LOG904-158 A Circular Economy for Business and Supply Chains (Autumn 2024)

About the course

This course is centred on the notion that Circular Economy (CE) is integral to ensuring businesses can continue to operate on a planet with finite resources and deliver benefits to both shareholders and society. In contrast to the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model, a CE is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources. After defining what an economy actually is, this learning path explores the nuances of the concept of a CE, including the difference between biological and technical materials, the different opportunities that exist to keep materials and products in use, and the benefits of shifting from a linear to a CE. Finally, how CE will transform traditional business models and how to design and operate supply chain networks for a CE business model, is highlighted.

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master of Science in Logistics
• Experience-based Master in Logistics
• Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Logistics
• Exchange programme - Master's level
• Master of Science in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility

Recommended requirements

None

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Upon fulfillment of this course, the students should achieve the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

• about what Circular Economy is and why it is relevant for businesses

• about how important it is to understand value in promoting CE

• about how businesses are implementing business models in a CE

• about what CE means for Supply Chains

Skills:

• Embed the CE principles and strategies into the Supply Chain (e.g., in design, purchasing, production)

• Transform traditional business models to CE business models

• Design supply chain to support new flows of materials and value in a CE

 

General competence:

• Understand how the traditional supply chains will evolve to support the transition to circular approaches for products, services, processes, or entire business models.

• Orient themselves with the digital technologies that can support the transition to a CE

• Reflect on the value opportunities realized by shifting from a linear to a CE

• Comprehend the importance of collaboration with all actors in the value chain in a CE shift

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures (three hours per day), exercise, and group work.

Examination

Examination:

• Form of assessment: Home Exam

• Proportion: 100 %

• Duration: 4 days (students are given the exam on Monday after class)

• Grouping: Group of two students

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Support material: Articles and books uploaded on Canvas, supplemented by lecture notes.

Syllabus

TBA