Learning objectives
Knowledge and ability to understand: In the current economic system, private, public and third sector organisations are faced with strategic and operational choices taking sustainability aspects into account. At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the main tools and methods for measuring and communicating E (environmental) S (social) G (governance) performance in support of decision-making and will be able to understand which are the different and differentiated variables at stake to be considered in order to make strategic and operational choices oriented towards sustainability. Students will also be able to design and implement a sustainability measurement and communication system through the identification of appropriate quantitative and qualitative KPIs capable of guiding managers in their choices and measuring the economic, social and environmental impact of their activities.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.
At the end of the course, students will be able to design, understand, analyse and interpret ESG management information and use the main tools for measuring business performance. In particular, they will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in food companies and supply chains.
Autonomy of judgement: the student will be able to consciously read the most widespread social reporting tools produced by companies, understanding the meaning of the policies and strategies described therein as well as interpreting and evaluating them with critical judgement. They will also be able to define the indicators with which to measure the sustainable performance of companies.
Communication skills: At the end of the course the student will have acquired the ability to analyse problems (problem solving skills), interpersonal skills and the ability to discuss - in appropriate language - different issues and with different interlocutors.
Ability to learn: The theoretical lectures and practical applications, together with the comparison and discussion of cases that will take place during the course, will enable students to develop critical analysis, autonomy, aptitude for problem solving, the ability to work in a team and, finally, their communication skills.
Prerequisites
None
Course unit content
This course addresses the issue of sustainability in business, with particular reference to the food sector and the entire supply chain. The concept of sustainability refers to the broader vision of sustainable development that characterises the current economic system. The lectures address the topic of sustainability in a theoretical context in order to define the boundaries within which companies have to operate. Secondly, the course focuses on how and with what tools companies can measure, monitor and communicate their sustainability performance. In this sense, specific indicators pertaining to both environmental and social dimensions are identified and analysed. In the indicator analysis phase, the theoretical part is also supported with business cases and practical examples that can be found in the business world.
Full programme
1) Sustainable Development
2) The ESG paradigm
3) The Environmental Pillar
4) Environmental KPIs
5) The Social Pillar
6) Social KPIs
7) The circular economy
8) Sustainability Reporting. From NFD to CSRD
Bibliography
Teaching material uploaded on Elly
Dal Fabbro, L. (2022). ESG. La Misurazione della Sostenibilità. Rubettino Editore. ISBN 8849872119, 9788849872118
Chiucchi, M.S., Giuliani, M.(2022). Introduzione alla sostenibilità aziendale. ISBN 9788892145641
Teaching methods
Acquisition of knowledge: lectures
Acquisition of the ability to apply knowledge: exercises
Acquisition of independent judgement: testimonies and classroom discussions
Acquisition of learning skills: guided development of classroom exercises and case studies
Acquisition of technical language: during teaching, the meaning of commonly used terms will be explained and classroom discussions are aimed at encouraging the correct use of the terminologies learnt
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of learning is carried out by means of a written examination. a. Knowledge and understanding will be assessed by means of 4 open questions (assessed out of a total of 30 points). The questions cover the entire syllabus of the course: the broad questions are intended to assess the student's knowledge of the topics and ability to make connections between them, the short questions cover a wider range of content and are intended to test knowledge of all the topics in the syllabus. b. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding, c. Autonomy of judgement, e. Ability to learn will be assessed by means of open questions formulated in such a way as to require the student to make connections between the topics studied and to express a personal contribution (illustration of application examples of the concepts studied, presentation of examples of case studies given in the classroom and the documentation of which is available in the course materials online). d. Communication skills will be assessed by means of open questions for which appropriate language and the appropriate use of technical terminology is required. The assessment of learning will also take into account the student's active participation in the analysis and discussion of case studies, group work, testimonials and seminars.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
SDG 4
SDG 7
SDG 13
