Circular Economy (5 cr)

Objective

You will explore the circular economy activities of businesses and society through examples. You will become familiar with how companies transform the circular economy into profitable business and grasp how the principles of the circular economy are realized and what environmental impacts these actions have. You will receive concrete examples of how the transition from a linear economy to more efficient utilization of materials and resources, ultimately leading to economically viable circular economies, has been implemented in various industries and companies. Through these examples, it becomes clear how current operations have changed and how entirely new circular economy and business models have been adopted in different sectors. You will understand the principles of the circular economy, as well as its limitations and future scenarios, and can critically analyze the circular economy actions of companies and their effects.

Content

1. Basics of the circular economy and their manifestations in the operations of different companies and communities, through concrete case examples
2. Circular economy business models and environmental impacts
3. Examples of circular economy activities in businesses and how they become profitable
4. Transformation of existing businesses towards economically viable circular economies, illustrated through examples
5. New operational methods and revenue logic for the circular economy.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

You are familiar with the basics of circular economy and is able to provide examples of circular economy companies. You are capable of listing the most common business models in circular economy and can describe their characteristics and limitations. You have completed the course assignments and participated in discussions.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

You are proficient in the fundamentals of circular economy and are capable of providing examples of circular economy companies from various industries. You master the characteristics and limitations of circular economy business models and can describe how these manifest in practical business operations. You can assess the environmental impacts and effectiveness of a company's circular economy business activities. You can demonstrate, through examples in assignments how circular economy practices and revenue models are implemented. You have completed the course assignments and participated in discussions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

You are capable of comprehensively describing the circular economy and its specific characteristics across various industries and applications. You can provide examples of current circular economy technologies and their applications, and understand the unique features and limitations of these technologies, as well as their environmental impacts. In assignments, you can extensively justify their ideas by utilizing current materials and other resources, highlighting circular economy practices and revenue models through examples, and critically evaluating the effectiveness of actions. You have completed the course assignments and have actively participated in discussions by bringing in new perspectives.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

You are familiar with the basics of circular economy and is able to provide examples of circular economy companies. You are capable of listing the most common business models in circular economy and can describe their characteristics and limitations. You have completed the course assignments and participated in discussions.