OPF:PEMNPUPP Sustainability: Principles and

PEMNPUPP Sustainability: Principles and Practice

School of Business Administration in Karvina
Winter 2025

Extent and Intensity

2/0/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).

Teacher(s)

Guaranteed by

Ing. Pavel Adámek, Ph.D.
Department of Business Economics and Management – School of Business Administration in Karvina
Contact Person: Ing. Žaneta Rylková, Ph.D.

Timetable

Wed 24. 9. 8:05–9:40 D036

Prerequisites (in Czech)

FAKULTA(OPF) && TYP_STUDIA(N) && FORMA(P)

Course Enrolment Limitations

The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with

Sustainable Business (programme OPF, N_UPO)

Course objectives

The aim of the course is to develop students’ understanding of the principles of sustainable development, ESG factors, and the three-pillar concept of CSR, while also building the skills needed to design strategies that integrate sustainability, responsible management, and measurable impact on society and the environment. Through teamwork, case studies, and applied assignments, students analyse, interpret, and develop proposals for responsible business strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They will acquire the ability to design circular business models, prepare and evaluate CSR/sustainability reports, and discuss the societal and environmental impacts of business activities. Emphasis is placed on independent decision-making, critical thinking, practical application of knowledge, and the ability to communicate sustainable solutions within a team, with strong attention also given to stakeholder engagement.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to describe and explain sustainability principles using ESG tools within the three-pillar CSR framework, and can characterise the SDGs and justify key ESG factors. Based on critical analysis, the student evaluates theories and approaches to responsible behaviour and interprets their findings. The student considers the extent and representation of sustainability activities and decides on an appropriate portfolio of responsible objectives, strategies, and action steps to implement business sustainability principles through case study analysis. The student determines the structure of CSR in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals, summarises current knowledge, and develops an understanding of CSR, ESG, and their impacts on society as a whole and on the environment. The student integrates sustainability principles into corporate strategy through group-based problem solving. The student analyses the structure of a circular business model and carries out steps to design a circular business model in a model organisational scenario, gaining the ability to develop such a model and interpret its relevance for environmental and social impact, while justifying its alignment with the principles and objectives of the SDGs. The student analyses a CSR/Sustainability report, justifies its content structure, interprets the organisation’s approach to responsibility, and prepares recommendations for integrating CSR and circular economy principles. The student reflects on how to evaluate responsible approaches and is able to conceptualise, develop, justify, and present a CSR/Sustainability report. The student provides arguments and leads group discussion to justify proposed activities contributing to business sustainability and the achievement of the SDGs.

Syllabus

Defining Sustainability Principles

Definition and importance of sustainability; introduction of the planetary boundaries concept; overview of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Approaches to measuring SDG targets. Examples of best practices in achieving the SDGs.

2. Characterisation and Definition of Corporate Responsibility

Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The three pillars of the concept (environmental, social, economic). Theories and approaches supporting responsible corporate behaviour. Strategic perspective on sustainable business, including sustainable and circular business models.

3. Sustainable and Responsible Business in the Czech Republic

Development of sustainable and responsible business practices in the Czech Republic. Organisations supporting sustainability and CSR. The role of public administration bodies, employers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. Stakeholder groups and their interactions in sustainability-related activities. National CSR Action Plan.

4. Social and Environmental Pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate and organisational activities related to the environmental and social pillars. Assessment of organisational impacts on the environment, issues of measurement, carbon footprint, emission allowances, and relevant legislation. Socially oriented entrepreneurship. Stakeholder engagement and cooperation. Examples of activities, projects, and case studies.

5. CSR Standards and Product Design for Circularity

Classification of CSR-related standards, initiatives, and certifications. Comparison of international standards. Award and recognition systems for organisations in sustainability and CSR. Implementation and use of international and national CSR standards. Product design for circular business models. The role and relevance of consumption, resource use, and circularity.

6. Measuring Sustainability and CSR Performance

CSR performance indices: Dow Jones Sustainability Index, FTSE4Good, Ethibel Sustainability Index.
Methodologies such as KORP, EFQM, LBG; indices evaluating corporate reputation; rating agency data. Socially responsible investment, SEE funds, social return on investment. Legislative framework related to the application of sustainability.

7. Non-Financial Reporting and ESG Principles

Development of CSR, ESG, and non-financial reporting approaches. CSR reporting standards: AA1000 AccountAbility/Assurance, SA8000, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Content, structure, and reporting process. Responsible reporting in the Czech Republic. ESG and its use in evaluating organisational impact.

Teaching methods

Lecture (format: traditional lecture delivery, dialogue, group discussion and group-based problem solving, case study, confrontation method, buzz groups).

Assessment methods

Semester paper (20% of the final grade), preparation of an entrepreneurial portfolio (20% of the final grade), oral exam in the form of a defence of the entrepreneurial portfolio (60% of the final grade).

OPF:PEMNPUPP Sustainability: Principles and - Course Information