Certificate Programme in Innovative Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Eligibility

Eligibility and Selection Process:

 

Eligibility and Selection Process: The Programme targets corporate, government, and non-governmental professionals. The minimum educational qualification is Graduation in any discipline. The expected participants are managers, project heads, team leaders, senior officers—executives, professional consultants, coaches, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Candidates will be selected by assessing their Statement of Purpose (SOP) and educational qualifications.

Medium of Instruction: English

Description

 CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Intake: 30 (The Programme will commence only after the minimum enrolment of 15 participants.)

 

IMPORTANT DATES

 

Announcement and Promotion of the Programme	7th April, 2025
Last Date for Online Application	30th June, 2025
Screening of the statement of purpose and Announcement of the Selected Candidates on the TISS Website	3rd July, 2025
Last Date for Payment of Fees	To be announced
Commencement of the Programme	12th July, 2025

 

Programme Scope and Benefit: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is emerging as a means to connect businesses to society wherein the Company voluntarily chooses areas of engagement with the local communities and people. It is an essential component of sustainability or responsible business, evidenced by various sustainability frameworks. Governments and corporations are globally called upon to use creativity and innovation to address global development challenges and encourage sustainability strategies in their domains. CSR initiatives present opportunities for companies to identify opportunities for solving critical social issues and meet stakeholder expectations while enhancing their reputation and competitiveness.

 

However, how much of the CSR program benefits the business, how to align the CSR plans to a company's sustainability agenda, or how to report on the CSR plans and programs are a few questions that need appropriate answers.

 

As evident in India, CSR is emerging as a tool for economic and social value creation by integrating CSR with corporate strategy. Increasing pressure from various stakeholder groups also leads the companies to examine the sustainability discourse strategically. Indian companies now foresee CSR beyond employee welfare and charity. A survey by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) revealed the significant reasons Indian companies engage in CSR. These reasons are corporate citizenship, improving relationships with local communities, the philosophy of the organization's founding fathers, enhancing the Company's brand, survival of a business, and building a global corporate brand. CSR is identified as a way to develop their image as a responsible business, strengthening the Company's strategic position. Hence, companies are slowly shifting their attention from 'making donations' to a 'proactive and responsive approach' around their sustainability agenda. The Indian CSR practice is influenced by legal, political, developmental, and cultural factors with national, regional, and local focuses.

 

The government of India in 2013 made significant amendments to the Companies Act and added Clause 135. As per the Act, the conditions are a turnover equal to or more than INR 1000 Crore, a net worth of INR 500 Crore or more, or a net profit of INR 5 Crore or more. The Schedule VII of the Act lists the CSR activities. The Act also outlines the governance system holding the CSR Committee of the Board consisting of three or more directors, of which at least one director should be an independent director responsible for implementation.

 

CSR in India is primarily carried out as corporate philanthropic activities and standalone projects, limiting its scale and impact. Only a few companies have integrated their CSR activities with corporate strategy. In light of the Company Act 2013, CSR strategy must shift significantly. Adopting an entrepreneurial approach to CSR can help companies solve social problems through innovation by making CSR part of their core business process. Entrepreneurial thinking and decision-making processes create value for owners, all participants, and stakeholders. A shift in redrawing attention from 'shareholder' to 'stakeholder' and clear articulation on identifying the stakeholders and their relationship with the Company envisaged. It is also essential that CSR is viewed as a strategic agenda.

 

Recent developments in CSR and sustainability thinking imply that companies must holistically address sustainability challenges by integrating societal and Company perspectives. Effective CSR implementation requires trained, skilled professionals who can respond to diverse development challenges. With these broad issues, the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship of the School of Management and Labour Studies at Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai, is initiating a Certificate Programme in Innovative CSR and Sustainability. The program will adopt an entrepreneurial approach to design and implement CSR and Sustainable Development initiatives by the companies. The program targets professionals working in corporate, government, and non-governmental organizations. Bringing together interdisciplinary themes in economics, development, social policy, entrepreneurship, and business management, the Certificate Programme provides a multidisciplinary perspective on CSR and emerging models in CSR practices across business enterprises. The program will enable the participants to understand sustainability challenges, drivers, tools, and CSR and sustainable development approaches. Participants will learn the socio-economic barriers and drivers that lead to poverty and hunger, gender inequality, and violation of human rights and environmental issues. They also see how businesses can progressively contribute to dealing with such development challenges through innovation and creativity. Besides, all participants will work on individual and group projects emphasizing the design of sustainable solutions by integrating key learning from the program.

