Objectives

Because of the health evolution related to COVID-19, the study plans may be adapted during the semester.

This course offers an introduction to research in sustainability accounting and intends to support students in their dissertation work towards conducting an independent research project.

The learning objectives are to develop knowledge and skills useful to critically conduct a literature review; identify and define an interesting research question(s) and the theoretical framework, choose and describe an appropriate research method; analyse and present the research findings; discuss and interpret results in lights of previous studies; identify the contributions, implications and limitations of the study.

After this course, students will develop an understanding of the fundamental steps of the research process using relevant sustainability accounting studies to illustrate it.

Contents

Topics covered include:

- Sustainability accounting research: fundamental concepts;

- Reviewing the literature: search process and results synthesis;

- Research aims and theoretical framework: identification and definition of research question(s); theoretical background and hypothesis development;

- Research design: quantitative and qualitative methods; data collection and analysis;

- Research findings: presentation and discussion;

- Research conclusions: contributions, implications and limitations.

References

Relevant readings will be provided by the instructor.

Pre-requisites

None.

Evaluation

First attempt

Exam:

Without exam (cf. terms)  

Evaluation:

- Article(s) presentation and discussion (40%);

- Research project presentation and discussion (40%);

- Class participation (20%).

Retake

Exam:

Without exam (cf. terms)  

Evaluation:

- Article(s) presentation and discussion (40%);

- Research project presentation and discussion (40%);

- Class participation (20%).