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MSc in Responsibility and Business PracticeThis course is known throughout the world as a leading example of postgraduate education in corporate social and environmental responsibility.It is held as eight separate weeks over two years with the third week based at the Schumacher College in Devon, UK. The programme will challenge participants to understand how business works - its moral and ethical basis within the dynamics of rapid global change and its place within a deep ecology perspective. It must be stressed that the learning methodology is action research. The individual will examine their own life, feelings and emotions in reflective processes to gain understanding and to act as agents for change. The eight workshops are:
1 - Globalisation and the new context of businessThis will explore the nature of markets; the role of institutions such as the WTO, the IMF and the World Bank; the development of human rights and fair trade; the impact of new technologies and the impact of human activities on the environment.Moral and ethical issues and dilemmas concerning responsibility will be identified. Participants will be introduced to the principles and practices of inquiry and action research that are vital to this course. 2 - New economicsThis will critically examine neo-liberal economic thinking within which traditional policy and business decisions are made.It will consider alternative ways to value human activities that place social justice, quality of life and environmental sustainability at the heart of economics. This will lead on to examine practical developments for new macro-economic indicators and tools for micro level measurement of corporate accountability with social and ethical auditing. 3 - Ecology and sustainable developmentThis is a unique, life-changing week held at Schumacher College, Dartington, Devon, UK. It will explore ecological perspectives including the Gaia hypothesis and natural ecology, systemic thinking, complexity theory, environmental management and deep ecology.It provides tangible experience of nature as wilderness. It is an introduction to ecological thinking by using the local ecosystem and a process of co-operative inquiry. 4 - Sustainable corporate managementThis examines sustainability and what it means for business. It asks whether practices being developed in environmental auditing, reporting and management systems and the concept product stewardship are leading to ecologically sound commerce.Managers involved in organisations noted for their good practice in this field will be invited to talk about their experiences. 5 - Humanity and enterpriseThis looks at the relation of human experience and needs to work and enterprise. Individual, organisational, social and spiritual perspectives will be explored.It inquires into the roles of work as part of life, as a provider of meaning, as aesthetic and creative activity, as well as being an economic activity. It will explore new meanings of work, lifestyles and enterprise that reach beyond the materialist assumptions of contemporary society. Participants will review these meanings in the context of their own lives. 6 - Corporate citizenshipThis considers the changing role of organisations in society. It will review the historical shifts in the political and legal status of corporations and it will address the issues of leadership, governance and accountability associated with "stakeholder capitalism".It will explore the ethical responsibilities of corporations, and of the managers who un them. 7 - Diversity and difference: globalisation revisitedThis returns to the issues of globalisation and the viewpoints of the less privileged and excluded people.It will consider social justice within business, raising questions of race and ethnicity, gender and human rights. It will explore the ethical dilemmas that arise when diversity is acknowledged and respected. It looks at international trade and the relationship between under and over developed countries. It will reflect on neo-colonisation through transnational business. 8 - Self and world futuresThis will focus on the diverse images of business and world futures generated throughout the course and it will review these alongside the personal futures of the participants.It will review the recurrent theme of the interconnections between global, economic and social agendas and the local, community and individual actions of people. The course is a joint venture between the Centre for Action Research in Professional Practice (CARPP) and the New Academy of Business. |
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