Business and Sustainability
A project to cultivate native bee hives for organic honey was the winning idea of UC's 21 Day Challenge. 'The Bee Team' developed this solution to improve the well-being of the typhoon-hit community of Barangay Tarong, Phillipines.
Qualifications
Overview
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of today without adversely impacting the needs of future generations. It involves looking at the entire business process from manufacture to end user, whilst being more efficient, using cleaner production methods, and maximising resources and minimising waste. For small businesses and large corporations, performance is no longer simply about economic profit – it encompasses corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities that reflect society.
Firms recognise that customers are choosing suppliers with environmental, social, and cultural values and practices similar to their own. Organisations with sustainability strategies not only save money but benefit from an improved image and reputation through their social initiatives and corporate citizenship.
- UC Business and Sustainability courses draw from various disciplines including environmental economics, sustainable tourism, operations and supply chain management, and corporate social responsibility. Our expert lecturers focus on modern notions of corporate performance (environmental, social, cultural), triple bottom line reporting, and understanding issues from ethical, global, and multicultural perspectives.
All students who have entry to the University can study a BA or BCom from 100-level without previous study in the area. However, it is useful to have studied accounting, economics, business studies, and mathematics (especially statistics) at school. A good standard of oral and written English is important.
An interest in sustainability can be illustrated in everyday actions such as reusing goods, recycling materials, and minimising waste; as well as conserving energy and caring for our natural environment. Business and Sustainability attracts anyone who wants to make a genuine difference in the world we live in and look after it for future generations.
UC offers a minor in Business and Sustainability as part of the Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Arts.
100-level courses
MGMT 100 Fundamentals of Management is a required course for this minor. MGMT 100 introduces you to the fundamental principles of management: planning, organising, leading, and controlling. You will also gain an understanding of how organisations are linked to the Aotearoa New Zealand and global business environment.
200-level courses
Beyond first year, there are two required courses:
- MGMT 230 Business, Society and the Environment – analyse the changing responsibilities of business at organisational, national, and global levels. Consider the impact of climate change, globalisation, and consumerism, and identify ways in which business organisations respond ethically to the needs of society and the environment.
- MGMT 335 Special Topic: Business and Sustainability – examine business and sustainability theory, the implications for a business if it pursues sustainability goals, and measuring and monitoring sustainability in business, supply chains, and related institutions.
Plus a further 30 points (two courses) selected from:
This subject provides a background for any career which requires a detailed understanding of sustainability and strategic business decisions involving social accounting, corporate reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
A minor in Business and Sustainability complements Commerce specialisations such as Accounting, Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Strategy and Entrepreneurship, as well as any other discipline that involves an organisation’s corporate social responsibility activities.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
Contact us
Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Phone +64 3 369 3888
Email studybusiness@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Reception Level 2, Meremere Building – see campus maps
Postal address
College of Business and Law | Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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