Managing Sustainability in Business Assignment Sample

Introduction Of Managing Sustainability in Business

Sustainability has become a critical issue in our society due to its far-reaching impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. This module has provided me with a deeper understanding of sustainability and how it can be managed effectively(Elkington,2019). I have learned about various dimensions of sustainability, including social, environmental, and economic sustainability, and the importance of integrating them into business practices. Moreover, the discussions and literature have highlighted the significance and challenges of managing sustainability, including the need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices to remain competitive and meet stakeholders' expectations(Wagner,2011)

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In this reflection, I will use Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to investigate my learning in this module, including what I have learned, the discussions and literature surrounding managing sustainability, as well as its significance and challenges. In addition, I will address how this learning has influenced me, what impact it may have on future decisions, and how I intend to apply this understanding in my larger stakeholder responsibilities.

Gibbs Reflective Cycle is a framework for structuring reflective writing. The model includes six stages, including description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan. By using this model, I can reflect on my learning experiences and identify areas for improvement(Kolk,2016).

Description: The first step of Gibbs Reflective Cycle is "Description," which involves describing the learning experience and what occurred. In terms of managing sustainability, this module has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of sustainability in business practices. I have learnt about several sustainability characteristics and how they may be handled successfully to generate sustainable outcomes. The talks and literature have highlighted the interdependence of social, environmental, and economic sustainability, and the necessity for firms to consider all three elements when making choices(Lozano,2015). This learning experience has had a big influence on me, as I have gained a better understanding of the significance of sustainability and its relevance in our society. I have also recognized the need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices to remain competitive, meet stakeholder expectations, and contribute to sustainable development. As far as future decisions, this growth opportunity has impacted my dynamic interaction. I presently comprehend the significance of manageability while deciding, whether it be in my own or proficient life. I'm more aware of the effect of my activities on the climate, society, and the economy, and will endeavour to take on maintainable practices in my regular daily existence. Besides, as a person with more extensive partner jobs, like an understudy, worker, and resident, I plan to operationalize this information by advancing sustainable practices in my work environment, local area, and individual life. I will empower my associates and friends to take on maintainable practices and consider maintainability aspects in their dynamic cycle. I will likewise partake in reasonable drives and back for practical advancement locally. By and large, the opportunity for growth has given me another viewpoint on maintainability, which I intend to integrate into my more extensive partner jobs (Elkington,2018).

Feelings: The second step of Gibbs Intelligent Cycle is "feelings," which includes investigating and thinking about the feelings experienced during the growth opportunity. As far as overseeing maintainability, this module has evoked a scope of feelings, including interest, concern, and trust. Interest has been a predominant feeling all through this growth opportunity, as I have been keen on investigating the various components of supportability and how they are overseen in various settings. Concern has likewise been available, as I have become mindful of the adverse consequences of unreasonable practices on the climate, society, and the economy. This has driven me to feel a need to get a move on in resolving these issues and rolling out good improvements. Despite the concerns, there is also reason for optimism. Learning about sustainable practices and their potential advantages has given me hope that we can make a difference in the world and build a more sustainable future. Overall, this learning experience has had an emotional impact on me since it has increased my awareness of the world around me and the possibility of positive change. This emotional effect has altered my decision-making process in terms of future decisions. The feelings of curiosity, concern, and hope have motivated me to take action and incorporate sustainable practices into my everyday life. I want to make a positive influence in the world and contribute to good change(Wagner,2011)

As a person with broader stakeholder duties, I intend to operationalize this emotional impact by motivating others to adopt sustainable practices. I believe that by sharing my thoughts and experiences, I might motivate people to take action and make long-term decisions in their personal and professional life.

Evaluation: The third phase in Gibbs' Reflective Cycle is "Evaluation," which entails reflecting on the learning experience and critically assessing its efficacy in reaching the targeted learning goals. In terms of managing sustainability, this module was successful in attaining its learning objectives and providing me with a better grasp of sustainable practices. The conversation and literature around sustainable development and the triple bottom line was one of the primary areas of study in this subject. This has been especially influential because it has provided me with a more comprehensive understanding of sustainability and the significance of considering social, environmental, and economic considerations in decision-making. This has enabled me to more critically examine and analyse sustainable practises in the future, allowing me to make more informed judgements.

Another key topic of debate was the role of enterprises and organisations in sustainability management. Learning about the many frameworks and methods for sustainable business practises has been eye-opening and has given me a better knowledge of how firms can play an important part in attaining sustainable development goals. This has given me the tools and information I need to advocate for sustainability in my future job and help organisations make good changes. Finally, the subject has given students the opportunity to learn about practical applications of sustainability management, such as eco-design and life cycle evaluations. This has helped me grasp the technical components of sustainability management and how they may be used in real-world circumstances. In the future, I want to use the information and abilities obtained from this programme to guide my decisions and actions. As a stakeholder, I intend to use what I've learned by pushing for sustainable practices in my personal and professional life. This might be supporting sustainability throughout my organisation or making more educated purchasing decisions. In addition, I intend to keep studying sustainability and remaining current on new advancements and best practices.

