James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

BU5110:03

Business, Environment and Sustainability *

January block mode (Cairns campus).

Staff: Dr P Griggs, Dr E Gyuris

An analysis of the reasons for the introduction of a sustainable development approach and how business is adopting the strategy. Topics examined include: patterns of use of renewable and non-renewable resources, causes, consequences and cost to the international community of the deterioration of the natural environment; concepts of carrying capacity and ecologically sustainable development; growth of ‘green’ consumerism and its impact upon business; government and business responses to the sustainable development approach; implementing a sustainable development approach in a business.

Learning Objectives:

1. an understanding of the environmental implications of global patterns of resource use;
2. familiarise students with the sustainable development approach and provide opportunities for them to see how it is being applied at various scales across the globe;
3. explore the ways in which the sustainable development approach could be incorporated into the student’s working environment;
4. provide opportunities for students to participate in group problem solving exercises relating to environmental issues.

Assessment by debate presentation (20%); individual project (3,500 words)(40%); essay (1,500 words) or two-hour examination (20%); 1,000 word ministerial briefing (20%).