Harvard Case - Furthering Sustainability at Singapore Management University: A Blueprint for Blue Skies
"Furthering Sustainability at Singapore Management University: A Blueprint for Blue Skies" Harvard business case study is written by Lily Kong, Havovi Joshi, Jovina Ang. It deals with the challenges in the field of General Management. The case study is 15 page(s) long and it was first published on : Jun 9, 2023
At Singapore Management University (SMU), we recommend a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to further its sustainability initiatives, focusing on a holistic integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its core operations and strategic decision-making. This approach will leverage SMU's existing strengths in innovation, corporate social responsibility, and leadership to create a lasting impact and establish the university as a global leader in sustainability.
2. Background
This case study focuses on SMU's efforts to enhance its sustainability performance. The university, driven by its commitment to social responsibility and a desire to contribute to a more sustainable future, has already made significant strides in areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community engagement. However, SMU recognizes the need to further integrate sustainability into its core operations and expand its impact.
The main protagonist of the case is Professor Lily Kong, SMU's President, who is committed to driving the university's sustainability agenda. She acknowledges the importance of aligning sustainability goals with SMU's overall strategic objectives and fostering a culture of sustainability within the university community.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
To analyze SMU's sustainability journey, we can utilize a framework that combines strategic, operational, and cultural perspectives:
Strategic Framework:
- SWOT Analysis: SMU possesses strengths like its strong academic reputation, dedicated faculty, and commitment to innovation. However, it faces weaknesses in resource allocation for sustainability initiatives and limited public awareness of its efforts. Opportunities lie in leveraging its strong alumni network and partnerships with international organizations to drive impactful projects. Threats include potential regulatory changes and increasing competition from other universities with strong sustainability programs.
- Porter's Five Forces: The competitive landscape for universities is characterized by increasing competition for students, faculty, and resources. SMU can leverage its strong brand, unique academic offerings, and commitment to sustainability to differentiate itself and attract talent.
- Strategic Planning: SMU's strategic plan should explicitly integrate sustainability goals, aligning them with its mission, vision, and core values. This integration should be reflected in all aspects of the university's operations, including academic programs, research, infrastructure, and community engagement.
Operational Framework:
- Operations Strategy: SMU should optimize its operations for sustainability by implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste generation, and promoting sustainable procurement practices. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, implementing green building standards, and optimizing resource utilization.
- Supply Chain Management: SMU should engage its suppliers in sustainable practices by setting clear environmental and social standards and monitoring their adherence. This can be achieved through supplier audits, collaborative partnerships, and incentivizing sustainable practices.
- Information Systems: SMU should leverage technology and data analytics to track its sustainability performance, identify areas for improvement, and communicate its progress to stakeholders. This includes developing a robust data management system, implementing environmental management software, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to inform sustainability initiatives.
Cultural Framework:
- Organizational Culture: SMU should foster a culture of sustainability by integrating it into its core values, promoting awareness campaigns, and encouraging employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. This can be achieved through leadership buy-in, employee training, and recognition programs.
- Leadership Styles: SMU's leadership should champion sustainability by setting clear goals, providing resources, and demonstrating commitment to the cause. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and collaboration within the university community.
- Change Management: SMU should implement a comprehensive change management strategy to ensure successful integration of sustainability initiatives. This involves communicating the vision, addressing concerns, providing training, and recognizing achievements.
4. Recommendations
Short-Term (1-2 years):
- Develop a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy: Develop a detailed sustainability strategy aligned with SMU's strategic objectives, outlining specific goals, targets, and action plans.
- Establish a Sustainability Committee: Create a dedicated committee with representation from various departments to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the sustainability strategy.
- Enhance Data Collection and Reporting: Implement a robust data management system to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainability, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions.
- Promote Sustainability Awareness: Launch awareness campaigns to educate the SMU community about sustainability principles, initiatives, and the university's progress.
- Engage Students and Faculty: Encourage student and faculty participation in sustainability research, projects, and initiatives.
Mid-Term (3-5 years):
- Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure: Implement energy-efficient technologies, upgrade buildings to meet green building standards, and invest in renewable energy sources.
- Promote Sustainable Procurement Practices: Develop a sustainable procurement policy and engage with suppliers to ensure their adherence to environmental and social standards.
