Sustainable and Circular Supply Chains
Hållbara och cirkulära försörjningskedjor

MTTN90, 7.5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2024/25
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering LTH
Decided by: PLED I
Date of Decision: 2024-04-16
Effective: 2024-05-08

General Information

Main field: Logistics and Supply Chain Management Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, in-depth level of the course cannot be classified
Elective mandatory for: MLOG2
Elective for: E5, I5, M5
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The aim of this course is to equip students with comprehensive strategies for addressing the challenges posed by resource management and environmental concerns due to population growth and increased resource consumption. By integrating principles of sustainability and circularity, it guides students in transforming traditional supply chains into environmentally conscious, sustainable, and circular models. This approach empowers students to envision and implement supply chain solutions that not only mitigate environmental impacts but also promote business growth and resilience. This course emphasizes the importance of considering the economic, social, and environmental impacts of supply chains across all involved countries when making decisions, providing a deeper understanding of sustainable, ethical, and responsible global operations. In essence, it prepares students to work towards a more sustainable way of operating within the complex realm of global supply chains.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Have knowledge of sustainability, ethics, and responsibility within operations and supply chains, recognizing the deep impact these factors have on contemporary business practices.
• Have a deep understanding of sustainability, encompassing the triple-bottom-line perspective that embraces environmental, social, and economic dimensions, thus fostering a holistic approach to responsible supply chain operations.
• Have insight into the barriers and challenges that often impede the seamless integration of sustainability into operations and supply chains, allowing you to navigate and address these complexities effectively.
• Have an appreciation for the interconnectedness of these concepts, equipping you to contribute meaningfully to the development of strategies that promote responsible, sustainable, and ethical business practices within the global landscape.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Evaluate the sustainability of operations and supply chains, considering their environmental, social, and economic impact.
• Discern areas of operations and supply chains where sustainability falls short, proposing practical solutions for enhancement.
• Propose innovative models for sustainable operations and supply chains that promote efficiency and responsibility.
• Have proficiency in the practical implementation of Circular Economy principles within the context of sustainable operations and supply chains, facilitating the transition towards more regenerative and environmentally conscious business models.
• Articulate ideas, knowledge, arguments, or proposals in written form with precision and conciseness.
• Efficiently organize and allocate time and tasks to maximize productivity.
• Exhibit persuasive and effective communication skills, adept at influencing and compelling others through reasoned and compelling arguments.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• Demonstrate a heightened awareness of the ethical considerations associated with supply chain decisions in the context of sustainability and circularity.
• Independently evaluate the trade-offs and benefits of different supply chain and circular economy approaches, considering their environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• Apply critical thinking to assess the potential positive and negative effects of supply chain and circular economy approaches on local and global sustainability goals.
• Embrace a holistic perspective on sustainability and circularity solutions, recognizing the interconnectedness of economic, environmental, and social dimensions.
• Understand and appreciate the pivotal role of sustainable supply chain and circular economy practices in contributing to the creation of a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible society.

Contents

1) Advanced Perspectives on Sustainability in Operations and Supply Chain Management

• Advanced concepts of sustainability in the context of operations and supply chains.

2) Circular Economy Integration in Supply Chain Management

• Delve into the Circular Economy framework and its practical application within supply chain management.

3) Open and Closed Loop Supply Chain Strategies

• Analyze the strategies and dynamics of both open and closed loop supply chains, considering their environmental and economic implications.

4) Sustainable Global Value Chains and Local Impacts on Developing Economies

• Investigate the complexities of sustainable global value chains and their localized effects on developing nations, emphasizing responsible practices.

5) Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Examine the principles of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, understanding their role in fostering ethical business practices.

6) Renewable Energy Integration

• Explore the adoption of renewable energy sources within supply chains to reduce environmental footprints.

7) Sustainable Sourcing Practices

• Evaluate sustainable sourcing methods and their contribution to responsible supply chain management.

8) Ethics and Responsibility in Supply Chains

• Address the ethical dimensions of supply chains, emphasizing responsible decision-making and accountability.

9) Eco-design and Sustainable Innovation

• Investigate eco-design principles and sustainable innovation techniques to minimize environmental impact.

10) Life-Cycle Analysis in Supply Chains

• Learn to conduct life-cycle analyses, enabling informed decisions for sustainable operations.

11) Sustainable Models for Operations and Supply Chains

• Explore various sustainable models and frameworks to optimize operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

12) Sustainable Business Models

• Analyze sustainable business models and their transformative impact on contemporary organizations and industries.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment:

Student must have passed both their Individual assignment and Group assignment. Compulsory attendance may occur in certain parts.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Modules
Code: 0124. Name: Individual Assignment.
Credits: 4.0. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Approved individual report. The module includes: The students write an individual report reflecting on various aspects of sustainable and circular supply chains.
Code: 0224. Name: Group Assignment.
Credits: 3.5. Grading scale: TH - (U, 3, 4, 5). Assessment: Approved group report. The module includes: The students will work in groups, studying the supply chain of a certain product or service, which they will present orally as well as in a written report.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• At least two of the following courses: MTTN80 Supply Chain Management, MTTN75 Industrial Purchasing, MTTN25 Warehousing and Materials Handling, MTTN70 International Physical Distribution, MTTN60 Business Process Management, MTTN20 Supply Chain Information Systems, MTTN35 Packaging Logistics, MION02 Supply Chain Analytics.
• (MTTF01 Logistics or MTTF25 Fundamentals of Logistics and Operations Management)

Reading list

• Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable Supply Chains in the Post-global Economy. Cham : Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Springer, 2019, ISBN: 9783030150662.
• Weetman, Catherine: A circular economy handbook for business and supply chains : repair, remake, redesign, rethink. London : Kogan Page, 2017, ISBN: 0749476753.

Contact

Course coordinator: Sandeep Jagtap, sandeep.jagtap@tlog.lth.se
Examinator: Sandeep Jagtap, sandeep.jagtap@tlog.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.tlog.lth.se