Expected Programme Outcomes: After completing the program, the participants shall be able to:

• Demonstrate inter-disciplinary perspectives on sustainable development challenges, their drivers, tools, and approaches to initiate and apply innovation and entrepreneurship in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development design.

• Acquire the skills for designing innovative economic, social, and environmental Sustainability solutions.

• Build their capacity to develop innovative CSR strategies and apply the principles and standards for sustainability assessment and reporting.

Mode of Programme Delivery: Offline Mode. (The classes will cover both theory and practice).

 

Programme Duration: 6 Months (on Saturdays and Sundays)

Distribution of Credit Hours:

Programme Structure: The certificate Programme in Innovative Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability comprises Six courses and Four fieldwork. The overview of the Programme is attached below.

Sl. No	Course Code	Title of the Course	Credits
1	CP-ICSRS 01	Corporate Social Responsibility	2
2	CP-ICSRS 02	Sustainable Development	2
3	CP-ICSRS FW-1	Fieldwork-1	2
4	CP-ICSRS 03	Innovative CSR Programme Design-1	2
5	CP-ICSRS 04	Innovative CSR Programme Design-2	2
6	CP-ICSRS FW-2	Fieldwork-2	2
7	CP-ICSRS 05	Social Impact Assessment	2
8	CP-ICSRS 06	Sustainability Reporting	2
9	CP-ICSRS FW-3	Fieldwork-3	2
10	CP-ICSRS FW-4	Fieldwork-4	2
		Total Credits	20

CP-ICSRS 01: Corporate Social Responsibility

Introduction

Background – Corporations are taking up CSR projects to meet social responsibilities. These projects help the beneficiaries to meet their basic needs. It will bring social change. The participants will learn about the contribution of corporations to society.

Focus – The focus would be understanding how corporations meet social needs through CSR projects. With this knowledge, social entrepreneurs can help corporations assess societal needs before formulating CSR projects. They can also help them to implement these projects.

Course/Learning Objectives

• To help the participants to understand how corporations can contribute to society.

• To understand the different concepts related to CSR.

Course Outcomes

• The students would be able to understand theoretical and philosophical perspectives in CSR

• They will be familiar with the CSR legislations, rules, and regulations as per the Companies Act 2013

• The students would be able to identify stakeholders involved in planning and designing effective CSR programme

• They will understand the importance of ethical decision-making.

• They will be able to understand strategic CSR and its implementation for benefiting corporations and also society

• They will be able to practice social audit.

• The students will be able to integrate both CSR and Social Entrepreneurship approaches for bringing meaningful social and environmental change

Pedagogy

• Lecture and interactive discussion

• Case discussion

Mode of Evaluation

• Fieldwork and Assignment: 50%

Participants will form groups and select topics for fieldwork. They will visit to study live CSR projects and document their experiences.

• Individual Assignment: Essay on selected themes related to CSR: 50%

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CP-ICSRS 02: Sustainable Development

Introduction

This course aims to give participants a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development, its principles, theories, and practices. The course will explore the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable development and examine various social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Participants will analyse case studies and develop critical thinking skills to propose innovative and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges. The course will also focus on the role of policy-making, governance, and international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.

Course/Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Gain an in-depth understanding of key concepts and challenges in sustainable development

2. Analyse the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of Sustainability.

3. Critically evaluate the impact of human activities on the planet and its resources.

4. Identify and apply sustainable development practices and strategies in the organizational context.

Course/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the principles and concepts of sustainable development and their applications in real-world scenarios.

2. Critically analyse the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of Sustainability.

3. Evaluate the impact of various human activities on ecosystems and natural resources.

4. Apply sustainable development practices and strategies to solve complex sustainability challenges.

Pedagogy

• Lectures

• Case Studies & Video clips

• Group work/discussions

• Individual assignments

Mode of Evaluation

Assignment-1. Review of articles/research papers from the reading list (50%)

Assignment-2. Learning Paper on Sustainability Challenge (50%)

As part of this assignment, participants will choose a specific sustainability issue of interest, such as renewable energy adoption, waste management, sustainable urban planning, or biodiversity conservation. They will conduct a thorough literature review to understand the current knowledge on the chosen sustainability challenge and identify key stakeholders, existing initiatives, and potential barriers or opportunities related to the issue.

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CP-ICSRS FW-1: Field Work – 1

Introduction

In this fieldwork, participants must identify three social problems from the field and perform stakeholder mapping.

