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    This course is part of the Business in Society and Strategy track.
    Introduction to Sustainable Business Strategy

    LIMITED TIME ONLY

    Extra learning at no extra cost. Enroll now and unlock a GenAI Bonus Bundle featuring complimentary lessons on AI fundamentals. Download our guide to learn more about this limited-time offer.
     

    Sustainable Business Strategy

    $1,850
    Next 3-week session starts June 11th
    Enroll Now
    Become a purpose-driven leader by learning how to influence key stakeholders and integrate values into your work to catalyze system-level change.
    3
    weeks
    7-9
    hours per week
    3
    modules
    Self-Paced
    with regular deadlines

     This course earns you a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online. What you earn.

    Overview
    Syllabus
    Enrollment
    Stories
    FAQs
    Enroll Now

    Key Concepts

    Understand and analyze the business models that drive change
    Communicate the competitive advantages of being a purpose-driven leader to management, leadership, and other key stakeholders
    Explore why collective efforts matter and how business can be a catalyst for system-level change in the face of significant global issues, such as climate change and income inequality
    Examine the broader environmental, political, and social landscape in which you operate, including the role of government, investors, and customers
    Determine what you can do in your career to become a purpose-driven leader

    Who Will Benefit

    Learn how businesses can effect change, and how you can influence others using a values-driven approach in the for-profit space.
    "I am early in my career and am looking for a path to becoming a chief sustainability officer or sustainability manager with a company I can align my values with. This class seemed like the perfect opportunity to give me the right tools to learn more about this field."
    Desirée Kaplan
    Writer at Green Matters
    Identify strategic opportunities and articulate the business case for sustainability to achieve corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals within your or your clients' organization.
    "I now have a better understanding of sustainability and which companies are doing it right. I’m armed with talking points proving that sustainability is good for business, the environment, and its people."
    Brooks Wallace
    Public relations professional looking to learn about sustainable business practices
    Take a values-driven approach to business and learn how you can succeed financially while also playing a role in solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.
    "The course has completely changed me today. I feel like a new person, with a new thought process, driven by purpose, committed to doing the right thing."
    Mayank Dubey
    Manager, Marketing Communications at Endress+Hauser

    What You Earn

    Certificate of Completion

    Certificate of Completion

    Boost your resume with a Certificate of Completion from HBS Online

    Earn by: completing this course

    Certificate of Specialization

    Certificate of Specialization

    Prove your mastery of strategy or business in society

    Earn by: completing any three courses within either subject area to earn a Certificate of Specialization

    Learn More about what you earn

    Syllabus

    3 Modules, 20-25 Hours
    Download full syllabus
    8
    hrs
    Module 1

    The Business Case for Action

    Understand the business case for change and how to analyze and assess industry disruptions to develop business models that create shared value.

    Highlights

    Translating Brand Love to Profits
    The Current Energy System
    Transatomic: Bringing Nuclear Power to the Forefront
    ShowHide Details

    Concepts

    1. Lipton Tea
    2. Business Models
    3. Jumping the S Curve and Dealing with Uncertainty

    Featured Exercises

    • Business model and stages of disruption identification exercises
    • Team meeting #1
    8
    hrs
    Module 2

    Driving Change at Scale: Moving Beyond the Firm

    Learn what purpose-driven firms are, the "Wheel of Change," and why businesses must act to solve large global issues, such as climate change and income inequality.

    Highlights

    Prisoner's Dilemma
    Cooperating with External Stakeholders
    KAF Continued: The Business Model
    What Does the Research Say?
    ShowHide Details

    Concepts

    1. Infectious Change
    2. Public Goods Problems
    3. Cooperation in the Real Economy
    4. Expanding on Purpose

    Featured Exercises

    • Public good simulation game
    • Prisoner’s dilemma analysis
    • Team meeting #2
    8
    hrs
    Module 3

    Purpose-Driven Systemic Change

    Analyze key stakeholders' roles—including investors and the government—understand why "systems thinking" is necessary, and develop a personal plan for how you can drive change.

