SM9689 - Responsible Strategy

The module will utilise a series of lectures and seminars. In the lectures you will be introduced to contemporary and seminal theoretical positions and debates on the subject of developing and implementing a responsible strategy to support the expectations of internal and external stakeholders and other agents towards a sustainable future. The seminars complement the lectures and will act as a forum to interact, debate and critically review the application of theory in practice. We will use a number of case studies as illustrations of best practice adopted by organisations when formulating and implementing corporate decisions within a socially and economically responsible context. We will review the challenges of developing sustainable strategies.

A teaching and learning plan supports the module, outlining the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. An interactive approach to lecture sessions will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and your own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of your participation, both individually and within small groups.

Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform. Independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection, research etc.

The Module Tutor will lead the module and facilitate your learning throughout the semester. The Module Tutor will provide with the academic content of the module and provide support in the lectures and seminars, aim to develop your knowledge and skills to succeed in the assessment and meet the module learning outcomes.
The electronic Learning Portal (eLp) will host lecture and seminar materials relating to the module. You will be provided with a digital reading list that comprises of various academic and practitioner journal papers, textbooks and other sources that cover responsible corporate strategy and related business models.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Appreciate and critically evaluate strategic opportunities and challenges within a complex global business context [MLO1]
• Evaluate the wider impact of strategic business decisions on social, economic and environmental contexts [MLO2]

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Make theoretically and empirically informed arguments about the nature of responsible business [MLO3]

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Reflect on your interpersonal communication skills and with ability to work within multi-cultural teams [MLO4]

The module is assessed by two components:

1. Individual assignment, 2000 words (75% of overall module mark). This component assesses MLO1, MLO2 and MLO3.
2. Group presentation (25% of overall module mark). This component assesses MLO4.

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In this module you will learn about the context of responsible strategic thinking, how to identify and explore sustainable business opportunities as a source of competitive advantage. Working together with your academic tutor and your peers you will engage in theoretical debates and challenge current business thinking and practices in order to advance further the application of responsible strategy within the complexities of the global business environment. You will gain an insight into responsible decision making and how this impacts internal and external stakeholders. The module will make use of digital learning tools to support the students’ learning and skills development.