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Global Business Strategy Seminar: International Business and Sustainability

fee

Thursdays, April 19, 26 and May 3

Seminar Description:
In the recent UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study, over 90 percent of the surveyed CEOs believe that sustainability issues will be critical to the future success of international business. With declining resources and heightened awareness of stakeholders, sustainability is now spreading to every domain of business and posing questions that companies had never been asked before. We will discuss sustainability in international business contexts, learn why sustainability is becoming the new “megatrend”, and see how sustainability can be used as a source of innovation. Some specific topics to be discussed will include the greening of business functions, environmental governance, business strategy and the environment, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder relations, and business-NGO interactions. Participants will take away a general understanding of why sustainability is now influencing the landscape of international business and how some firms are seeing this as an opportunity for future success.

Seminar Leaders:
Natalia Vidal, PhD, has been doing research on sustainability and corporate responsibility for more than 10 years. With a background in environmental sustainability, Natalia has dedicated her career to exploring the interconnections between society, the natural environment, and businesses. Her research has explored a broad array of topics including diffusion of responsible business practices, the use of market mechanisms for poverty alleviation, and environmental labeling programs. Dr. Vidal has worked with research and non-governmental organizations in Canada, United States, Argentina, and Brazil. Natalia is currently an Instructor and Research Associate with the University of San Diego where she is teaching courses in Business & Society and doing research on responsible and sustainable supply chains.

Wellington Spetic, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with USD’s School of Business Administration and the Center for Peace and Commerce. Between 1996 and 2000, he worked for the private sector participating in the formulation and implementation of environmental certifications and ISO 14000 of two natural resources industries. In 2003 he received a Master’s degree and in 2009 a PhD from the University of British Columbia and his research centered on the interrelationships between sustainability and competitiveness in two resource-based industries in four countries: Canada, New Zealand, Chile, and Brazil. Dr. Spetic's current projects revolve around the analyses of the relationships between sustainability, business strategy, and competitiveness, including the sustainability-related strategies of the biofuel (ethanol) industry of Brazil.

This seminar is part of the professional Certificate in Global Business Strategy. Attend individual seminars of interest, or complete 50 seminar hours to earn the certificate. Please inquire about our discount for USD affiliates.