An Investigation of University Students’ Learning and Perceptions of Re-thinking the Role of Business: Pre- and Post-intervention

Abstract

This research aimed to assess whether an online learning module developed by the authors would assist post-secondary students in understanding the evolving landscape of business towards more sustainable practices. Prominent organizations and institutions, including the United Nations, UNESCO, accreditation bodies, professional organizations, and business schools, have acknowledged the importance of integrating sustainability into curricula, yet transformative learning resources remain scarce for this purpose. To address this gap, we designed an online learning module on rethinking the role of business in fostering sustainability. In line with open social innovation and co-creation, the resource was initially vetted by sustainability business professionals and academics with feedback for improvement. Then, a random sample of 44 graduate and undergraduate students across disciplines completed a pre-survey, engaged with the module segment, and then completed a post-survey and also provided suggestions for improvements. Results revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) between pre-and post-intervention responses, with students demonstrating heightened awareness of businesses’ responsibilities to balance economic goals with environmental and social imperatives. These findings confirm the module’s efficacy in advancing sustainability literacy and underscore the value of targeted educational interventions in preparing students for the demands of modern business practices.