Course Outline: Business Sustainability and Public Policy

Term V (PGDM 2014-16)

In recent times there have been numerous conflicts between business and environment which
urges a relook at the way we do business in India. There have been many instances of
businesses exploiting natural resources indiscriminately to fulfil their short term needs. The
fast pace of growth in developing countries like India has resulted in rapid depletion of non
renewable natural resources. Businesses have had their ill effects on local communities they
interact with, raising concerns over the long-term viability of such enterprises. The concept of
Triple Bottom Line (Economic viability, Social desirability & Environmental responsibility)
has been debated for a while now. In such a scenario, businesses need to respond quickly and
develop strategies for long term sustainability.
In the fast-changing business environment, a manager has to understand and appreciate the
perspectives of various stakeholders and also have sustainability goals in mind. At the same
time, a broad understanding of Government policy and Public systems in India is a must for
every manager, as businesses operate in close coordination with Govt. & Public systems. To
run their businesses in a sustainable manner, managers would need to keep abreast of
transformations in the regulatory environment and adhere to policy requirements.
Corporate organizations, Development organizations and Government departments are
seeking managers who are able to contribute to decision making, keeping in mind the needs
and concerns of all stakeholders. This course intends to broaden the perspectives of PGDM
students by exposing them to issues of Business Sustainability and Public Policy.
The course will primarily focus on:

Sustainable Development Goals

Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability

Management and Policy Analysis

Evaluation of Public Policy

Pedagogy
The course will be delivered through lectures and class discussions on pre-assigned readings.
Cases / articles would be shared with students in advance.
Reference Books

A comprehensive course pack with relevant material would be provided to students in

advance for reference during the course.

Instructors
Prof. Shireesh
Prof. Debabrata Samanta
Credits: 1.5
No. of Sessions: 12
Session Duration: 75 Minutes
EVALUATION COMPONENTS

Class Participation

10%

Business Sustainability Assignment

25%

Public Policy Assignment

25%

Course-End Exam

40%

Class Participation will be evaluated based on three parameters: Attendance, preparedness for
the classes and actual class participation. 100% attendance with preparedness to participate in
class discussion is desired.

Session Plan
Session
1

4
5

6
7

10

11

12

Theme
Introduction & Overview: Business Sustainability
Sustainable Development
Balancing Economic, Social & Environmental goals
Essentials of Sustainability : TBL Concept & GRI Reporting
Triple Bottom Line Accounting
Communicating Sustainability
Stakeholder Analysis & Management
Stakeholder Identification & Mapping
Stakeholder Salience Model
Power-Interest Grids
Applying Stakeholder Theory : Case of GAP Inc.
Human Dimensions of Sustainability: Human Rights, Justice &
Ethics
Values, Morality & Ethics
Justice & Fairness Principle
History of Human Rights Movement
Case Discussion : Yahoo! in China
Introduction to Public Policy
Concept & Meaning
Scope of Public Policy
Some Technical Concepts
Overview of Public Policy Making Process
Introduction to Public Institutions
Government and Its Intervention
Concept of Governance and Good Governance

Instructor

Shireesh

Introduction to Public Good

Concept of Public Good and Private Good and their
optimal provision
Debabrata
Private & Public Provision of Public Good
Samanta
Concept of Merit Good
Public Policy Evaluation : Education
Why and How Government gets involved in providing
education
Politics of Public Service Provision
Policy responses required to address constraints and
enhance service provision
Policies for Growth, Development and Human Development:
Policy Issues In a Neo-liberal Perspective
Concept of Global Governance
Washington Consensus
Impact of Neo-liberalism on society and policy
paradigm

List of Reading Material (Available in Course Pack)

1. Giovannoni E. & Fabietti G. What is Sustainability? A Review of the Concept and its
Applications
2. Slaper T. & Hall T. (Spring 2011) The Triple Bottom Line: What Is It and How Does
it Work? Indiana Business Review
3. Mitchell, Agle & Wood (1997) Towards a Theory of Stakeholder Identification and
Salience The Academy of Management Review
4. Smith, Ansett & Erez (2011) How Gap Inc. engaged with its Stakeholders MIT Sloan
Management Review
5. Sucher & Baer (2009, 2011) Yahoo! in China (A & B) Harvard Business School
6. Gruber, J (2011) Public Finance and Public Policy, Third Edition, Worth Publishers,
New York.
7. Shaapera, S.A (2014): Public Policy Analysis, Lecture Guide, Federal University
8. Batley, R & McLaughlin. C. (2015) The Politics of Public Services: A Service
Characteristics Approach, World Development, Vol. 74, 275-285
9. United Nations: What is Good Governance?