Course content

This course focuses on identification and understanding of non-financial and ESG issues relevant to firm’s stakeholders, measure related risks and impacts, and how to disclose this information. It addresses legal requirements and reporting standards (ESRS) pertaining to the preparation of annual and consolidated sustainability reports, sustainability analysis, and sustainability due diligence processes, with an emphasis on disclosure theory and disclosure practices.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student should:

• Understand the principles, requirements, and concepts of sustainability reporting, including legal requirements and standards for sustainability reporting and consolidated sustainability reporting
• Understand principles of sustainability analysis and processes for due diligence of sustainability matters
• Have knowledge of theories that explain and predict sustainability reporting practice, and knowledge of current trends and emerging issues in sustainability reporting

Skills

The student should:

• Be able to identify and apply relevant legal and scientific sources to discuss and suggest solutions to practical and theoretical sustainability reporting problems
• Be able to evaluate the materiality analysis and decision making in the reporting process
• Be able to analyse sustainability reports and evaluate their quality

General competence

The course should contribute to the students developing general competence in accordance with the learning outcomes described at the program level, and especially contribute to development of an analytical mindset and the ability to think critically.

Learning methods and activities

Various forms of work and learning activities will be used, with a combination of lectures, own work with literature and other sources, and mandatory activity / participation in group work and seminars. The course is suitable for students who participate in learning activities on campus, and it is necessary to participate in mandatory activities on campus, to be allowed to sit for the exam. There will be 1 mandatory activity in the course, which consists of several sub-activities, including participation in prepared presentations and discussions. Dates for and more detailed requirements for mandatory participation will be announced early in the teaching semester. Language: English

Compulsory assignments

• 70% attendance and participation in seminar teaching on campus

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of corporate governance, financial markets, accounting and financial reporting.

Required previous knowledge

None

Course materials

The course material will include provisions in the Norwegian Accounting Act and European standards for sustainability reporting (ESRS), as well as other literature. Literature references are given at the beginning of the semester and during the course.