Die Gesellschaftliche Verantwortung von Unternehmen in Theorie und Praxis

The seminar first provides an overview of the essential theoretical foundations of economic and business ethics and establishes practical application references. At the beginning of the seminar, the necessity of dealing with the topic of economic and business ethics is discussed. Subsequently, important theoretical foundations of business and corporate ethics as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR) are presented. In particular, key terms will be defined and a distinction made between individual, corporate and business ethics. Building on this, particular problems of business and corporate ethics in an international context will be explained.

Later on in the seminar, students will then work independently on current topics and issues of international business and corporate ethics, as well as sustainability management, and discuss them together.

The course is bilingual (German/English), i.e. assignments, presentations and discussions can be held in German or English.

The aim of the seminar is to familiarize students with the difference between theory and practice in business ethics. The seminar participants train their practical ethical reflection skills and learn about the challenges associated with bringing ethical behavior to bear in companies.
 
Against this background, the following learning objectives should be achieved:

• Students will gain an insight into the research field business and corporate ethics and be sensitized to ethical issues in international competition.
• Students should be able to apply the content they have learned to specific practical problems and independently reflect on the ethical behavior of companies.

The course is divided into several blocks: First, 2 blocks will introduce the topic of business and corporate ethics. With the assignment of topics in the course on Friday, April 21, 2017, the writing phase begins, in which the students work on their topics and write an independent term paper. After submission and evaluation of the term paper, the seminar will reconvene for two full-day block sessions to present and discuss the research results together.

In the two sessions on April 7, 2017 from 08:00-12:00 and April 21, 2017 from 08:00-12:00, general basics of business and corporate ethics will be developed and the topics for the term papers will be presented. Students can express their preferences for the topics in the kick-off session on April 7. In the session on April 21, the topics will be assigned and general information will be provided on the content expectations of a term paper and the formal requirements for writing an academic paper. Your term paper should contain high-quality, scientifically sound explanations of the respective topics, drawing on current and relevant specialist literature.

After April 21, 2017, the writing phase begins, during which students work independently on their topic. After a two-week familiarization period, students are given the opportunity to discuss a first draft outline with their supervisor on 5 May, and after submitting their term paper (19 May 2017), each group that has worked on the same topic will receive brief feedback on further preparation for the presentation if desired.

The following requirements apply for passing the course:

• You must write a term paper and pass it with a grade of at least 4.0.
• You must give an oral presentation during the seminar session (group presentation) and prepate a Powerpoint presentation.
• The oral presentation can be in English or German and should last approximately 50 minutes in otoal (per topic and group).
• After your presentation, you are required to moderate the subsequent discussion (30 minutes) yourself and keep it going.
• Assignments that are not handed in on time are considered failed and cannot be reworked!

The grade for the course is made up as follows:

Proportion of the overall grade: Term paper 70% (individual grade) / Presentation 30% (group grade).