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2010/1 Module Catalogue
 Module Code: MANM252 Module Title: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Module Provider: School of Management Short Name: MANM252
Level: Module Co-ordinator: MILLER G Dr (SoM)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Assessment Pattern

 

Assessment Pattern

 

Unit(s) of Assessment

 

Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)

 

Research Project (4000 words)

 

70%

 

Theory Paper (1500 words)

 

30%

 

Qualifying Condition(s) 

 

Must obtain 50% overall to pass module.

 

 

 

Module Overview

Module Overview

 

The rationale for studying this module is the fundamental changes to the way business will be managed in the future.  Examples such as Enron and Parmelat illustrate poor corporate governance, Rail Track’s management has led to tightening of corporate manslaughter laws, the behaviour of the banking industry has led to calls for additional taxes, regulatory change and reform to the structure of the industry and countless industries face significant change as a result of previous inaction on climate change.  Understanding CSR will be central to managing businesses in the future.

 

Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None
Module Aims

This module questions the extent to which Corporate Social Responsibility can benefit an organisation. The module aims to present arguments for and against developing CSR and how CSR can be implemented and integrated into an organisation. The module will critique CSR and so consider whether there is a future for CSR.

 

 

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

 

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

 

  • Identify ethical issues facing an organization

     

  • Critically evaluate ethical theory and its significance to business practice

     

  • Apply ethical theory to help address business dilemma

     

  • Describe the value of managing the organization in a responsible manner

     

  • Develop and integrate CSR strategies within an organization

     

Module Content

 

Understanding CSR

 Why is CSR important? 
 
Theories of CSR  

 

 

 

The Business Case for CSR 

 

The power of the consumer to force change 
Greening the supply chain 
Civil Society’s ability to exert pressure on organizations 
The role of the finance and insurance industries in promoting CSR
The media’s ability to demand CSR 
The importance of internal values in encouraging CSR 

 

Future of CSR 
Critique of CSR 
Social entrepreneurship 
Sustainable consumption 
Changing role of business in society 

 

Methods of Teaching/Learning

 

 

 

The module will use a combination of delivery methods to promote learning. These will include conventional and more inter-active lectures, web-enabled support, and guest speakers. The growth of high-profile examples of poor business practice ensures there are a plethora of case studies to illustrate points. Best practice can also be demonstrated through cases and guest speakers.

 The teaching and learning methods include: 

 

 

  • Lectures  
  • Guest Speakers  
  • Case analysis  
  • Discussion groups  
  • Presentations  
  • Self-directed learning through: 

1.      Reading 

 

2.      ULearn 


Assessment Strategy

 

The assessment contains two elements. The theory paper requires the student to demonstrate understanding of the concepts and ideas that underpin business ethics and CSR. The Research Project requires the student to identify a company and examine their CSR strategy. This research project should employ the theory learned from the module, question the motives for the CSR strategy and consider how the CSR strategy should develop for the future.

Selected Texts/Journals

Selected Texts/Journals

 

Essential Reading

 

Crane, A., Matten, D. & Spence, L. (2007) (eds) Corporate Social Responsibility. London , Routledge.

 

Recommended Reading

 

Crane, A. and Matten, D. (2007) Business Ethics, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

 

Supporting Reading

 

Bakan, J. (2004) The Corporation, London , Constable.

 

Chryssides, G.D. and Kaler, J.H. (1993) An Introduction to Business Ethics, London , etc, International Thompson Business Press.

 

Fisher, C. and Lovell A. (2006) Business Ethics and Values, Harlow , FT/Prentice Hall.

 

Hartman, L.P.  (2005) Perspectives in Business Ethics, Boston , McGraw-Hill Irwin.

 

McEwan, T. (2001) Managing Values and Beliefs in Organisations, Harlow , Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

 

Nicholls, A. (2006) Social Entrepreneurship: New Paradigms in Sustainable Social Change, Oxford, Oxford University Press.

 

Other Indicative Readings

 

Films

 

Age of Stupid (2009)

 

Blood Diamond (2006)

 

Blue Collar (1978)

 

Day after Tomorrow (2004)

 

End of the Line (2009)

 

Inconvenient Truth (2006)

 

Journals

 

Accountability Quarterly

 

Business and Society Review

 

Business Ethics: A European Review

 

Business Ethics Quarterly

 

Journal of Applied Philosophy

 

Journal of Business Ethics

 

Journal of Corporate Citizenship

 

Websites

 

Amnesty International                               www.amnesty.org

 

Business for Social Responsibility               www.bsr.org

 

Business in the Community                        www.bitc.org.uk

 

Corporate Watch                                       www.corpwatch.org

 

Ethical Consumer                                       www.ethicalconsumer.org

 

Ethical Corporation                                    www.ethicalcorp.com

 

Ethical Investment Research Services        www.eirs.org

 

Ethical Trading Initiative                             www.ethicaltrade.org

 

Fair Trade Foundation                                www.fairtrade.org.uk

 

Global Compact                                         www.unglobalcompact.org

 

Global Reporting Initiative                          www.globalreporting.org

 

Greenpeace                                               www.greenpeace.org.uk

 

Institute of Business Ethics                          www.ibe.org.uk

 

SustainAbility                                             www.sustainability.com

 

A complete list of reading specific to the topics covered will be provided ahead of each lecture

 

Last Updated

9th September 2010