Analysis: The fourth step of Gibbs Reflective Cycle is "Analysis," which involves making sense of the experience and examining it from different perspectives. In terms of managing sustainability, this module has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills, which I can apply to different situations in my personal and professional life. One of the key areas of study was the discussion surrounding sustainable development and the triple bottom line. Through critical analysis, I have come to appreciate the importance of considering social, environmental, and economic factors in decision-making. I have learned that sustainable development is not just about environmental protection but also about improving social equity and ensuring economic prosperity. This has helped me to understand how sustainability can be embedded into different systems and sectors, and how it can be integrated into different levels of decision-making.

Another important area of study was the discussion surrounding the role of businesses and organizations in sustainability management. Through critical analysis, I have come to understand that businesses can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development goals. I have learned that businesses can contribute to sustainable development through various strategies, such as adopting eco-design practices, promoting circular economy principles, and engaging in sustainable supply chain management. This has helped me to appreciate the different approaches that can be taken to embed sustainability within organizations and how businesses can work collaboratively with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Lastly, the module has also provided opportunities to learn about the practical applications of sustainability management, such as eco-design and life cycle assessments. Through critical analysis, I have come to understand the technical aspects of sustainability management and how these can be implemented in real-world scenarios. This has helped me to appreciate the complexity of sustainability management and the importance of considering different factors when making decisions.

Moving forward, I plan to continue analysing and reflecting on my learning experiences to deepen my understanding of sustainability management. I also plan to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this module to my wider stakeholder roles by advocating for sustainability and promoting sustainable practices within my personal and professional life.

Conclusion: The fifth step in the Gibbs reflective cycle is to draw conclusions from the analysis and synthesis of the previous steps. In this step, the individual reflects on the experience and considers what they have learned from it. They consider what they could have done differently, what worked well, and what didn't work well. They also consider how they can apply this new knowledge and understanding in the future. In the context of the three areas of study, reflecting on the conclusions drawn can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development. For instance, in the area of sustainable development, the conclusions drawn can help an individual identify ways to contribute to sustainable development within their personal and professional life. In the area of business ethics, the conclusions drawn can help an individual identify the ethical issues they may face in their future careers and how they can deal with these issues effectively. In the area of stakeholder management, the conclusions drawn can help an individual identify the key stakeholders and the strategies that can be used to effectively manage them.

In conclusion, the fifth step of the Gibbs reflective cycle is a critical step in personal and professional development. It enables individuals to draw conclusions from their experiences and apply the new knowledge and understanding in future experiences. By reflecting on the conclusions drawn, individuals can identify ways to contribute to sustainable development, manage stakeholders effectively, and make ethical decisions in their future careers.

Action Plan: The sixth and final step in the Gibbs reflective cycle is to develop an action plan for future improvement. In this step, the individual considers what they have learned from the experience and decides how to apply it in their future actions. They also identify the actions that they will take to improve their future performance.

In the context of the three areas of study, developing an action plan can be an effective way for an individual to apply their learning in a practical and meaningful way. For instance, in the area of sustainable development, an action plan could involve identifying ways to reduce one's carbon footprint or contribute to local sustainability initiatives. In the area of business ethics, an action plan could involve identifying ethical dilemmas that may arise in the future and developing strategies for dealing with them. In the area of stakeholder management, an action plan could involve developing communication strategies for effectively engaging with key stakeholders. Developing an action plan is an important step in personal and professional development. It allows individuals to turn their learning into action and make tangible improvements in their personal and professional lives. The action plan should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) to ensure that it is practical and effective.

In conclusion, the sixth step of the Gibbs reflective cycle is critical for personal and professional development. By developing an action plan, individuals can apply their learning in practical and meaningful ways, make tangible improvements in their personal and professional lives, and contribute to sustainable development, ethical decision-making, and effective stakeholder management.

Overall conclusion

Finally, focusing on the three areas of study – sustainability management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable finance – has given me a better understanding of the intricacies and obstacles involved in attaining sustainable development. This approach has taught me the value of working with a variety of stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, consumers, and the community, to accomplish common sustainability goals. In addition, I have been aware of the need for creative funding options and financial tools to fuel sustainability activities. This module's lessons will help me make better-informed judgements as a person and as a stakeholder in diverse organisations. In the future, I intend to prioritise sustainability in all parts of my personal and professional life, to promote sustainable practises, and to seek collaboration with others.

Reflection

• Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39-48.
• Elkington, J. (2018). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st-century business. Capstone Publishing Ltd.
• Elkington, J. (2004). Enter the triple bottom line. The triple bottom line: Does it all add up?, 1-16.
• Kolk, A. (2016). The social responsibility of international business: From ethics and the environment to CSR and sustainable development. Journal of World Business, 51(1), 23-34
• Lozano, R. (2011). Towards better embedding sustainability into companies' systems: An analysis of voluntary corporate initiatives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(6-7), 661-667.
• Schaltegger, S., & Wagner, M. (2011). Sustainable entrepreneurship and sustainability innovation: categories and interactions. Business strategy and the environment, 20(4), 222-237.