Sustainable business game is nominated for an award
STUDENTS ACT AS BOSSES AND TRY TO MAKE ETHICAL CHOICES
A GAME that encourages students to think sustainably has won its creators an award nomination.
De Montfort University associate professor Darren Sparkes co-created a business simulation, Accounting Bissim, with colleagues Matt Davies, from Aston University and Lisa Weaver, from the University of Warwick.
It is designed to bring accounting and finance to life for students.
The team has now been shortlisted for a Finance for the Future Award, run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), The Prince’s Accounting for Sustainability Project and Deloitte.
It is a finalist in Driving change through education, training and academia, which recognises the contribution of individuals, organisations or joint-entrants in integrating sustainability through education, training and academia.
Darren said: “The Accounting Bissim team is delighted to have been shortlisted for this award.
“While the simulation was originally developed in order to improve engagement in accounting and finance learners, being shortlisted for the Finance for the Future Award recognises Accounting Bissim’s ability to promote a holistic and sustainable approach to accounting, finance and business management decisions.”
Students act as the board of directors to run a robot manufacturing business in a competitive market, making decisions and analysing the results.
They can make decisions on a range of sustainability issues such as choosing ethical suppliers, cutting waste, reducing CO2 emissions and power usage, eliminating water pollution and the level of pay and training of their staff – all of which may cost money in the short term but can lead to better long-term returns if the business is managed well.
The sustainability decisions can be mapped to 10 of the 17 United Nations sustainability development goals.
The winning team is the one that is judged to have left the business in the best position for the future, by creating a long-term sustainable business rather than concentrating on shortterm profits.
The aim is to encourage students to think about sustainability alongside other business decisions.
Richard Spencer, head of sustainability at ICAEW, said: “The Finance for the Future Awards process is a wonderful way to connect with, and hear the stories of people who are dealing with how they and/or their organisations benefit the planet and society as part of the way they do business.”
Veronica Poole, of Deloitte, said: “This year’s shortlist demonstrates the strength some organisations are showing in moving towards long-term sustainability.
“I am particularly encouraged by the number of finalists where organisations are taking action on the climate crisis.
“Showcasing some leading examples of those adopting integrated thinking is particularly timely in the UK – given the renewed focus on directors’ duty to promote long-term success.”