Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Introduction
a) Sustainable performance
The Sustainability performance or development is used for measuring the performance of a non-profit organization and it reports and monitors on the future progress.
b) Sustainable strategy at DMU
The strategy of sustainability for development is prioritized actions’ set. The agreed framework is provided for focusing on investments and performance of drive. It engages the external and internal stakeholders.
c) Reporting practices at DMU
The present report has focused on the analysis of the sustainability performance and sustainability strategy in non-profitable organizations (De Montfort University).
A brief theory of reporting practices and performance of environment at DMU University will be mentioned. The pattern and the levels of sustainability disclosure and its trend are going to be analyzed in the present report. A brief theory of the indicators of sustainable development goals will be described in the environment of DMU University.
In this report, a brief theory of stakeholders and its framework is going to be discussed in the present report. Sustainability practices in non-profit organization will be mentioned in the report.
Background of DMU sustainability strategy
De Montfort University is committed to successfully shaping the sustainable world with the combination of excellence of research. Ambitious plans and innovative thinking will be combined in the estates of DMU.
The executive board and task force of sustainable development of DMU have developed the strategy of sustainability for the University. The DMU University has consulted with the students, stakeholders, staff, and others for its development strategy.
The approach of “bolt-on” has been avoided by the DMU University. The University has focused on the sustainability of integration and development for the better fabrication of the university.
The current guidelines of sustainability have not only been sought by the University, however, it is focusing on becoming a leader. The University is strengthening the skills of learning, research and teaching to make it a more sustainable organization. This will help to minimize the environmental impact of the University and will create an inspiring and healthy place for learning and working.
Task 1
a) UN SDG framework
Based on the UN SDG framework, it can be introduced that the environmental policy of DMU University was adopted and revised by the boards of executives.
The policy was set out for the overreaching commitments of the University to the management of the environment for the improvement of its sustainable development and a few steps will be taken to reduce the impact of the environment (Engirt and Baumgartner, 2016).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
A few commitments were included in the policy across the range of issues of environment such as education for development of sustainability, engagement of students and staff on issues of environment and climate change. Aim of the SDG framework is to provide information on progress against the overreaching commitments in 2012/13 (Dmu.ac.uk, 2013).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
A few areas can be covered by the performance environment of DMU and the goals of sustainable development in following factors by the UN SDG framework. This consists of water and energy, Recycling and waste, Student and staff, Business travel, Carbon emission, Sustainable procurement, Student and staff engagement, Biodiversity, Sustainable construction and Education for the development of sustainability.
Each section of the data contains relevancy on the performance of environment and sustainable development for 2012/13. The task force of sustainable development of DMU is composed of departmental heads and faculties, representatives and researchers and Estates personnel (Genk, 2017).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Aim of the task force of sustainable development is to achieve the goals for overseeing implementation of sustainable strategy of the University.
b) Discussion of sustainability report at DMU
The report of sustainability is the useful instrument for the DMU University for informing the stakeholders about the University’s economic, environmental and social performance (Dmu.ac.uk. 2014).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The sustainability report has been identified at DMU as the environmental performance. In order to promote the reputation and images of this non-profit organization such as DMU University which is committed for practices of responsibility, the performance should be improved (Dmu.ac.uk, 2013).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The task force of the sustainable development of the University works for compiling and reporting the sustainability performance of the University. The first data collected in 2012/13 of the indicators of the environmental performance shows, if the area of University decreases or increases this may affect the use of energy and emission of carbon.
The sustainability report of DMU has been improved in most of the aspects and needs improvement in a few aspects (Henio et al. 2019).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Due to this reason, sustainability performance of the University is in the medium range.
c) Trend in sustainability reporting
The sustainability report of the DMU can be found from the reports of environmental performance in the year 2013 (Dmu.ac.uk, 2014).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The trends include income or turnover of the University that increased in the year 2013 compared to 2011/12. The number of students and staff decreased in 2013 as compared to the year 2010/11 and 2011/12. The use of energy increased in 2013 compared to the previous year. The use of water increased as compared to the last year (Liao and Huang, 2016).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The fuel used in the vehicles of DMU increased in the year of 2013 compared to last three years. The waste produced on the premises of the University decreased by 41 tons this year as compared to 2011/12. This outlines trend aspects of University in detail.
d) Patterns of sustainability reporting
The patterns can be identified with the highlights of specific areas of sustainable development and performance at DMU University. A few specific areas are as follows:
Pollution
Comprehensive approach has been taken by DMU for reporting and measuring the pollution, emission of carbon and greenhouse gases (Loreta, 2016).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The plan of carbon management is set out for this approach. This management plan has focused to reduce carbon by 202 of 43% which is based on the levels of carbon emission for the use of energy in 2005 at DMU.
The vehicles owned by DMU are one of the factors that increase carbon emission at DMU. DMU has equated that 7511 tons of carbon dioxide should be reduced by 2020 (Dmu.ac.uk, 2014).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Usage of energy
The use of energy across the premises of DMMU was increased in the year 2012/13. This parameter was recorded for first time in the last three years. Downward trend was interrupted in the consumption of energy by the cold winter. This extremely cold weather demanded heat in the buildings of the University.
