SIB7505: A Module Handbook Corporate Social Responsibility

Assignment

Introduction

The aim of the module is to provide you with a systematic knowledge and understanding of businessethics and sustainability, as informed by current research and business practice. The module will helpyou to develop a critical awareness of the management and organisational challenges associated withthe implementation of business ethics and sustainability at the level of the individual organisation,especially in the context of international business.

Module Aims and Outcomes

• To develop your theoretical understanding of organisational activities and the complexities that arise in the management of sustainability, business ethics, and CSR as a consequence of the interrelationships that exist between them. 
• Develop your competence in a range of analytical and personal skills to enable you to make an effective and immediate contribution to the performance of an organisation in terms of sustainability, business ethics, and CSR.
• Develop your critical awareness of the current issues affecting sustainability, business ethics, and CSR.

Module Topics

Sustainability, Corporate Social Responsibility, triple bottom line, Stakeholder Theory, ethical issues in relationships between firms and their stakeholders (e.g. shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, civil society organisations and governments), traditional and contemporary ethical theory, ethical decision-making, CSR- and Sustainability-related tools and techniques within organisations (e.g. codes of conduct and non-financial reporting), 'management capture' of corporate responsibility, corporate responsibility practice, ethics and responsibility in large and small and medium enterprises.

Learning and Teaching on this Module

The delivery of the module will be through blended lectures, seminars and direct study. The blended approach will combine online lectures, seminars and face to face on-campus teaching. Knowledge will be disseminated to you in a combination of formal lectures (LO 1a, 1b and 1c), group discussions of academic research articles and practical case studies (LO 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b) and directed reading (LO 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b). This will be supported by the use of the VLE. Formative assessment and oral feedback will be given to you during seminars. Written feedback will be given via assessment of individual coursework.Assessment for this module will take the form of an individual piece of coursework that will test all of the learning outcomes shown below (LO 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b). ESD is explicitly covered in this module.

Assessment Briefing Information

More information would be relayed in due course.Additional assignment briefing information isprovided for this module in the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE - Canvas page). Additional assignment briefing information to help and support you with your assessment for this module will be provided by your module tutor.

Brief Summary of the Assessment Requirements

The assessment for this module is an individual coursework assignment that tests all core learning outcomes related to business ethics, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Students must demonstrate a systematic understanding of:

• Key concepts such as sustainability, CSR, the triple bottom line, stakeholder theory, ethical decision-making, and ethical theories.
• The complexities organisations face when integrating business ethics and sustainability into their operations, especially within international business contexts.
• Current issues and contemporary debates affecting sustainability and ethical business practices.
• The use of organisational tools and techniques such as codes of conduct, non-financial reporting, and CSR frameworks.

The assignment requires students to apply theoretical concepts, critically analyse organisational practices, integrate academic research, and reflect on the practical implications of ethical and sustainable management. The final submission must address the provided brief (released via VLE), present a coherent argument, and meet the learning outcomes: LO 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b.

How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student (Step-by-Step Approach)

Step 1: Understanding the Module Purpose and Expected Outcomes

The mentor began by helping the student interpret the module aims, emphasising:

• The importance of theoretical grounding in ethics and sustainability.
• The expectation to analyse organisational complexities and challenges.
• The need to demonstrate both knowledge and critical thinking.

This foundation ensured the student clearly understood what the assignment should achieve.

Step 2: Breaking Down the Assignment Brief

Since the detailed brief is provided via the VLE, the mentor helped the student anticipate key requirements such as:

• Integrating module topics (CSR, ethical theory, stakeholder issues).
• Applying both academic literature and business practice examples.
• Structuring the assignment to address each learning outcome.

This step ensured clarity before drafting.

Step 3: Planning the Structure of the Coursework

The mentor guided the student to develop a clear structure. This typically included:

1. Introduction purpose of the assignment, context of ethics and sustainability, brief link to literature.
2. Conceptual Foundation explaining sustainability, CSR, ethical theories, and stakeholder theory.
3. Analysis Section applying theory to organisational challenges, discussing tools like codes of conduct, non-financial reporting, ESG frameworks.
4. Critical Evaluation assessing limitations, contemporary issues, and debates in ethics and sustainability.
5. Discussion of International Business Context – addressing global challenges and variations.
6. Conclusion summarising insights and linking back to learning outcomes.
7. References using academic sources appropriately.

Step 4: Connecting Theory with Practice

The mentor emphasised the need to:

• Use real-world examples, such as multinational firms adopting CSR policies.
• Show how theories apply to managerial decisions.
• Critically evaluate organisational behaviour rather than describing it.

This helped the student build strong analytical sections.

Step 5: Integrating Academic Research

The mentor encouraged:

• Reviewing journal articles discussed in seminars.
• Using contemporary research to support claims.
• Demonstrating critical awareness of emerging sustainability challenges.

This ensured academic depth and alignment with module teaching methods.

Step 6: Ensuring Alignment with Learning Outcomes

The mentor cross-checked the draft to ensure the assignment addressed:

• LO1a–1c: theoretical knowledge of sustainability, ethics, CSR
• LO2a–2b: analytical and practical application skills
• LO3a–3b: critical awareness of contemporary issues and organisational tools

This guaranteed the final submission met assessment expectations.

Step 7: Final Review, Academic Writing, and Referencing

The mentor guided the student through:

• Improving clarity, coherence, and academic tone.
• Strengthening arguments and transitions.
• Ensuring correct referencing using the required style.

The focus was on producing a polished, academically robust piece of coursework.

Final Outcome and Learning Objectives Covered

Through this guided process, the student produced a well-structured assignment that:

• Demonstrated strong theoretical understanding of sustainability, CSR, and business ethics.
• Applied concepts to real organisational contexts and international business challenges.
• Critically evaluated ethical issues and sustainability tools used by firms.
• Incorporated up-to-date research and case study insights.
• Addressed all module learning outcomes (LO1a–1c, LO2a–2b, LO3a–3b).
• Reflected both analytical depth and academic writing competence.

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