Sustainable marketing in the biobased sector
Course description
This is an advanced marketing course for sustainable development. The course will enable the student to analyze key strategic challenges in the forest- and other bio-based sectors for developing successful business and organizational and marketing strategy, based on an understanding of economic, social, and environmental value dimensions.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
FÖ0500, Sustainable marketing in the biobased sector, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: Ordföranden för programnämnden för utbildning inom skog (PN-S), 2023-12-22
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Business Administration
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The course will enable the student to analyze key strategic challenges in the forest- and other bio-based sectors for developing successful business and organizational and marketing strategy, based on an understanding of economic, social, and environmental value dimensions.
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- describe and argue for relevant marketing theories, in particular those that refer to service, relationships, business models and value.
- account for and motivate choices regarding marketing research methods and theories with an understanding of their limitations for sustainable development.
- evaluate academic studies of competitive strategy formulation in relation to the external environment and the organization’s resources. This also include ethical aspects of business development.
- assess and apply different approaches for sustainable business development and marketing.
- apply knowledge about strategy and marketing in a changing environment, including innovation, networking, structural changes and communication.
- define and critically review strategy and marketing challenges in the bio-based industries, including the forest sector.
Content
The course starts with an introduction to key marketing concepts such as perceived customer value related to sustainable development, stakeholder theory, social practice theory, relationship marketing, networks and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
An overview of application of marketing research methods and marketing planning. This understandings provides an epistemological overview to understand the differences between product versus service dominant logic.
CSR in marketing and strategy, theory and applications. Key concepts here are stakeholder theory, value creation and communication. Studies of strategic changes, development of business models and innovation in theory and empirical examples. Industrial structure and business strategy serves as grounds for understanding mechanisms and outcomes in corporate development.
The course is based on lectures, guest lectures, seminars, exercises and a project, all of which offer opportunities to develop an epistemological development and vocabulary along with skills releated to sustainable development.
Compulsory components are exercises, seminars, guest lectures and study visits and an active participation in a project.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Approved written exam - Approved written assignments - Approved oral presentations - Completed mandatory elements
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of forest bioeconomy and technology
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Environmental Economics and Management - Master's Programme
- Agricultural Economics and Management - Master's Programme
- Forest and Business Management (MSc)
- Agriculture Programme - Economics and Management
- Agriculture and Business Management
- Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Economics and Business Administration
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Individual performance (qvizz and seminars) | 7.5 | 0101 |
| Group project and active attendance at external lecturers contributions | 7.5 | 0102 |
The Course Replaces
SG0228, SG0275
Other Information
SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. Many of our courses address knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for education. Students are welcome to suggest measures in the course design and implementation that lead to environmental improvements. For more information, see SLU’s website, www.slu.se. SLU is also a PRME-certified university, Principles for Responsible Management Education (http://www.unprme.org/).