USB Curriculum Integration Program 2021
Theme of the program: Think Sustainability
The integration of the sustainability concept in the business management is nothing new. May be the recent emphasis on this issue is more structured and organized. The business focus learning environment do indeed need to integrate the social, economic, and environmental sustainability issues in course contents. The traditional course designs, however, do not necessarily provide pathways for shaping young learners’ mind to focus on the issues of sustainability. Hence the curriculum integration program on this theme aims to extract issues and apply the thought process in this direction.
The 2021 integration program breaks down the main theme into smaller components as discussed below. The intention is to introduce and encourage students’ participation on sub-themes each semester and have an overall integration summation towards the end of the year (3 semester).
Spring 2021: ‘Social Sustainability and Business’
The business and society are inseparable identities. The consequences of business decisions have direct impact on the society. The offerings of the business enterprises need to consider the social values and culture. The organizations not only try to take socially acceptable decisions, but sometimes also try to change the socially sustainable yet destructive norms of the society. Because not all bad norms are self-destructive. In this regard the social justice and ethical choices of the business play important roles. The idea is that if the enterprise decisions ensure fairness and pass the ethical filters, they have broader acceptability in the society. Naturally, a wider representation of the society in decision acceptance would increase the chance of that decision (outcome) to survive and sustain.
Summer 2021: ‘Economic Sustainability and Business’
No doubt, businesses run with various purposes and objectives. Fundamental objective common to any business is economic outcome. However, managers and business leaders need to think carefully about the way they make money. Unfair competition, vulnerability exploitation and manipulative mindset may help the businesses achieve small and short-term objectives. However, these practices certainly will not survive in the long run. The sustainable economic outcome for business can be ensured through market driven, competitive and incremental business policies.
Fall 2021: ‘Environmental Sustainability and Business’
This aspect is probably the most talked about issue when it comes to sustainability. However, many of the businesses and people have a very narrower view of environmental sustainability. The obvious instances of destruction of natural environment through business activities are easy to protest and avoid. For instances, the harm done to the air by carbon emitting vehicles are well documented and understood. However, looking from business point of view, any business enterprise and its’ people have role to play in protecting the natural environment – directly or indirectly. For instance, cutting down on paper use in business correspondence helps the environment immensely, regardless the core activities of the entity. This general and specific roles of businesses in environmental sustainability should be instilled in young learners’ mind.