Sustainability is now a critical focus area for businesses worldwide. The United Nations Global Compact reports that over 16,000 companies from different countries have committed to its ten principles, which include subjects related to human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. At the other end of the spectrum, however, smaller companies struggle to incorporate standards and practices into their ongoing operations. Business and sustainability are now intertwined for strategic reasons yet execution varies based on accessible resources and talent to implement.
International Business University (IBU) in Toronto has its solution. The IBU Centre for Sustainable Business, which focuses on promoting sustainability in business aims to increase collaboration among students, academics, experts, and business leaders through a range of events and research opportunities that strives to improve sustainability competence. IBU’s MBA in Sustainability, in particular, develops leaders who possess the skills required to come up with effective and sustainable business strategies.
The IBU Centre for Sustainable Business focuses on sustainable behaviors and practices, connecting them directly to solid, pragmatic decision-making.
In the years to come, government and social pressure will increase for businesses across the world to be fully sustainable to meet increasing demand, expectations, and legislation. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that if the world fails to limit greenhouse gas emissions, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions will increase, endangering millions of people’s lives. The IBU Centre for Sustainable Business will partner with multiple institutions to conduct research, share best practices, address gaps in training, and support learning objectives aligned with sustainability goals.
Why Study at IBU?
Our new MBA program in Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship will prepare students to answer the call for business leaders with the knowledge to create robust and sustainable development strategies, carving a career that meets the growing demands of diverse and dynamic businesses. In addition to acquiring skills in sustainability, learners also increase their negotiation and teamwork skills necessary for sustainability-focused business development, creating an invaluable experience that will be highly desirable to potential employers. Here are seven key benefits of IBU’s sustainability-focused MBA program.
- Acquire the skills needed to develop sustainable business strategies:
One of the critical benefits of taking IBU’s MBA program is that learners get to work with top sustainability experts on research projects. Team members in research projects get to work on projects that have real-world implications, which significantly increases the program’s value to students.
According to a survey by McKinsey, more than 50% of executives consider “sustainability—the management of environmental, social, and governance issues—“very” or “extremely” important in a wide range of areas, including new product development, reputation building, and overall corporate strategy.”
As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, businesses need to ensure that their operations align with sustainable practices. IBU’s MBA will equip learners with the skills needed to become industry-leading professionals with important knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills poised for this area.
- Understand a range of environmental and economic issues affecting businesses today:
The MBA program at IBU also provides students with a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances that surround sustainability. Learners get to understand the different types of environmental and economic issues affecting businesses today, such as climate change, resource efficiency, and waste management.
By studying these topics in detail, learners become equipped with the skills needed to come up with innovative solutions to these issues. This provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the global context, allowing them to make well-informed decisions and develop successful strategies for businesses operating in a sustainable manner.
- Learn from some of the best sustainability experts in the world:
IBU’s program also offers students a chance to learn from some of the leading sustainability experts in the world. IBU’s faculty members have extensive experience and knowledge on a wide range of topics.
In addition to learning from top-notch professors, students will work with experienced professionals from different industries. Students will gain first-hand insights into how different businesses are approaching sustainability and have an opportunity to network and form connections with influential people in the industry, making it easier to get jobs after graduation.
- Develop a global perspective on sustainability:
In today’s world, businesses need to think beyond national boundaries when it comes to sustainability. As such, IBU’s program provides learners with a global perspective on sustainability and its implications.
Learners explore the different approaches to sustainability from different countries, giving them an edge when it comes to developing successful strategies for businesses operating in a multinational environment. It also provides students with valuable insights into the international business landscape, allowing them to make better decisions in their future roles as sustainability professionals.
Furthermore, IBU is located in Toronto, a city that has one of the most ambitious agendas in North America with the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. Canada’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 creates a unique opportunity for students to learn about sustainable practices in a country that is committed to mitigating climate change. Moreover, Toronto is home to many organizations that are dedicated to sustainability, which provides students with opportunities to network and engage with industry leaders in this field.
- Benefit from a comprehensive curriculum:
IBU’s comprehensive MBA program offers students the chance to benefit from an in-depth curriculum that covers all aspects of sustainability. This includes topics such as environmental economics, corporate social responsibility, green marketing, and sustainable supply chain management.
The program gives students a broad understanding of sustainability, allowing them to make well-informed decisions when it comes to developing strategies for businesses. Furthermore, learners’ skills in areas such as communication and problem-solving, will help them negotiate with stakeholders, develop effective business strategies, and create engaging campaigns to implement change.
6- Growth of business acumen in complex and changing market environments
In today’s market, businesses have to operate in a rapidly changing environment. IBU’s program will help managers gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex markets with different drivers of business growth, understand how new technologies are reshaping industries, and develop strategies for mitigating risks.
Through IBU’s MBA program learners will learn from experienced industry professionals and gain a deep understanding of the complexities of the business environment. This allows them to make informed decisions when it comes to managing their own businesses or advising others. Furthermore, this knowledge can be applied to various sectors such as energy, construction, food production, and more.
7- Thorough grounding in leadership, business strategy, and global management
Finally, IBU’s MBA program provides students with a thorough grounding in leadership and strategy. Students learn about the core elements of business management, such as financial planning, project management, and communication. They are also taught the principles of global management, including international trade laws, environmental regulations, human resources policies, and more.
At IBU, learners have the chance to develop their leadership skills and gain an understanding of how businesses operate in different countries. This provides them with essential capabilities for leading teams in multinational companies or working as a sustainability consultant. The program also includes modules on international business, allowing students to understand the nuances of doing business abroad and developing successful strategies for implementing sustainability initiatives.
Overall, IBU’s MBA program provides learners with all the necessary tools to become successful sustainability professionals. With an extensive curriculum, world-class professors, and access to some of the leading experts in the field, students are well-prepared for their careers in the sustainability sector. This provides them with a competitive advantage when it comes to securing jobs after graduation and succeeding in their future roles.