This elective (3rd year) Bachelor course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and practices of responsible global business by examining the ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities of businesses operating in an interconnected world. Students will learn how global businesses can balance profitability with ethical considerations, sustainability, and social impact. The course will address some of the challenges and opportunities of managing diverse stakeholders across different cultural, legal, and economic environments.

    By the end of the course, students will be able to:

    Understand the concept of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), and their importance in global business.

    Analyze the impact of globalization on business ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.

    Evaluate the role of international organizations and frameworks in promoting responsible business practices.

    Develop strategies for managing ethical dilemmas and conflicts in global business operations.

     Apply responsible business practices in real-world case studies and scenarios.

Physical presence is mandatory.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Global Business and Responsibility

Module 2: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Frameworks and Standards

Module 3: Sustainable Business Practices and Business Ethics 

Module 4: Social Impact and Human Rights

Module 5: Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Module 6: Future Trends in Responsible Global Business 

1. Case Study Analyses (50%)

Students are tasked with analyzing real-world global businesses, focusing on specific aspects of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.

2. Group Project (30%)

Students will collaborate on in-class presentations and discussions of companies that have either excelled or failed in implementing CSR strategies.

3. Class Participation (20%)

Participation in discussions and activities, including a role-play game where students represent different stakeholders (company, market, and regulatory body).

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Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Global Business and Responsibility

    Globalization and its Impact on Business: Overview of globalization, its drivers, and its effects on business operations and strategies.

    Defining sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Introduction, history, and role in modern business.

    Ethics in Global Business: Understanding the importance of ethics in business and the challenges of maintaining ethical standards across different cultures and 

    legal systems.

Module 2: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Frameworks and Standards

    Global CSR Standards and Guidelines: Exploration of key global CSR frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact, the Global Reporting

    Initiative (GRI) and others.

    Measuring CSR Performance: Tools and metrics for evaluating a company’s social and environmental impact.

Module 3: Sustainable Business Practices and Business Ethics

     Sustainability in Global Business: Understanding the principles of sustainability and their application in global business strategies.

    Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Strategies for creating sustainable and ethical supply chains.

    Environmental Stewardship: The role of businesses in addressing environmental challenges, including climate change, resource depletion, and pollution.

    Ethical Decision-Making in International Business: Understanding the legal and ethical issues surrounding corruption and bribery in international business.

Module 4: Social Impact and Human Rights

    Business and Human Rights: The responsibility of businesses to respect and promote human rights in their operations and supply chains.

    Community Engagement and Social Impact: Strategies for businesses to positively impact the communities in which they operate.

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): The importance of DEI in global business, and strategies for creating inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Module 5: Legal and Regulatory Challenges

    International Law and Business Ethics: Understanding the legal frameworks that govern international business and their implications for ethical business

    practices.

    Compliance and Risk Management: Strategies for managing legal and ethical risks in global operations.

    Case Studies in Legal Challenges: Exploration of cases where businesses have faced legal challenges related to ethics and responsibility.

Module 6: Future Trends in Responsible Global Business

     The Role of Technology in Responsible Business: Exploring how emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and big data are impacting responsible business

     practices.

    Corporate Activism and Advocacy: The growing role of businesses in advocating for social and environmental causes.

    The Future of CSR and Sustainability: Predictions and trends shaping the future of responsible global business.