Course Learning Objectives
This subject examines the importance of sustainability when designing future economic models. From a perspective that encompasses transversal disciplines such as systemic thinking, deep ecology, sociology and philosophy, the key objective is to integrate sustainability as a core element when defining healthy and resilient businesses that can withstand over the long term.
This subject complements other BBA programme content, providing students with a broad view of the classical frameworks with which economic models are taught while also integrating knowledge on the changes in legislation and the demand for services foreseen for the coming years.
a ) Why design healthy businesses for the long term? (2 sessions)
This subject begins with an introduction to raise students¿ awareness about the impact production systems and current consumption patterns have on society and the environment. It also explores possible scenarios in which to transform towards models that are compatible with long-term prosperity. By adopting a systemic view of economic systems and examining their influence on societal wellbeing, we will analyse the motivators and drivers that favour sustainability: scientific evidence, the ethical commitment and responsibility of economic agents, and the wager on healthy, prosperous and resilient businesses designed to withstand over time.
b ) How do we create viable and resilient businesses in which the concern for society and the environment are a part of their very essence? (3 sessions)
Today¿s sustainability discourse encompasses a wide variety of concepts such as the ¿circular economy¿ and ¿closing the loop¿. We will analyse these ideas in their sociological and environmental context to debate on their advantages and limitations. Within this context, we will also analyse the need to disassociate prosperity from material growth and examine the possibility of transforming towards more sustainable business models: dematerialization, modifying consumption and property models and supply servitisation. Lastly, we will reflect on the relation between technology, innovation and sustainability.
c ) What are the key success factors for the transition to more sustainable business models? (3 sessions)
Business models designed for the long term and with sustainability at their core have a set of unique traits when it comes to defining their vision and carrying out strategic planning. The transition towards more sustainable models has to be designed while bearing their viability in mind and making them compatible with the spirit and capacities of each individual organisation. In this respect, we will analyse the existing possibilities to define the level of ambition and realism to face this challenge, examining positions ranging from the most reactionary to the most innovative. And, with the aim of transforming these visions into concrete strategies, we will analyse soft and hard approaches to integrate sustainability in business models. Later, to convert these strategies into concrete actions, we have to master the key factors and fundamental tools to ensure the success of this transformation: authenticity, honesty, transparency, traceability, associative/collaborative models between economic agents, impact measurement and incorporating externalities in the profit and loss account. Lastly, and beyond the inevitability of this transition towards more sustainable models, we have to debate on when and with what intensity we should make this wager and when and how to communicate the decision.
d ) Looking towards the future (2 sessions)
Though some might think that more sustainable business models belong to the realm of utopias or are reserved solely for niche businesses, both legislation and the key business players in our economy are already preparing for the change ahead. To verify the existence of tangible transition models, we will visit different organisations that are already moving to transform their textile business models to frameworks that are more in line with circular economy precepts. We will analyse the new lifecycles and supply chains on which they¿re based.
Lastly, to evaluate each student¿s individual progress, there will be a short exam. Since the future has yet to be written, we will carry out a group visualisation activity to end this subject. The latter will serve to revise the primary content addressed in class and explore the key scientific, ethical and economic dilemmas which will affect the future integration of sustainability within our societies.
