Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

Only available to students on NN14

Aims

The module aims to provide an introduction to sustainability, why it is relevant to business and key elements surrounding this including nature, supply chain and risk management. The module also introduces Corporate Governance using relevant frameworks and context and as a basis for study in future stages on the NN14/NN49 programmes. Use will be made of case study material developed by the ICAEW, for which we have a licence, to demonstrate the practical application of corporate governance. The module also has a skills development element, including communication, teamwork and ethical awareness thereby contributing to the development of skills relevant to professional practice and helping to prepare students for the professional placements in stages two to four.

Outline Of Syllabus

•       Overview of the key sustainability crises of our time (climate change; biodiversity loss; inequality)
•       Introduce why sustainability is relevant to a commercial organisation (risks and opportunities)
•       Explore the relevance of sustainable supply chains
•       Overview of the sustainability regulations and reporting landscape
•       Application of the Corporate Governance framework to case studies
•       Development of Skills Relevant to Professional Practice

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:
•       Show knowledge and understanding of key elements of climate change and sustainability
•       Show knowledge and understanding of how business impacts its environment
•       Show knowledge and understanding of the inter-relationship between sustainability and finance
•       Show knowledge of and be able to apply the UK Corporate Governance Code to assess specific scenarios

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will be able to:
•       Demonstrate development of skills relevant to professional practice, generally
•       Specifically demonstrate verbal and written communication skills, presentation skills, team working skills and evidence of ethical awareness in the context of professional accountancy practice

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials will be used to introduce and develop material. Sessions will be used to introduce case studies which students can then use to develop skills of team-working and communication. These skills will be demonstrated through the preparation of a group presentation which will comprise 25% of the assessment of the module. Specific guidance on the development of relevant skills will be given to students across all teaching.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module introduces climate change and sustainability. The module will allow students to consider the interdependence of the economic value of the planet and that resources are finite. It will also explore the ways in which business can harm the planet, but also be a force for positive action.

It also has a skills element contributing to the development of skills relevant to professional practice and helping to prepare students for the professional placements in stages two to four. These two elements form the basis of the assessment. Knowledge, understanding and application of concepts and principles will be assessed in the written group report. The development of relevant skills will be assessed in a group presentation. The report and presentation topic will require students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant subject material.

General Notes

N/A