Study Guide

Objectives

After completing the programme, you will be able to develop the business of a SME, taking into account the economic, environmental and social impacts of its activities. You will be able to identify opportunities and sources of competitive advantage in a changing business environment. You will be able to manage and develop a responsible and profitable business. You will have a strong knowledge base and concrete business development skills.

The Development of Responsible Business programme is designed for development-oriented business professionals working in SMEs. You will work in middle management, as a specialist or as a front-line employee with responsibility for the results in some business area.

You are interested in developing your business in a more responsible direction and are in a position to influence the company's operations. You have a desire to take a step forward in your own development. You have a desire to network and a need to understand where the business environment is heading.

Degree programme description

The scope of the training is 90 credits (cr):

Core studies, 35 credits

The core studies cover the following topics
- How to ensure the sustainability of current business operations and what new opportunities the green transition creates for business
- How different guidelines and regulations guide business sustainability
- How business takes care of its own financial viability and competitiveness to be viable and responsible in the long term.
- How the company communicates its responsibility

Courses
- Corporate responsibility and the changing operational environment 5 cr
- Sustainable operations management 5 cr
- Financial management 5 cr
- Opportunities for green transition by co-creation 5 cr
- Business growth and financial planning 5 cr
- Marketing communications and reporting of sustainability 5 cr
- Research-based development in business 5 cr

Complementary competences, 25 cr

You can choose complementary studies from the multidisciplinary Master School offer, which is common to all master students.  You can choose 10 credits of research and development studies to support the implementation of your thesis. At least one 5-credit course (complementary studies) must be completed in English.  

Complementary studies can also be taken from other higher education institutions' higher education degrees (Master's programmes). Previously completed studies at master’s level may also be accepted as complementary studies, provided that they fit in with the objectives of this degree. Credit for previously completed studies is always considered separately.

Thesis, 30 cr

The topic of your thesis is related to the development or management of corporate responsibility in business. The thesis has a research and development objective. The client is a company, organisation or RDI project. The thesis will be started towards the end of the first academic year in the course "Research-based development in business".

Implementation of studies

Program is basically online (core studies), but depending on which studies you choose for your complementary studies (25 credits). Most people study while working. Courses usually have an introductory lecture online and are recorded.

The start of the course and the group orientation day are held at Xamk's Mikkeli campus. This is a good way to start your studies and get to know other students. Other possible meetings and short days can be held on campus by agreement. These days are held on weekdays and are for doing, learning and discussing together. Participation is always voluntary but highly recommended. These days will not be streamed or recorded.

The normal pace of study for working students is 15 credits per semester, which is about 400 hours of work. If the student's own time allows, it is possible to complete the course more quickly

Career opportunities

Sustainability Specialist, Communications and Sustainability Manager, Sustainable Development Specialist, Sustainable Future Specialist, Development Manager, Management Consultant

RDI and cooperation with world of work

In this program you get to know professionals in your own field as well as in other fields. This multidisciplinary network of experts will also bear fruit in your working life after your studies. You also build important networks in development projects for working life, the most extensive of which is the thesis.

Learning environments

The workplace is a key learning environment where learning is explored, applied and developed.