COURSE NUMBER: MBA292T.3B

 

COURSE TITLE: Business Solutions for Global Mega Trends

 

UNITS OF CREDIT: 2

 

INSTRUCTORS: Kellie McElhaney

 

E-MAIL ADDRESSES: kmack@haas.berkeley.edu

 

CLASS WEB PAGE LOCATION: TBD

 

MEETING DATES: Spring B only (3/14-5/4)

 

PREREQUISITE(S): None

 

CLASS FORMAT: Mixture of lectures and cases and guest speakers

 

REQUIRED READINGS: Course reader and B Space

 

BASIS FOR FINAL GRADE: Project + participation

 

ABSTRACT OF COURSE'S CONTENT AND OBJECTIVES:

Most B-School classes are taught through the lens of shareholder value and how to optimize for it. While doing so, they indirectly ignore other critical stakeholder value: community, employees, society as a whole and even a business’ customers. The Financial Times recently called this approach – optimizing for shareholder value alone – “the world’s dumbest idea.” So why are prestigious Business Schools still teaching it?

 

As we speak, businesses around the globe are impacted by mega-trends: climate change, energy management, big data challenges, water scarcity, food security, changing demographics and many more. Despite the massive, disruptive effects these mega-trends create across industries and functions, they are often not discussed in the classroom. This course, uniquely offered by Haas, is not just a class on Corporate Social Responsibility. It will expose students to some of the world’s biggest problems, and more importantly, possible business solutions. This “big picture” course covers only macro topics that influence businesses across sectors and geographies.

 

Global mega-trends pose countless threats to business, but they also offer incredible opportunities. Smart business leaders who understand these global mega-trends will not only be more prepared to face them, but will also be able to take advantage of new 21st century realities, enabling their business to thrive. Responsible business leaders cannot afford to continue ignoring these trends while making decisions.

 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH:

A 2012 Cheit Award Winner, Kellie is considered one of the top professors at Haas. She founded the Center for Responsible Business which demonstrates thought leadership through its action tank model.  Kellie is the author of “Just Good Business” and has previously presented at TED.  She consults extensively globally as well as serves on multiple corporate boards and advisory committees.