Specialisation Sustainability Management

Module content

In the Ecologic Dimensions of Sustainability module, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of the ecological principles of sustainable management. You will examine material flows, types of waste and the significance of industrial metabolism in order to identify ecological and economic potential in production processes. One focus is on the circular economy: from prevention and recycling to the sustainable design of products and supply chains. In addition, you will learn about different energy sources and energy carriers and analyse processes of energy conversion, transmission and operational energy management. In addition to traditional resources such as water and wind power, modern technologies such as biotechnology, green chemistry, 3D printing and bioremediation processes are also covered. The module is supplemented by insights into energy efficiency strategies, energy audits and current developments in sustainable production methods. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of how ecological, economic and social responsibility can be combined.

Acquired competences

After completing the module, you will be able to classify natural substances, biopolymers or waste materials as valuable raw materials and assess their technological use. You will be able to critically evaluate recycling technologies, new production processes and life cycle management methods and integrate them into a sustainable corporate strategy. In addition, you will be able to analyse energy flows, prepare energy balances and develop measures to increase energy efficiency. Methodologically, you will apply economic criteria to evaluate material and energy systems and transfer your knowledge to specific case studies. On a personal level, you will expand your scientific self-image by reflecting on different perspectives, critically classifying your own observations and developing sound concepts for optimising material and energy flows. In cooperative working methods, you will learn to bring together different approaches, discuss arguments and jointly design viable solutions for sustainable business processes.

Module content

In the Social Dimensions of Sustainability module, you will deepen your knowledge of the diverse fields of application for social sustainability in a corporate context. You will examine the areas of tension in which companies find themselves caught between different social expectations and learn about the role of responsible entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility (CSR). This involves key elements such as basic needs, social resources, equal opportunities, participation and the influence of demographic change. You will gain insights into international frameworks such as the United Nations' Agenda 2030, ILO and OECD standards, and European and national guidelines. Political and legal frameworks in the UK – for example, in the areas of labour law, education policy and social security systems – are also discussed. Using case studies, you will analyse how companies can fulfil their social responsibility towards employees, supply chains and society. In addition, you will reflect on how social sustainability can be documented in sustainability reports and what expectations need to be taken into account for future corporate practice.

Acquired competences

After completing the module, you will be able to describe society's expectations of companies from a business ethics perspective and explain the key elements of social sustainability. You will be able to distinguish between international and national frameworks, take legal requirements into account and develop forms of social engagement for employees and stakeholders. Methodologically, you will learn to design concepts of social sustainability, analyse conflicts of interest between economic and social aspects, and critically evaluate measures. On a personal level, you will expand your scientific self-image by breaking down complex interrelationships into individual aspects, objectively classifying your own observations and developing well-founded recommendations for action. In addition, you will reflect on different points of view and integrate them into joint solution processes. This will give you confidence in communication and cooperation in the context of social sustainability and enable you to apply your knowledge in a practical way to the design of socially responsible corporate strategies.

Module content

In the Economic Dimensions of Sustainability module, you will examine the economic fundamentals of sustainable corporate management. First, you will learn about the economic reasons for active sustainability management – from long-term competitiveness and cost savings to risk minimisation and a positive brand reputation. Building on this, you will develop an understanding of the sustainability strategy process: from analysing stakeholder interests and the value chain to benchmarking and goal setting to the implementation and communication of measures. Another focus is on change management, which is considered the key to successful transformation. Case studies illustrate how economic sustainability can be implemented in different areas of a company – from research and development to purchasing, production and marketing to finance and controlling. In addition, you will reflect on industry-specific challenges in sectors with a high carbon footprint and new opportunities in trend industries such as slow fashion, social entrepreneurship and sustainable financial markets.

Acquired competences

After completing the module, you will be able to explain the most important economic drivers of sustainable business and describe the key steps in developing a sustainability strategy. You will gain the ability to identify the economic potential of sustainable measures, quantify their financial benefits and evaluate possible conflicts of interest between ecological, social and economic aspects. Methodologically, you will learn to implement strategic concepts in a practical manner using case studies, to structure operational change processes and to apply key elements of change management. In addition, you will expand your scientific self-understanding by looking at complex interrelationships in a differentiated manner, critically classifying your own observations and developing viable concepts. When working with others, you will reflect on different perspectives, communicate your results in a comprehensible manner and contribute to the joint development of economically sustainable solutions. This will enable you to use sustainability as a factor for innovation and success in various corporate functions and industries.