Sustainable Finance
| Module title | Sustainable Finance |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEF3018DA |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This module amalgamates theoretical frameworks, empirical evidence, and policy insights to elucidate the sustainability challenges associated with corporate investment. It illustrates how finance can direct capital towards specific companies and ventures without compromising financial returns, thus expediting the transition to a sustainable economy. Furthermore, it delves into a comprehensive analysis of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for a better world. It substantiates the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and offers a detailed guide on how to integrate these factors effectively into the corporate and financial sectors.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to comprehend and implement crucial sustainability finance principles within a business and strategic organizational context. Throughout this module, you will delve into a wide array of sustainability topics, including but not limited to carbon emissions, human rights, biodiversity, and community engagement. By utilizing the current research findings, you will be able to understand how theories are practiced and evaluated. While you explore the potential opportunities and competitive advantages associated with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, you will also gain an understanding of how ESG topics can pose significant risks for both organizations and investors. By examining notable scandals and legal disputes linked to ESG, we will dissect critical aspects of these incidents and discuss potential strategies for risk mitigation.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Discuss the fundamentals of sustainability and its connection to businesses
- 2. Recognize the latest advancements in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing
- 3. Identify the consequences of sustainability for financing and investment strategies, encompassing equity, bonds, and, more specifically, green bonds
- 4. Identify the principles that underpin sustainable finance, including how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are integrated into financial decision-making.
- 5. Evaluate various sustainability frameworks and standards, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Discuss the environmental and social impact of investments and financial decisions, including their contribution to sustainability goals and positive societal outcomes
- 7. Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of sustainable finance theories, practices, and strategies
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 8. Identify, analyse and solve complex problems
- 9. Develop effective written communication skills to convey ideas, arguments and findings
Syllabus plan
- The importance of sustainability and the transition challenge
- Sustainability’s challenges to corporates
- Financing sustainability
- Transition management and integrated thinking
- Sustainability reporting
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | 122 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 7 | Full day masterclass |
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 21 | Half day masterclass (3 hour sessions x 7) |
| Guided independent study | 122 | Reading and research, web based activities, assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mock examination | 1 hour | 1-7 | Answers explained in revision class |
| Online discussion | Online discussion contributions | 1-9 | Online discussion feedback from peers and lecturer |
| Online quizzes | Weekly quizzes, 10-15mins | 1-9 | Correct answers on ELE |
| Assignment draft | One page of word doc with bullet points | 1-9 | Individual feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 50 | 1 hour | 1-7 | Marks and generic written cohort feedbackCoursework a |
| Coursework Assignment | 50 | 1500 words | 1-9 | Marks and individual feedback (written) |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 50% 1 hour written exam | 1-7 | Marks and generic written cohort feedback |
| Coursework Assignment | 50% 1500 words | 1-9 | Marks and individual feedback (written) |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Schoenmaker, D., & Schramade, W. (2018). Principles of sustainable finance. Oxford University Press
Supplementary reading:
- Cato, M. S. (2022). Sustainable Finance. Springer Books
- Thompson, S. (2021). Green and Sustainable Finance: Principles and Practice. Kogan Page Publishers
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7.5 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 10/09/2023 |
| Last revision date | 10/09/2023 |
