Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the essential integration of environmental and sustainability considerations as fundamental components of modern business practices. It will illustrate the drivers, frameworks, techniques, and practical challenges involved in the successful implementation of environmental management.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module gives an overview of sustainability and environmental management as a business concern and the benefits to be gained from a proactive approach to environmental improvement. It discusses the techniques, incentives, frameworks, challenges involved in environmental management, which are used to monitor and implement environmental improvements within the workplace.

The module covers concepts such as:
Drivers and controls for business and environmental management e.g. legislative, fiscal, political, behavioural

Environmental Policies

Environmental Management Systems

Business and environmental management in the current world e.g. Climate Finance, Carbon pricing and carbon markets

Case studies demonstrating environmental management, with a focus on the energy and natural resources sector

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On the successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

a) demonstrate an understanding of techniques and frameworks used in environmental auditing, reviewing, and reporting (M7)

b) To analyse and compare drivers for good and bad environmental practices and how it affects people across the world (M4)

c) to classify, analyse and interpret complex information from diverse sources, such as socio-economic, political, legislative, and geographic data, to understand the drivers and challenges of successful environmental management as a core business strategy. (M7)

Intended Skill Outcomes

On the successful completion of this module the student will have skills:

a) to work collaboratively in groups, research and interpret environmental policies for businesses from different regions worldwide. They will be able to compare and appraise these legislations and assess factors influencing their effectiveness or lack thereof. (M4 M7 M16 M11)

b) To interpret how business and environmental management are closely linked and necessary to achieve climate and social justice (M4 M11)

c) to conduct environmental audits, reviews, and reporting, including the ability to assess an organization's environmental performance, prescribe areas for improvement, and communicate findings and solutions effectively through reports (M4, M7)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

At Masters level the focus is on guided independent study and group supported learning. Online guided learning material is delivered to students via Canvas. The lectures (in-person and online, including guest lectures) Present in Person (PiP) and any synchronous online sessions will provide students with the opportunity to discuss concepts with lecturers and their peers to consolidate their understanding.

Information literacy, interpersonal communication, planning and organisation, numeracy and written communication will be practiced throughout.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

·       In the group presentation assessment (zero weighted pass/fail), students will be assessed for their critical analysis and comparison of variations in drivers for environmental management, especially environmental legislation and policies between different countries. They will be assessed on identifying and critically analysing the drivers (e.g. socio-economic, political, historic, geographic) for the differences or similarities between countries. They will also analyse the potential impact of these legislations and their implementation (or lack of) on environmental improvements and appraise their links to climate and social justice. The students’ ability to conduct a thorough literature review on the relevant sector will also be assessed. They will also evaluate their own and their groups work.

·       The exam will be based on both short answer and essay questions. The questions will be designed to examine student skills to critically review and audit the typical aspects, impacts and opportunities for improvement in environmental practice within different industrial sectors, based on internationally accepted environment management practices. This will give the student the opportunity to embed and further build on the material given during the module.

General Notes

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