SPRING 2015 (SLN #10773)
Professor Kevin Laverty
Becoming more environmentally sustainable
without forgoing traditional indicators of success (e.g., profit margin
and return on invested capital) is one of the critical challenges facing
contemporary business. It is clear from weekly
and even daily news about business that many companies are taking steps
to reduce toxics and limit greenhouse gases, and are developing new
products and services and business processes to become more
“sustainable.” At the same time, many start-up firms in
energy and other sectors see opportunities to embrace sustainability as
a core value central to their business model.
All this is very exciting, but at the same time,
executives deeply involved in sustainability initiatives will tell you
that it is hard work. There remain challenges that are fundamental in
all areas of business, from manufacturing to
marketing to accounting and beyond.
We will take on these challenges in this course.
We will look at the literature and hear from industry leaders in
sustainable business. We will examine specific problems and
opportunities in industry sectors such as energy, transportation,
manufacturing, and food.
Students who take the course will understand and
be proficient in discussing and writing about the challenges of
sustainable business. The course will address these challenges from
perspectives of the business, of stakeholders, and various
professional disciplines. Students will have the opportunity, either
working as part of a team or independently, to design and complete a
research project on a company, industry, of topic of personal interest.
This course is open to all majors.
