STRATEGY, CSR & SUSTAINABILITY

This course examines the relationship between business, society, ethics, sustainability, and corporate strategy in a global environment characterized by increasing stakeholder pressures, technological transformation, regulatory complexity, and sustainability challenges. The course approaches Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability as strategic and managerial issues that are central to long-term value creation and firm competitiveness. Drawing on stakeholder theory, strategic CSR, corporate governance, business ethics, sustainability, and responsible management perspectives, the course explores how firms balance economic performance with social and environmental responsibilities. Combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, the course integrates case studies, simulations, and a real-life consulting challenge in collaboration with Eurogroup Consulting. Students will develop analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills related to ethical decision-making, stakeholder management, sustainable business models, and responsible corporate strategy in international business contexts.

Business, Management, Strategy

Knowledge and Understanding Understand the relationship between business, society, ethics, and sustainability. Explain the role of CSR and stakeholder management in strategic decision-making. Understand the challenges firms face in balancing economic, social, environmental, and governance responsibilities. Analyze how sustainability and CSR influence competitive advantage and long-term value creation. Applying Knowledge and Understanding Apply CSR and stakeholder theories to contemporary business challenges. Develop strategic recommendations for firms facing ethical, governance, sustainability, and stakeholder-related dilemmas. Analyze real-world corporate cases involving responsible management and sustainability strategies. Design solutions for practical business problems through consulting-oriented projects and simulations. Making Judgements Critically evaluate responsible and irresponsible corporate behavior. Assess trade-offs among stakeholder interests in global business environments. Compare alternative CSR, governance, and sustainability strategies across industries and institutional contexts. Evaluate the strategic implications of ethical and sustainability-related decisions. Communication Skills Develop presentation and teamwork skills through case discussions and consulting projects. Communicate strategic recommendations clearly and professionally. Participate actively in class debates, simulations, and stakeholder discussions. Learning Skills Interpret and discuss academic and managerial perspectives on CSR, ethics, and sustainability. Develop independent critical thinking regarding contemporary business and societal challenges. Integrate theoretical concepts with practical managerial applications.

The course explores the strategic relationship between business and society through the lenses of ethics, sustainability, stakeholder management, and corporate responsibility. The course integrates perspectives from strategic CSR, business ethics, corporate governance, sustainability, stakeholder theory, and responsible management. Topics include: The business and society relationship Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder theory Sustainability and environmental challenges Business ethics and ethical decision-making Corporate governance and strategic risk Responsible leadership and accountability Consumer, employee, and community stakeholder issues Global CSR and international ethical challenges Strategic CSR and sustainable value creation ESG and responsible corporate strategy Sustainability-driven competitive advantage CSR communication and corporate legitimacy Responsible innovation and digital transformation Real-world strategic consulting challenges The course combines lectures, case studies, simulations, class discussions, and an applied consulting project developed in collaboration with Eurogroup Consulting.

Carroll, Archie B., Brown, Jill, & Buchholtz, Ann K. Business & Society: Ethics, Sustainability & Stakeholder Management (11th Edition). Cengage Learning. Chandler, David. Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Sustainable Value Creation (6th Edition). SAGE Publications. Additional articles, case studies, and teaching materials may be provided during the semester.

In-presence lectures Interactive class discussions Case study analyses Group work and presentations Simulations and role-play activities Real-life consulting challenge with Eurogroup Consulting Applied strategic problem-solving exercises

1. Attendance: Students’ status • Compliant Status: Students who actively participate in at least 70% of the classes (recorded through the BEACON system). • Not-Compliant Status: Students who do not meet the minimum threshold of 70% classroom attendance. • Exemption from compulsory attendance: Students with proven health issues, documented work commitments/internships, or competitive sports activities recognized by the University. • Exemption’s requests are sent and assessed by the Graduate School. • Exempted students will be reported to faculty members via MyLuiss. • Students participating in an international mobility program (e.g., Double Degree, Erasmus) are also exempted from compulsory attendance. 2. Assessment Methods based on students’ status A) Compliant Students (Attending): • Continuous Assessment (1/3 of the overall grade): Activities mandatory during the semester, such as case studies, simulations, and EGC student challenge. In the event of absence and/or withdrawal from one or more assessment tasks, the mark is 0 and it is included in the calculation of the final grade. The evaluation obtained in the continuous assessment cannot be rejected. • Final Exam (2/3 of the overall grade): Individual final exam taken during the exam dates scheduled in the examination session at the end of the semester in which the course is taught. The evaluation obtained cannot be rejected. Note: The combination of continuous assessment and final exam is valid only during the exam dates at the end of the semester. In subsequent sessions (retake sessions), the assessment is based only on a final exam (100%). B) Non compliant and/or Exempted students • Final Exam (100% of the overall grade): Individual final exam taken starting from the exam dates scheduled in the examination session at the end of the semester in which the course is taught. It entails an adequate instructional load to compensate for the student’s non-participation in the semester activities. The evaluation obtained cannot be rejected.

Positive course evaluation: final grade>27