NBS8657 : Finance and Accounting for Sustainability
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Vu Trinh
- Co-Module Leader: Professor Louise Crawford
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This module is designed to provide students with some fundamental concepts and techniques required for understanding the roles and applications of finance and accounting in creating a more sustainable and resilient global economy.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover the list of topics below but not necessarily in this order:
1. Finance for sustainability
- Sustainable finance and the Transition Challenge
- ESG Ratings and sustainable governance
- Climate and Biodiversity related risks
- Sustainable Strategy and Intangibles
- Sustainable financing sources
- Financial solutions for sustainability
2. Accounting for sustainability
- Accounting and concepts of accountability for sustainability
- Principle of double materiality: opportunities, risks, and outcomes
- Steering organizations that mobilise accounting for sustainability
- Assuring sustainability information: audit and ethics
- Sustainable information usage for capital allocation: the role of investors and bench-markers towards achieving SDGs
- Sector-specific sustainability challenges
- Impact reporting in not-for-profit organizations
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 2:00 | 28:00 | 12 lectures x 2 hours. 1 coursework guidance x 2 hours. 1 revision lecture x 2 hours. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | Time for students to complete formative and summative assessments |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 66:00 | 66:00 | Estimated based on 2-3 hours per teaching week (12 teaching week) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Seminars x 6 (i.e., 3 per semester) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
- Small group teaching sessions are used to examine, explore and develop topics covered by structured guided learning sessions as well as guided independent study, to develop subject-specific skills.
- Students are expected to discuss issues related to finance and accounting for sustainability, and to gain experience in sustainability management.
- Analytical and research skills (see Intended Skill Outcomes) are developed through the module (teaching, learning and assessments).
- Learning is supported by the use of Canvas (e.g., quizzes, discussion boards).
- Guest lecturers (academics and/or practitioners) may be invited to share their expertise in researching and teaching particular topics.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | M | 50 | 1,500-word essay on a finance for sustainability topic or issue |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Discussions using case study and/or research papers in seminars (formative feedback by seminar leaders to students' answers, also providing suggested solutions). |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | Discussions using case study and/or research papers in seminars (formative feedback by seminar leaders to students' answers, also providing suggested solutions). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
- Students will undertake formative assessments (Prob solv exercises) mid-semester, to build up their skills and prepare for the summative assessment scheduled to take place later in the semester (the Finance Essay at end of Semester 1 and, respectively, the Accounting Exam at end of Semester 2).
- The coursework (written essay) will allow students to practise writing about selected topics in finance and accounting for sustainability, focusing on real-world issues. It gives students the opportunity to demonstrate effective in-depth written communication of sustainability theories, thematic issues and real-world applications.
- The written examination will allow students to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and independent critical thinking skills at the completion of the accounting component of the module.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NBS8657's Timetable