Sustainable Development and ESG Standards

2026/2027

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

3

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Департамент социологии

Статус:

Курс обязательный

Когда читается:

1-й курс, 3 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course introduces students to the concept and principles of sustainable development, the evolution of sustainable development policies globally and in specific regions. Students will also explore ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and their implementation in corporate activities. Special attention is given to the contribution of social entrepreneurship to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The course includes analysis of best practices, case studies, and project development, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice. By the end of the course, students will be able to design and implement sustainable social projects and assess their impact on sustainable development.

Learning Objectives

• Introduce students to the concept of sustainable development and its implementation dynamics at national and global levels.
• Familiarize students with ESG standards, their specifics, and practical implementation in corporate activities.
• Develop students’ skills in analyzing and evaluating the sustainability of business models and social initiatives, as well as designing and implementing projects aligned with sustainable development principles.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development concepts and contemporary ESG frameworks
• Introduce international sustainability standards, reporting systems, and regulatory developments
• Examine sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary perspectives combining management, economics, public policy, and social innovation
• Develop practical skills in ESG analysis, stakeholder engagement, sustainability reporting, and impact measurement
• Integrate sustainability principles into social entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible leadership
• Know major theories of sustainable development, key ESG concepts, international sustainability agenda, stakeholder approaches
• Be able to distinguish between CSR, ESG and sustainability
• Gain practical experience in stakeholder mapping, sustainability case analysis, critical discussion of sustainability literature
• Understand: principles of sustainable business model innovation; characteristics of social entrepreneurship; contemporary approaches to sustainable value creation; circular economy principles; impact-oriented business design.
• Be able to: analyse sustainable business models; distinguish between traditional and social enterprises; develop sustainable value propositions; design Theory of Change models; apply business model tools to social innovation projects; identify opportunities for sustainable innovation.
• Evaluate governance systems
• Design stakeholder engagement strategies;
• Develop governance policies for sustainable organizations
• Understand: the principles of sustainable finance; ESG investing approaches; impact investing models; financing mechanisms for social enterprises; international sustainable finance initiatives
• will be able to: analyse ESG investment strategies; evaluate sustainable financial instruments; assess impact investment opportunities; design financing strategies for social enterprises; apply impact measurement frameworks to investment decisions
• Will demonstrate the ability to: integrate ESG considerations into financial decision-making; balance financial performance with measurable social and environmental outcomes; communicate investment proposals to stakeholders and impact investors; develop financing strategies that support sustainable innovation and long-term organizational resilience
• Will understand: strategic approaches to ESG implementation; emerging sustainability trends; future regulatory developments; challenges associated with ESG implementation and communication.
• Will be able to: design integrated ESG strategies; establish measurable sustainability objectives; communicate sustainability performance effectively; evaluate future sustainability risks and opportunities; develop implementation roadmaps for mission-driven organizations.
• Will demonstrate the ability to: integrate environmental, social, governance, and financial considerations into organizational strategy; develop evidence-based sustainability solutions for complex societal challenges; critically evaluate emerging ESG practices and future trends; present and defend strategic recommendations to professional audiences.

Course Contents

• Topic 1. Sustainable Development and the ESG Agenda
• Topic 2. ESG Standards, Reporting and Impact Measurement
• Topic 3. Sustainable Business Models and Social Entrepreneurship
• Topic 4. ESG Governance, Responsible Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
• Topic 5. Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing
• Topic 6. ESG Strategy, Innovation and Future Challenges

Assessment Elements

• Class Participation and Seminar Activities
• Individual ESG Case Study Analysis
  Students are required to prepare an individual analytical report (approximately 2,000–2,500 words) examining the ESG performance of a selected company, social enterprise, non-profit organization, or public institution. The analysis should critically evaluate the organization's sustainability strategy, governance practices, stakeholder engagement, ESG risks and opportunities, and impact measurement approach using concepts and frameworks discussed throughout the course.
• Group ESG Strategy Report
• Final Project Presentation and Defense

Interim Assessment

• 2026/2027 3rd module
  0.4 * Final Project Presentation and Defense + 0.1 * Class Participation and Seminar Activities + 0.2 * Individual ESG Case Study Analysis + 0.3 * Group ESG Strategy Report

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Building social business : the new kind of capitalism that serves humanity's most pressing needs, Yunus, M., 2011
• Business models : A strategic management approach, Afuah, A., 2004
• Chief Sustainability Officers At Work: How CSOs Build Successful Sustainability and ESG Strategies, Pagitsas, Ch., 2022
• Corporate social responsibility : the role of business in sustainable development, Williams, O. F., 2014
• Handbook of entrepreneurship and sustainable development research, , 2017
• Social innovation and new business models : creating shared value in low-income markets, Michelini, L., 2012
• Strategic management : concepts and cases : a competitive advantage approach, David, F. R., 2015
• Strategic management : theory & cases : an integrated approach, Hill, C. W. L., 2024
• Strategic management in nonprofit organizations, Brown, W. A., 2015
• Sustainable: Moving Beyond ESG to Impact Investing, Keeley, T., 2023

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• ESG: три буквы, которые меняют мир, , 2022
• Managing social businesses : mission, governance, strategy and accountability, Jager, U. P., 2010
• Research methods for strategic management, , 2016
• Strategic management : awareness and change, Thompson, J., 2005
• Strategic management : building and sustaining competitive advantage, Pitts, R. A., 2006
• Sustainable development : capabilities, needs, and well-being, , 2011

Authors

• Storchevoi Maksim Anatolevich
• KUZINER EVGENIIA NIKOLAEVNA