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: 24.02.2025 - 09.04.2025
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 organizations 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:
Class participation and individual/group assignments (60%), Exam (40%)
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
valid for whole curriculum period:
Prerequisites
valid for whole curriculum period:
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: 2024-2025 Spring IV
2025-2026 Spring IVRegistration:
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) Sustainable use of natural resources minor students, 4) BIZ exchange students, 5) other students. Maximum participants 70