New MBA drives positive sustainability and social outcomes

A new Master of Business Administration (MBA) Sustainable Enterprise degree has been introduced at Charles Darwin University (CDU) to equip graduates with new-world skills focused on sustainability.

Launching the new course during the 2021 October Business Month, CDU will be one of the few Australian universities that offer an MBA course focused on sustainable enterprise, leadership and business practice.

Dean of CDU’s Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, Professor David Low, said the new course boasts wide geographical advantages and flexibility in delivery mode.

“The new MBA is offered on the Darwin Waterfront, Katherine and Alice Springs Campuses as well as online. Flexibility for students to fit studying into their lifestyle has been part of our curriculum design,” Professor Low said.

“The new offering will create positive sustainability outcomes with governments and community stakeholders and ultimately build positive public relations and raise the bottom line.”

The MBA Sustainable Enterprise is 18 months if studied full-time or 12 months fast-tracked depending on the student’s previous experience. Applications have opened for Semester 1, 2022.

The new MBA aims to support learners in developing important sustainable business strategies and initiatives, while also offering a broad range of electives for every business opportunity including research, business operations, accounting and law, First Nations policy, emergency management, environmental management and public health.

This is the first time that CDU is offering a course underpinned by sustainability, making it an important milestone for the University.

Course Coordinator and Professor of Marketing, Professor Steven Greenland, said the Sustainable MBA program was developed to meet the global trend and market demand.

“There is an increasing demand for business graduates to have a good understanding of sustainability and how businesses and organisations can behave more sustainably and responsibly,” Prof Greenland said.

“With a qualification embedded around sustainable business practice, graduates will have desirable skills and employability.”

He said promoting positive social outcomes was not only companies’ responsibility, but also a way to generate economic benefits.

“Sustainability is not just about the environment. A sustainable future is dependent upon a balance between the economy and environment,” he said.

“Sustainable development goals have been a United Nations initiative since 2015, and almost 200 nations have signed up globally. Moving forward, all businesses are going to be required to report non-financial contributions to show whether they are behaving in a sustainable manner.”

The new MBA will facilitate the social responsibility and contribution made by business leaders and provide highly qualified professionals from CDU for the global industry.

The course will be delivered by a strong academic teaching team with practical industry experience and in-depth research knowledge to tackle organisational challenges.

A Graduate Certificate of Sustainable Enterprise entry pathway is available for the new MBA Sustainable Enterprise. CDU will also be offering a two-year MBA Sustainable Leadership that will incorporate job placement opportunities for students.

More information can be found at cdu.edu.au/mba.