Portland State University School of Business Administration

The Faculty at Portland State University revised the MBA curriculum beginning 2004 Fall Term. In addition to the traditional development of business acumen, the curriculum of the program focuses on the development of a student�s leadership skills and understanding of the innovation process within organizations. However, the faculty specifically stated that this curriculum should be taught in the context that would provide students �an understanding of creativity, entrepreneurship, and social and environmental sustainability.�

Although topics related to social and environmental sustainability are discussed in many required courses, the primary required courses that address these issues are Ethics in Organizations and Managing Operations and Supply Chain. Topics addressed in the required ethics course include business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and managerial integrity. The operations course introduces the students to basic operations and supply chain issues. In addition, �issues around the use of natural systems and other models of managing work will be considered within a perspective of sustainable organizations.�

These required courses ensure that all graduates of the MBA program have been introduced about social and environmental sustainability. In addition, Portland State MBA students have the opportunity to consider sustainability issues in a more in-depth manner by completing a graduate level certificate in sustainability.