Business Sustainability and Innovation

Program Overview

This program explores the intersection of business sustainability and innovation, equipping participants with skills to analyze KPIs, build business models, and drive value creation and capture. Through a blend of theoretical and practical approaches, it prepares graduates for careers in sustainable businesses, consulting, entrepreneurship, and sustainability specialization. The program emphasizes the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in achieving business sustainability and the triple bottom line.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

• This course focuses on the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the context of business sustainability and the triple bottom line.
• This course examines theoretical and practical issues surrounding business sustainability and innovation.
• Emphasizes the development of business models using student teams for key innovation and value proposition methods, relevant for modern managers and entrepreneurs.
• Can be taken individually or over time towards a Postgraduate Certificate of Professional Development.

Objectives:

• Equip participants with the skills to interpret KPIs in the context of business sustainability and the triple bottom line.
• Develop skills in building and applying business models for value creation and value capture.

Description:

The course provides a comprehensive exploration of business sustainability and innovation, with a focus on how these aspects can intertwine to create successful and sustainable businesses. Through a combination of theoretical and practical frameworks, participants are equipped to identify and analyze relevant key performance indicators (KPIs). Building and applying business models becomes a core aspect of the learning experience as participants work in teams, gaining valuable insight into the creation and capture of value.

Outline:

Themes:

• Concepts of entrepreneurship, competitiveness, and value creation.
• The strategic management process.
• Theme 2: The Triple Bottom Line Framework.

• Macro data analytics, including KPI analysis.
• Review necessary financial underpinnings and structures for sustainability.
• Theme 3: Business Sustainability and Management Accounting:
• Analyzing Financial Statements (incl Ratio analysis) in the context of sustainability.
• Working Capital, Inventory, Receivables, AND Cash Management
• Managing creditors.
• Capital investment decisions, Budgeting, and Cost Behaviour.
• Decision making in budgeting, considering behavioural issues.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding business and economic concepts in the context of business.
• Understanding how sustainable firms are characterized.
• Knowledge about triple bottom line, business model canvas, and business model design.
• Understanding the relationship and interplay between financial performance measures.
• Applying accounting and financial information strategically for enhanced decision-making.

Schedule (Tentative):

• Spring semester 2024.
• Wednesday 13th, Thursday 14th, and Friday 15th March 2024.
• Learning Sets also scheduled on: March 20th, April 10th & 17th.

Assessment:

Coursework (100%):

1) Report (75%):

• Analyze the financial health and performance of a chosen business using a provided case study.
• Report length: 3000 words.
• Report structure includes:
• Executive Summary
• Introduction & Company Rationale
• Findings & Analyses
• Conclusion & recommendations
2) Group Presentation (25%):
• Presentation length: 20 minutes.
• Groups of up to 4 participants.
• Individual contribution component: 30% of total presentation mark.
• Participants must pitch a chosen innovative business model to a designated CEO, explaining the reasons behind their selection.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a blend of expert teaching and interactive methods:

• Professor and expert-led lectures to impart key theoretical and practical knowledge.
• Case study analysis encourages application of concepts and collaborative problem-solving.
• Interactive group projects to solidify learning through real-world scenarios and teamwork.
• Independent learning supplemented by diverse online resources and study aids.

Careers:

Potential careers for graduates:

• Management positions in sustainable businesses and organizations.

• Consultants in innovation and business sustainability.

• Entrepreneurs leading new ventures with sustainable approaches.

• Sustainability specialists within corporations and non-profits.

Other:

• The course curriculum may be subject to change, updates will be readily provided.
• The course requires attendance on campus during scheduled days and timeframes.
• Participants successfully completing all requirements receive an Ulster University Business Sustainability and Innovation qualification.

Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and EU Settlements Status Fees:

£746.60

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees. Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses. Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.