Course: Sustainable Global Supply Chains

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Course title Sustainable Global Supply Chains
Course code VPK/USCH
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminar
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter and summer
Number of ECTS credits 3
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory-optional
Form of instruction eLearning
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Melotíková Petra, Mgr. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Global value chains as actors on the international scene 2. Corporate sustainability due diligence in international law 3. Supply chain due diligence regulations in the EU law 4. Supply chain import regulation in the EU law 5. Regulation of greenhouse gas emissions in supply chains 6. OECD case law 7. Corporate complicity in global value chains 8. Stakeholder engagement 9. Access to Remedy 10. Non-governmental grievance mechanisms and international oversight 11. Promoting sustainable global value chains through investment and trade agreements (I) 12. Promoting sustainable global value chains through investment and trade agreements (II)

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic Lecture(Interpretation, Training), Dialogic Lecture (Discussion, Dialog, Brainstorming), Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Group work
Learning outcomes
he Sustainable Global Supply Chains course, taught in English, will provide students with a foundation for understanding the emerging discipline of "global value chain law" in the context of business sustainability requirements and the fulfillment of sustainable development goals (SDGs). It will build on the course "Sustainability and Socially Responsible Business" by deepening theoretical knowledge and practical skills regarding the application of due diligence by companies in supply chains. Thanks to instruction in English, students will learn English terminology related to the regulation of supply chains, which often cross the borders of several countries and operate in an international environment. Strengthening companies' resilience to adverse scenarios related to their value chains, taking into account externalities as well as ESG risks, is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Trade, production, investment, and employee relations have changed significantly with the development of supply chains, and therefore the issue will also be placed in the context of international trade and investment agreements. The aim of this course is to prepare students for work, the application and compliance with corporate sustainability requirements and due diligence obligations in their own organizations, as well as in relation to business relationships in supply chains. English terminology will equip them with a common language for negotiations and work at the level of international organizations (e.g., OECD), European institutions, the international corporate environment, and the non-profit sector.
Expected learning outcomes: After completing the course, students will be able to: 1. Identify relevant legal requirements relating to the sustainability of global value chains, contributing to the fulfillment of SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth), SDG 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), and SDG 15.2 (Stop deforestation). 2. Develop competencies for addressing complex legal situations of commercial companies in the context of global value chains related to sustainability, with a focus on English terminology, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Access to justice), and SDG 17 (Strengthen partnerships for sustainable development, trade, and investment). 3. Link the principles of responsible business conduct in value chains with sustainable development goals, in particular SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15.2 (Stop Deforestation) and SDG 17 (Strengthen Partnerships for Sustainable Development, Trade and Investment). 4. Prepare or critically evaluate corporate strategies and processes in the area of human rights and the environment within value chains that support sustainability goals, contributing to SDG 8 (Promote sustainable economic growth), SDG 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Access to Justice).
Prerequisites
The completion of this course is not conditioned upon completion of any other courses

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance, Seminar Work, Written exam

Continuous assignments (30 points), mini-project and its presentation (40 points), final test of knowledge and skills (30 points) The course is graded as follows, based on the number of points earned: excellent (1) ? 100?87 points, very good (2) ? 86?73 points, good (3) ? 72?60 points, fail (4) ? 59 points or less
Recommended literature
  • Aristova, E., Higham, C., Higham, I., & Setzer, J. (2024). Corporate climate change responsibilities under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 73(2), 505?525.. International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 73(2), 505?525.
  • Bright, C., & Buhmann, K. Risk-based due diligence, climate change, human rights and the just transition. Sustainability, 13(18), 10454. https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810454.
  • Davaanyam, O., & Krajewski, M. (Eds.). (2025). Exploring corporate human rights responsibilities in OECD case law..
  • Feigerlová, M. (2025). Enhancing corporate climate responsibility: The intersection of mandatory sustainability due diligence laws and international investment agreements. In E. Baroncini, et al. (Eds.), Sustainable development as fundamental pillar of economic governance and public affairs: The EU approach and international and domestic perspectives (pp. 111?133).. Bologna University Press.
  • Feigerlová, M. (2025). Udržitelnost v dodavatelských řetězcích v právu EU. AUC Iuridica, 71(2), 47-67.
  • McCall-Smith, K., & Rühmkorf, A. (2019). Sustainable global supply chains: From transparency to due diligence. In Sustainable Trade, Investment and Finance (pp. 110?128)..
  • Mitkidis, K. (2023). Greening global value chains. In G. Bellantuono & L. Godden (Eds.), Handbook of energy law in the low-carbon transition (pp. 255?274).. De Gruyter.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Law Study plan (Version): Law and sustainability (2025) Category: Law, legal and public administration proceeding 3 Recommended year of study:3, Recommended semester: -
Faculty: Faculty of Law Study plan (Version): Law and sustainability (2025) Category: Law, legal and public administration proceeding 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: -