This results in an increase in use in electricity and gas for 2012/13 (Moldavan ova and Goeddel, 2018).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The consumption of gas had increased by a percentage of 23% and the use of electricity had been increased by a percentage of 10%. This record was increased as compared to last year in 2011/12 (Dmu.ac.uk, 2013).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Education
Development of sustainable education means the inclusion of key issues of sustainable development into learning and teaching. A commitment series has been made by DMU for development of sustainability in education.
A few strategies will be applied by DMU such as a strategy of learning assessment, policies of university teaching, environmental policy, and other strategic plans for education and sustainable development (Dmu.ac.uk, 2014).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
In order to make this commitment even stronger, DMU has joined the program of Green academy which is run by Higher Education Academy (HEA). This academic program supports the institutions for the enhancement of education for development of sustainability (Neugebauer et al. 2016).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
e) DMU environmental report
A few factors can be covered according to the report of environmental performance at DMU such as use of water, student and staff travel, business travel, sustainable procurement, engagement of students and staff, biodiversity, sustainable construction and many more (Dmu.ac.uk, 2013).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The use of water has been increased in the premises of DMU in the year 20122/13 compared to the year of 2011/12. The use of water increases since the buildings of University were changed and a new building was introduced.
This increases number of students and staff and thus the consumption of water increases. The consumption of water was decreased in 2012/13 compared to 2011/12 as the new building was removed from the campus (Nielsen et al. 2017).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The University has included procurement of sustainability in major agreements and contracts for the improvement and development of environment and sustainability goals.
Task 2 Stakeholder theory
(a) Introduction of stakeholder theory
Stakeholder theory describes stakeholders as one who has interest in the project, organization or business. In the term of project management, a stakeholder can be a group or an individual. Outcome of project will produce impact upon stakeholders (Witchlike, 2017).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The stakeholders take interest in the organization or project and the proceedings of it. The members of the task force for sustainable development focus on the sustainable strategies of the University. This theory assists in attaining goals of the University’s environmental performance and development.
Figure 1: Stakeholder Theory
(Source: Noble, 2019)
The DMU is committed to the management of the environment across its premises and campus through this theory. All the issues across the range of environment are going to be reduced from the University by the task force. The performance of the environment will be improved with the reduction of impacts of the environment across its premises (Noble, 2019).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The sustainable development of education is included as the policy of commitment across the range of issues of the environment. The structure is provided by the policy and the action plans and the targets may be implemented and developed for meeting commitments of policy and this can maximize the performance of the environment and will reduce its issues (Shen et al. 2016).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Theory of Friedman has stated that the decisions will be made by people on the basis of sending and on income over time. It is the normative theory of ethics for business. The main responsibility of the firm depends on the shareholders. The main goal of the firm is for maximizing the returns to the shareholders (Whitehead, 2017).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The performance and environmental policy are covered in the academic report in 2012/13. The University has joined the academic program of Green academy to strengthen the commitment of the policy for its sustainable development. DMU was in the top 10 institutes of higher education which took part in second program of Green academy.
The team of Green academy at the University of DMU consisted of representatives from the technology faculty, union of students of DMU, academic quality and commercial and estates services. The team of Green academy has developed the implementation plan at DMU and this was structured around the working packages of Green academy program for the sustainable development in the field of education.
Bic) Main motivations behind sustainable performance of DMU and relevance
The analysis of the sustainable report of DMU has suggested that organization is focused on improving the socio-environmental circumstances with the help of its sustainable strategies and principle.
Based on the analysis of the report certain motivators that are underlying behind the actions of DMU are identified. Following are the identified motivators of the suitable performance of DMU.
Responsibility towards the local community
It has been found from the report of DMU that the organization is committed to reduce the environmental issues. The organization is well aware of the existing issues related to environment such as global warming, climate change, pollution and water wastage.
These kinds of rising issues are affecting local community as well as the environment. DMU wants to put their efforts to improve the socio-environmental. The sheer commitment has motivated the company to act for the benefit of people and environment. As a result, the company has been taking appropriate steps to improve the current scenario.
Government Regulations
It can be understood from the analysis of the report that the government regulations have influenced the company to environment friendly measurements. Government regulations such The Control of Pollution Act and Environment Protection Acts cover various environmental issues including waste management, carbon emission, and pollution (Thornton, 2018).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Being a reputed organization, DMU has developed the sustainable strategies according the rules and regulations of government. The actions and principles of the sustainable practices of DMU have been developed by getting influenced from the government regulations.
Hence, it can be said that government acts and regulations are key motivators of the organization.
Sustainable Development Goals
The principles and actions of DMU are also influenced by the principles of the SDG (Sustainable Development) Goals of the United Nations. As discussed by Hack et al. (2016), sustainable development goals are focused on developing an effective balance of society, economy and balance. In order to that UN has asked every organization in the world to contribute in the socio-environmental issues.
It seems that DMU has also determined to contribute its part in achieving the goals of SDG. It can be seen in the efforts of the company that it is focused towards reducing the environmental and social issues.