Course Objectives

• To identify and understand the social problem and their nature.

• To interpret the stakeholders and to map them to the problems identified.

Course/Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, the participants can identify and understand the social problem and their nature. They also acquire the skill to interpret the stakeholders and map them to the issues identified.

***

CP-ICSRS 03: Innovative CSR Programme Design-1

Introduction

This course introduces fundamental concepts in innovations. The participants will be introduced to various innovation typologies, including product, process, system, and technological innovations. The focus would be on understanding the key concepts and typologies in innovations and using this knowledge to design CSR programmes.

Course Objectives

• To learn the process of innovation.

• To understand typologies in innovations.

• To understand the nature of technological innovations.

 

Course/Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants shall understand the innovation process and typologies. They will also be able to understand the nature of technological innovations.

Pedagogy

• Lecture and discussion

• Video clippings

• Assignment

Mode of Evaluation

• Presentation 1 & 2 – 25% each

• Assignment – 50%

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CP-ICSRS 04: Innovative CSR Programme Design-2

Introduction

Managing financial and non-financial resources is integral to corporate decision-making and business processes. Business creates value through effective management of these resources. This course will provide an integrated perspective on Human, Financial, Natural, and Social Capital for sustainable solutions to key development challenges.

Process centricity is an approach to managing an organisation. It considers the value creation process as the core for delivering the intended and desired value against functional expertise. Process-centric organisations offer effective value creation with a flexible organisational design approach.

Course/Learning Objectives

• To understand the resource base of business organizations, including human, financial, natural, and social, and apply this knowledge to CSR planning and implementation

• To understand and demonstrate how to design process-centric organization and implementation thereof.

Course/Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants can use information in new situations for CSR planning. They can demonstrate how to design processes in the organizations and implementations of it.

Pedagogy

• Lecture and Discussion

• Interactive Classroom Exercises that emphasize the spirit of Co-Learning

• Case Examples and Short Experiments

Mode of Evaluation

• Assignment & Presentation – 50%

Modalities are to be explained in detail after the initial sessions of the course.

Faculty will debrief and provide feedback on the day of the presentations.

• Group Activity – 50%

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CP-ICSR FW-2: Field Work – 2

Introduction

It is a field-based project in which the participants will work on the design of the Innovative CSR Programme. The participants will choose an organisation and work with the CSR team to design the CSR programme in a real-life context. The participants will submit the Program Design at the end of the project work.

Course/Learning Objectives

To understand social problems and stakeholders involved and design intervention strategies through CSR.

Course/Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, the participants shall be able to understand the nature of social problems and the stakeholders involved in them. After understanding the problem, they can start designing an intervention strategy through CSR provisions.

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CP-ICSR 05: Social Impact Assessment

Introduction

CSR interventions are designed with specific outputs, outcomes, and impacts in mind. It is necessary to understand if the project is achieving its desired objectives. Understanding environmental and social impact assessment in qualitative and quantitative terms helps reach conclusions vis-à-vis the directions of these outputs and outcomes.

Course/Learning Objectives

To facilitate participants in assessing the impact of CSR programmes.

Course/Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, the participants can assess the impact of CSR programmes by applying the knowledge they acquired about CSR.

Pedagogy

• Lecture and discussion

• Individual assignment

• Class presentations

• Workshop

Mode of Evaluation

• Individual and group assignments and presentations – 50%

• Final SROI assignment and Presentation – 50%

***

CP-ICSRS 06: Sustainability Reporting

Introduction

Integrating sustainable development into performance management is vital for the company's future. Sustainability reports provide internal and external stakeholders insight into key performance indicators such as energy and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and human rights issues. This information is critical for helping investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders understand a company's ability to manage sustainability risk and compete in an increasingly resource-constrained world. Transparency through reporting on these factors drives the Sustainability of individual organizations and, ultimately, the global economy. Sustainability reporting also demonstrates an organizational commitment to sustainable development and enables comparison of organizational performance over time. This course will deal with Corporate Sustainability Assessment and Reporting.

Course/Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Understand the concept of Sustainability and explain the significance of sustainability reporting in the context of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, and recognize its role in addressing stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

• Identify and analyze the drivers that motivate organizations to engage in sustainability reporting, including legal frameworks, stakeholder demands, and the business case for Sustainability.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the GRI, its history, principles, and framework, and recognize its position as a leading standard for sustainability reporting.

