BUS328 Sustainable Financial Investments

Credits (ECTS):5

Course responsible:Torun Fretheim

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:Annually, but not in spring 2024.

Nominal workload:125 hours

Teaching and exam period:The course is not offered in the academic year 2023/2024. The course is offered next time in Spring parallel 2025.

About this course

Corporate managers frequently make decisions on how to support and maximize the value of the firm. Investment decisions must now also increasingly factor in sustainability considerations for ongoing commercial and societal success. This course will cover key topics and issues at the sustainability/investment nexus through an applied and case-oriented approach.

We will review the concept of sustainability and focus on how the corporate manager can make investments that are sustainable and create economic value over the long term. After all, an investment is only sustainable if it creates value. The term "sustainability-related investments" will refer to investments that are focused on human, social, and environmental factors. We will discuss the main environmental, social and governance (ESG) measurement methodologies and provide insight on how ESG ratings may help investors and managers identify, understand, and measure financially material ESG risks (and opportunities).

The main purpose of the course is to acquire practical business skills, and to be able to perform project valuation and investment analysis keeping the sustainability/investment nexus in mind. Managers mainly view investments in terms of costs, benefits, cash flows, and risks. Building on knowledge about capital budgeting and project analysis we will consider the specific assumptions and factors that should be included in the valuation of sustainability-related investments.

Learning outcome

Upon successful completion of the course the student:

Knowledge

  • will be able to critically review the specific assumptions and factors that should be included in the valuation of sustainability-related investments
  • will have knowledge about project valuation and how sustainability considerations may affect investment decisions

Skills

  • can identify and analyze relevant and material sustainability considerations
  • will be able to perform project valuation and investment analysis keeping sustainability considerations in mind
  • can apply theories of sustainable investment on actual projects and investment decisions

General competence

  • is well conversant with the above-mentioned elements related to knowledge and skills
  • is able to apply this insight on practical investment problems
  • is able to critically reflect on the ethical considerations that are associated with responsible investment
  • This course will be module based and consist of approximately 30 hours of organized lectures total, with some lecture free weeks. The classes will consist of a mix of traditional lectures and classes with practical exercises. Students are expected to bring their laptops to class and become familiar with computer software for financial analysis and investments.
  • Plenary lectures and practical exercises; group assignments; various supporting material in Canvas. The students will get access to Refinitiv Datastream and are expected to use this data base throughout the course.
  • BUS220 Finance and Investment or equivalent; high level of competence in Excel.
  • Final written examination (3,5 hours) counts 100%.

    C1: all types of calculators, other aids as specified

  • An external examiner is involved in reviewing the course design and the tests.
  • Three assignments approved in order to present oneself for final exam.

    Compulsory activities are valid until and including the next time the course is offered.

  • 4 hours of lectures and problem solving exercises per week, with some lecture free weeks.
  • Letter grades
  • The course is for students enrolled in the following study programs: Master in Business and Administration, Master in Economics, Master in Industrial Engineering and Management or equivalent. It is also open for exchange students and single course students with sufficient background (cfr Prerequisites)