Sustainable Business Management (Optional Co-op)

Description: Through case studies, field work and independent research, students acquire the language, framework, and tools necessary to complete a corporate action plan for sustainable operations. Students will research the industry and sector relevant programs and best practices to improve business productivity coupled with strategies to assist clients in the transition to sustainable operations. Students will gain a thorough understanding of how to guide continuous improvement through the application of environmental management systems. Analysis of government jurisdictions, regulatory agencies, and legislation related to operational compliance and sustainability is a key area of focus. Students will critique implementation decisions, and risk factors using data in organizations moving towards and practicing a sustainable model.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description:

This course has students build their knowledge of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Reporting and related business ethics through both theory and practice. Students leave the course equipped to step into analyst and coordinator positions in ESG, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. They will understand the history of this field and the transformational shift that is currently occurring to embed Environmental, Social and Governance standards in organizational strategy, practice and reporting. They will be equipped with leading theories and standards as well as tools to help organizations make this shift. Students will work on real world companies to assess their Environmental, Social and Governance practices, strategies and reporting. Students will make recommendations for improvement and present these recommendations to leadership teams and experts in the field.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description:

The course will allow students to use statistical data to report on an organization's ESG performance. Students will learn how to apply data analytics to access ESG practices within the organization. By integrating data-driven decision-making with sustainability principles students will develop practical skills, such as the ability to apply critical thinking to practical situations, problem-solving strategies, and effective communication with stakeholders. Students will be exposed to real-world cases which will allow them to recommend innovative and data-informed solutions.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

• Hours: 1
• Credits: 0
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description: This course introduces learners to the concept of Sustainable Development. From exploring historical perspectives to the future implications on business, this course enables the integration of sustainability in business by using stakeholder-value and systems-thinking approaches. Learners are introduced to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supporting frameworks that guide business to identify economic, social and environmental opportunities for long-term value creation. Industry relevant tools and frameworks are introduced for developing communication, analytical, engagement and critical-thinking skills for embedding sustainability in business, non-profit and governmental sectors. In addition, the course helps develop expertise in embedding sustainability at the core of organizational strategy and across the functional areas of business. Learners develop the capability to support organizational and industry needs by creating positive change through purpose-driven and regenerative business practices.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description: This course focuses on the relationship between consumerism, marketing, and the environment. Most peoples’ material needs are satisfied through sophisticated marketing systems; which means that marketing professionals carry enormous responsibility for creating a more sustainable future. Students in this course will examine their critical role in sustainable marketing and marketing sustainability. In addition to developing high-level research capabilities, students will examine the traditional 4Ps of Product, Price, Place and Promotion infused with principles of sustainability. Using this knowledge, students will be paired with host companies and to create sustainable marketing plans for products and services to improve triple bottom line outcomes. Focusing on a world renowned new product development system, students will be introduced to an integral part of creating sustainable products and services.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description: Students will learn the science underlying key environmental issues, including global warming and climate change, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function, air, water and soil pollution and solid waste management. Students will be challenged to apply critical and systems thinking to explore more sustainable solutions, including policy, remediation and alternative technologies to the increasingly complex and inter-related set of environmental issues.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: ​No cost.

Description: In this course students will develop, refine and build-on skills introduced in Sustainable Operations I while gaining a range of new skills learned through independent research, case studies and field work. Students will conduct an energy audit, calculate greenhouse gas emissions and develop specific measures and recommendations to enhance energy efficiency. Baseline assessments for key sustainability metrics, including areas of travel and transportation, office supplies and supply chain will be developed for a specific client-group. For various sustainability metrics, action plans will be devised, policy created and tools for effective integration explored that enable an organization to successfully integrate sustainability. Students will consider various methods of reporting on and celebrating an organizations’ sustainability efforts and offer recommendations to client-groups based on best practices. Finally, students will have the opportunity to present the business case for sustainability in a corporate setting.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description:

In this capstone course students create a professional business plan that meets the highest industry standards and is ready for submission. Students present viable business plans, including marketing and operational plans and a three-year financial plan, to industry specialists in their industry of choice.

• Hours: 56
• Credits: 4
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description: This course focuses on career management skills needed to navigate the evolving workplace. Students will evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations within their chosen careers and explore emerging trends in the workplace. Students will refine their networking strategies and create marketing documents to position them for success. Mock interviews will provide the opportunity for practice, feedback, and reflection as students prepare for future interviews. Students will explore communication strategies that support workplace success and advancement. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized career management plan.

• Hours: 28
• Credits: 2
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs:  The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.

Description: Using industry best practices, proven frameworks and leading research derived from companies around the world; students will work with an organization to analyze, design and present an implementation plan for embedding a culture of sustainability/CSR through employee engagement. Participants will apply insights on the psychology of sustainable behaviour and their own sustainability habits to a company’s current situation. Teams will conduct a Sustainability Culture GAP Assessment and Employee Needs Assessment Survey. They will analyze data to develop the business case for engagement and to create and present a stepwise Employee Engagement Implementation Plan that will foster an effective culture of sustainability/CSR.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description: This course builds on basic principles, concepts, and fundamentals of accounting and financial management to explore the complex paradigm shift from traditional models to more current trends in financing and investments. After completing the course, students will be able to evaluate investment opportunities using an approach based on considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Areas of learning in the course will include a variety of financing topics (social, renewable energy, climate etc.), infrastructure development (large and community), and governance models so that students will be able to provide input and reasoning to integrated reporting, risk analysis, and rate of returns for potential investments. The course will provide students with a systematic approach to developing business and financing plans by allowing for the exploration of case studies, collaborative discussions, and debates to give students the ability to ascertain the appropriate methods for viewing and qualifying investments.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.

Description: In this course, students learn leadership skills and examine roles and responsibilities to become tomorrow’s sustainable business leaders. Students explore the principles, values and best practices of industry leaders in a wide array of sectors to create sustainable solutions. This course examines the practices of some of the world’s most successful local and international business leaders to evaluate their performance against set criteria. Students will apply their knowledge and skills to lead a transformation to a smarter, more successful, and more sustainable enterprise.

• Hours: 42
• Credits: 3
• Pre-Requisites:
• CoRequisites:
• Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.