Graduate Certificate in Strategic Transformation and Sustainable Management

This course explores global and organizational environmental issues from a social justice and corporate social responsibility perspective. The course foundations of environment, social justice and governance policies are built upon the premise that all people, regardless of race, class, gender, ethnicity and economic capacity, have a right to a clean and safe environment and access to adequate natural resources. Further, the course examines the implications and challenges of environmental injustices and the need for corporate and social responsibility to correct these issues. Global and sustainable practices are explored in the context of various ethical frameworks and reasonable policy initiatives.

In response to the extensive globalization of the economy and the explosion of worldwide communications and educational changes, this course takes a global perspective on major corporate ethical, legal and governance issues impacting our daily lives - whether as entrepreneurs, managers, business professionals, investors or consumers. Focusing on global business workings, students examine enduring concepts of what it means to do business in an ethical, legal and just manner. Case studies are used to explore contemporary applications of shareholder versus stakeholder corporate governance and human rights questions as they impact global business, regarding bribery and corruption, consumer protection, developing economies, worker health and safety, child labor, environmental protection and professional codes of ethics.

Leading system-wide change and transformation is a constant challenge in an era of continuous flux. Visionary, interdisciplinary thinking is needed to facilitate human and planetary change and to enhance interdependent cooperative action. This course provides an overview of the skills needed to lead and manage people through change and transformation. It examines several methods and tools through which leaders and managers affect change in organizations, engage people through communication processes and build capacities for sustaining change. It explores the unique characteristics of change and transformation dynamics: How individuals often respond to change, how to build trust and how to assess the impact of change on organizational culture, group behavior, interpersonal influences and organizational design and innovation. Students improve their skills in areas such as process consultation, leading and managing change, team building and measuring organizational readiness and effectiveness. Students apply course material to real-world issues, situations and workplace challenges through a collaborative project.

This course equips students with the knowledge and tools necessary to not only navigate change, but also to proactively shape the future of organizations. Through strategic foresight and innovative thinking, students gain the insights and strategies needed to anticipate changes, identify new opportunities and drive innovation that leads to sustainable growth and success.