forwarded -- Jeff A Call for Contributions on the topic of TEACHING SUSTAINABILITY (to business leaders)
Greenleaf Publishing invites contributions for a new book, Teaching Sustainability, to be edited by Dr. Chris Galea. Dr. Galea is a professor at the Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Background For many years business enterprise has been portrayed as being responsible for much of the social inequity and environmental degradation found around the world. While such an outlook continues to provide food for heated debate, a newer emerging perspective is that of business being a key positive force to operationalise sustainability in our world. This perspective sees business as the dominant organising force with access to a unique combination of factors: capital; global reach; flexibility; dynamism; and self-interest to make economic, social and environmental sustainability a reality. This approach argues that within the current high levels of unsustainable activity lie tremendous untapped opportunities waiting to be unlocked. Companies that embrace innovative approaches to releasing this value stand not only to profit greatly but also to become pillars of true sustainable development. As may be imagined, such an approach is not central to most standard business school curriculums and does not form part of most managers' thinking. In light of this, Greenleaf Publishing is inviting leading practitioners and researchers in the field to contribute new perspectives to this vital topic. We aim to publish the most up-to-date collection of material for those who are actively involved in teaching business and sustainability to both current and emerging business leaders. Scope of the Text While the scope of the book will evolve as authors submit their material we currently envision four key sections to the publication. Though all related material will be considered we invite contributions that address the following specific areas: Part 1. Teaching Sustainability: The Case for Business as the Driving Force for Global Sustainability For this section we seek both theoretical and empirical evidence outlining why business has both the tools and incentives to implement and profit from sustainability. What are the implications for teaching sustainability from this perspective? How does it complement/conflict with other more conventional approaches? Part 2: Current State of Sustainability Education in Business Schools. For this section we seek to give our readers an understanding of current best teaching practice in leading business schools around the world. What innovative approaches have been tried? What has worked or, just as importantly, failed? What structural challenges have been faced? What is the best approach to making sustainability an integral part of business school curriculums? What are the unique challenges faced in teaching sustainability to various groups: undergraduate business students, MBAs, EMBAs, middle managers etc.? Part 3: Tools, Approaches and Methods for Teaching Sustainability. For this section we would like to assemble an Educators Sustainability Toolkit that illustrates the various teaching approaches possible. We welcome actual tools such as case studies, experiential simulations, role-play exercise etc. In addition, we seek work that outlines various current sources for teaching sustainability that instructors could access. Part 4: The Future of Business Education for Sustainability In this last section we seek pieces that push the thinking on teaching sustainability to new heights. What is the future of Business Education for Sustainability? What are the forces that are molding the new approaches? What can/should be done to push the envelope in this crucial area? Projected audience The book is aimed primarily at all business educators of sustainability. In addition it should be useful to practitioners interested in learning about business and sustainability and as such should also be of interest to managers, students, researchers, government, NGO representatives and consultants involved in the field. Contributions Given the intended practical nature of this publication, we encourage contributions from practitioners in businesses, NGOs and governments, as well as academics. Theoretical papers should be between 4,000 and 6,000 words and case studies between 2,000 and 4,000 words in length. The paper submissions should follow editorial guidelines, which can be obtained from Greenleaf Publishing at the address at the bottom of this page. Schedule Authors are invited to propose topics and ideas (in the form of an abstract or outline) to the Editor via e-mail at cgalea @stfx.ca. The deadline to do so is by March 15th, 2002. A selection process will then be put into motion. Contributors whose proposed papers are felt appropriate for the project will then either be informed of the acceptance of their proposals and asked to contribute full papers or be invited to revise proposals. Invited full papers should then be sent as e-mail attachments to the editor for the review process (see 'Contact Details' at the end of this page) by September 30th, 2002. Contributors whose final papers are felt appropriate for the project will then be either informed of the acceptance of their contributions or be invited to revise their papers by December 20th, 2002. The expected publication date of the book is September 2003. Contact details For further information, to discuss ideas for contributions and to submit manuscripts please contact the Editor: Dr. Chris Galea Gerald Schwartz School of Business and Information Systems St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. Tel: (902) 867-3932 Fax: (902) 867-5385 e-mail: [email protected] Contribution Guidelines can be obtained from: Samantha Self Greenleaf Publishing Aizlewood Business Centre Aizlewood's Mill Sheffield S3 8GG UK Tel: +44 114 282 3475 Fax: +44 114 282 3476 e-mail: [email protected] http://www.greenleaf-publishing.com * * ========================================================== [email protected] ------------------------------ To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options, view the archives of [email protected], Visit: http://listserv.boisestate.edu/archives/oslist.html
