Business Administration: Sustainable Family Enter II

Goes beyond the documented best practices of family enterprises embedding sustainable development goals into their core operations to innovative next practices being tried while still continuing to generate positive economic returns to sustain their enterprise. Case examples, experiential exercises, virtual learning, lectures, and discussions are used to bring concepts to life. Prerequisite: BUS 6450.

Grad students only; Part of Term A; Open to Degree and PACE students. Prerequisite: BUS 6450; Asynchronous online

This team-taught course introduces you to structures, strategies and practices used by purpose-driven family businesses to magnify the positive environmental and societal impact of their operations and investments. Focusing on sustainability enables leaders of these enterprises to rally family and non-family members around a compelling mission. This creates a storied brand attracting strong employees and loyal customers. Growth and profitability inevitably follow. Each module is taught by a different instructor who is an expert in the focal topic of the week. Case studies introduced in each module reveal the practicalities of developing and sustaining this virtuous cycle. We learn about the role of cutting-edge technologies, certifications, and cross sector partnerships to sustain and grow this cycle. In each module you will explore family businesses of different sizes operating in varied industries and regions. You will learn the different ways blockchain technology is being used to enhance traceability of resources and develop regenerative closed loop supply chains. You will learn about the governance and ownership structures being used to sustain values of purpose-driven family enterprises as operations become complex and large and families focus on investing for the long-term. Purpose-driven entrepreneurs launch or contribute to enterprises like the ‘1% for the Planet’ to empower and support not-for-profits focused on environmental protection. The immense scope of strategic philanthropy to connect the top and base of the income pyramid becomes evident. The practicalities of advising and guiding family firms along the sustainability journey are discussed, as you begin to build your toolkit of concepts and analytical techniques.

This is an online asynchronous course for graduate students. Each module provides opportunities to engage in reflective exercises and peer discussions. Weekly assignments are graded.

Weighting of Grades • Discussions 40% • Short Assignments and Quiz 40% • Final Assignment and Discussion: B-Corporation 20%