Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students gain a topical overview of current scholarly and policy discussions about sustainable entrepreneurship, and learn to analyse the social and ecological sustainability of current business practices. Based on individual learning interests, students are able to engage in real-life sustainability research, consultancy or start-up projects. They learn to identify practical challenges for developing sustainable business solutions, and to present their solutions to different stakeholders, such as entrepreneurs, civic society organizations and policy makers.
Credits: 6
Schedule: 24.02.2020 - 03.04.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Patrick Shulist
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Patrick Shulist
Contact information for the course (valid 20.01.2020-21.12.2112):
Patrick Shulist
X207
Patrick.Shulist@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course focuses on the role of entrepreneurship in the transitioning towards a more socially and ecologically responsible world. The course is based on two core pivots: 1) why entrepreneurship is important for sustainability, 2) how sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship differs from "traditional" entrepreneurship. To accomplish this, we will explore the entrepreneurial process (e.g. ideation, venture creation, initial market entry, early growth, and late growth) with a focus on how the components of that process change by including sustainability considerations. Understanding these differences fundamentally necessitates understanding the complexity of sustainability-oriented value propositions, as well as the increased importance of gaining support from other ecosystem actors.
A unique feature of the course design is the strong emphasis on problem-based learning through a group course project where students get to work on the real-world challenges of start-ups and other entrepreneurship actors. Students are also encouraged to use the course as an opportunity to explore their own start-up ideas.
Applies in this implementation:
A major part of the course will be group projects. Partners for these projects are being finalized, but preliminarily should include:
- United Nations Technology Innovation Lab
- Multiple startups from A-Grid
- NGOs
In addition, you can pursue your own sustainability-related start-up idea. This is a great opportunity to push an idea and get constructive feedback on it.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Group project (45%)
Individual assignments (55%)
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
24 h contact hours
136 h independent work
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
A variety of articles on sustainability entrepreneurship. More detailed instructions will be provided in the course syllabus.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
None. Content will be tailored to students with different levels of experience in entrepreneurship. This will be done primarily by offering optional sessions at the start of class that cover some of the "basic" background materials. Students with experience in entrepreneurship, will be able to earn extra credit by facilitating these optional sessions. In general though, the instructors will deliver and facilitate most material.
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
1 No Poverty
4 Quality Education
7 Affordable and Clean Energy
8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
13 Climate Action
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
Classes are Monday and Tuesday From February 24-March 10.
An additional mandatory project consultation will happen on March 24, while final presentations will be on April 1st (and are not an April Fools' joke).
- Teacher: Lauri Laine
- Teacher: Patrick Shulist