Module ASB-3509:
Corp. Social Responsibility

Module Facts

Run by Bangor Business School

10 Credits or 5 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Mr David James

Overall aims and purpose

This module aims to introduce the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and to develop an understanding of how CSR strategies are implemented in a real-world setting

Students will be required to make a financial contribution to the cost of travel and subsistence for the field trip. Numbers of registrations for the module are limited.

Course content

This module will develop an understanding of the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility to various stakeholders. This will involve dealing with the question of business ethics and what this represents. How CSR can be successfully implemented in the workplace will be examined and consideration given to the difficulties and dilemmas that such implementation can entail. The module involves a visit to an external organisation, during which emphasis will be placed upon its CSR strategies. During the field visit there will be an opportunity to relate CSR theory to its practical applications.

Assessment Criteria

good

High Standard: 60-69 / B- to B+ Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

threshold

Satisfactory standard: (D- to D+ / 40-49) No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives.

C- to C+

Average Standard: C- to C+ / 50-59 Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

excellent

Excellent standard: A- to A* / 70+ An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand and explain the history and context of Corporate Social Responsibility.

  2. Critically evaluate current perspectives on CSR, with particular reference to the impact of globalisation.

  3. Analyse the impact of CSR on organisations, and formulate strategies for the incorporation of CSR into business and marketing plans.

  4. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of CSR strategies, making particular reference to the organisation visited.

  5. Demonstrate presentational skills and the ability to participate in teamwork and interact with non-academic professionals.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Assignment

Individual written assignment, with a choice of 1 of 3 essay titles.

 100

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

Lectures tracing the history and development of CSR so as familiarise students with the concept of CSR, prior to the field visit.

 6
Fieldwork

Field trip, lecture and group work

 12
Private study

Private and individual research

 82

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • People management: to include communications, team building, leadership and motivating others.
  • Problem solving and critical analysis: analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions.
  • Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making.
  • Commercial acumen: based on an awareness of the key drivers for business success, causes of failure and the importance of providing customer satisfaction and building customer loyalty.
  • Innovation, creativity and enterprise: the ability to act entrepreneurially to generate, develop and communicate ideas, manage and exploit intellectual property, gain support, and deliver successful outcomes.
  • Numeracy: the use of quantitative skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model business problems, functions and phenomena.
  • Ability to work with people from a range of cultures.
  • Articulating and effectively explaining information.
  • Building and maintaining relationships.
  • Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media.
  • Emotional intelligence and empathy.
  • Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
  • Self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time.
  • Self reflection: self-analysis and an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development.

Resources

Resource implications for students

Students will be required to make a financial contribution to the cost of travel and subsistence for the field trip.

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: