Business Ethics and Sustainability - BUSB5530

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Medway
Autumn Term 5 20 (10) Orie Miyazawa checkmark-circle

Overview

How do businesses today ensure that they are making ethical decisions? This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify, analyze, and evaluate ethical issues in business. Through critical reflection and analytical argumentation, students will develop the ability to articulate their views and critique opposing perspectives on ethical matters. The focus is on fostering an in-depth understanding of Business Ethics and cultivating critical thinking skills, enabling students to emerge as conscientious leaders in their fields. Given the growing interest and expectations from stakeholders on environmental and social performance, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability are central themes. The module will consider a wide variety of different ethical theories including Utilitarianism, Deontological Theories, Corporate Social Responsibility, and the Triple Bottom Line, with a focus on how these can be applied to the analysis of real-world business problems through case studies.

Details

Contact hours

Lecture 16, Seminar 16

Method of assessment

Individual reflective assignment (1500 words) worth 40%.
Individual Essay (2500 words) worth 60%.

Reassessment Method: 100% Written Assessment – Individual Essay – 2,500 words

Indicative reading

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to: 

Illustrate, compare, and contrast different ethical theories and theoretical frameworks and paradigms.
Demonstrate the ability to apply ethical theories to a range of contemporary case studies in real-life scenarios.
Demonstrate analytical skills needed to evaluate and illustrate ethical issues in practice.
Present specific views on real-life ethical issues and be able to argue for them in a debate.
Compare actual and potential ethical issues that can arise in the context of business.

Notes

  1. Credit level 5. Intermediate level module usually taken in Stage 2 of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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