Business Management Sustainability in Business

This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing an entry level job position (or an upgrade of current skills and knowledge base) in the business field, with a focus on sustainability in business, and need a working knowledge of the fundamental concepts in this area of sustainability. This certificate of achievement in Sustainability in Business comprises four core courses, including Introduction to Sustainability in Business, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Sustainability Strategies in Business, and Business Strategies and Social Sustainability.

• Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the functions of Global Sustainability in Business and apply key concepts to this setting; explain the procedures of a Global Sustainable Supply Chain from sourcing input materials until the product reaches the end-consumer; demonstrate the procedures for Corporate Sustainability Impact Report (Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting (ESGs); evaluate the current Global Sustainability Corporate culture to determine best practices for building further sustainability in all organizations; and examine the role business plays in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, activism and changing policies.

• The goal of this course is to equip students with a strong understanding of Global Sustainability in the context of rapidly evolving Environmental, Social and Governance systems. These systems are impacted by various challenges such as scarcity of resources, climate change, limited access to clean water and diversity, equality and inclusion. In addition to gaining knowledge about these issues, students will also develop the necessary skills for entry-level employment and future career advancement. Achieving this certificate will set students apart from other candidates as 21st-century leaders when seeking employment in various fields, including Business. Additionally, individuals who are already working in Business can benefit from the certificate by expanding their knowledge and skills, increasing their chances for promotion. The Earth Science and Business Advisory Board has recommended this Certificate of Achievement.

Enrollment completer projections are 20 students per year.

This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing an entry level job position (or an upgrade of current skills and knowledge base) in the business field, with a focus on sustainability in business, and need a working knowledge of the fundamental concepts in this area of sustainability. This certificate of achievement in Sustainability in Business comprises four core courses, including Introduction to Sustainability in Business, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, Corporate Sustainability Strategies in Business, and Business Strategies and Social Sustainability.

• Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the functions of Global Sustainability in Business and apply key concepts to this setting; explain the procedures of a Global Sustainable Supply Chain from sourcing input materials until the product reaches the end-consumer; demonstrate the procedures for Corporate Sustainability Impact Report (Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting (ESGs); evaluate the current Global Sustainability Corporate culture to determine best practices for building further sustainability in all organizations; and examine the role business plays in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, activism and changing policies.

• The goal of this course is to equip students with a strong understanding of Global Sustainability in the context of rapidly evolving Environmental, Social and Governance systems. These systems are impacted by various challenges such as scarcity of resources, climate change, limited access to clean water and diversity, equality and inclusion. In addition to gaining knowledge about these issues, students will also develop the necessary skills for entry-level employment and future career advancement. Achieving this certificate will set students apart from other candidates as 21st-century leaders when seeking employment in various fields, including Business. Additionally, individuals who are already working in Business can benefit from the certificate by expanding their knowledge and skills, increasing their chances for promotion. The Earth Science and Business Advisory Board has recommended this Certificate of Achievement.

This certificate of achievement in Sustainability in Business comprises four core courses, including BUS 7: Introduction to Sustainability in Business

This course provides an introduction of the key topics concerning sustainability in business. In particular, an examination of business’ potential as a significant economic force to provide solutions to global environmental, social and economic challenges in the 21st century. The course will focus on how innovation can drive sustainable business activities.

BUS 7 B: Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability Reporting: This course provides an introduction to the voluntary process of sustainability reporting in business and other organizations. The Global Reporting Initiative will be highlighted as a key model for a business to build sustainable practices into its operations. Items such as team building, sustainability indicators, tracking and reporting are the areas of concentration. Students will be able to develop a beginning sustainability report for a chosen business.

BUS 7C: Corporate Sustainability Strategies in Business.

This course provides an overview of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) as they relate to corporations and nonprofit organizations. Students will learn processes to build contemporary sustainability goals into the corporate culture and business model of conventional organizations. This course takes a global perspective, touching on various aspects of the global capitalist economy.

BUS 7 D: Business Strategies and Social Sustainability.

This course provides an introduction to the varied elements of social sustainability and examines what role business should play. Socially responsible leadership, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion, innovation, activism and changing policies, social impacts on communities, the world’s food systems, global fair trade and impact entrepreneurs will be used to highlight the increasing attention on the need to align of business practices with essential societal needs.

Course	Title	Units	Year/Semester (Y1 or S1)
BUS 7	Introduction to Sustainability in Business	3	fall 2022 (f1)
BUS 7B	Sustainability Reporting in Business	3	spring 2022 (s1), fall 2023 (f2)
BUS 7C	Corporate Sustainability Strategies in Business	3	spring 2023 (s3)
BUS 7D	Business Strategies and Social Sustainability	3	fall 2023

This program provides the focus on Sustainability in Business to complement the Earth Science Department's focus on Sustainability. After completing this Certificate of Achievement students might decide to pursue additional level certificates offered through SMC and / or to transfer to finish their bachelor’s in Sustainability. Students who already possess a bachelor’s degree may also decide to go onto earn a master’s degree in Sustainability. Finally, students might choose to focus on a career as a Sustainability Professional in the organization in which they are hired and need the Certificate's focus to justify their competency in Sustainability.

None at the Community College level. Santa Monica College will be the first to offer a Certificate of Achievement in Sustainability in Business at the Community College level to meet the needs of all diverse learners and their objectives. Executive Graduate Programs include UCLA Extension offers a Certificate of Sustainability; Stanford University offers a Sustainability Strategies: Executive Education; Berkeley Extension: Certificate in Sustainable Management.

4 core courses taught once each per academic calendar year (such as fall 2023 - spring 2024) projecting 40 students per course: Maximum 160 student per academic year. However, if the chair approves each core course twice per academic year, the enrollment will be 320 students.

Not Applicable. It is a new Certificate of Achievement.