Sustainable Business Practices for Sustainable Futures: Partnering in Higher Education

Terri Grant; Gaontebale Nodoba

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol1.iss4.122

Authors

Terri Grant University of Cape Town, South Africa
Gaontebale Nodoba University of Cape Town, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol1.iss4.122

Keywords:

professional communication, sustainability, scenario learning and pedagogy

Abstract

The Professional Communication Unit (PCU) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has developed innovative, multimodal teaching approaches that aim to contribute to the notion of corporate citizenship. Two separate course partnerships strive to equip senior commerce students with graduate attributes valued in business and government. Course one involves a partnership with environmental consultants who collaborate with staff to mentor students during their institutional investigation of sustainable business practices. Course two involves collaboration between students, staff and small business owner-managers. It focuses on sustainability practices of the chosen SME in relation to the triple bottom line. The model aims to prepare students for societal challenges in the workplace and to offer technical support to these SMEs to increase their competitiveness. In the wake of global financial and environmental crises, this article amplifies the need for collaborative partnering as all constituents aim to remain relevant and sustainable in the 21st century.

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Author Biographies

Terri Grant, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Head, Professional Communication Unit
Gaontebale Nodoba, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Professional Communication Unit

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