Course detail

Corporate Sustainability

FP-csPAcad. year: 2026/2027

This course provides an exploration of sustainability within a corporate context, equipping students with the knowledge and tools to drive sustainable practices in business. It begins with an introduction to key concepts and principles of sustainability, followed by a historical overview of its development. Students will analyze new economic models, such as the digital, shared, and low-carbon economies, to understand efficient resource allocation.
The curriculum delves into environmental management techniques, the principles of the circular economy, and sustainable supply chain management, illustrating practical applications through real-world examples. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable finance and investments, exploring ESG criteria and green financial strategies, and examines the role of innovation and technology in advancing corporate sustainability.
Topics on corporate social responsibility (CSR) will highlight its significance and implementation in enterprises. Furthermore, the course addresses regulatory frameworks, governmental and NGO roles, as well as methods for measuring sustainability. Students will gain proficiency in sustainability reporting and communication, ensuring transparency in corporate practices. The course concludes with a forward-looking perspective on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainability.
Through a mix of theoretical foundations, case studies, and practical tools, this course provides students with the necessary knowledge to implement sustainability in business practice.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Marie Pavláková Dočekalová, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Economics (ÚE)

Entry knowledge

General knowledge and an overview of the current social and economic situation are assumed.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Knowledge is verified by a written test max. 50 points
Elaboration a defence of a team project max. 50 points

A 100 - 90
B 89 - 80
C 79 - 70
D 69 - 60
E 59 - 50
F 49 - 0

Aims

The aim of the course is to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the field of sustainability in business. Students will learn the basic principles of sustainability, environmental management, tools and techniques for sustainable management, as well as the principles of the circular economy, including its application in different sectors. The course also covers management of supply chains with regard to sustainability, the use of ESG criteria and the implementation of green investment strategies. Students will also gain an overview of international and national regulations related to sustainability, and learn how to use methods for measuring and effectively reporting sustainability performance. Finally, students will analyze future sustainability challenges and trends to be able to face new opportunities and challenges responsibly. This course will provide students with a broad and practical framework for implementing sustainability principles in a variety of business settings.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BEXELL, Magdalena; JÖNSSON, Kristina a JÖNSSON, Kristina. The Politics of the Sustainable Development Goals: Legitimacy, Responsibility, and Accountability. United Kingdom: Routledge, 2021. ISBN 9781000395570. (EN)
KUJALA, Johanna; HEIKKINEN, Anna; BLOMBERG, Annika; BLOMBERG, Annika; HEIKKINEN, Anna et al. Stakeholder Engagement in a Sustainable Circular Economy: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives. Cham: Springer Nature, 2023. ISBN 3031319362. (EN)
SHERWOOD, Matthew W. a POLLARD, Julia. Responsible Investing: An Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance Investments. Second edition. Oxford: Routledge, 2023. ISBN 9781032100975.  (EN)

Recommended reading

REITERMAN, David. Udržitelnost a ESG přehled evropské regulace. Praha: Wolters Kluwer, 2024. ISBN 978-80-7676-969-4. (CS)
THOMAS, Vinod a CHINDARKAR, Namrata. Economic Evaluation of Sustainable Development. Singapore: Springer Nature, 2019. ISBN 9811363897. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BAK-EAM Bachelor's

    specialization BAK-EAM-UAD , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory
    specialization BAK-EAM-EP , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Exercise

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Marie Pavláková Dočekalová, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  1. Case study: analysis of companies implementing sustainability principles, the impact of sustainability on business operations.
  2. Case study: Application of environmental management tools.
  3. Case study: Circular business models.
  4. Case study: Analysis of ESG reports of different companies.
  5. Case study: Analysis of specific regulation or policy related to sustainability, impacts on business.
  6. Case study: application of methods and tools for measuring sustainability.

Expertise: The graduate of the course: will understand the principles of sustainability. The student will be familiar with the tools and techniques of environmental management and the principles of circular economy. The graduate will have knowledge of ESG criteria and will understand the importance of corporate social responsibility. The graduate will also have an understanding of international and national regulation on sustainability and the role of governments and NGOs. They will have knowledge of methods and tools for measuring sustainability and will understand the importance of reporting and transparency in sustainability.

Professional Skills: The graduate of the course: will be able to apply the basic principles, tools and techniques of sustainability management to specific business scenarios. The student will be able to use ESG criteria in investment decisions, evaluate sustainability using appropriate methods and tools, and report and communicate sustainability results.

General competencies: The graduate of the course: develops the ability to interpret sustainability-related information, effectively communicate recommendations and strategies to promote sustainability, and apply the knowledge gained in practical business scenarios and case studies.

Self-study

65 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Marie Pavláková Dočekalová, Ph.D.

Individual preparation for an ending of the course

39 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Marie Pavláková Dočekalová, Ph.D.