COURSE DESCRIPTION PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN BUSINESS - 4TH YEAR |1ST SEMESTER ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020
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COURSE DESCRIPTION PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN BUSINESS 4TH YEAR |1ST SEMESTER DEGREE (S) BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN-CLASS TEACHING ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS
Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
1. COURSE IDENTIFICATION
1.- COURSE:
Name: Professional Ethics in Business
Code: b404
Year: 4th Semester: 1st
Type: Compulsory ECTS: 6 Total hours: 30
Language: Spanish Modality: Attendance is required
Degree: Management and Business Administration
School of Business and Economics
2.- ORGANIZATION OF THE COURSE:
Department: Business Economy
Area of knowledge: Management
2. LECTURERS OF THE COURSE
1.-LECTURERS:
Responsible of the Course CONTACT
Name: Mar Ramos González
Phone (ext): 91 456 63 00 (Ext. 15396)
Email: mariamar.ramosgonzalez@ceu.es
Office: JR-B 1.10
Lecturer(s) CONTACT
Name: Luis Eugenio Carretero Díaz
Phone (ext): 91 456 63 00 Ext.: 15543
Email: luiseugenio.carreterodiaz@ceu.es
Office: JR-20
Lecturer(s) CONTACT
Name:
Phone (ext):
Email:
Office:
2Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
2. - TUTORIALS:
For any queries, students can contact lecturers by e-mail, phone or visiting their office during the
teacher’s tutorial times published on the students’ Virtual Campus.
3. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Content:
The aim of this course is to analyze business activity from an ethics’ perspective. In particular, this
course pursues to comprehend the values and principles of the human behavior and to study the
triple dimension of corporate social responsibility (CSR). That is the impact of business activity on
economy, society and the environment. Firms should evaluate the full impact of their activity and
they should accept responsibility.
Justification to study this course within the degree:
Nowadays, business ethics, corporate social responsibility and good corporate governance are
compulsory when managing a firm in order to create shared value. Consumers, employees,
investors and other stakeholders are interested in knowing how companies manage their economic,
environmental and social impacts. More and more, they demand right business practices.
Consequently, every organization is currently facing the challenge of maximizing the social function
and satisfying the interests of stakeholders. By doing this, they create value not only for them but
also for the entire society. Thus, companies around the world focus on maximizing long-term benefits
by adopting high ethical standards in order to increase the positive impact on communities and to
reduce environmental and social risks.
4. SKILLS
1. - COMPETENCES
Code BASIC AND GENERAL SKILLS
CB2 Students should know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a
professional manner and should have the skills that are usually demostrated by compiling
and defending arguments and resolving problems within their area of study.
That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their area
of study) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical
issues.
CB3 Students should have the capacity to collect and interpret relevant data (usually within their
area of study) to form opinions base on reflection on relevant topics of social, scientific or
ethical nature.
Code SPECIFIC SKILLS
CE3 Capacity to manage a company efficiently in terms of time, motivation, behaviour and
handling of changes in order to adapt to the business environment.
CE7 Capacity of leadership and entrepreneurial spirit and the capacity to manage a business
and to work in teams.
3Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
CE8 Capacity to be self-critical and sensitive to the diversity of people, cultures and businesses.
2. - LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Learning outcomes
This course pursues to provide a broad understanding of CSR and good corporate
governance. Students are expected to:
• Understand the main concepts of business ethics, CSR, corporate
governance and ethics code.
• Be aware of economic inequality and globalization issues.
• Assess the ethical implications of business decisions.
• Propose and to analyse different alternatives in situations when economic
goals and human/social issues confront.
5. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
1. - DISTRIBUTION OF STUDENTS` ASSIGNMENT:
Total hours 180
Code Name Face-to-face
hours
AF1 Lectures 15
AF2 Seminars 30
AF4 Practices 15
TOTAL Presence Hours 60
Code Name Remaining
hours
AF0 Independent work 120
2. - EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Educational Activity DEFINITION
Lectures Educational activity focused especially on the competence of the
(AF1) students to acquire the basic knowledge of the field of the degree, both
from a theoretical and applied point of view. Priority is given to the
transmission of knowledge by the professor, requiring of the student prior
preparation or subsequent study.
Seminars Educational activity focused especially on the competence of the
(AF2) students to develop the learning skills enabling them to assimilate
content acquire beforehand, while relating economic concepts and those
of similar and/or auxiliary disciplines and different theoretical and
methodological approaches. Students study each subject in depth, to a
large extent independently. This educational activity is also focused on
4Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
encouraging students to acquire the skills that are necessary to
communicate their conclusions – and the understanding and underlying
reasons supporting them – to both specialist and non-specialist audience,
clearly and unequivocally. Priority is given to the participation of students
and their sharing of the reasoned interpretation of knowledge and the
sources of their fields of study, all of which is coordinated by the
professor.
Practices Educational activity focused especially on the competences of the student to
(AF4) collect, manipulate and process relevant data and variables for economic,
statistical, financial, accounting and tax analyses. Priority is placed on
students undertaking activities that involve the application of theoretical
and/or technical knowledge acquired, which may be done individually or in a
group, depending on the subject and the skills to be acquired.
