ondřej Ptáček, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
Ing. Ondřej Ptáček, Ph.D.
Department of Economics and Management – Departments – University of Finance and Administration
Contact Person: Bc. Kateřina Konupková
Timetable of Seminar Groups
NA_SB/pECPH: each even Thursday 17:30–18:14 S23, each even Thursday 18:15–19:00 S23, each even Thursday 19:15–19:59 S23, each even Thursday 20:00–20:45 S23, except Thu 21. 3. ; and Mon 11. 3. 17:30–19:00 S23, 19:15–20:45 S23, O. Ptáček
Prerequisites
English in spoken and written form.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is offered to students of any study field.
Course objectives
Familiarize students with the concepts and principles of sustainable business. Provide students with knowledge of environmental, social and economic sustainability in business. Develop students' skills in assessing the risks and opportunities associated with sustainability. Support the ability to apply sustainable strategies and tools in a real business context. Increase the ethical awareness of students and the ability to solve ethical issues within the framework of business. Provide students with the ability to monitor and evaluate performance in sustainable business.
Learning outcomes
Students will understand the basic concepts and principles of sustainable business, including its environmental, social and economic aspects. They will be able to identify risks and opportunities associated with sustainable business and evaluate them in terms of benefits for businesses. Students will be introduced to various tools and strategies for achieving sustainable business goals, including green technologies, CSR, and sustainable marketing. Students will be able to monitor and evaluate the sustainability performance of their business activities and make the necessary adjustments and improvements. Students will be able to create and implement sustainable business strategies and action plans.
Syllabus
  • Lesson 1: Introduction to sustainable business Definition of sustainable business and its meaning History of sustainable business and its development Ethical and moral aspects of business within the framework of sustainability Global issues and challenges associated with sustainable business Lesson 2: Environmental sustainability Ecological footprint and its meaning Green energy and energy savings in business Lean manufacturing processes and products Certificates of ecological sustainability Lesson 3: Social sustainability Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Diversity and inclusion in the work environment Employee and community support Social investment and volunteering Lesson 4: Economic sustainability Financial sustainability and risk management Profitability and sustainability Innovation and competitiveness in relation to sustainability Investment in sustainability Lesson 5: Legal aspects of sustainable business Regulation and standards related to sustainability Basic legislation and supervision Legal obligations of companies in the field of environment and social responsibility Lesson 6: Sustainability in the supply chain The supply chain and its impact on sustainability Supply chain monitoring and evaluation Ethical issues in the supply chain Lesson 7: Sustainability in Manufacturing and Operations Inventory and logistics management with sustainability in mind Process improvement and waste reduction Certification of sustainable production Lesson 8: Sustainability Marketing and Communication Green marketing strategies Responsible advertising and branding Communication with the public and transparency Lesson 9: Sustainability and Innovation Innovative approaches to sustainability Products and services based on sustainability Sustainable design and technology Lesson 10: International aspects of sustainable business Global goals and agreements in the field of sustainability International trade and sustainability Cultural and geopolitical diversity in the context of sustainable business Lesson 11: Evaluating Sustainable Business Performance Methods and indicators for sustainability assessment Performance monitoring and reporting Reaction to identified deficiencies and improvements Lesson 12: The Future of Sustainable Business Tendencies and perspectives of sustainable business The role of government, civil society and business in sustainable business
Literature
    required literature
  • "The Responsible Business: Reimagining Sustainability and Success" - by Carol Sanford
    recommended literature
  • "The Green to Gold Business Playbook: How to Implement Sustainability Practices for Bottom-Line Results in Every Business Function" - by Daniel C. Esty and P.J. Simmons
  • "Sustainable Business: An Executive's Primer" - by Stuart L. Hart and Mark B. Milstein
Teaching methods
lectures and seminars; homework (students have to write a seminar working paper);reading of the prescribed and recommended literature
Assessment methods
Final test in written form;attendance. Written test is composed of approximately 30 to 40 questions, both open and closed questions can appear. Questions are based on the course materials and topics covered by lectures, both theoretical and practical knowledge will be integral part of the final test. Minimum of 60% correct answers is required to pass the test.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
Information on the extent and intensity of the course: 12 hodin KS/semestr.
The course is also listed under the following terms Summer 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Summer 2024, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.vsfs.cz/course/vsfs/summer2024/NA_SB