Management for Innovation and Sustainability
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and frameworks related to innovation and sustainability management, as well as sustainability accounting. It is structured into two interconnected modules: a) Management for Sustainability and Innovation Strategies: This module explores innovation strategies, particularly focusing on green innovations, and examines circular and sustainable business models; b) Sustainability Accounting: This module introduces financial accounting principles and economic-financial sustainability measurement, progressing to emerging reporting frameworks for non-financial performance, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indicators.
Expected learning outcomes
The course aims to develop a solid understanding of sustainability management and accounting. In the Management for Sustainability and Innovation Strategies module, students will develop knowledge and understanding of innovation strategies, with a particular focus on green innovations, and will explore how sustainability considerations shape business models. They will be able to apply this knowledge to analyze and design circular and sustainable business models while critically assessing the role of corporate social responsibility in different business contexts. Additionally, students will enhance their communication skills by presenting sustainability strategies effectively and engaging in discussions on corporate sustainability transformation. In the Sustainability Accounting module, students will gain knowledge of financial accounting principles and their relevance in sustainability measurement. They will acquire the ability to apply economic-financial sustainability assessment tools and evaluate emerging ESG reporting frameworks. This will enable them to make informed judgments about corporate sustainability performance and its implications for decision-making. Moreover, students will develop the capacity to communicate financial and non-financial performance results to various stakeholders and to stay updated on evolving sustainability disclosure standards.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Prerequisites for admission
no prerequisites
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam for non attending students consists of a written test.
The written exam will consist of a set of exercises, including a combination of open-ended questions (4 open questions, each worth 4 points for a correct answer) and multiple-choice questions (16 MCQs, each worth 1 point for a correct answer), aimed at assessing students' ability to understand managerial issues. The duration of the written test is commensurate with the number and structure of the assigned exercises, but in any case, will not exceed 1,5 hours. The results of the exams will be communicated on the SIFA through the UNIMIA portal and/or through the Ariel platform. Please check the Ariel platform of the course before each exam for detailed information on classrooms, exam duration, format, and syllabus.
The written exam for non-attending students will be unique for the two modules merging both accounting and management teaching materials.
There are brief assessments and project works that replace the written test for the attending students. The results of the exams will be communicated on the SIFA through the UNIMIA portal and/or through the Ariel platform. Please check the Ariel platform of the course before each exam for detailed information on classrooms, exam duration, format, and syllabus.
The written exam will consist of a set of exercises, including a combination of open-ended questions (4 open questions, each worth 4 points for a correct answer) and multiple-choice questions (16 MCQs, each worth 1 point for a correct answer), aimed at assessing students' ability to understand managerial issues. The duration of the written test is commensurate with the number and structure of the assigned exercises, but in any case, will not exceed 1,5 hours. The results of the exams will be communicated on the SIFA through the UNIMIA portal and/or through the Ariel platform. Please check the Ariel platform of the course before each exam for detailed information on classrooms, exam duration, format, and syllabus.
The written exam for non-attending students will be unique for the two modules merging both accounting and management teaching materials.
There are brief assessments and project works that replace the written test for the attending students. The results of the exams will be communicated on the SIFA through the UNIMIA portal and/or through the Ariel platform. Please check the Ariel platform of the course before each exam for detailed information on classrooms, exam duration, format, and syllabus.
Accounting
Course syllabus
The course "Management for Innovation and Sustainability" is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how modern organizations can navigate the challenges of sustainable development through innovative business practices. Structured in two interconnected modules, the course combines a solid grounding in accounting for sustainability with an exploration of management approaches for the circular economy and responsible innovation.
The first module focuses on Accounting, offering the essential tools to measure, analyze, and report the economic, social, and environmental performance of organizations. Students will explore the main frameworks and standards in sustainability reporting, learn how to interpret and construct sustainability indicators, and understand how accounting practices can foster greater corporate transparency and accountability.
In detail, the module begins with the fundamentals of financial accounting, covering the nature and purpose of financial accounting, the basics of transaction analysis, and the preparation, use, and interpretation of general-purpose financial statements. Students will become familiar with basic accounting terminology and develop the ability to analyze and interpret the financial and economic performance of firms and companies.
The second part of the module introduces the foundations of sustainability accounting—also referred to as non-financial reporting—focusing mainly on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The aim is to understand the structure, main components, and indicators used to analyze the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of organizations, and how these practices support enhanced transparency and accountability.
