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Scientific Article details

Title SDGs in master's theses: a study of a Finnish University of Applied Sciences
ID_Doc 78639
Authors Niemela, T
Title SDGs in master's theses: a study of a Finnish University of Applied Sciences
Year 2024
Published International Journal Of Sustainability In Higher Education, 25, 9
DOI 10.1108/IJSHE-05-2023-0211
Abstract PurposeHigher educational institutions, such as universities of applied sciences, have a significant role in promoting progress towards a sustainable future as defined by the United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper aims to identify how the UN SDGs are featured in master's theses set in work-life contexts.Design/methodology/approachUsing a descriptive review and content analysis, this study identified the number of SDGs appearing in 31 master's theses. Sustainable development (SD) and corporate social responsibility were reflected using the approaches and models in the literature. Finland's eight objectives for committing to SD were used to examine the commitments made by the business school of the university of applied sciences to achieve Agenda 2030.FindingsEmphasising the value of higher education for SD, this study found that SDGs three, eight and 12 appeared most frequently in the theses. Sustainable and responsible dimensions reflected several issues concerning both the worlds of business and industry among the firms and organisations investigated by the master's degree students in the business school at the Jyvaskyla University of Applied Sciences.Practical implicationsThis research holds practical and pedagogical value, serving to encourage master's and PhD students to further explore research on SDGs and to shape public policy.Originality/valueSustainability was looked at in a new way as investigated by the theses. Ways to integrate the SDGs into management degree programmes and conduct research in the fields of business administration, tourism and hospitality management were identified.
Author Keywords CSR; Business school; ESD; Higher education; Master's theses; Sustainable development goals (SDGs); United Nations (UN); University of applied sciences
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:001206019100001
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Education & Educational Research
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Education & Educational Research
PDF https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJSHE-05-2023-0211/full/pdf?title=sdgs-in-masters-theses-a-study-of-a-finnish-university-of-applied-sciences
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