Sustainability MSc

Cranfield University

The purpose of this module is to equip you with critical research, analytical and academic skills required for postgraduate study in sustainability. It will support you in navigating interdisciplinary knowledge, evaluating evidence and applying research methods to real-world sustainability challenges. You will require a thorough understanding of the background literature, as well as qualitative and quantitative research and analytical techniques. The module places emphasis on applied learning, enabling you to connect theory with practice, develop reflective skills and research capabilities, including project scoping and planning, research design and analytical skills, alongside competencies related to risk management and resource allocation. A key part of this module is the consideration of ethics, professional conduct and the role of a researcher within the wider industry/organisational context

This module introduces the main concepts and principles that underpin logistics and supply chain management, particularly in the context of sustainability, resource efficiency and managing increasingly complex global supply chains. Organisations face growing pressure to reduce environmental impacts, improve resilience and create long term value through more responsible management of products, materials and operations.

The module presents the fundamental principles of contemporary logistics and supply chain management within a business context, exploring how effective supply chain strategy can contribute to sustainable competitive advantage.

Overarching aspects of supply chain sustainability are examined, alongside the principles of circular economy and how these can be applied across value chains. Particular attention is given to the opportunities and challenges associated with transitioning from traditional linear models towards more circular systems based on reuse, repair, recovery and improved resource productivity.

The module also explores how innovation can support this transition, including new business models, technologies and organisational approaches. Through the simulation and applied activities, students will evaluate the trade-offs and decisions involved in redesigning supply chains for improved sustainability and business performance.

The ISO 14000 family of standards provides valuable guidance in developing indicators for monitoring and auditing environmental performance. Environmental and social life cycle analysis are important tools for evaluating quantitatively the sustainability of complex projects, services and products. The tools and concepts taught in this module will enable students to assess the sustainability of a case study from an environmental and social standpoint in order to support voluntary and regulatory requirements. Analysis of relevant case studies is used to demonstrate the assessment process, including selection of appropriate indicators, data collection and impact assessment methods. The module also provides practical insights into the development and management of audit and monitoring programmes.

Success in management, particularly at senior levels in organisations, depends on understanding organisations, the people in them and the relationship between the internal and external environments within which they exist; and in ensuring that they work effectively. In the context of sustainability, this is even more critical since the multiplicity of actors and stakeholders involved is especially acute, and the potential long-term benefits on society and the planet of effective leadership are so significant.

Organisations are run by and for people, and the success or failure of an organisation depends on the people in that organisation. This module aims to enhance the awareness of self and others in organisations, and in the other organisations then interact with, using a variety of models and modes, such that that baseline awareness allows action, and therefore leading for sustainability can be consciously and deliberately be enhanced.

It is rarely an absence of planning that causes organisational difficulties; it is often the failure of management in understanding and managing complex personal, interpersonal and organisational systems that can lead to significant problems.

Similarly, an acute and critical understanding of these dynamics can lead to profound and enduring success and benefit for the individual, the team, the organisation and wider society.

In this module you will be introduced to various aspects of people and organisations. This module combines models, theories and ideas from organisational behaviour, psychology, management and sociology, in order to provide students with a practical understanding in recognising, understanding and utilising what has been termed the "human factor" in organisations; including ways of conceptualising organisations and how people behave within them. We shall consider the impact of the external environment; and begin to address notions of organisational change and the various ways in which leading can take place.

This module will focus on application and will allow students to reflect on and apply theories and techniques in their own real-world context as sustainability professionals, utilising a structured portfolio approach in order to enhance their own Leadership behaviours.

Optional on line materials to support learning will be made available.

It may also be that students will wish to undertake a work-based project or thesis in this area; several of the faculty involved will be pleased to discuss this with you

Human population growth and increased resource use per capita requires improved management of our global ecosystem. Approaches such as the 'Sustainable Development Goals', 'Natural Capital', 'Ecosystem Services', and 'Planetary Boundaries' provide frameworks for businesses and wider society to resolve the synergies and trade-offs between major economic, environmental and social challenges. The 'Circular Economy' approach refers to the development of restorative industrial systems that are grounded on the lessons of non-linear, feedback-rich ecosystems. The third approach is to explore the nexus between renewable energy, food, and other ecosystem services using per capita energy and food consumption. This module introduces and critiques the above frameworks and examines their application to resolve real-world problems and create commercial opportunities.

Effective environmental decision-making requires the integration of robust risk assessment, sound policy and governance and clear communication with diverse stakeholders.

This module aims to provide an integrated understanding of environmental risk governance and policy frameworks, the social and psychological dimensions of risk perception and effective risk communication. It equips you with the analytical and practical skills needed to evaluate complex environmental risks, understand how they are governed and managed and develop appropriate communication strategies for policy, organisational and societal contexts.

The aim of this module is to familiarise you with the concepts of social enterprise and intrapreneurism, and enable you to compare and contrast these phenomena with “non-traditional” entrepreneurship. Both business models overlap extensively with what is regarded as traditional entrepreneurship, but have distinctively different features: while being profit-or surplus-making, their aims typically embrace social outcomes and purposes, and their distribution or sharing of value created is frequently closely linked to these declared values.

You will be introduced to the history and evolution of non-mainstream modes of entrepreneurship and will develop their understanding of how social entrepreneurs/social intrapreneurs and intrapreneurs create and operate enterprises/intrapreneurial activities in different environments. You will see how such enterprises fit within the spectrum of profit and not for profit entities, and how these are regarded by policy-makers and other stakeholders.

You will emerge with a clearer idea of whether you would like to make a career in this business environment or, indeed, aspire to found your own social enterprise or pursue a corporate intrapreneurial initiative.

Strategic foresight research refers to a range of methods that can be used to identify, analyse and communicate insights about the future. Standard methods include horizon scanning, trend research, and scenario planning. Outputs include emerging issues, trends, visions, scenarios, and wild cards. The methods employed and insights produced are used by both private and public sector organisations to inform a wide range of policy, risk, strategy and innovation processes. Foresight research is a truly inter-disciplinary ‘science’, covering and combining developments in society, technology, economy, ecology, politics, legislation and values.

Crucially, foresight research is as much about analysing the past and present, as it is about looking to the future. Once we understand how a system has developed and works today, we can explore how it may evolve and what it may look like in the future. Strategic foresight techniques consider a wide range of possible, plausible futures so that planning can be put in place to adapt to and mitigate against various conditions. It is designed to add resilience, adaptability and flexibility to organisations in an increasingly complex and fast changing world.

This module will explore how:

• Horizon scanning can act as a method of gathering new insights that may point us towards affirming or discrediting existing trends and developments, as well as identifying new and emerging trends and developments that are on the margins of our current thinking, but will impact on the future.
• Other foresight methodologies (e.g. scenario planning, visioning, back-casting) can be used to help us to use the trends identified from horizon scanning to identify how the future might develop

Organisations face increasing pressure to address climate change, resource constraints, and social inequalities while remaining competitive. This module equips you with the knowledge and skills to create sustainable value through innovation, strategy and leadership.

The module develops your ability to design sustainable business models, identify opportunities for sustainable value creation, and build strong business cases for sustainability initiatives. It enables managers to address environmental and social challenges while delivering economic value. The module also engages with real-world challenges and leading sustainability practices, supporting you in applying concepts in practical contexts. Overall, the module prepares leaders to drive responsible, resilient, and commercially viable organisations in a rapidly changing global environment