Summer School: Business School

Explore key business issues with modules on sustainability, accounting and finance.

The business world of today and tomorrow

The business sector is evolving rapidly. Technological advances such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are causing huge changes in the way businesses operate and innovate.  

On our Business School modules you can engage with these seismic shifts, from sustainable consumption to smart cities, green finance to supply chains.

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Modules you can study

Select from the following modules:

Session one

• Engaging Consumers with Sustainability

  Module code: IS451

  This module provides an in-depth understanding of how sustainability intersects with consumer engagement and business strategies. It is perfect for anyone intrigued by sustainable business practices, consumer behavior, and their impact on our environment. Throughout the course, you will delve into key topics such as sustainable consumption, green marketing, circular economy, ethical consumer behavior, and corporate social responsibility. You'll also explore how digital technology influences and enables sustainable practices.

  The course uses collaborative activities to stimulate critical discussions around sustainability issues in modern businesses. You will analyze an organization's strategy for incorporating sustainability into their consumer engagement initiatives and explore the complexities that arise in the interplay between consumers, businesses, and the environment.

  Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in business simulations focusing on sustainability, which will enhance your practical understanding of creating and implementing consumer engagement strategies centered around sustainability. In essence, this module offers a comprehensive exploration of sustainability in the business context, equipping you with the tools to engage consumers effectively and ethically in a world increasingly focused on sustainable practices.

  The University of Sussex Business School has AACSB and EQUIS accreditation - the most comprehensive institutional accreditation system for business and management schools in terms of governance, programmes, students, faculty, research, internationalisation, ethics, responsibility, and sustainability, as well as engagement with the world of practice. 

  Our Business School is 15th in the UK for Business and Economics (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023) and 1st in the UK for annual research income (Chartered Association of Business Schools 2020/21).

  Learning outcomes:

  • demonstrate comprehension of a variety of reliable and pertinent concepts underlying the study of sustainability and its role in contemporary consumer engagement strategies

  • exhibit an ability to participate in a critical discourse of sustainability-related issues affecting modern business practices and consumer behavior

  • analyze a selected organisation's strategy for engaging consumers in sustainability initiatives, including their communication and implementation methodologies

  • evaluate the effectiveness of a chosen organization's approach to integrating sustainability into their consumer engagement strategies, and assess the resultant impacts on both organizational performance and consumer perception

  • develop innovative proposals to enhance consumer engagement in sustainability initiatives, considering current trends and the potential effects on consumer behavior and corporate reputation.

  Teaching method: Workshops
  Assessment: 50% group presentation, 40% essay, 10% observation
  Contact hours: 40 hours
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 

• Accounting in Decision Making

  Module code: TBD

Session two

• Innovation and Sustainable Finance

  Module code: IS452

  This module offers an immersive experience, empowering students with cutting-edge tools. You'll gain practical skills using Bloomberg Terminals, incorporating new AI tools exploiting Natural Language Processing (NLP) for real-time data analysis, and utilise Bloomberg's extensive resources to understand sustainable finance and ESG metrics. 

  We'll explore how innovative technologies such as Blockchain, Large Language Models (LLMs), Augmented Reality, Quantum Computing, and the Internet of Futures (IoF) can serve as powerful solutions for supporting sustainability projects, particularly in the context of smart cities. Imagine leveraging these technologies for everything from optimised resource management and transparent supply chains, to enhanced citizen engagement and predictive urban planning.

  Through interactive group work and team-building, you will tackle real-world case studies, developing crucial collaboration and problem-solving abilities. We'll link learning to best practices, including the valuable Bloomberg ESG Certificate, equipping them with highly sought-after expertise for a sustainable future.

  Learning outcomes:

  • systematically engage with different market participants of economy to create sustainable innovations in the economy

  • critically discuss the implementation of government and local policy and the modern role of sustainable innovation in the development of smart environment friendly solutions such as smart cities and smart buildings

  • analyse recent trends of technology development and their impact on the green finance development and conduct green-friendly projects

  • Critically evaluate management innovation processes and possible challenges for the development of sustainable solutions.

  Teaching method: Workshops 
  Assessment: 80% in class exam, 20% MCQ Test 
  Contact hours: 40 hours  
  Credits: 15 Sussex Credits 
  Level: 4 

Read our top tips for choosing your modules. You can also find out about our teaching structure, assessment process and how your credits transfer back to your home institution.

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