Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility

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Type:

Course

Date:

20 Feb - 20 Jun 2012

Duration of event:

4 months

Location:

web-based

Programme area:

Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility

Fee:

Full Fee USD 400

200 USD - see the list of countries which benefit from this reduced fee

200 USD - see the list of countries which pay full fee

Deadline for registration: 15 June 2012

Background

This self-paced course was developed to provide an introduction to CSR following a standardised definition.

Event Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to find out what CSR is all about; to explain alternative definitions of CSR and their strengths and limitations; to understand why there is a need for CSR; and to see how the concept has been applied in practical situations.

Content and Structure

The course includes the following elements:

1. Introduction, history of CSR, glossary and definitions and recommended readings

2. CSR Definitions

3. Comments on CSR Definitions

4. Why CSR?

5. Where is CSR today?

6. The United Nations treatment of CSR including EU

7. CSR videos

Exercises that you can do

8. Should CSR be compulsory?

9. ISO 26000

10. Is CSR philanthropy?

11. Pactical examples of CSR (Cadbury, NEC, Wal-Mart, Novo Nordisk)

12. Tell us your opinion

13. End of course ten question quiz

Methodology

The course will require approximately 20 hours of time over two weeks. It will require reading a number of articles as well as watching videos and presentation of case studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the need for CSR and be able to explain alternative definitions, their strengths and limitations.

The end-of-course quiz is intended to help students assess their level of comprehension and students achieving 80% will receive a certificate of completion.

Targeted Audience

The course aims to address the needs of professionals in private companies, NGOs, International Organisations and Governments who are currently involved in CSR, or would like to be involved in CSR, and wish to apply and embed the concept of CSR in their institution.

Additional Information

The UN and its work on CSR is highlighted during the course. For instance, the course shows how the UN Global Compact fits into the CSR approach, as well as the role UN agencies such as ILO and UNIDO have played.