Independent Work Educational activity whereby students independently manage their own
(AF0) learning by the study of the course material.
6. ASSESMENT OF LEARNING
1. - ASSESMENT SYSTEM AND CRITERIA:
ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
Code Name Percentage
SE6/SE7 Individual papers / Group papers 50%
SE3 Written exam of reasoning questions 10%
SE4 Written exam with exercises, problems, assumptions, etc., 40%
2. - DESCRIPTION OF ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
ORDINARY EVALUATION
The subject is qualified through a continuous assessment system that will consist of the following
tests:
1. Applied case that will consist in the analysis and critical reflection in groups on news or
current initiatives with deontological, ethical or CSR implications. Teamwork that is
presented in class in DEBATE format, assigning roles to each participant. The assessment
of this case study is 15% of the mark.
2. To make and performance of a team project, taking into account the following options: 1)
Project that analyses and assesses the CSR in a specific case. 2) Project that focuses on
sustainable innovation or 3) that develops a social entrepreneurship initiative. The projects
will be presented in class. The assessment of this case study is 35% of the mark.
3. To make an objective test on the agenda treated with questions of practical theoretical
reasoning that contributes 10% of the mark.
4. To make an applied final test that will consist of a written exam (theoretical part with
reasoning questions and a practical part that consists of a case study), of all the material
seen in the semester in order to assess the knowledge acquired by the student. The
assessment of this final test is 40%. It is necessary to reach a minimum grade of four in
5Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
the final exam in order to make the corresponding average and pass the subject.
EXTRAORDINARY EVALUATION
Students who have not passed the course in the ordinary evaluation must submit to the extraordinary
evaluation, performing the following tests:
1. To make and performance of a team project, taking into account the following options: 1)
Project that analyses and assesses the CSR in a specific case. 2) Project that focuses on
sustainable innovation or 3) that develops a social entrepreneurship initiative. The
assessment of this case study is 35% of the final grade. The students who have done the
corresponding practices in the continuous evaluation will keep the grade reached in it.
2. Applied final test of knowledge that will consist of a written exam (theoretical part with
reasoning questions and a practical part consists of a case study), of all the material seen in
the semester in order to assess the knowledge acquired by the student. The assessment of
this final test is 65%. It is necessary to reach a minimum grade of four in the final exam in
order to make the corresponding average and to pass the subject.
Once the calendar of activities or face-to-face tests (exams, practical cases, preparation of
projects, etc.) has been established and to ensure equality of conditions for all students, these
tests will not be repeated unless reasons of force majeure.
7. COURSE PROGRAMME
1. - COURSE PROGRAMME:
THEORETICAL:
CHAPTER 1. Starting with the Ethics towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR )
1.1 New times for ethics
1.2 Theoretical foundations on ethics
1.3 Ethics of organizations
1.4 Ethical framework of the CSR
CHAPTER 2: Origin and definition of CSR
2.1 Historical background of the CSR: Globalization and CSR
2.2 Concept of CSR: How is a company socially responsible?
2.3 CSR in Spain
CHAPTER 3: Stakeholders or stakeholders
3.1 Stakeholders: an ethical perspective of business management
3.2 Relations with stakeholders
3.3 The integral model of stakeholders for the management of CSR
3.4 The management of CSR in large companies and SMEs
CHAPTER 4: Initiatives to promote CSR
4.1. Regulatory framework
4.2. Global Initiatives in CSR
4.3. Initiatives in the European Union
4.4. Initiatives in Spain
CHAPTER 5: CSR Management Models
5.1. The Management of CSR and excellence
5.2. CSR memories and Reports: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
6Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
5.3. Other reports and certifications of responsible management
CHAPTER 6: Corporate Governance
6.1. Good Corporate Governance
6.2. Deontology and ethical codes or conduct
6.3. Good practices
CHAPTER 7: Environment
7.1. Environment and ecological responsibility
7.2. The ISO 14000 series
7.3. The European Ecolabel: ECO-LABEL
7.4. FSC-Forest certification
CHAPTER 8: Responsible finance management
8.1. Socially responsible investment
8.2. CSR and capital markets
8.3. Responsible risk management
CHAPTER 9: Responsible relations of companies and NGOs
9.1. Relations between companies and NGOs
9.2. Levels of commitment
9.3. The creation of value in each level
PRACTICAL WORK PROGRAMME:
Practical cases, comments and articles that make up the program of the Course will be proposed.
8. RECOMMENDED READING
1. - ESSENTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY:
▪ Andreas, F.; Cooperman, E.S.; Gifford, B. & Russell, G. (2011): A simple path to sustainability: Green
Business strategies for small and medium-sized business. Ed. Praeger, Santa Bárbara California
▪ Pitelis, C.N.; Keenan, J. & Pryce, V. (2011): Green business, green values and sustainability. Ed.
