Module Details

Module Code: MMED9001
Title: Ethics & Social Responsibility
Long Title: Ethics & Social Responsibility
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides both a conceptual and practical treatment of the key ethical doctrines which have influenced debates and the development of practice in the field of business ethics. The module emphasises and critically analyses the growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the role of the public relations function in developing and implementing CSR programmes of activity. The module also considers ethical issues and dilemmas relating to the professional communications and public relations sector.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Assess the emergence and role of ethics and ethical behaviour in the corporate environment.
LO2 Evaluate the contribution and different forms of stakeholder theory in the organisation context.
LO3 Critically assess the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the contribution of the public relations professional in the development of CSR strategy.
LO4 Analyse the emerging issues and arguments relating to the practice of CSR with particular reference to globalisation and sustainability.
LO5 Examine ethical issues and dilemmas inherent to public communications functions, including public relations and corporate communication practice.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Business Ethics - Conceptual and Practical Issues
What is ethics? Ethical theories and doctrines in the field of business. Codes of ethics. Society and ethics. Corporate citizenship. Cultural relativism. Ethics in public relations practice.
Stakeholder Theory
Stakeholder theory defined. Stakeholder identification. Stakeholder Theory and CSR. Issues management and the creation of stakeholders
Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR defined. Why CSR? Going beyond the profit motive. The fundamentals and approaches of CSR. CSR in the Irish context. Business benefits of social responsibility. CSR and the globalised world of business. Arguments for and against social responsibility. The role of public relations in CSR.
The Practice of CSR
Growing practice of CSR. Developing CSR capability and implementation of CSR strategies. programmes. Case studies. Evaluation of CSR programmes and social auditing. Criticisms of CSR.
Emergine Issues in Social Responsibility
Environmental issues. Multinationals’ social responsibility in developing countries. Poverty and child labour. The role of the employee in CSR. Small enterprises and CSR. Globalisation and sustainability.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Analysis of CSR programmes/contemporary issues in business ethics
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.50 2.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self directed study Every Week 4.50 4.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Crane, A; Matten, D. (2010), Business Ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization, 2nd. OUP Oxford, [ISBN: 978-0199284993].
  • Philip Kotler and Nancy Lee. (2005), Corporate social responsibility, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., [ISBN: 0471476110].
  • Parsons, P;. (2008), Ethics in Public Relations: A Guide to Best Practice, 2nd. Kogan Page/CIPR, [ISBN: 978-074945332].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Michael Hopkins. (2003), The planetary bargain, 1st. Earthscan, London, [ISBN: 978-1853839788].
  • Killian, S;. (2012), Corporate Social Responsibility - A Guide with Irish Experiences, 1st. Chartered Accountants Ireland, [ISBN: 978-190721469].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BPRNM_9 Master of Arts in Public Relations with New Media 1 Mandatory