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

Become a Purpose-Driven Leader

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 Now

What You'll Learn

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Go to Course Syllabus
  • 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

Professor Rebecca Henderson - Sustainable Business Strategy

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

Briefcase

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.

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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.

Team of People

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.

February 2023
  • Length: 3 Weeks
  • Program Dates: 2/8/23 – 3/1/23
  • Cost: $1,750
  • Applications Closed
  • Detailed Calendar
  • Course Platform
  • Certificate Program
April 2023
  • Length: 3 Weeks
  • Program Dates: 4/12/23 – 5/3/23
  • Cost: $1,750
  • Scholarships available
  • Application Deadline: April 3
  • Detailed Calendar
  • Course Platform
  • Certificate Program
Apply Now
June 2023
  • Length: 3 Weeks
  • Program Dates: 6/14/23 – 7/5/23
  • Cost: $1,750
  • Scholarships available
  • Application Deadline: June 5
  • Course Platform
  • Certificate Program
Apply Now

Sustainable Business Strategy is part of the Strategy and Business in Society Learning Tracks. If you’re interested in developing deeper insights and expertise, you can choose to complete three strategy or three business in society 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.

Download Syllabus

Modules Case Studies Takeaways Key Exercises
Module 1: The Business Case for Action
  • Unilever
  • Walmart
  • Transatomic Power
  • Understand the business case for change and apply business models that create shared value
  • Analyze industry disruptions and business uncertainties and create scenario analyses to develop smart strategic options
  • Business model and stages of disruption identification exercises
  • Team meeting #1
Module 2: Driving Change at Scale - Moving Beyond the Firm
  • Walmart
  • Unilever
  • King Arthur Flour
  • Understand what purpose-driven firms are and why they are successful
  • Examine the “Wheel of Change” and how business is a key catalyst to solve large global issues like climate change and income inequality
  • Analyze cooperative action examples to understand how and why firms cooperate and why it’s necessary to enact change
  • Public good simulation game
  • Prisoner's dilemma analysis
  • Team meeting #2
Module 3: Purpose-Driven Systemic Change
  • Norsk Gjenvinning
  • King Arthur Flour
  • Unilever
  • Analyze the investor’s role, including the role of stakeholder management, alternative governance, Environmental, Social & Governance metrics, and impact investing
  • Evaluate the role of governments and other institutions in large-scale change and understand why “Systems Thinking” is necessary
  • Develop a personal plan for what YOU can do
  • Values and purpose reflection exercises
  • Team meeting #3

The HBS Online Advantage

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  • 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.

Play Meet the experts featured in Sustainable Business Strategy video
Play Meet the experts featured in Sustainable Business Strategy video

Stories from Our Learners

  • 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.
    Henry Tsai,
    Technology & Innovation Policy Advisor, San Jose Mayor’s Office
  • 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.
    Kathy Choi,
    Consultant, Boston Consulting Group


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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.

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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.

Apply Now

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Sustainable Business Strategy Certificate of Completion from HBS Online
Earn Your Certificate

Enroll today in Harvard Business School’s online Sustainable Business Strategy course.

Apply Now
 
All FAQs

Top FAQs

How are HBS Online courses delivered?

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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.

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

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

How do I enroll in a course?

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All programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly from program to program, 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 applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

After submitting your application, you should receive an email confirmation from HBS Online. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk email folders and double-check your account to make sure the application was successfully submitted.

Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your Dashboard. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.

Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?

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No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

What are my payment options?

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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?

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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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