Duration
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices : 18h Th
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game : 12h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices : Nathalie Crutzen
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game : Virginie Xhauflair
Coordinator
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
The general objective of these sessions is to analyze why and how do organizations report for sustainability and to illustrate that it would require to measure their sustainability performance.
This course proposes an introduction to and opens discussions (via lectures, readings, videos, etc.) about sustainability reporting and metrics (What? Challenges? Critical perspectives? Examples?).
For example, this course:
- Frames sustainability in both global and corporate contexts
- Describes sustainability reporting standards/frameworks
- Shows how to fulfill sustainability reporting requirements (e.g. double materiality assessment, stakeholders management, etc.)
- Underlines the link between sustainability reporting and metrics
- Discusses both operational and strategic challenges to report and measure for sustainability
- Critically analyzes how these changes would require an adaptation or modifications of management to support a company's sustainability performance management.
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
This course involves a simulation based on a business case where a company must transform its business model to enhance sustainability. It allows students to experience the trade-offs that companies face and will continue to face in transforming their business models and practices to achieve genuine sustainability.
The serious game scenario presents a Belgian SME in the agri-food sector confronted with various ethical dilemmas and trade-offs in defining and operationalizing its ecological and social transition strategy. The scenario is based on a decision-making game responding to real or potential crises that the company is or will be facing. These decisions encompass both the business model (such as mission, legal form, ownership, financial model, governance, etc.) and management choices (including strategy, supply chain, logistics, marketing, production processes, monitoring and reporting tools, HR management, stakeholder integration, profit allocation, etc.).
Participants in the simulation must make these decisions while evaluating their positive and negative consequences through a multi-stakeholder lens-taking into account the needs and expectations of both internal and external stakeholders of the company-and identifying the impacts of their decisions on all stakeholders, including the global environment.
Participants in the simulation must make decisions while assessing their positive and negative consequences through a multi-stakeholder lens-considering the needs and expectations of both internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, they must evaluate the impacts of their decisions on all stakeholders, ensuring that they remain within Earth system boundaries.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge and skills to:
- Discuss key challenges and frameworks related to sustainability, sustainability reporting and sustainability measurement
- Analyze and debate the importance of performance management in sustainability implementation
- Consider and understand the complexity of sustainability reporting standards and related requirements
- Critically analyze business sustainability reports
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
Understanding of Sustainability Concepts:
Gain a thorough understanding of sustainability principles, including ecological, social, and economic dimensions.
Learn how these principles can be integrated into business models and strategies.
Strategic Decision-Making:
Develop skills in making strategic decisions that balance various trade-offs and stakeholder interests.
Learn to evaluate the long-term implications of business decisions on sustainability.
Practical Application of Theoretical Knowledge:
Apply theoretical concepts from thematic courses to real-world scenarios through simulation.
Experience how to translate sustainability theories into practical actions and decisions.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
Enhance problem-solving abilities by addressing ethical dilemmas and operational challenges in a simulated environment.
Strengthen critical thinking skills by analyzing complex situations and making informed decisions.
Stakeholder Analysis and Engagement:
Understand the needs and expectations of different stakeholders, both internal and external.
Learn to integrate stakeholder perspectives into business strategy and decision-making processes.
Impact Assessment:
Develop the ability to assess the potential impacts of business decisions on various stakeholders and the environment.
Gain insights into measuring and reporting on sustainability outcomes.
Teamwork and Communication:
Enhance teamwork and collaboration skills by working in teams to navigate the simulation.
Improve communication skills by presenting and justifying decisions within the team and to stakeholders.
Adaptability and Resilience:
Learn to adapt strategies and business models in response to changing conditions and crises.
Build resilience by managing and overcoming challenges in the simulation.
Overall, the course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage sustainable business practices effectively.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Basic knowledge in all the fields of management (finance, marketing, HRM, supply chain management, marketing, strategy, etc.) and strategic management tools.
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
This course is part of the new competency development pathway in sustainability organized by HEC Liège. It is one of several courses and is integrated with the course "Sustainable Business Models: A Serious Game."
For the first block of the master's program, students are required to select and complete only one of the following three thematic courses, all of which are taught concurrently:
- Sustainable Finance
- Reporting and Metrics for Sustainability
- Life Cycle Management
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Interactive pedagogical approach based on several teaching methods :
- Academic lectures (including illustrative videos and examples)
- Conferences with guest speakers
- Pre- and complementary readings
- Practical sessions during which students will (by groups) work on business sustainability reports
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
The simulation is part of a "platform" course, where students must complete a learning pathway consisting of videos, readings, exercises, and other resources. This pathway will gradually equip them with the skills and knowledge required for the simulation. The simulation, designed as a "serious game," is conducted in teams of management students from various specializations. This approach simulates a typical management team, incorporating diverse areas such as finance, marketing, supply chain, human resources, production management, procurement, and R&D.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Blended learning
Further information:
- Face-to-face lectures, conferences, practical sessions
- Distance learning (readings, videos)
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
Blended learning
Further information:
The serious game is currently under development, and a beta version will be played for the first time at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. This proof of concept will utilize a hybrid format, combining both remote and in-person elements.Assessment methods and criteria
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- LOL@
Further information:
Information about recommended and required readings will be presented during the lectures.
The slides and relevant documents will be posted on Lol@ but students are expected to take notes during the lectures, presentations and conferences.
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam ( multiple-choice questionnaire )
Other : See details below
Further information:
First session : out of session
- active preparation and participation to the course (30% of the final grade)
- in-person written exam (MCQ) at the end of the course (70% of the final grade)
- in-person written exam (MCQ)
For the first block of the master's program, students are required to select and complete only one of the following three thematic courses, all of which are taught concurrently:
- Sustainable Finance
- Reporting and Metrics for Sustainability
- Life Cycle Management
The "Sustainable Business Models: A Serious Game" course facilitates and evaluates the practical application of this knowledge through a team-based "serious game" simulation.
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- Remote
written exam ( open-ended questions )
Continuous assessment
Other : peer evaluation
Further information:
Assessment will be based on peer evaluation. Detailed information regarding the evaluation process and criteria will be provided in due course.
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Official language: English.
The attendance to the course is compulsory.
Sustainable Business Models : a Serious Game
As the serious game is currently under development, practical details will be communicated to students at a later date. The game is scheduled to take place in April (or early May) and will be conducted in a hybrid format. Students will be notified by email once the practical arrangements have been finalized.
Contacts
Metrics-Driven Reporting for Sustainable Practices
Prof. Nathalie Crutzen : ncrutzen@uliege.be
Teaching assistant: Cécile Caputo (on maternity leave from January to April 2025)
Contact : Robin Heynen : robin.heynen@uliege.be