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

Reaching the goals of sustainable development requires a fundamental shift in the way resources are used in our economic system. It requires a shift from a linear economic model where resources are used and discarded to a circular economy model, where resources and materials are reused and recycled. The circular economy refers to a model, where economic value is created through the circular use of resources. The societal transition towards circular economy has fundamental implications for businesses and other organizations.

Managing Circular Economy offers students tools and concepts to understand the transition towards circular economy, and the role of businesses and other organizations in it. Students will learn concrete methods for developing organizational capabilities for circular business, and thus benefit from the transition. This type of business requires a systemic perspective towards business, and the course will also contribute towards an impoved understanding of systems thinking in business as well as understanding of business sustainability action, especially towards enviromental goals.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 26.02.2024 - 11.04.2024

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Samuli Patala

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course will introduce the key models and frameworks to understand what circular economy means for the society as well as for individual organiztions. It will also introduce systems thinking and sustainable development goals as tools to situate an organization in its broader societal environment.

    Special focus areas of the course will include circular economy business models and strategies, collaboration for circular economy, the role of different intermediaries such as public sector organizaitons and NGOs in the circular economy as well the role of new technologies as enablers of circular economy. Throughout the course, understanding nature of sustainability transitions and thinking in terms of systems will be important themes. Guest lectures will bring important insights from practicioners and professionals for understanding the practice of developing circular business. 

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Individual and group assignments (100%)

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Lectures, individual and group assignments

DETAILS

Study Material
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Learning materials include lectures, articles and videos, which are provided in the course syllabus

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

    12 Responsible Production and Consumption

    13 Climate Action

    17 Partnerships for the Goals

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Spring IV
    2023-2024 Spring IV

    Enrollment :

    Students are admitted to the course in the following priority order: 1) Management major students (B.Sc. programme) / Open university students / JOO students, 2) Creative Sustainability students, 3) other students

    Maximum participants: 70