• Gain proficiency in the GRI Reporting Framework, including its reporting principles and guidelines, and understand the different dimensions covered within the framework.

Course/Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of sustainability reporting, including its concept, purpose, and significance in addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

• Recognize and analyze the key drivers for sustainability reporting, including regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and the business case for sustainable practices.

• Analyze real-world case studies of sustainability reports to identify best practices, lessons learned, and areas for improvement in reporting practices.

• Apply the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Reporting Framework effectively, including the principles, guidelines, and dimensions, to prepare comprehensive and transparent sustainability reports.

Pedagogy

• Lectures

• Case Studies & Video clips

• Group work/discussions

• Individual assignments

Mode of Evaluation

Assignment 1: Sustainability Reporting Case Study Analysis

As part of this assignment, participants will select a company or organization that has published a sustainability report and read the sustainability report carefully, paying attention to the organization's approach to reporting, key metrics, targets, and initiatives. The participants will analyze the report by addressing the following points:

a. Identify and discuss the organization's sustainability goals and targets.

b. Evaluate the organization's approach to materiality and stakeholder inclusiveness in the report.

c. Assess the organization's reporting on critical environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions.

d. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the report, including its transparency, data quality, and alignment with reporting frameworks.

Participants will prepare a comprehensive report summarizing their analysis and findings.

Assignment 2: Develop a Proposal for Integrating the GRI Reporting Framework for own/select organization (50)

Objective:

To demonstrate the ability to integrate Sustainability reporting into an organizational strategy and propose practical steps for implementation.

Instructions:

As part of this assignment, the participants will choose an organization or Company of their choice and conduct preliminary research on the organization's industry, stakeholders, and current sustainability practices (if available). They will identify potential benefits and opportunities for the organization to integrate Sustainability reporting into its overall strategy.

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CP-ICSRS FW-3: Field Work – 3

Introduction

Participants will develop/design a framework for CSR sustainability reporting in this fieldwork.

Course/Learning Objectives

• To develop awareness and understand the significance of CSR reporting frameworks.

• To acquire the skills concerning reporting CSR intervention as per the by-laws.

Course/Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students can develop their awareness and understanding of the CSR reporting framework. They will also acquire skills in CSR intervention reporting.

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CP-ICSRS FW-4: Field Work – 4

Introduction

It is the final fieldwork. The participants will choose an organisation, work with the CSR team, and develop an Innovative CSR Programme. The participants will apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the previous courses and apply this knowledge and skills in the design of the Innovative CSR Programme.

Course/Learning Objectives

To impart knowledge and help students acquire skills to understand social problems through stakeholder engagement and innovatively designing CSR programs for a company.

Course/Learning Outcomes

This fieldwork will equip students to address the social problem by designing innovative CSR programmes for the Company.

***

Programme Pedagogy and Evaluation: The Programme will use interactive pedagogy, including lectures, case discussions, and experiential learning through workshops and field projects. Apart from the regular classes, the participants shall expose themselves to the current Corporate Social Responsibility practices and sustainable development initiatives through field works and group projects. Organizers shall evaluate the participant's performance based on class session attendance, assignments, project work, and presentations.

Fee Structure:

Programme Fee: INR 1,50,000/-; a single installment before the Program commencement is expected.

Award of Certificate: Upon completing the Programme, the participants will be awarded the Certificate in Innovative CSR and Sustainability by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.

Fee Structure:

Certificate Programme in Innovative CSR and Sustainability
Components		Semester: I
FEE	Tuition Fee	1,30,500
	Examination Fees	1,000
CHARGES	Field Work / Internship / Experiential Learning Charges	2,000
	IT Charges	2,000
	Library Charges	1,500
	Other Charges (ID Card, Convocation & Misc.)	2,500
FUNDS	Students' Competency Fund	0
	Lab/Studio Fund	0
	Development Fund	5,000
	Students' Union Fund	0
	Alumni Fund	500
	Health Care Fund	0
DEPOSITS	Caution Deposit (Refundable at the time of exit through the NDC process)	5,000
	Semester-wise Programme Fee*	1,50,000
	Yearly Fee	1,50,000
Note	*18% GST will be applicable on the Semester Programme Fee

For any queries, please contact:

Prof. Samapti Guha

Programme Coordinator

Centre for Social Entrepreneurship

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

Email: samapti@tiss.ac.in

OR

Ms. Prajakta Hire

Centre for Social Entrepreneurship

Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

Email: cse_cpicsrs@tiss.ac.in