Case Study: Applying the SDGs to University Challenges
Globally relevant experiential learning is becoming increasingly vital at Heriot-Watt, as it prepares our students to address business challenges.
The C17SB Sustainable Business first-year course involves around 800 business students across Dubai and Edinburgh campuses in tackling the sustainability agenda. The course covers sustainability in operations, systems thinking, regulations, green employment opportunities, ethical responsibilities, sustainable finance, the circular economy, and marketing.
Students apply this knowledge by assessing sustainability practices across Heriot-Watt’s departments, e.g., HR, IT, procurement, risk officers, catering outlet managers, and head of operations. Through interactive tutorials and in-class digital activities, students utilise Kolb's experiential learning model, engaging in structured reflection to link theory and practice. By applying systems thinking, sustainability, CSR, the circular economy, sustainable finance and green marketing.
Top tips for others interested in adopting or adapting this approach:
- Design inclusive, globally relevant tasks that enable contributions from students with diverse backgrounds.
- Encourage structured reflection to foster metacognitive skills and deepen understanding.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed
Students explore all 17 UN SDGs and link them to the real challenges faced by the Heriot-Watt department. They select and personalise the SDG most relevant to their area of investigation and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations. This approach has improved students’ critical, analytical, and metacognitive skills, boosting their employability in a labour market influenced by globalisation and artificial intelligence.
