Human rights in Doing Business

Welcome to join the course “Human rights in Doing Business”. The course provides a solid foundation for understanding why human rights are important in business and how business impacts human rights.

We also offer the course “The Law and Policy of Business and Human Rights”, that explores how human rights law regulates business actors. We recommend taking both courses, as they provide complementary perspectives. Both are 2 ECTS micro-credential courses.

The course “Human rights in Doing Business” introduces learners to the global business environment, both business actors and non-business actors (NGOs etc) and how business is formed around and conducted in networks and ecosystems. We continue the discussion on the role of the state, civil society, NGOs, international organizations and other institutions, customers and employees to explore the relationship between human rights and the global business context. We discuss the role of customers and consumers and expectations to comply with human rights policies, and briefly explore the link between human rights and social activism and its implications for business. During the course we will work on cases that demonstrate how companies proactively address human rights issues.

Learning goals

After a completed course the learner can:

• Identify how companies manage their human rights impact in their wider business network and/or business ecosystem.
• Outline how business links to human rights issues in a globalized world.

Schedule

Course duration: 03.02.2026–24.2.2026.

Tue 03.02.2026 14:30–16:00 AST-0065 Sven, Astra 0065 Sven.

Tue 10.02.2026 14:30–16:00 ARK-A102, Arken Armfelt (A102).

Tue 17.02.2026 14:30–16:00 AST-0065 Sven, Astra 0065 Sven.

Tue 24.02.2026 14:30–16:00 AST-0065 Sven, Astra 0065 Sven.

ÅAU external students can participate online. Link will be provided to enrolled students.

Teaching methods and examination

Teaching methods: lectures + seminars.

Examination:

The examination consists of the following parts, all of which need to be completed in order to pass the course:

• Submission of key learning note.
• Participation in group work and discussion during the seminar (physically or online).

Teacher and contact

Project Researcher, PhD Irene Kujala (irene.kujala@abo.fi)

Enrol here

Payment is due upon registration. Your registration is binding and payments are non-refundable.

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