    Highlights

    NG Continued
    Changing the Governance
    ESG Becomes More Mainstream
    Partnering with Allies
    ShowHide Details

    Concepts

    1. Business and the Broader System
    2. Changing the Rules: Focusing on Governance and Finance
    3. Business & Politics: Driving Systemic Change
    4. Individual Action in Business

    Featured Exercises

    • Values and purpose reflection exercises
    • Team meeting #3
    Free E-Book

    How to Be a Purpose-Driven, Global Business Professional

    This guide will equip you with the skills needed to define your purpose, make the case for corporate social responsibility to internal stakeholders, further your education, and help enact change.
    Access Your Free E-book

    Upskill Your Team, Transform Your Organization

    Whether you represent a large multinational corporation or a small local business, we have a solution for your learning and development needs.
    Learn More

    Our Difference

    Sustainable Business Strategy provides participants with the knowledge and tools to become purpose-driven business leaders.
    Stay active by engaging in a new activity every three to five minutes and participating in team meetings and simulations.
    Stay active by engaging in a new activity every three to five minutes and participating in team meetings and simulations.
    Description of silent animated video above: Learner completes an interactive question by dragging and dropping choices into two different categories
    Get social by collaborating with a global community of peers before, during, and after your course. Learners who successfully complete an HBS Online program will be added to the HBS Online Community's Official Networking Group and gain exclusive access to events and other networking opportunities.
    Get social by collaborating with a global community of peers before, during, and after your course. Learners who successfully complete an HBS Online program will be added to the HBS Online Community's Official Networking Group and gain exclusive access to events and other networking opportunities.
    Description of silent animated video above: Learner types an answer in the discussion board in response to a peer's question
    Immerse yourself in real-world, case-based examples brought to life by industry-leading experts from companies like Walmart, King Arthur Flour, and Unilever.
    Immerse yourself in real-world, case-based examples brought to life by industry-leading experts from companies like Walmart, King Arthur Flour, and Unilever.
    Description of silent animated video above: Learner scrolls through video interviews from prominent business leaders

    About the Professor

    Rebecca Henderson
    Sustainable Business Strategy

    John and Natty McArthur University Professor
    "In this course, we will explore what business can do to help solve the big problems of our time."

    Dates & Eligibility

    No current course offerings for this selection.

    Starting
    Jun
    11
    3 Weeks  $1,850 + applicable international taxes
    Enrollment deadline June 5
    View weekly calendar
    Enroll Now
    Starting
    Aug
    13
    3 Weeks  $1,850 + applicable international taxes
    Enrollment deadline August 7
    View weekly calendar
    Enroll Now
    • No documentation required

    All learners must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course.

    Learn about bringing this course to your organization.

    Learner Stories

    80%
    say HBS Online offers a better overall experience than competitive online business programs
    Rarely does a day go by where I don't see a business leader or company wrestling with the same issues that we discussed in class on the front-page of the Wall Street Journal. These issues are more relevant than ever and top of mind for many of the companies I work for as a consultant. They continue to inform my own personal worldview of capitalism, and my own role in shaping society as a future business leader.
    SBS - Kathy Choi
    Consultant, Boston Consulting Group
    The course shifted my worldview: what the most pressing problems are, who comes up with solutions, and how we get there. Professor Henderson pushed hard for us to think deeply about systemic change when it's easy to be satisfied with small wins. Though the course is focused on the private sector, in my public sector job, I often reference the learnings when considering how best to work with businesses so we can leave the world better than we received it.
    SBS - Henry Tsai
    Technology & Innovation Policy Advisor, San Jose Mayor’s Office
    Read more learner stories
    * Source: 2022 surveys and course data
     
    All FAQs

    Sustainable Business Strategy FAQs

    What are the learning requirements in order to successfully complete the course, and how are grades assigned?

    +–

    Participants in Sustainable Business Strategy are eligible for a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Business School Online.

    Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework in a thoughtful and timely manner. This will mean meeting each week’s course module deadlines and fully answering questions posed therein. This helps ensure your cohort proceeds through the course at a similar pace and can take full advantage of social learning opportunities. In addition to module and assignment completion, we expect participation in the social learning elements of the course by offering feedback on others’ reflections and contributing to conversations on the platform. Participants who fail to complete the course requirements will not receive a certificate and will not be eligible to retake the course.

    More detailed information on course requirements will be communicated at the start of the course. No grades are assigned for Sustainable Business Strategy. Participants will either be evaluated as complete or not complete.

    What materials will I have access to after completing Sustainable Business Strategy?

    +–

    You will have access to the materials in every prior module as you progress through the program. Access to course materials and the course platform ends 60 days after the final deadline in the program.

    At the end of each course module, you will be able to download a PDF summary highlighting key concepts introduced in the course. At the end of the program, you will receive a PDF compilation of all of the module summary documents. We hope the module summary documents will serve as a helpful resource after you finish the course.

    How should I list my certificate on my resume?

