In the final block of your second year, you will choose a specialist module from one of the below.
Sustainable operations management
This module explores how organisations design, manage and improve operational systems to balance efficiency,鈥痳esilience鈥痑nd environmental sustainability. You’ll examine the role of operations management in supporting sustainable production,鈥痩ogistics鈥痑nd supply chain practices. And you’ll analyse how decisions relating to resource use, production processes, sourcing strategies,鈥痩ogistics鈥痵ystems and waste management, influence an organisation’s performance and environmental outcomes.鈥疎xplore key frameworks including: lean operations, circular economy principles, sustainable supply chain management,鈥痩ife-cycle鈥痶hinking and environmental performance metrics. Then consider how digital tech and analytics tools can support organisations in improving resource efficiency, reducing鈥痺aste鈥痑nd designing more resilient supply chains. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to analyse operational systems, evaluate environmental鈥痠mpacts鈥痑nd propose operational improvements that support sustainable and responsible business practices.鈥�
Consumer, society and sustainability
This module provides an introductory critical perspective on how marketing systems shape consumer behaviour, societal norms and environmental outcomes. Drawing on insights from sociology, psychology, cultural studies and public policy, you’ll explore how consumption influences both individual well-being and wider social and environmental cultures. You’ll be learning from with a range of real-world materials, including reports, media content and policy discussions related to contemporary consumer issues. And, by the end of the module, you’ll recognise the wider impacts of consumption and understand ways in which more sustainable and responsible consumption practices can be encouraged.
Environmental impacts and measurement
This module examines how business activities affect the natural environment and how these impacts can be measured,鈥痑nalysed鈥痑nd managed. You’ll explore key environmental impact areas,鈥痠ncluding greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water consumption, waste generation and biodiversity impacts across business operations and supply chains.鈥�
You’ll be introduced to the practical tools used by organisations to measure environmental performance, such as carbon鈥痜ootprinting, environmental audits, life cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability indicators. You’ll also learn how environmental data supports decision-making, sustainability鈥痵trategies鈥痑nd ESG reporting.鈥�
By the end of the module, you’ll have developed the ability to interpret environmental metrics,鈥痠dentify鈥痠mpact鈥痟otspots鈥痑nd propose practical actions to improve organisational environmental performance.鈥�
Ethical and responsible leadership
This module explores the鈥痗entral role鈥痮f ethics and responsibility in contemporary leadership and organisational practice. You’ll examine how debates about business responsibility have evolved and analyse how leaders navigate complex ethical dilemmas. You’ll be introduced to core theories of ethical and responsible leadership, and be provided with practical tools for evaluating鈥痙ecision鈥憁aking, assessing consequences of managerial actions and fostering ethical cultures. Through case studies,鈥痵cenario鈥慴ased鈥痑ctivities and reflective analysis, you’ll develop the skills and judgement鈥痳equired鈥痶o approach ethical challenges confidently and professionally in鈥痳eal business鈥痗ontexts.鈥