Task 3
Relevance of Sustainable Practices
DMU is one of the most popular public universities in the United Kingdom. It is popularly known for providing career development skills through its strong contact with established companies such as BBC, NHS and HP.
The main focus of the organization is not on providing enhanced education but also on helping students in career development. Academic and career development is the biggest priorities of higher education institutes like DMU. However, the goal of the organization is limited to the academic and non-academic performance.
DMU is committed towards contributing to the environmental and social issues of the current world. The sustainable report of DMU suggests that the organization has put significant efforts in different areas of the socio-environmental issues such as water management, biodiversity and carbon emission.
However, a question arises that whether the sustainable activities of an organization are main determinant of the organization performance.
The answer of the question varies based on the perception and views of scholars and experts. As discuss by Zawawi and Wahab (2019), success of the university relies on their efforts to improve the skills and competence of students. Performance of a university is determined by the performance and success of its students. The same thing is applicable for the DMU.
The organization has a reputation of providing enhanced quality of educational service and assisting students to improve their career development skills. Therefore, it is essential for the educational institutions to put more effort in the providing enhanced quality of educational service.
Focus on other objectives may derail the organization from achieving the ultimate goal. However, Yu et al. (2018), has argued that academic or non-academic performance of an organization is not the success criteria. Success of an organization is also depends upon how it responds to the social and environment.
The awareness of established organizations such as DMU helps them to improve their performance. Apart from this, a positive brand image is created with the help of sustainable activities. Besides, Horn et al. (2017) has cited that an organization should not only focus on the organizational and financial performance but also the social and environmental needs.
It is responsibility of every organization to work according to sustainable development. As argued by Dubey and Gupta (2018), the decisions and strategy of an organization affect the motivation of the stakeholders.
In the present, most of the people are aware of the socio-economic issues. Hence, they expect from the established organizations to address different socio-economic issues. Furthermore, positive approach of the organization creates a positive brand image in the mind of people.
Similarly, on the other hand, negligence of organization towards socio-environmental issues can affect the business or performance of an organization (Strauss et al. 2017).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Being a reputed educational institution, it is the responsibility of DMU to address the social and environmental issues. Besides, reducing the impact the socio-environmental issues, these efforts of the company is essential for encouraging the students and stakeholders to act in a responsible way.
A large number of students are associated with the organization; therefore, the actions and efforts of the organization would influence the values and perception of the students.
Individual opinion
Based on the personal opinion, it needs to be added that social and environmental issues has been increasing day by day in the word. In order to reduce the issues related to environment and society, everyone including people, organizations and government are required to put their combined effort. In the current world of globalization and digitization, all information regarding the efforts of organizations influences and governments reaches to the people though online media platforms (Karata’s, 2016).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
The efforts of influential people and organization encourages other to act in environment friendly way. The efforts of the established organizations like DMU set examples for other organization to contribute in environmental and social suitable. Therefore, it is essential for the companies like DMU to put efforts as much as they can improve the existing situation. It is undeniable that every organization has specific business related to aims and objectives that need to be the first priority.
However, it is also important for them to address the existing socio-environmental issues for their own benefits and the benefits of others. According to Amara and Chen (2020), sustainability has become an integral part of every business in the today’s world irrespective of their size, type or place in market.
Most of the business entities and organizations are embracing sustainable practices in the organization strategies to for developing a corporate culture. Besides, the sustainable action of companies and organization has become an essential component for achieving long term profitability.
In the context of DMU, sustainable practices and principles of the organizations are utilized to increase the development opportunities. Apart from this, it also helps them to reduce the negative impact of their core-operation in the socio-environmental background.
Negative impact on the communities and economies they operate in are alleviated with the help of sustainable practices and principles (Painter et al. 2018).http://Great ACFI 2208 PMO Assignment Sample
Besides, keeping the business perspectives in mind, social and environment-friendly suitable approach is essential to attract investors having the shared values.
Further, it also helps to enhance views and perception of the public regarding the organizational practices and strategies. As a result, the sustainable approach of organizations including DMU is significant aspect for the further growth and development.
Hence, it can be said that, the argument of not considering sustainability a major determinant of the performance of DMU is not justified. The organization is doing best to address the existing issues that needs to be followed by others as well. The personal opinion regarding the sustainable practice does not agree with the present argument.
Conclusion
Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that DMU has been doing a tremendous job in addressing the issues related to society and environment.
Based on the analysis of the sustainability performance reports of DMU, it has been found that efforts of the organization is immense in contributing to different areas such as energy and water, waste management, carbon emission, sustainable procurement , biodiversity and many more. Apart from this, the current trends in the sustainability have been identified with the help of stakeholder’s theory.
Some of the major motivators of the DMU’s actions have also been discussed in the study. However, the argument regarding the relevance of sustainable performance of DMU may occur. It has been recognized in the study that the focus of organization strategy should not be limited on academic and non-academic performance.
It is the responsibility of DMU to contribute to the socio-environmental issues. Based on these efforts, organization can develop a positive brand image and encourage other to act ethically. Hence, the sustainable acts of the organization are completely justified.
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