Course Overview

In a world of constant change, we face the consequences of past decisions—many of which were not sustainable. These choices have led to challenges that now demand urgent action to prevent irreversible harm.
This course explores the importance of strategy in an ever-changing environment, emphasizing the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Drawing inspiration from timeless strategies, including Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", students will learn to design actionable, forward-looking strategies for sustainability.
Through the analysis of real-world cases, we will examine both successes and failures in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will also assess global and national progress toward these goals, critically evaluate sustainability practices, and confront their own biases to foster balanced and informed decision-making.
By the end of this course, participants will have the tools and frameworks needed to assess sustainability and contribute to strategic development in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students:
will find out:
• understanding the concept of strategy and how it can be applied to address sustainability challenges;
• how to develop strategic thinking;
• how to change the patterns your brain comes up with;
should be able to:
• conduct PESTEL – analysis, SWOT-analysis;

• use VRIO-framework, Lean methodology, Business process re-engineering;

will improve:
• written and communication skills;
• presentation skills;
• teamwork skills;
• problem-solving skills.

Course Content

Topic 1. General introduction about strategic thinking.
- Understand the concept of strategy and how it can be applied to address sustainability challenges
- Prescriptive and emergent approaches to strategy formulation
- Thinking patterns, strategic thinking principles.
- Biases and their prevention

Topic 2. External environment analysis
- External environment analysis techniques
- Nature of influences
- Assessment of identified factors

Topic 3. Internal environment analysis
- Internal environment analysis techniques
- Internal sustainability principles, process analysis
- Assessment of identified factors

Topic 4. Strategy formulation
- Helping tools for strategy formulation
- Business model canvas

Topic 5. Strategy implementation
- KPI definition
- Integrated reporting
- Strategic control

Instructional Method

Lectures&seminars, interactive teaching, discussions, case studies, supporting videos, collaborative teamwork, poster presentation.

Required Course Materials

Facilities: laptops, Internet connection, multimedia projector.

Assessment

I. Team project I (40%) - Is X-company truly sustainable?
Students will work in teams to select a company and evaluate its approach to sustainable development. The assessment should cover key aspects such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the company’s overall sustainability strategy. Teams will present their findings as a poster, highlighting key insights, strengths, and areas for improvement in the company’s sustainable development initiatives.

II. Team project II (40%) - Action plan for promoting sustainable resilience in X-company
In this project, students will continue working in teams, using the insights gained from the first project to design a detailed action plan aimed at improving the sustainability practices of the company they previously evaluated.

III. Final Test (20%)