At the end of the accounting module, students will be able to:
· Understand and apply the fundamentals of financial accounting and basic accounting terminology
· Analyze, interpret, and prepare general-purpose financial statements
· Evaluate the financial and economic performance of organizations
· Understand the principles and frameworks of sustainability accounting and non-financial reporting
· Interpret and use key ESG indicators, with a particular focus on the GRI and ESRS standards
· Assess how accounting practices contribute to greater transparency and accountability in organizations
The first module focuses on Accounting, offering the essential tools to measure, analyze, and report the economic, social, and environmental performance of organizations. Students will explore the main frameworks and standards in sustainability reporting, learn how to interpret and construct sustainability indicators, and understand how accounting practices can foster greater corporate transparency and accountability.
In detail, the module begins with the fundamentals of financial accounting, covering the nature and purpose of financial accounting, the basics of transaction analysis, and the preparation, use, and interpretation of general-purpose financial statements. Students will become familiar with basic accounting terminology and develop the ability to analyze and interpret the financial and economic performance of firms and companies.
The second part of the module introduces the foundations of sustainability accounting—also referred to as non-financial reporting—focusing mainly on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The aim is to understand the structure, main components, and indicators used to analyze the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of organizations, and how these practices support enhanced transparency and accountability.
At the end of the accounting module, students will be able to:
· Understand and apply the fundamentals of financial accounting and basic accounting terminology
· Analyze, interpret, and prepare general-purpose financial statements
· Evaluate the financial and economic performance of organizations
· Understand the principles and frameworks of sustainability accounting and non-financial reporting
· Interpret and use key ESG indicators, with a particular focus on the GRI and ESRS standards
· Assess how accounting practices contribute to greater transparency and accountability in organizations
Teaching methods
The course alternates between different teaching methods: lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and team project tutoring. Lessons may also include pre-recorded materials.
Teaching Resources
Accounting:
For attending students: Teaching and reading materials provided in class through lectures and case studies. For non-attending students: Teaching and reading materials provided in class (available on the Ariel platform in the teaching material section) and the reference book: Libby, Libby, and Hodge, Financial Accounting (11th edition), McGraw-Hill, Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 5, 13.
For attending students: Teaching and reading materials provided in class through lectures and case studies. For non-attending students: Teaching and reading materials provided in class (available on the Ariel platform in the teaching material section) and the reference book: Libby, Libby, and Hodge, Financial Accounting (11th edition), McGraw-Hill, Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 5, 13.
Environmental management
Course syllabus
The second module, Environmental management, covers the main themes that are transforming business today. Students will learn the principles and practices of the circular economy, sustainable and circular business models, and the core concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The module also addresses important current topics such as greenwashing, stakeholder engagement, and shared value creation, using frameworks like the Triple Layer Business Model Canvas and Shared Value Theory.
The course then focuses on innovation, introducing definitions and main drivers, as well as different models of the innovation process. Students will analyze real-world examples of sustainable, green, and twin innovations in different sectors. The aim is to give students a clear understanding of how innovation can contribute not only to technological progress but also to positive social and environmental outcomes.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
· Understand and apply the principles of the circular economy and sustainable business models.
· Identify the risks and opportunities related to greenwashing and CSR.
· Engage with stakeholders and apply shared value creation models.
· Assess and manage innovation processes, with a focus on sustainable and twin innovation.
The course then focuses on innovation, introducing definitions and main drivers, as well as different models of the innovation process. Students will analyze real-world examples of sustainable, green, and twin innovations in different sectors. The aim is to give students a clear understanding of how innovation can contribute not only to technological progress but also to positive social and environmental outcomes.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
· Understand and apply the principles of the circular economy and sustainable business models.
· Identify the risks and opportunities related to greenwashing and CSR.
· Engage with stakeholders and apply shared value creation models.
· Assess and manage innovation processes, with a focus on sustainable and twin innovation.
Teaching methods
The course alternates between different teaching methods: lectures, seminars, case study analysis, and team project tutoring. Lessons may also include pre-recorded materials.
Teaching Resources
For attending students: Teaching and reading materials provided in class through lectures and case studies. For non-attending students: Reference book "Strategic Management and the Circular Economy", Routledge by Marcello Tonelli and Nicolò Cristoni.
Accounting
SECS-P/08 - MANAGEMENT - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Orsi Luigi
Environmental management
SECS-P/08 - MANAGEMENT - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
De Noni Ivan
Professor(s)
Reception:
You need to schedule a meeting with professor by mail
Department of Environmental Science and Politics, via Celoria 2, Milano
Reception:
Send an email to [email protected] for an appointment
via celoria 2, first building, first floor, room 19