NBS8657: Finance and Accounting for Sustainability
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Vu Trinh, Professor Louise Crawford
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 999 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
This module is designed to provide students with some fundamental concepts and techniques required for understanding the roles and applications of finance and accounting in creating a more sustainable and resilient global economy.
Outline Of Syllabus
The module will cover the list of topics below, though not necessarily in this order:
1. Finance for sustainability
- Sustainable finance and the Transition Challenge
- ESG Ratings and sustainable governance
- Climate and Biodiversity related risks
- Sustainable Strategy and Intangibles
- Sustainable financing sources
- Financial solutions for sustainability
2. Accounting for sustainability
- Accounting and concepts of accountability for sustainability
- Principle of double materiality: opportunities, risks, and outcomes
- Steering organisations that mobilise accounting for sustainability
- Assuring sustainability information: audit and ethics
- Sustainable information usage for capital allocation: the role of investors and bench-markers towards achieving SDGs
- Sector-specific sustainability challenges
- Impact reporting in not-for-profit organisations
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 14 | 2:00 | 28:00 |
12 lectures x 2 hours. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Seminars x 6 (3 per semester) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 66:00 | 66:00 | Estimated based on 2-3 hours per teaching week (12 teaching weeks) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent Study | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | n/a |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | Time for students to complete formative and summative assessments |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
- Small group teaching sessions are used to examine, explore and develop topics covered by structured guided learning sessions as well as guided independent study, to develop subject-specific skills.
- Students are expected to discuss issues related to finance and accounting for sustainability, and to gain experience in sustainability management.
- Analytical and research skills (see Intended Skill Outcomes) are developed through the module (teaching, learning and assessments).
- Learning is supported by the use of Canvas (e.g., quizzes, discussion boards).
- Guest lecturers (academics and/or practitioners) may be invited to share their expertise in researching and teaching particular topics.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Component | Length/mins | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written examination 1 | 120 | 2 | A | 50 | n/a |
Other Assessment
| Component | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay 1 | 1 | M | 50 | 1,500-word essay on a finance for sustainability topic or issue |
Formative Assessments
| Component | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises 1 | 1 | M | Discussions using case study and/or research papers in seminars (formative feedback by seminar leaders to students' answers, also providing suggested solutions). |
| Prob solv exercises 2 | 2 | M | Discussions using case study and/or research papers in seminars (formative feedback by seminar leaders to students' answers, also providing suggested solutions). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
- Students will undertake formative assessments (Prob solv exercises) mid-semester, to build up their skills and prepare for the summative assessment scheduled to take place later in the semester (the Finance Essay at end of Semester 1 and, respectively, the Accounting Exam at end of Semester 2).
- The coursework (written essay) will allow students to practise writing about selected topics in finance and accounting for sustainability, focusing on real-world issues. It gives students the opportunity to demonstrate effective in-depth written communication of sustainability theories, thematic issues and real-world applications.
- The written examination will allow students to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and independent critical thinking skills at the completion of the accounting component of the module.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/