- Expand Community Engagement: Partner with local organizations and communities to implement sustainability projects, promote knowledge sharing, and contribute to social impact.
- Develop Sustainability-Focused Academic Programs: Integrate sustainability into existing academic programs and develop new programs focused on sustainability-related fields.
Long-Term (5+ years):
- Establish SMU as a Sustainability Leader: Position SMU as a leading institution in sustainability research, education, and practice, attracting international recognition and collaboration.
- Develop a Sustainable Campus Master Plan: Create a long-term plan for the development of a sustainable campus, incorporating green building standards, renewable energy sources, and efficient resource management.
- Foster a Culture of Sustainability: Embed sustainability into the university's core values, promote employee engagement, and recognize individuals and teams for their contributions to sustainability.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are grounded in the following considerations:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: The recommendations align with SMU's commitment to innovation, social responsibility, and leadership, strengthening its core competencies and enhancing its reputation as a responsible institution.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations address the needs of various stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community, fostering a shared commitment to sustainability.
- Competitors: The recommendations enable SMU to differentiate itself from competitors by establishing a strong sustainability profile, attracting talent, and enhancing its global appeal.
- Attractiveness: The recommendations are expected to yield positive returns on investment through cost savings, enhanced reputation, and increased student and faculty engagement.
6. Conclusion
By implementing these recommendations, SMU can effectively further its sustainability initiatives, achieving a significant impact on its operations, reputation, and contribution to a more sustainable future. This comprehensive approach will establish SMU as a global leader in sustainability, attracting talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Focusing solely on operational improvements: While important, this approach may not be sufficient to achieve the desired impact and could limit SMU's potential to become a sustainability leader.
- Adopting a piecemeal approach: Implementing initiatives in isolation may lead to fragmentation and lack of coordination, hindering progress towards a holistic sustainability strategy.
Risks and Key Assumptions:
- Resource allocation: The implementation of these recommendations requires significant financial and human resources, which need to be allocated strategically.
- Stakeholder buy-in: Gaining support from all stakeholders is crucial for the success of the sustainability initiatives.
- External factors: External factors such as government policies, technological advancements, and societal trends can influence the effectiveness of the sustainability strategy.
8. Next Steps
Timeline:
- Year 1: Develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy, establish a sustainability committee, and implement data collection and reporting systems.
- Year 2-3: Invest in sustainable infrastructure, promote sustainable procurement practices, and expand community engagement initiatives.
- Year 4-5: Develop sustainability-focused academic programs, establish SMU as a sustainability leader, and develop a sustainable campus master plan.
- Year 5+: Continue to refine and implement the sustainability strategy, fostering a culture of sustainability and driving continuous improvement.
By following this roadmap, SMU can embark on a transformative journey towards a more sustainable future, achieving its goals and becoming a global leader in sustainability.
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Case Description
On September 9, 2022, Singapore Management University (SMU) President Lily Kong launched the SMU Sustainability Blueprint at her fourth President's State of the University Address to an audience of over 600 faculty, staff, students, and guests. While paying attention to sustainability was not new for SMU, this focus intensified from 2017, when plans were put in place to considerably reduce energy and water consumption, as well as waste, so that the whole of SMU could achieve a carbon neutral campus by 2030. In 2020, when the SMU 2025 Strategic Plan was announced, Sustainable Living was highlighted as one of the three strategic priorities of the university. In the following year, the SMU Sustainability Taskforce was formed, entrusted with crafting the Blueprint, which would chart actions in concerted ways across four key strategies supporting the Sustainability Living priority: Cultivate a Greener University, Develop Change Agents Through Sustainability Education, Drive Impactful Research, and Foster Resilient Communities. By September 2022, SMU had made considerable progress in its sustainability journey, but these efforts had also come with their share of challenges. Among the many difficulties encountered were tough decisions over ensuring that all the buildings were energy-efficient green buildings, fossil fuel divestment, interdisciplinary collaboration in the curriculum development for sustainability education, and the coalescence of disparate research efforts across the different schools. Attempts to build resilience within the SMU community during the COVID-19 pandemic - a period of disruptions, uncertainties, and stress - had not been easy too. Looking ahead, Kong contemplated: What else could she and all at SMU do to accelerate and deepen the university's sustainability progress? What trade-offs would have to be made to achieve an ideal state of sustainable living?
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