Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Student is able to:
- Critically analyze and apply institutional theory to sustainability challenges, demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical framework
- Assess isomorphic trends in organizational sustainability practices
- Evaluate and select appropriate leadership styles for driving sustainability transitions, applying leadership skills to navigate institutional pressures
- Implement strategies to embed sustainability principles into organizational culture, demonstrating mastery in organizational change management
- Develop and communicate sustainable strategies aligned with institutional expectations, showcasing creativity, originality, and high-level communication skills

Teaching methods

Interactive online implementation:

The study unit is conducted online and does not require attendance on campus. The study unit includes scheduled teaching or guidance online, which is not recorded . The study unit includes working in pairs or groups. The study unit requires active participation and commitment to interactive studying. You will receive individual feedback for assignments from the teacher, and working life or peer feedback may also be utilised.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Reading material:

Arranz, C. F., & Arroyabe, M. F. (2023). Institutional theory and circular economy business models: The case of the European Union and the role of consumption policies. Journal of Environmental Management, 340, 117906.

Glynn, M. A., & D’aunno, T. (2023). An intellectual history of institutional theory: Looking back to move forward. Academy of Management Annals, 17(1), 301-330.

Risi, D., Vigneau, L., Bohn, S., & Wickert, C. (2023). Institutional theory‐based research on corporate social responsibility: Bringing values back in. International Journal of Management Reviews, 25(1), 3-23.



More reading material online in Canvas.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

According to the degree regulations (2024), "Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. ... At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence." Further information in the student intranet.

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

Students will bring there own examples

Important dates

Based on the degree regulations (2024), the student accepted for the implementation is required to confirm his/her participation by showing activity at the start of the study in the following way:


In order to demonstrate activity, the student must be present at the first contact lesson or notify the teacher in charge of his/her absence to confirm his/her participation in the study. Registration will be rejected if the student does not report his/her absence at the start of the study or the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified. Another student can be taken in his place. The first contact lesson is on the 7th of August at 3.00 pm

Students workload

Workload of the study is measured in a way that to acquire the goal competence of the study, one credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of work done by the student. The actual time needed varies e.g. according to prior competence.

Content and scheduling

This course is designed to equip leaders with the essential skills to drive sustainable change within organizations. Through a rigorous academic approach, participants will learn about institutional theory, assessing its application to contemporary sustainability challenges. They will explore isomorphic trends in organizational sustainability practices and learn to select appropriate leadership styles in different organizational cultures as well as demonstrating an understanding of organizational change management. Through effective communication, they will develop and articulate sustainable strategies aligned with institutional expectations, showcasing creativity and originality.

Further information for students

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Master's level education.

The quality of the study unit implementation has been assessed and the self-evaluation report is available for example in Canvas

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

"Competence assessment is based on the descriptions of objectives in the curricula, and the level of competence is assessed according to the assessment criteria listed in the implementation plan for the studies" (Laurea degree regulations 2024).

To achieve grade 5 (excellent) the student must be able to:

- create a consistent framework/knowledge base making use of both national and international scientific sources in a critical analytic fashion. (Knowledge base)
- solve demanding problems in research, development and/or innovation activities where new knowledge and competence is created as well as to apply and combine information from different fields. (Problem solving)
- develop the activities of the competence area in a target-oriented and communal fashion. (Development)
- communicate convincingly both orally and in writing to audiences within and exterior to the field. (Communication)

To achieve grade 5 (good) the student must be able to:

- gather, process, produce and evaluate information critically and widely making use of both national and international scientific sources. (Knowledge base)
- use concepts of the area of expertise fairly. (Knowledge base)
- solve problems in research, development and/or innovation activities by applying and combining information from different fields. (Problem solving)
- create target-oriented, justified development plans considering the community. (Development)
- communicate in a competent, clear and consistent manner both orally and in writing. (Communication)

To achieve grade 1 (satisfactory) the student must be able to:
- gather, process, produce and evaluate information widely. (Knowledge base)
- use concepts of the area of expertise systematically. (Knowledge base)
- solve problems in research, development and/or innovation activities. (Problem solving)
- recognise and analyse focuses of development making use of the knowledge base. (Development)
- communicate clearly both orally and in writing. (Communication)


“Students who have failed to demonstrate their competence in accordance with the approved level must supplement or retake their study attainment in a manner and schedule defined by the teacher of the study unit. If the student does not pass the assessment despite the opportunity to complete their study attainment, they must complete the study unit in question in full as specified by the teacher.” (Degree regulations 2024.)

All staff and students of Laurea are expected to adhere to good scientific practices, which includes appropriate referencing. Familiarise yourself with the practices and, if needed, ask for more information. All study assignments are to be done as individual work unless otherwise instructed. If Tournitin is used when assignments are checked, the lecturer will inform the students of this.

AI may be used in this course adn according to Laurea's instructions