Development of a curriculum integrating sustainability and responsibility in the Master of Accounting and Finance (MAccFin) program

Within the project an integrative multidisciplinary approach to introduce a new course will be developed. Especially designed for future auditors, analysts, controllers and financial managers, the course aims to promote the understanding of sustainability and ethically responsible practices. With this course the University of St. Gallen (HSG) addresses a key issue of the 21st century and seeks to take the role of a strategic leader for sustainable development - especially in the field of accounting and finance, which is traditionally focused on solely financial issues. Besides the integrative course structure, the originality of the project is the unique combination of the project partners, which allows viewing and discussing sustainability from different perspectives. Therefore, six chairs from different fields closely work together. They will be supported by the Institute of Business Education and Educational Management to use relevant learning approaches. Bringing in practitioners from the respective fields to discuss current challenges will not only allow the students to challenge up-to-date research results and theories but also promote a sense for responsible actions in the field. An innovative teaching and learning model will enhance students' and faculties' competencies in sustainable and responsible development in the short term and provide both with a competitive advantage in the long run. The project will starts in June 2013 and ends in December 2016. The course "Sustainability and Financial Management" will be offered to students in fall 2014 for the first time.