FTMBA2026 Sustainability Management

Participation Prerequisites

None.

Course Content

In this course, students will explore the broad topic of sustainability from a business case perspective. They will learn how businesses can benefit from sustainability management and transform the perceived trade-off between sustainability and profit into a synergy. The course is organized around five core topics, which aim to provide guidelines on how businesses can thrive in a more challenging, uncertain, and carbon-restricted world:

1. Understanding Sustainability
   • The limits to growth
   • Planetary boundaries
2. Sustainability Management
   • Sustainability trade-offs
   • Economic potential of sustainability
   • Challenges of Sustainability Management
3. Profit Perspective on Sustainability
   • Business cases for sustainability
   • Costs
   • Revenue
4. Sustainability Strategies and Business Models
   • Pathways to sustainability
   • The role of purpose
   • Sustainability strategies
   • Sustainable business models
5. The Role of Marketing to Bridge Sustainability Trade-offs
   • Value creation
   • Consumer behavior
   • Marketing mix

   • Brand & product
   • Price
   • Communication
   • Place

Intended Learning Outcomes and Competencies

Students participating in the course will be able to

1. Navigate the Complexity of Sustainability: Dive deep into current ecological, social, and economic challenges. Understand the intricate world of sustainability trade-offs, such as the delicate balance between sustainability and profitability.
2. Unlock the Economic Potential: Realize the economic potential that lies within sustainable practices. Analyze real-world business cases where sustainability not only thrives but acts as a catalyst for financial success.
3. Craft and Assess Sustainable Strategies: Develop the expertise to create and evaluate sustainability strategies. Learn to construct blueprints for a greener, more sustainable future and measure their impact.
4. Pioneer New Solutions: Explore innovative solutions that address evolving needs. Identify business models that seamlessly merge sustainability and profitability, positioning yourself at the forefront of sustainable business practices.
5. Integrate Sustainability into Marketing: Explore the power of sustainability in marketing. Apply sustainability frameworks to the design of new products and services, communication strategies, branding, and price management.
6. Become a Sustainability Advocate: Master the art of communicating sustainability's vital role. Inspire others in the world of business and society and earn the support of decision-makers in the pursuit of sustainable practices.

Instruction Type

In-class.

Form of Examination

Take-home exam (individual grade)

Literature

No textbook, relevant readings will be announced in the lecture.