There are no prerequisites
The objective of this course is to present a comprehensive overview of the main topics related to the management of sustainability within the firm and its supply chain, considering their interaction in a global context. In particular, the course will provide an overall understanding of the concept of sustainability in all its three dimensions (environmental, social and economic). Cutting edge theories, academic research, practical tools and framework in the topics of sustainable operations and supply chain management will be introduced and analyzed, to provide a basis for improving practical skills and establishing an understanding concerning these topics.
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
• understand, communicate and discuss concepts and perspectives related to sustainable operations and supply chain management;
• analyze and understand the implementation of the strategies, structures and behaviors of firms concerning sustainability in a global context.
The course contributes to the educational objectives of the economic-management area of study. In particular it contributes in developing the ability to solve complex organizational and managerial problems, and to analyze the dynamics of companies in achieving sustainability.
The course will deal with the following main topics:
• An introduction to Sustainability (definitions, triple bottom line)
• The internal perspective on the Management of Sustainable Operations, with specific attention to Social and Environmental issues (Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable development goals, Reporting)
• The upstream perspective (relationship with suppliers), including traceability, code of conducts, Supply chain design for sustainability, the Carbon Disclosure Project
• Circular Economy as a new model to manage Operations and Supply Chains
• (Extra) The Management of Global Supply Chains and International Manufacturing Networks with attention to sustainability.
Lectures will characterize teaching activities. However, a special attention will be given to the interaction with the students, who will be pushed to formulate proposals for in-depth study or debate, during the lessons. A combination of practical activities, case discussions and business seminars by guest speakers will be used to favor in-class interaction and to develop the students’ insights. Supplementary teaching material will be used: papers, case-studies, slides and other support material suggested by the teacher. Moreover, the simulation The Blue Connection on Circular Economy will be used.
The final exam will take place in oral form and the evaluation will be expressed in thirtieths. The exam will be structured in three questions concerning the entire program in order to verify the acquisition by the students of the concepts taught in the course.
Exam contents:
a) ATTENDING STUDENTS: only for attending students the final assessment will be defined as follows: 30% analysis and discussion in the classroom of one of the topics addressed during the course (individual assignment); 50% based on a project work (group assignment); 20% based on the results of the simulation The Blue Connection; 10% (bonus) on in-class proactive participation. The project work may be related to a research on a particular topic assigned, or to a practical case to be analyzed on the basis of information obtained independently by the students through the examination of secondary sources (e.g., websites, or specialized press), and/or contacts with key executives of the companies.
b) NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: The non-attending students will need to prepare on the reference texts and on some research papers provided by the teachers.
The two alternative paths (the one for attending students and the one for non-attending students) have an equal level of overall difficulty.
NOTE: If the teaching is given in mixed or remote mode, changes may be made to what is stated in the syllabus to make the course and exams effective also in these ways.