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: 26.10.2020 - 02.12.2020

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 30.09.2020-21.12.2112):

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:

    For detailed information, please see the full syllabus on the course page: Syllabus (Full one).


    The course will be taught online one; no in-person contact hours

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Group project (45%)
    Individual assignments (55%)

  • Applies in this implementation:

    For detailed information, please see the full syllabus on the course page: Syllabus (Full one).



    The course will be taught online one; no in-person contact hours


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.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    For detailed information, please see the full syllabus on the course page: Syllabus (Full one).


    The course will be taught online one; no in-person contact hours


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.

Registration for Courses
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Registration via WedOodi ends 7 days before the period starts.

  • Applies in this implementation:

    For detailed information, please see the full syllabus on the course page: Syllabus (Full one).


    The course will be taught online one; no in-person contact hours


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

Further Information
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    The course is open to all Aalto students. Priority is given to students in (1) MSc Entrepreneurship, (2) MSc Creative Sustainability, (3) CEMS, and (4) other Aalto BIZ Masters programmes. Students can further develop their venture ideas initiated in other Aalto courses, such as 25E50000 Venture ideation or 21E10000 How to change the world.

     

     

  • Applies in this implementation:

    For detailed information, please see the full syllabus on the course page: Syllabus (Full one).


    The course will be taught online one; no in-person contact hours


Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:

    For detailed information, please see the full syllabus on the course page: Syllabus (Full one).


    The course will be taught online one; no in-person contact hours