FIN 456: A CEO Perspective on ESG

Contents
This course covers the topic of ESG (environmental, social, and governance factors in corporate decision making) from the perspective of corporate managers. The aim is to tackle the E, S, and G components separately and focus on those aspects that are particularly relevant from an academic and practical perspective. The course will be co-taught by Prof. Spalt, who will provide insights into the topic from the research side, and Dr. Schröder-Wildberg, the CEO of a large German financial company, who will provide insights from the perspective of a CEO. The course will cover ESG broadly but approach the topic from the vantage point of financial economics, i.e., we will put some emphasis on understanding how ESG contributes to the value of a firm and returns to investors. We will zoom in on selected key problems for corporate leaders who want to implement ESG considerations in their decision making process. Students will work on a group assignment and present the results in class.

Learning outcomes
After completing this course, students will have a thorough understanding of some of the key aspects of the ESG debate from the perspective of a corporate leader. Students will get to know some of the latest academic results on ESG from the literature in finance and they will start to develop an own view on the ESG debate in in-class discussions and in group-work. Students will have analyzed, prepared a report on, and presented results on an ESG related topic.

Necessary prerequisites
Semester 4 or higher

Recommended prerequisites
–

Examiner Performing lecturer

Prof. Dr. Oliver Spalt Prof. O. Spalt, Dr. U. Schroeder Wildberg