Sustainable Business Strategy
Sustainable Business Strategy illustrates how businesses can thrive and grow while simultaneously solving some of the world’s biggest challenges—and how you, as an individual, can make a difference.
Apply NowWhat You'll Learn
- 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
About the Professor
Rebecca Henderson is the John and Natty McArthur University Professor at Harvard University, where she has a joint appointment at Harvard Business School in the General Management and Strategy units. She is a research fellow at the National Bureau of Economic Research and serves as co-chair of the Harvard University Climate Change Task Force, as well as on the board of several public companies. Her course, Reimagining Capitalism, is one of the most popular elective courses in the Harvard Business School MBA Program.
Who Will Benefit
Purpose-Driven Professionals
Learn how businesses can effect change, and how you can influence others using a values-driven approach in the for-profit space.
CSR and Consulting Professionals
Identify strategic opportunities and articulate the business case for sustainability to achieve corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals within your or your clients' organization.
Leaders and Entrepreneurs
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.
Program Structure
Sustainable Business Strategy consists of approximately 20 to 25 hours of material delivered over a three-week period. You can complete the coursework on your own time while meeting regular deadlines.
- Length: 3 Weeks
- Program Dates: 11/17/21 – 12/8/21
- Cost: $1,400
- Application Deadline: November 8
- Detailed Calendar
- Length: 3 Weeks
- Program Dates: 2/23/22 – 3/16/22
- Cost: $1,400
- Application Deadline: February 14
- Detailed Calendar
- Length: 3 Weeks
- Program Dates: 4/13/22 – 5/4/22
- Cost: $1,400
- Application Deadline: April 4
- Detailed Calendar
Sustainable Business Strategy is part of the Strategy Learning Track. If you’re interested in developing deeper insights and expertise, you can choose to complete three strategy courses within 18 months to earn a Certificate of Specialization.
Syllabus
Sustainable Business Strategy provides participants with the knowledge and tools to become purpose-driven business leaders. This course explores the different business models that companies can use to drive change and explains why purpose-driven businesses are particularly well-positioned to tackle the world’s biggest problems. You will learn how to influence management and other key stakeholders on the competitive advantages of being a purpose-driven firm, and how to integrate your values into your work so that you can help transform firms into catalysts for system-level change.
Learning requirements: In order to earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must thoughtfully complete all 3 modules by stated deadlines and collaborate with assigned groups for 3 brief team meetings.
| Modules | Case Studies | Takeaways | Key Exercises |
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| Module 1: The Business Case for Action |
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| Module 2: Driving Change at Scale - Moving Beyond the Firm |
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| Module 3: Purpose-Driven Systemic Change |
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The HBS Online Advantage
- World-class faculty
- Edge-of-your-seat online learning
- Global peer collaboration and networking
- Real-world, case-based learning
Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. Immerse yourself in real challenges faced by business leaders across a variety of industries. Sustainable Business Strategy puts you in the shoes of executives from Walmart, King Arthur Flour, and Unilever. You’ll wrestle with the same issues they faced, while problem-solving and interacting with fellow learners from around the world.
Stories from Our Learners
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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to log in at a set time? How does the grading process work? At this point, you probably have a few questions, and we’ve got answers.
Enrollment Eligibility
Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.
Enroll today in Harvard Business School’s online Sustainable Business Strategy course.
Apply Now