    +–

    Harvard Business School Online
    Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy
    [Cohort Start Month and Year]

    List your certificate on your LinkedIn profile under "Education" with the language from the Credential Verification page:

    School: Harvard Business School Online
    Dates Attended: [The year you participated in the program]
    Degree: Other; Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy
    Field of Study: Leave blank
    Grade: "Complete"
    Activities and Societies: Leave blank
    Description:
    Sustainable Business Strategy is a 3-week, 15-20 hour online certificate program from Harvard Business School. Sustainable Business Strategy provides participants with the knowledge and tools to become a purpose-driven business leader. This course explores different business models that companies use to drive change and explains why purpose driven businesses are in the best position to tackle the world’s biggest problems. Participants learn how to influence management and other key stakeholders on the competitive advantages of being a purpose-driven firm, and how to make a difference by integrating values into strategy without sacrificing profit.

    The program was developed by leading Harvard Business School faculty and is delivered in an active learning environment based on the HBS signature case-based learning model.

    Will there be any team assignments?

    +–

    Participants will be organized into small teams at the start of the course. These teams will be called upon throughout the course to participate in more personal discussions around specific topics. Team assignments will not be graded, but they are expected to be completed.

     

    Related Programs

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    Credential of Leadership, Impact, and Management in Business (CLIMB)

    CLIMB enables new and experienced leaders to ignite their careers with a combination of vital and forward-looking business skills, self-reflection, and an immersive cohort-based learning experience with a diverse global network.

    1 year, 5-9 hrs/week
    Apply by September 10th, Enroll by September 13
    $15,000 (four installments of $3,750)Credential 

    Global Business

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    Understand how decisions affect markets and business on a global scale and prepare for the political, social, and economic factors driving change.

    4 weeks, 6-8 hrs/week
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    Sustainable Investing

    Professors Shawn Cole & Vikram Gandhi

    Evaluate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and learn how to incorporate them into investment decisions and measure and manage their impact.

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    Understand how power really works and develop your own to gain influence and make an impact within your organization and society.

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    All FAQs

    Top FAQs

    How are HBS Online courses delivered?

    +–

    We offer self-paced programs (with weekly deadlines) on the HBS Online course platform.

    Our platform features short, highly produced videos of HBS faculty and guest business experts, interactive graphs and exercises, cold calls to keep you engaged, and opportunities to contribute to a vibrant online community.

    Are HBS Online programs available in languages other than English?

    +–

    We expect to offer our courses in additional languages in the future but, at this time, HBS Online can only be provided in English.

    All course content is delivered in written English. Closed captioning in English is available for all videos. There are no live interactions during the course that requires the learner to speak English. Coursework must be completed in English.

    Do I need to come to campus to participate in HBS Online programs?

    +–

    No, all of our programs are 100 percent online, and available to participants regardless of their location.

    How do I enroll in a course?

    +–

    Certificate Programs

    HBS Online welcomes committed learners wherever they are—in the world and their careers—irrespective of their professional experience or academic background. To extend the reach of HBS Online, we no longer require an application for our certificate programs. (Applications are still required for our credential programs: CORe and CLIMB.) You can now immediately enroll and start taking the next step in your career.

    All programs require the completion of a brief online enrollment form before payment. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before enrolling in the program of your choice.

    Our easy online enrollment form is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

    Updates to your enrollment status will be shown on your account page. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for enrollment for any HBS Online program.

    Credential Programs

    HBS Online's CORe and CLIMB programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly, but all ask for some personal background information. You can apply for and enroll in programs here. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before starting an application for the program of your choice.

    Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All participants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

    Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your account page. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application for CORe and three weeks for CLIMB. HBS Online does not use race, gender, ethnicity, or any protected class as criteria for admissions for any HBS Online program.

    Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?

    +–

    No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

    What are my payment options?

    +–

    We accept payments via credit card, wire transfer, Western Union, and (when available) bank loan. Some candidates may qualify for scholarships or financial aid, which will be credited against the Program Fee once eligibility is determined. Please refer to the Payment & Financial Aid page for further information.

    We also allow you to split your payment across 2 separate credit card transactions or send a payment link email to another person on your behalf. If splitting your payment into 2 transactions, a minimum payment of $350 is required for the first transaction.

    In all cases, net Program Fees must be paid in full (in US Dollars) to complete registration.

    What are the policies for refunds and deferrals?

    +–

    After enrolling in a program, you may request a withdrawal with refund (minus a $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee) up until 24 hours after the start of your program. Please review the Program Policies page for more details on refunds and deferrals. If your employer has contracted with HBS Online for participation in a program, or if you elect to enroll in the undergraduate credit option of the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, note that policies for these options may differ.

     

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