Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Teaching language

English.

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:
  • Identify and critically discuss global contemporary challenges in business and society, this includes knowledge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and an understanding of how these relate to business operations
  • Analyse the role of capitalism, both the benefits capitalism has brought humanity, and the costs
  • Discuss the purpose of the corporation, including social responsibility, and ethical implications of sustainability challenges
  • Analyse how the emergence of new business models in the economy are related to issues of resource scarcity, circular economy and environmental regulation
  • Know how to apply theories of sustainability, circular economy and sustainable business models to business practise

Contents

We start this course by describing the major challenges in society today, including the degradation of the earth’s ecosystem and the increasing threat of climate change. The introductory part of the course ends with an in-depth discussion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Then we ask the question: How did we end up here? We trace the historical roots of capitalism and provide the students with the knowledge to better understand current sustainability challenges in economics and business. Going forward, how can businesses be a force for good? What is the moral responsibility of business, and how can businesses develop sustainable business models?

Teaching and learning methods

To help the students to master the material there will be a mix of lectures, discussions, and individual and group work. Estimated workload is 210 hours.

Examination requirements

The students must pass written and/or oral assignment(s). More information will be provided in Canvas at the start of the semester.

Examinations

The final grade in the course is based on a 4-hour individually written examination under supervision (school examination). Grading by letters (A - F).

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Reduction of Credits

This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:

Course Reduction of Credits
TFL400 – Sustainable Capitalism. 7.5
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 8:04:27 AM