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MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development

global challenges, engineering solutions
 

Shaping Sustainable Decision-Making to Operationalize Corporate Strategic Vision: A Case Study Analysis

For large engineering projects, many companies and regulatory agencies rely on impact assessments to weigh environmental, social, and economic benefits against possible harms. These impact assessments, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Social Impact Assessment (SIA), are seen important tools to align business practice with sustainability objectives, but these tools are far from perfect.  Even in areas that incorporate many of the best practices surrounding project assessment, many sustainability controversies exist. The goal of this research is to critically review the existing theory and application of various ‘sustainability assessments’, analyse the mechanics of assessments as a decision support tool within two case studies, and examine the role of corporate visions and strategy in making more sustainably-minded decisions at the project level. The comparative case study examines two hydroelectric dams in Canada, the Keeyask Generating Project and the Muskrat Falls Generating Project. As the energy regulatory practices in Canada are often considered best practice compared to many other areas of the world, these cases provide an appropriate foundation for theory-testing on the effectiveness of ‘sustainability assessments’. Differences in the strategic vision and values of the two proponent companies provide an appropriate setting to evaluate whether corporate sustainability visions can be incorporated into engineering project decisions. Results of the study found that sustainability assessments with effective framing and implementation can serve as valuable tools for companies to advance sustainability agendas. The case study analysis revealed that a pluralistic approach which centres decision-making around comprehensive sustainability criteria is key to an effective sustainability assessment process. 

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Course Overview

Context

The need to engage in better problem definition through careful dialogue with all stakeholder groups and a proper recognition of context.

Perspectives

An ability to work with specialists from other disciplines and professional groups acknowledging that technical innovation and business skills also must be understood, nurtured and combined as precursors to the successful implementation of sustainable solutions.

Change

An understanding of mechanisms for managing change in organisations so future engineers are equipped to play a leadership role.

Tools

An awareness of a range of assessment frameworks, sustainability metrics and methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis, Systems Dynamics, Multi-Criteria Decision making and Impact Assessment.