BUS3017 : Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
BUS3017 : Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Iain Munro
- Lecturer: Dr Cristina Neesham, Dr Irene Chu, Dr Peter Edward
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The overall objective of this module is to provide an in-depth ethical reflection on the relationship between business and society as well as an analysis of the management of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices within corporations. The module explores the main theoretical perspectives on business ethics and CSR. It also addresses the debates around the changing role of corporations in relation to sustainability challenges (such as climate change and human rights).
Outline Of Syllabus
The topics covered in this module include:
- Introduction to Business Ethics and CSR
- Theoretical perspectives on Ethics and CSR
- Actors, pressures and issues in Ethics and CSR
- CSR management & communication
- The ethics of branding
- CSR and globalisation
- Whistleblowing and business ethics
- Critics of CSR
- Future perspectives on Ethics and CSR
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Students should be able to demonstrate a good understanding of:
- The key conceptual developments on the relationship between business and society
- The economic, political and social roles of corporations
- The relevant issues and current debates within the academic and practitioner literatures on business ethics and CSR
Intended Skill Outcomes
Students should develop their ability to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to discuss practical issues
- Critically assess the role of business in society and more precisely appraise companies’ CSR practices and strategies
- Identity and analyse salient issues involved in business ethics and CSR
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 12 | 2:00 | 24:00 | PiP lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 56:00 | 56:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | PiP seminar |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | LIVE online session |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | LIVE online lecture |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures will introduce the theories and approaches related to the relationship between business and society as well as the management of CSR practices. Case studies will be discussed in seminars to develop insight on current issues involved in CSR management. Drop-in sessions will be used to discuss the exam and essay preparation.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 80 | Exam (PIP) |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 20 | MCQ online assessment to test the learning outcomes in relation to progress during the semester. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written exercise | 1 | M | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The MCQ online assessment will test the learning outcomes in relation to progress during the semester. The written examination will assess the students’ overall understanding of the module content and their ability to critically analyse key issues in CSR.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BUS3017's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BUS3017's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.