Course Syllabus

Course Description

Note:  This course is aimed at both the business student and the sustainability/environmental studies student.  It is also appropriate for any student simply interested in the development of sustainable businesses. 

In today’s complex global economy where we have a growing global middle class facing climate change, geopolitical tensions and resource scarcity, the rules for success have changed: business-as-usual is no longer an option. The sheer scale of the challenge mean that leading players are now adopting more transformative models – integrating sustainability principles into the heart of everything they do for long-term, sustainable business success.   

This course explores the principles, frameworks, and strategic tools businesses can use to drive sustainability while maintaining long-term profitability and competitive advantage. We will examine real-world challenges  and learn to critically evaluate existing business models and redesign strategies to develop actionable solutions that promote sustainable innovation, stakeholder engagement, and systems thinking aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

In order to do this effectively we will be both in and out of the classroom - leveraging our impressive ecosystem of sustainability leaders in Denmark and Sweden with study visits and guest lectures. Combined with in-class group discussions, case studies, and roleplays, students will be equipped by the end of the course with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and influence sustainable transformation in various organizational contexts. 

Learning Objectives 

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Collaborate in teams to solve complex sustainability challenges, incorporating interdisciplinary perspectives and ethical considerations.
2. Demonstrate leadership and strategic thinking in proposing solutions that create shared value for business and society. 
3. Critically assess the environmental and social impacts of business decisions using key frameworks.
4. Become familiar with leading sustainability metrics and reporting standards.
5. Identify opportunities for innovation that align with sustainable business practices.
6. Understand the latest leading topics and developments influencing the sustainable business space.
7. Develop insights on sustainable business analysis, and strategy formulation.
8. Learn to communicate sustainability strategies effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Evaluation

Required Texts

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist, Kate Raworth. 2017.

In addition, Custom readings and cases for each class are available on the DIS Canvas system.

Faculty

Amanda Lapadat-Nordström

Masters International Business (Queen's University Canada, 2010). Expertise in Trade and FDI, International Business Development, SME advisory, Strategic Communications.

Consultant and Co-Founder, Do Business Nordic, 2020-Present. Commercial Manager Sweden, MG Real Estate, 2020-2022. FDI Advisor, Invest in Skåne, 2017-2020. Trade Advisor, The Trade Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denmark in Canada, 2013-2017. Trade Journalist, Global Business Reports, 2011-2013. Strategic Communications Consultant, Kreab Worldwide London, 2010-2011. Global Programs, Blackberry, 2007-2009.

With DIS since 2023.

Contact

Amanda Lapadat-Nordström - amln@dis.dk (Or through canvas)

Course Format 

This course is taught with varied class formats, including:

• Meetings– Based on assigned readings, these classes will combine regular teaching, class discussion, guest lectures, and writing sessions to introduce new material, along with group exercises to test and embed learning.
• Field Trips – We will make Copenhagen our classroom and visit sustainable businesses and areas of interest
• Guest Lectures - We will hear from experts in the field