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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Strategic Sustainable Development
Revision: 1
Reg.no:
Course syllabus
Strategic Planning for Organizational Sustainability Transitions
Strategic Planning for Organizational Sustainability Transitions
7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)
Course code: SL2573
Main field of study: Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2025-02-21
Approved: 2025-02-21
1. Descision
This course is established by Dean 2024-12-13. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Strategic Sustainable Development 2025-02-21 and applies from 2025-02-21.
2. Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires 120 completed credits including at least 2.5 credits about the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD). English 6.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
The purpose of the course is for the student to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of methodology for strategic sustainability transitioning in organizations, including understanding of the self-benefit (“business case”) in proactive sustainability work for an organization.
3.2 Content
The Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) is used as an overarching approach to guide a system understanding of an organization’s role in society’s transition towards sustainability. The framework’s strategic planning procedure, ABCD, is used to organize the application of complementary tools, methods and concepts to develop (i) an organization’s vision, (ii) a comprehensive sustainability assessment, and (iii) multi-factorial prioritization for implementation of a strategic plan. The course includes several examples of such complementary tools, methods and concepts. It also clarifies how the self-benefit (“business case”) of proactive sustainability work can be captured.
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe and discuss methodology for strategic thinking and strategic planning for sustainability.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the business benefits to a specific organization from applying a strategic approach to sustainable development.
- Develop and evaluate a vision within the frame of a principled definition of sustainability.
- Assess an organization’s current position relative to its vision and create a strategic plan with prioritized goals and actions that lead to the vision.
- Communicate and argue for results and conclusions.
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Critically reflect on aspects of strategic planning to select and adapt them to a specific organizational context.
5. Learning activities
The course is focused on a group project to create a strategic plan for a real organization. This group project provides a tangible and practical real-life context in which the knowledge and understanding can be applied. The group work is central for a deeper understanding of the ABCD procedure. To support this problem-based group learning, teachers provide a combination of lectures, coaching to groups, feedback, as well as readings and videos resources.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2510 | Project Assignment | 3.5 credits | GU |
| 2520 | Written Assignment 1 | 1 credits | GU |
| 2530 | Written Assignment 2 | 0.5 credits | GU |
| 2540 | Take-home Examination | 2.5 credits | GU |
The course will be graded G Pass, UX Failed result, a little more work required, U Fail.
The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.
To be graded, the assignments must be submitted on time. Late submissions, as well as poor participation or inability to participate in the project group project, will be considered as a fail (U) for that submission opportunity within the course, unless otherwise negotiated and agreed with the course examiner. Opportunities to pass any failed assignments will be offered after the regular course schedule is complete, unless otherwise negotiated and agreed with the course examiner
The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
Robèrt K-H., Broman G., Waldron D, Ny H., Hallstedt S., Cook D., Johansson L.,, Oldmark J., Basile G., Haraldsson H., MacDonald J., Moore B., Connell T., Missimer M., Daly E., and Johnson P. (2019). Sustainability Handbook (2nd ed). Studentlitteratur, Lund, Sweden. ISBN: 978-91-44-11595-5
Supplementary materials are provided.
10. Additional information
This course replaces SL2561
This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.