KEMI 2EN13 - Governance and Corporate Sustainanility in The Fashion Industry
KEMI 2EN13 · Fall semester 2026-2027
- Language of tuition
- English
- Course type
- Cours séminaire
- Number of hours
- 12
- Credits
- 2
Information
Description
In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the fashion industry stands at a critical intersection between profitability and responsibility. This course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between corporate governance and corporate sustainability within the fashion sector, addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities involved in embedding sustainable practices into business models.
Through six focused lessons, the course explores the foundations of corporate governance and sustainability, as well as the core principles of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Beginning with an overview of key international frameworks—such as the UN Global Compact, OECD Guidelines, and ISO 26000—students will gain insight into the role of governance in advancing sustainability. The course then examines sustainability as a driver of stakeholder value, alongside European sustainability legislation, corporate reporting, and due diligence, critically analysing how these elements shape the industry and influence business decisions at all levels.
The course emphasizes practical learning through case studies and interactive class activities that simulate real-world applications. Students will engage in role plays and group discussions, strengthening their ability to assess corporate governance structures, develop stakeholder maps, draft compliance strategies, and propose sustainable business solutions.
By the end of the course, participants will be familiar with key sustainability reporting frameworks such as ESRS and GRI, understand international labour standards, and appreciate current innovations in emissions reduction, circular economy practices, and waste minimization.
Whether aiming to influence policy, drive corporate transformation, or contribute to sustainable business design, students will gain both the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate and lead within the sustainable fashion industry.
Assessment
Final Assessment:
- Class participation and assignment 60%
- Final assignment on corporate governance and sustainability 40%
Readings
Main readings 5
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Abbate, T., Cesaroni, F., & Ricotta, F. (2023). Greenwashing in fashion and luxury: Is it possible to fool all the people all the time? Journal of Cleaner Production, 341, 130972. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130972
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Casalini, D. (2023). Pour un textile bon, sain, propre, juste et durable. Paris: Éditions Débats Publics.
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Di Leo, A., Fiscato, G., & Tomasetti, F. (2023). Corporate governance and sustainability in luxury fashion: A framework for action. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management.
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Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion's future. Retrieved from https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/assets/downloads/publications/A-New-Textiles-Economy_Full-Report_Updated_1-12-17.pdf
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Freudenreich, B., Lüdeke-Freund, F., & Schaltegger, S. (2020). A stakeholder theory perspective on business models: Value creation for sustainability. Journal of Business Ethics, 166(1), 3-18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-019-04112-x
Further readings 10
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European Commission (2023). Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772 of 31 July 2023 supplementing Directive 2013/34/EU as regards sustainability reporting standards (European Sustainability Reporting Standards – Set 1). Brussels: European Commission.
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European Union (2022). Directive (EU) 2022/2464 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 as regards corporate sustainability reporting (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). Brussels: European Union.
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Freeman, R. E., & Phillips, R. A. (2018). Stakeholder theory. In R. E. Freeman, J. S. Harrison, A. C. Wicks, B. L. Parmar, & S. de Colle (Eds.), The Cambridge handbook of stakeholder theory (pp. 3-18). Cambridge University Press
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Global Reporting Initiative (2021). GRI 1: Foundation.
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Global Reporting Initiative (2021). GRI 2: General Disclosures.
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Horisch, J., Freeman, R. E., & Schaltegger, S. (2020). Applying stakeholder theory in sustainability management: Links, similarities, dissimilarities, and a conceptual framework. Organization & Environment, 27(4), 328-346. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086026614535786
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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2023). G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance.
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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (2023). OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct.
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Pargendler, M. (2021). The rise of international corporate law. Washington University Law Review, 98(6), 1765–1818. https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_lawreview/vol98/iss6/9
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United Nations (2011). Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Teaching units
| Unit no. | Unit type | Teaching units | Teachers | Number of hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18280 | Cours séminaire | Governance and Corporate Sustainability in The Fashion Industry | Simone CIPRIANI | 12 | 2 |
Teachers
- Simone CIPRIANI
In the curricula
- 2026 - 2027 | Grand Challenges S1ÉCOLE DU MANAGEMENT ET DE L'IMPACT (EMI)
Contacts and resources
- Contact
- JEROME Amélie