The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) has introduced its first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), titled "From Theory to Practice: Implementing ESG and Sustainability in Business." This course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and how businesses can integrate sustainability practices into their operations.
Course Overview
The 12-week program, starting on January 24, 2025, is hosted on Swayam, a Government of India initiative aimed at providing free, high-quality education across diverse subjects. The course is open to MBA and BBA students, working professionals, and executives who wish to deepen their understanding of sustainable growth and holistic value creation.
Key Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand the core principles of ESG and sustainability.
- Analyze the business case for ESG and sustainability practices.
- Identify material ESG factors relevant to different industries.
- Develop strategies for reducing a company's environmental footprint.
- Explore best practices for promoting social responsibility within an organization.
- Implement effective ESG governance structures.
- Develop an understanding of non-financial reporting.
- Measure, monitor, and communicate ESG performance effectively.
Course Structure
The course is divided into 12 weeks, covering various aspects of ESG and sustainability:
- Week 1: Introduction to ESG and Sustainability
- Week 2: Environmental Factors in ESG
- Week 3: Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Week 4: Strategies for Reducing Environmental Impact
- Week 5: Climate Change and Adaptation
- Week 6: Social Factors in ESG
- Week 7: Building Human Capital for Competitive Advantage
- Week 8: Governance Factors in ESG
- Week 9: Risks and Opportunities in Governance
- Week 10: Sustainability Reporting
- Week 11: ESG Investment and Financing
- Week 12: Implementing ESG into Business Strategy and Operations
Instructor and Learning Experience
The course will be instructed by Dr. Aditya Gupta, COO of the TCI-IIMB Supply Chain Sustainability Lab, who brings extensive corporate experience from companies like Tata Group, TVS Group, Jindal Group, Virgin Mobile, and Moser Baer. Students will have the opportunity to interact and learn from him during the program.
Conclusion
IIM Bangalore's new MOOC on ESG and Sustainability is a significant step towards equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to integrate sustainable practices into business operations. By fostering holistic value creation, this course aims to contribute to the global movement towards sustainable development.