See module specification for other years:
2021-222022-23
Module summary
This module provides an introduction to the practical management of environmental issues in a business context. The teaching places an emphasis on employability skills.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching cycle
A
Autumn Term 2020-21
Module aims
Using a problem-based learning format the module aims to:
Explore the drivers for businesses to address their environmental aspects and impacts;
Examine the practical application of selected environmental regulations commonly affecting manufacturing businesses;
Build an awareness of techniques and tools commonly deployed in the management of environmental issues in a business context;
Develop an understanding of the principles underpinning the design and development of more environmentally sustainable products and processes;
Explain key facets of project management (e.g. risk and financial management);
Develop skills and competences relevant to working as an environmental professional in a consultancy or industry context.
Module learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students will be able to:
Present a compelling business case for improving environmental performance;
Lead or contribute to a team-based consultancy project, from concept to reporting, advising on a ‘real world’ environmental sustainability problem;
Critically analyse a product/process/business model from an environmental sustainability perspective and make proposals for improvement;
Identify some key environmental regulatory compliance requirements applicable to a manufacturing business;
Understand how to manage some of the more important aspects of project risk;
Deploy some basic skills and competencies pertinent to working as an environmental professional.
Assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Project report
N/A
100
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Formative input on group projects will be provided orally through an interim project meeting with each group.
Reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Essay/coursework Essay / report
N/A
100
Module feedback
Feedback on the report will be provided in the form of written comments (copied to each individual) at standard turnaround times (4 weeks).
Feedback on the presentation/report will be provided individually at standard turnaround times (4 weeks)
Indicative reading
Brady, Ebbage & Lunn: "Environmental Management in Organisations: The IEMA Handbook", 2013, Francis & Taylor;
Elkington & Zeitz: "The Breakthrough Challenge - Ten Ways to Connect Today's Profit with Tomorrow's Bottom Line", 2014, Wiley;
Hitchcock & Willard: "The Business Guide to Sustainability: Practical Strategies and Tools for Organisations", 2nd Edition, July 2009, Routledge;
Meadows: "Thinking in Systems: a Primer", 2008, Earthscan;
von Weizsacker, Hargroves et al: "Factor Five: Transforming the Global Economy Through 80% Improvements in Resource Productivity", December 2009, Routledge;
Welford & Starkey (ed): "The Earthscan Reader in Business & Sustainable Development", 2000, Routledge.