Routledge, New York
▪ Sommer, A. (2012): Managing green business model transformations. Ed. Spriger, New York
2. - ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY:
▪ European Comission (2002):, Corporate social responsibility: a contribution to sustainable
development, Brussels.
▪ ____ (2001): Green Paper on CSR of the European Commission: "Promoting a European framework
for Corporate Social Responsibility",COM (2001)366 - 18/VII/2001.
▪ Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) (2006). Guía para la elaboración de memorias de sostenibilidad:
sobre el desempeño económico, ambiental y social de la empresa. Ámsterdam. In:
www.globalreporting.org.
▪ Porter, M. y Kramer, M. (2006): “Strategy and Society. The link between competitive advantage and
corporate social responsibility”, Harvard Business Review, 80 (12), pp. 78-92.
▪ Porter, M. y Kramer, M. (2011): “Creating Shared Value”, Harvard Business Review, Ene.-Feb. pp. 1-
17.
▪ Preuss, L., y Perschke, J. (2010): “Slipstreaming the larger boats: Social responsibility in medium-sized
businesses”, Journal of Business Ethics, 92, 531-551.
7Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
▪ Preuss,L. (2005): “The Green Multiplier: A Study of Environmental Protection and the Supply Chain”
(Palgrave, Basingstoke).
▪ Rodriguez-Fernandez, M. (2016): “Social responsibility and financial performance: The role of good
corporate governance”, BRQ Business Research Quarterly, 19: 137-151.
▪ Roman, R., Hayibor, S., y Agle, B. (1999).: “The relationship between social and financial performance”
Business & Society, 38(1), 109.
▪ Russo, A. y Tencati, A. (2008): “Formal vs. informal CSR strategies: evidence from Italian micro,
small,medium-sized, and large firms”, Journal of Business Ethics, 85: 2, 339–353
▪ Schuler, D.A., Cording, M. (2006): “A corporate socialperformance-corporate financial performance
behavioral model for consumers”, Acad. Manage. Rev. 31 (3), 540-558, Retrieved
▪ Shrivastava, R.K., (et al.,). (1997): The value of corporate reputation: evidence from the equity
markets. Corporate Reputation Review 1, pp. 62-68
▪ Simpson, W.G. y Kohers, T. (2002): “The link between corporate social and financial performance
evidence from banking industry”. Journal of Business Ethics, 34 (2), pp. 97-109.
▪ Sims, R.R. (2003): Ethics and corporate social responsibility: Why giants fall, Greenwood Publishing
Group.
▪ Spence, L.J.(2007.):”CSR and small business in a European policy context: the five “C”s of CSR and
small business research agenda 2007”, Business and Society Review, 112:4, 533–552.
▪ Surroca, J.; Tribó, J.A.; Waddock, S. (2010): “Corporate responsibility and financial performance: The
role of intangible resources”, Strategic Management Journal, vol. 31, pp. 463-490.
▪ Swift, T. (2001): Trust, Reputation and Corporate Accountability to Stakeholders, Business Ethics,
10(1), 16-26.
▪ The Economist (2005): “The good company. A survey of corporate social responsibility”, Londres.
▪ United Nations (2002): The Global Compact (Pacto Mundial). Nueva York. In:
www.unglobalcompact.org.
▪ Vázquez Carrasco R. y López Pérez, M.E. (2013): “Small & Medium-sized enterprises and Corporate
Social Responsibility: a systematic review of the literatura. Springer”, Qual Quant, pp. 3205-3218.
▪ Wood, D. J. (1991): “Corporate Social Performance Revisited” The Academy of Management Review,
16(4), 691-718.
▪ Zadek, S.(2004).The path to corporate social responsibility. Harvard Business Review, 82, 125–132.
3. - WEB RESOURCES:
The Global Compact. www.unglobalcompact.org
Forética. www.foretica.es
Global Reporting Initiative. http://www.globalreporting.org/Home
MediaResponsable. http://www.empresaresponsable.com
Observatorio de RSC. http://www.observatoriorsc.org/
Worldwatch Institute. http://www.worldwatch.org/
9. ATTITUDE IN THE CLASSROOM
1. - RULES:
The student will show in the classroom the appropriate attitude in accordance with the norms of the
Faculty and the University. This implies, in addition to assiduously and punctually assisting, to have a
participatory attitude in the classroom and to perform the work and exercises required.
Faults in Academic Integrity (work plagiarism, inappropriate use of electronic devices in class -
phones, tablets or computers-) or improper use / forbidden of information during exams), as well as
signing on the attendance sheet for a classmate who is not in class, will involve the loss of
continuous evaluation, without prejudice of the sanctioning actions that are established.
8Course Description / Academic year 2019-2020
Likewise, the teaching unit will decide, in each case, the sanction that will be applied to those
students who are expelled from the classroom.
Also, the use of the documentation provided by the teacher through the student portal
(presentations, questions, exercises, etc.) is restricted to the preparation of the subject. Professors
reserve the right to make use of the actions included in the current legislation on Intellectual
Property, in cases where an unauthorized use and / or disclosure of this material is detected.
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