Programme content

Modules

First module: Grasping the Scientific Foundations

The first module is scheduled to take place from November 2nd, 2023, to November 4th, 2023, on campus, spanning two and a half days. During this module, participants will build a strong theoretical foundation and develop an awareness of the major issues and perspectives necessary for designing and implementing sustainability programmes in their specific contexts. 

Specifically, this first module will empower participants with the ability to identify and resolve the significant tensions that arise from the implementation of competing goals, both financial and non-financial. Throughout this module, which will include plenary sessions, moderated group discussions, collaborative case work, and inspirational keynote presentations, participants will learn from global sustainability leaders who exemplify the application of relevant concepts. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to discuss their own sustainability implementation plans with their assigned tutors, using the theoretical and inspirational insights gained from these leaders as a foundation. 

Price: € 1.690,-

Second module: Collaborative Problem-Solving with Global Leaders and Master's Students

The second module begins on the 8th November 2023 and spans six weeks until December 14th with two days of attendance per week for partipants. The second module is divided into four thematic parts, each with a specific focus to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of sustainability practices in organizations.The second module of the programme employs a transdisciplinary approach to maximize the learning potential for all participants (60-80 master degree students and leaders).

In addition to the global transformational leaders, we involve 60-80 master's degree students who have been trained in relevant theories being part of WUR Sustainability and Innovation Master degree programme and who will be attending this module for 5 days a week. Together, in a collaborative learning environment, participants and master's degree students participate in group activities coordinated by the global transformational leaders and professors. Through live discussions, interactive exercises, and working on real-world cases, participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges during the implementation phase of sustainability programmes and propose innovative solutions.

By the end of this module, you will have developed problem-solving and design skills, equipped with practical insights and innovative strategies to address sustainability challenges in their respective organizations.

Price: € 1.500,-

Third module: Tailor-Made Implementation

The third module (one day on campus, December 18 and 19 2023, and 8 hours consultations with leaders, lecturers and researchers) is scheduled for two day on campus and includes 8 hours of consultations with leaders and researchers. This phase represents a critical step in which participants will implement sustainability programs in their respective organizations. It begins with a presentation of EU regulations for firms, followed by a comprehensive list of advice garnered from global leaders, lecturers, and researchers during the 8-hour consultation sessions. In this module, participants work closely with professors and global sustainability leaders, who play an integral role in the coaching team.

Throughout the entire training programme, participants will be accompanied by a dedicated tutor who will provide ongoing guidance and support. Additionally, an online platform will be accessible, offering a wide range of materials, guides, research papers, and real- cases, further enriching the learning journey.

Price: € 1.600,-

Additional skills developed in this programme

Through the engaging discussions and exercises within the course, participants will discover that implementing sustainability goes beyond isolated actions and requires an ecosystem approach. They will gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of various stakeholders, both internal and external to the firms, and the importance of fostering collaboration and cooperation across organizational boundaries. This ecosystem perspective equips participants with the necessary skills to navigate complex sustainability challenges and act as brokers and boundary spanners within their firms.

Moreover, the transdisciplinary and inter-disciplinary nature of the course cultivates essential skills that are highly sought-after in the role of sustainability managers. Participants will develop the ability to integrate diverse perspectives, knowledge, and expertise, enabling them to tackle complex sustainability issues with a holistic approach. This skill set empowers sustainability managers to bridge gaps, foster dialogue, and drive meaningful change within their organizations.

The combination of these key elements - the ecosystem approach and the development of transdisciplinary skills - sets this course apart as a premier and exclusive programme in the field of sustainability. Participants will emerge from the course equipped with a unique blend of knowledge, competencies, and insights that position them as effective and influential sustainability leaders in their respective industries.

Learning goals

• You will be equipped you with the skills and knowledge to successfully integrate sustainability into your business practices.
• You will delve deep into the intricate relationship between society, environment, and economy, and learn how to leverage sustainability as a competitive business strategy.
• You'll leave with a clear understanding of the benefits of incorporating sustainability into your business practices.
• You'll learn how to analyze the barriers to change and identify strategies to overcome them, as well as how to sustain cultural shift towards sustainability.
• By the end of the programme, you'll be able to create a customized sustainability integration plan for your organization that incorporates the principles, challenges, and strategies discussed in the course.