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Training Future Managers to Address the Challenges of Sustainable Development: An Innovative, Interdisciplinary, and Multiregional Experience on Corporate Sustainability Education

Author

Listed:
  • Rosley Anholon

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-860, Brazil)

  • Tiago F. A. C. Sigahi

    (Department of Production Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Sorocaba 18052-780, Brazil)

  • Gustavo Tietz Cazeri

    (School of Engineering, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, São Paulo 01302-907, Brazil)

  • Patricia Fernanda da Silva Siltori

    (School of Mechanical Engineering, State University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-860, Brazil)

  • Wagner Luiz Lourenzani

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, São Paulo State University, Tupã 17602-496, Brazil)

  • Eduardo Guilherme Satolo

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, São Paulo State University, Tupã 17602-496, Brazil)

  • Adriana Cristina Ferreira Caldana

    (Faculty of Economics, Administration and Accounting, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, Brazil)

  • Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes

    (School of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas, Limeira 13484-350, Brazil
    School of Management Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark 2531, South Africa)

  • Vitor William Batista Martins

    (Department of Production Engineering, State University of Pará, Belém 66050-540, Brazil)

  • Izabela Simon Rampasso

    (Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial, Universidad Católica Del Norte, Antofagasta 1270709, Chile)

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative experience involving students and professors from diverse backgrounds and regions that was designed to integrate corporate sustainability (CS) knowledge into undergraduate programs. An action research approach was adopted, with the course running over one semester. The course involved 146 students with diverse academic backgrounds from universities across Brazil along with eight professors from Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. The proposed approach provides actionable insights into the integration of sustainability concepts in the higher educational setting, thereby contributing to the development of a more environmentally and socially conscious generation of professionals. The learning outcomes are discussed in the light of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Agenda, particularly SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and SDG 13 (climate action). In addition, it is important to highlight that the dissemination of the course’s key features can be useful for universities, professors, and researchers engaged in training future professionals capable of addressing real-world problems of innovation and sustainability. By employing an action research methodology and fostering collaboration among students and professors with diverse academic backgrounds and from different countries, including Brazil, Chile, and South Africa, this paper presents a multiregional and interdisciplinary perspective that sets it apart from conventional practices. The emphasis on providing actionable insights and its potential applicability for universities, professors, and researchers involved in training future professionals further underscore its distinctive contribution to education for sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosley Anholon & Tiago F. A. C. Sigahi & Gustavo Tietz Cazeri & Patricia Fernanda da Silva Siltori & Wagner Luiz Lourenzani & Eduardo Guilherme Satolo & Adriana Cristina Ferreira Caldana & Gustavo Her, 2024. "Training Future Managers to Address the Challenges of Sustainable Development: An Innovative, Interdisciplinary, and Multiregional Experience on Corporate Sustainability Education," World, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:5:y:2024:i:2:p:9-172:d:1362934
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nancy E. Landrum & Brian Ohsowski, 2018. "Identifying Worldviews on Corporate Sustainability: A Content Analysis of Corporate Sustainability Reports," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(1), pages 128-151, January.
    2. Kannan Govindan & Mia Hasanagic, 2018. "A systematic review on drivers, barriers, and practices towards circular economy: a supply chain perspective," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(1-2), pages 278-311, January.
    3. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    4. Johannes W. F. C. van Lieshout & Andre H. J. Nijhof & Gijs J. W. Naarding & Robert J. Blomme, 2021. "Connecting strategic orientation, innovation strategy, and corporate sustainability: A model for sustainable development through stakeholder engagement," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 4068-4080, December.
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