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Code
GBE-CIR1
Version
1.0
Offered by
Global Business Engineering
ECTS
5
Prerequisites
None
Main purpose
The dominant economic model of today "take, make, waste" drives the rapid depletion of vital natural resources and harms our planet's ecological systems. It is time for a paradigm shift.
Circularity is about maximizing and preserving the value of products and services throughout their lifecycle. It impacts nearly every aspect of the value chain and business operations, from product design and supply chain management to marketing and material extraction.
In this course, we explore how circular value chains help retain value, address resource scarcity, and protect the natural systems we all depend on. We examine innovative circular business models that create benefits for the companies that implement them, their customers, and society as a whole.
The course focuses on real-world case studies of businesses leading the way with new business models that are increasingly shaping the world of tomorrow.
Throughout this elective, students will work on:
• How circular business models can enable people, the planet, and businesses to thrive.
• How to analyze value chains with a circular mindset and identify circular opportunities.
• How eco-design, remanufacturing, take-back programs, product-as-a-service, product lifespan extension, and material reuse contribute to circularity and more resilient business practices.
• The challenges and barriers businesses, industries, and society face in transitioning to a more sustainable and circular economy.
• How companies integrate circularity into business strategies to drive sustainable growth.
• The role of innovation and product design in enabling circularity.
• The EU Circular Economy Action Plan as part of a broader green transition.
Knowledge
The student will gain knowledge of:
• The concepts of linear and circular economy, cradle-to-cradle, externalities, and systems thinking.
• How to create and maintain maximum value through circular "R-strategies" that narrow, slow, and close material loops.
• The key types of circular business models.
• Circular strategies such as remanufacturing, reverse logistics, and take-back management.
• Design for circularity: product design strategies and EU directives influencing product design.
• Existing and upcoming regulations and legislation related to circularity in business.
• Doughnut Economics.
Skills
The student will acquire the following skills:
• Thinking with a value-oriented and circular mindset.
• Assessing, analyzing, and designing circular value chains.
• Identifying circular opportunities in value chains and new business models.
Competences
The student will develop competencies in:
• Assisting organizations in integrating circularity into their operations.
• Supporting circular economy initiatives and evaluating their performance.
• Developing circular business models for companies.
• Contributing to value chain management based on circular concepts.
Topics
Teaching methods and study activities
12 weeks of 4 lessons each. Additionally, students are required to prepare independently. In total, the course corresponds to 137 hours of work.
Resources
Provided at the start. Free articles and website materials.
Evaluation
Examination
Exam prerequisites:
None
Exam type:
• You choose the exam question by choosing a numbered card from the possibilities on the table.
• You have 20 minutes to prepare your answer using any materials from the course or materials you chose to access during the preparation period.
• You will have 5 minutes to present your answer. You are welcome to link to other topics within the course subject if you feel they are relevant. If you have a presentation, please ensure that you know how to begin presenting immediately since we cannot allow extra time for connection issues.
• You will then be asked questions about your presentation and determine your knowledge on other areas of the course (10 minutes).
• After the examiner and censor have discussed the grade, you are called back in the room to receive your grade and feedback (5 minutes).
Internal censor
Allowed tools:
PC and course materials; the internet may be used, but generative artificial intelligence is not allowed.
Reexamination:
As ordinary
Grading criteria
Additional information
Responsible
Miguel Brand (migb)
Valid from
01-08-2025 00:00
Course type
Keywords
Circular Economy