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MAN-20161 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

MAN-20161 - Environmental Management Systems
Coordinator:
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733094

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

n/a

Barred Combinations

n/a

Description for 2026/27

This module aims to introduce students to the relevance of environmental management systems as part of the day-to-day functioning of companies. It will help students understand the different types of environmental management systems and their applicability to different company sizes and sectors, together with their growing importance particularly for companies operating internationally. The module will provide the basic tools to assess how companies can improve their environmental performance across the whole supply chain system, embracing circular economy approaches.

Aims
This module aims to introduce students to the relevance of environmental management systems as part of the day-to-day functioning of companies, similarly to what quality or safety management systems would be. It will help students understand the different types of environmental management systems and their applicability to different company sizes and sectors, together with their growing importance particularly for companies operating internationally. The module will provide the basic tools to assess how companies can improve their environmental performance across the whole supply chain system, embracing circular economy approaches.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Explain the relevance of using environmental management systems as part of companies' operations across the whole supply chain system.: 1,2
Outline the possibilities for improvement of environmental performance in businesses across a variety of sectors and contexts.: 1,2
Illustrate and justify the applicability of different environmental management standards for the internationalisation of companies' activities.: 1,2

Study hours

24x 1 hour session followed by 24 x 1 hour workshop [sessions of 2 hours in 24 weeks]
80 hours - Assessment preparation
80 hours - Classroom readings and activities
92 hours - Individual independent study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Portfolio weighted 50%
Environmental management system implementation steps
Students will produce a reflective portfolio with the different steps that a SME can take in deciding upon the implementation of an environmental management system: from internally designing a simple system to aiming for official certification, passing through reproducing others' best practice. Ideally students will base their reflection on a real company. Word count: 3 parts of 600 words approx. each or 4 parts (500 words each) - Total 1800-2000 words.

2: Research Report weighted 50%
ISO14001 case study analysis
Students will choose a company with ISO14001 certification and will research if the certification has had any (positive) influence in the company's overall performance. They will need to assess if certification was really necessary and if another standard could have been used instead. Word count: 2000

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026