Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- explain the importance of communicating sustainability in organisations
- elaborate upon how to engage stakeholders by showing the organisation’s progress on sustainability commitments
- analyze and compare critically different ways of communicating sustainability
- evaluate and create sustainability communication according to ethical communication principles (clear, concise, truthful, and responsible)

Teaching methods

Partially automated implementation:

The studies are partly completed independently, taking into account the schedule of assignment submissions within the given deadline. In addition to the independently studied part, the studies have scheduled teaching or guidance online (Introductory lecture will be announced). Recordings of the teaching sessions can be viewed afterwards on Canvas. The studies do not involve pair or group work but peer reviewing is included. Personal feedback is given on the final assignment by the teacher.


The implementation plan is only available in English

Learning materials and recommended literature

Chatzopoulou, E., & de Kiewiet, A. 2021. Millennials' evaluation of corporate social responsibility: The wants and needs of the largest and most ethical generation. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 20(3), 521-534.
Treen, K. M. D. I., Williams, H. T., & O'Neill, S. J. 2020. Online misinformation about climate change. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 11(5), e665.
Mickelsson, J., van Haren, J. J., & Lemmink, J. G. 2023. Wrinkles in a CSR story: mismatched agendas in fast fashion service brands' CSR reputation. Journal of Service Management, 34(2), 256-273.

Master's thesis: Barck, J. 2023. Communicating Sustainability Clearly and Effectively to Avoid Greenwashing: Small Slow Fashion Brands. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/790960

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

The final assignment includes a development task. The student will use a suggested framework for evaluating an organisation's sustainability communication

Important dates

According to section 18 of the Degree Regulations, "the student must be present at the first contact session or notify the teacher in charge of his or her absence in order to confirm his or her participation in the studies. Alternatively, the teacher can also specify another way in which the student confirms his participation in the implementation.
The first session will be held on the 4th of March 2025 at 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm in ZOOM. Please inform the teacher if you cannot attend. Enrolment is rejected if the student does not report his/her absence from the start of his/her studies or the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified. The course includes 5 mandatory sessions. Please check the schedule.

Forms of internationality

The course is targeted at both Finnish and international students. The course material is based upon video presentations as well as peer-reviewed research articles.

Students workload

The course includes five modules. Three modules include quizzes as assignments , one module includes a short case analysis - assignment and one module a development assignment.


Module 1. Quiz 10 questions
Module 2. Short case analysis and peer review
Module 3. Quiz 10 questions
Module 4. Quiz 10 questions
Module 5. Discussion about academic articles and taking part in a short panel discussion.

Content and scheduling

This course not only addresses a timely and critical issue but is also indispensable for anyone seeking to gain expertise in honest and genuine communication to foster sustainability within organizations. Throughout this course, we will explore topics such as disinformation and greenwashing, both of which involve discussions on trust, accountability, and disclosure. Additionally, we will closely examine the pivotal role played by organizational boards in the development of sustainable communication strategies. This particular aspect will be introduced in Module one, featuring optional coaching sessions that offer valuable bonus points to participants. In the upcoming sections, we will provide a more comprehensive overview of the course structure, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Your participation in this course promises to be a rewarding and enlightening experience as we delve into the world of sustainable communication strategies.

Further information for students

The studies are on a Master-level (EQF 7)

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

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 3 (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)

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 Original is used when assignments are checked, the lecturer will inform the students of this.

Evaluation criteria, fail (0)

Less than 50 points

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

50 - 69 points

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

70 - 89 points

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

90 - 100 points