Course Overview
This course explores the principles of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework and its application in organizational strategy and operations. Students will examine how businesses can simultaneously pursue social equity, environmental stewardship, and economic profitability. Topics include corporate social responsibility (CSR), stakeholder theory, environmental sustainability, ethical supply chains, social impact measurement, ESG reporting, and sustainable business models. Students will develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate and design business strategies that balance people, planet, and profit considerations.
Learning Outcomes
•Explain the Triple Bottom Line framework and its role in sustainable business strategy.
•Analyze corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and their organizational impact.
•Evaluate environmental sustainability practices across organizational operations and supply chains.
•Apply stakeholder theory to assess business decisions affecting diverse groups.
•Design ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) performance measurement systems.
•Critique ethical implications of business decisions using sustainability frameworks.
•Develop a sustainability strategy integrating social, environmental, and financial performance goals.
Weekly Schedule & Assignments
Week Topic Assignment Guide / Instructions
Week 1 Introduction to Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
TBL Framework Analysis
Research the Triple Bottom Line framework. Select a well-known company and evaluate its current performance against all three dimensions (People, Planet, Profit). Write a 2-page assessment using publicly available reports and news sources.
Week 2 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
CSR Report Critique
Download and analyze the CSR/Sustainability Report of an assigned Fortune 500 company. Evaluate the report’s comprehensiveness, credibility, and alignment with stakeholder needs. Write a 2-page critique with suggestions for improvement.
Week 3 Stakeholder Theory & Engagement
Stakeholder Mapping Exercise
Select a business scenario with a sustainability dilemma (provided). Identify all stakeholders, map them by influence and interest, and develop a stakeholder engagement strategy. Submit the stakeholder map and a 1-page engagement narrative.
Week 4 Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change
Carbon Footprint Analysis
Using a provided organizational profile and operational data, calculate the approximate carbon footprint (Scope 1 and 2 emissions). Identify the top three emission sources and propose reduction strategies. Write a 2-page environmental action plan.
Week 5 Sustainable Supply Chains Supply Chain Ethics Audit
Research a company’s supply chain sustainability practices (labor standards, sourcing, environmental compliance). Identify two ethical gaps and propose corrective actions. Write a 2-page supply chain ethics audit report.
Week 6 Social Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
DEI Business Case Analysis
Research the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Select a company with a strong DEI track record and one with notable shortcomings. Compare their approaches and outcomes in a 2-page comparative analysis.
Week 7 Circular Economy Principles
Circular Economy Business Model Design
For a selected industry (fashion, electronics, or food), design a circular economy business model. Identify take-back mechanisms, material loops, and revenue streams. Present your model in a visual diagram and a 1-page explanation.
Week 8 ESG: Environmental, Social & Governance Reporting
ESG Scorecard Development
Using GRI or SASB standards as a guide, develop an ESG scorecard for a hypothetical mid-sized manufacturing company. Define at least 12 KPIs across E, S, and G categories with measurable targets. Submit the scorecard and a 1-page narrative.
Week 9 Sustainable Finance & Impact Investing
Impact Investment Analysis
Research and evaluate two ESG-focused investment funds or green bonds. Compare their investment criteria, portfolio composition, returns, and impact metrics. Write a 2-page investment analysis memo recommending one for an institutional investor.
Week 10 Regulatory Frameworks & Compliance
Regulatory Compliance Matrix
Research three major sustainability regulations (e.g., EU Green Deal, SEC ESG disclosure rules, ISO 14001). Create a compliance matrix identifying requirements, applicability, and compliance actions for a mid-sized US manufacturer.
Week 11 Business Ethics & Decision-Making
Ethical Dilemma Analysis
Analyze the provided ethical business dilemma using three ethical frameworks (utilitarian, deontological, virtue ethics). Identify the most defensible course of action and justify your decision. Write a 2-page structured ethical analysis.
Week 12 Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Design a one-page social enterprise concept that addresses a specific social or environmental problem. Identify the problem, target beneficiaries, revenue model, and impact metrics. Present as a structured business plan brief.
Week 13 Measuring Social Impact
Social Return on Investment (SROI) Analysis
Apply the SROI methodology to evaluate the social impact of a provided community program. Identify inputs, outputs, outcomes, and calculate an estimated SROI ratio. Write a 2-page SROI analysis with interpretation.
Week 14 Sustainability Communication & Reporting
Stakeholder Sustainability Communication Plan
Develop a sustainability communication plan for a hypothetical company launching its first annual sustainability report. Identify audiences, key messages, channels, and timing. Write a 2-page communication plan with one sample communication piece.
Week 15 Capstone: Integrated Sustainability Strategy
Triple Bottom Line Strategic Plan
Develop a comprehensive TBL sustainability strategy for a company of your choice. Integrate people, planet, and profit dimensions with specific goals, KPIs, implementation steps, and accountability measures. Minimum 8 pages including executive summary.
