In this section you will learn the core concepts of corporate sustainability and the key dimensions that distinguish a sustainable organization. Instructors will discuss the foundations of the stakeholder-based view of the firm, and the logic for and against the primacy of shareholder value maximization as guiding purpose for firms' existence. We will then explore sustainability challenges and opportunities for organizations across some of the key dimensions of business, and conclude with a roundtable discussion on the nature of the sustainable enterprise.

This module consists of two different parts. In the first part we will explore why corporate sustainability could be paramount for corporate success. In the second part, you will learn about successful cases of organizations focusing on a business model designed around sustainability principles and mindsets.

In this module, you will learn to assess the challenges related to the management of the integration of sustainability-related processes in business organizations. This transformational change challenge is assessed across some of the key business functions and will allow you to frame and address similar challenges and opportunities within your own business context.

In this final part, you will learn how to approach the challenge of developing a roadmap to realize the stakeholder value creation potential in sustainability transitions at three different levels. It will entail the integration of change initiatives in the development of sustainability mindsets and behavior in managers and employees - individual level - with initiatives related to transformational change in the organizations we are working in - organizational level -, and the equally critical initiatives to transition towards sustainable behaviors and outcomes in the political, social and economic systems - systemic level -.