LOG904-182 Digital Technologies for a Sustainable Circular Economy (Autumn 2023)

About the course

This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the role of digitalization and digital technologies in promoting sustainability and circular economy practices in manufacturing contexts and supply chains. The course begins with an introduction to sustainability principles and circular economy practices, and then deepens how digital technologies can be employed to enable these transformations. The course covers various digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Blockchain, and 3D Printing. Students will also explore case studies that demonstrate the application of these technologies in various manufacturing industries and supply chains. Lastly, the course will also explore the potential economic, environmental, and social benefits and drawbacks that may arise with the application of digital technologies for the circular economy. By the end of the course, students will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to implement circular economy practices using digital technologies to achieve sustainability in manufacturing contexts and supply chains.

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

Prior knowledge on Circular Economy for Business and Supply Chain is suggested although non strictly required: the course will start with a brief recap of these concepts.

LOG904-158 A Circular Economy for Business and Supply Chains (Autumn 2023)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

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

Knowledge:

• A deep understanding of the digital technologies that can enable the implementation of circular economy principles and their importance for sustainable development.

• A general understanding of the different applications of digital technologies for circular economy in various manufacturing contexts and supply chains.

• Basic notion of the evaluation of sustainability impacts of circular economy enabled by digital technologies.

Skills:

• Apply digital technologies to implement circular economy principles in various manufacturing and logistics contexts.

• Design and communicate sustainable and circular business models enabled by digital technologies.

• Analyze and evaluate the potential impact of digital technologies on circular economy practices.

General competence:

• Independence and responsibility in applying knowledge and skills acquired during the course to real-life situations.

• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in teams to identify and solve complex problems related to digital technologies, sustainability, and circular economy.

• Capacity for self-reflection and critical thinking in the field of sustainable circular economy and digital technologies.

• Awareness of environmental and social implications of digital technologies for a sustainable circular economy.

Forms of teaching and learning

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

Examination

• Form of assessment: Home Exam and Group work presentation

• Proportion: 100 %

• Duration: 5 days (students are given the exam on Monday after class)

• Grouping: Grouping of 2-3 students

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Support material: articles on the role of digitalization for sustainability and circular economy distributed by the teacher and supplemented by lecture notes.