Course 2019-2020 a.y.

The course focuses on specific topics related to the Triple Bottom Line and the Circular Economy paradigms, by linking sustainability concepts with the product life cycle, from its design, manufacturing, distribution and possible end-of-life recovery options. It is structured in 4 main modules:

1. Megatrends and Corporate Sustainability.
2. Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management: a reference framework.
3. Triple Bottom Line and product Life Cycle: from product design to Closed-loop Supply Chain.
4. Measuring KPIs in Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management.

• Recognize the major impact of current megatrends related to sustainability on the operations system.
• Identify the main issues related to sustainable operations and supply chain management.
• Explain the relationship between Product Life Cycle, Circular Economy and Triple Bottom Line.

• Analyze the impact of Operations Management choices on Triple Bottom Line.
• Apply the appropriate tools and methodologies related to the Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain decision making process.
• Measure and interpret the relevant KPIs in the sustainable operations processes.
• Demonstrate organizational and teamwork abilities as well as effective presentation and communication skills.

• Face-to-face lectures
• Guest speaker's talks (in class or in distance)
• Company visits
• Case studies /Incidents (traditional, online)
• Group assignments

• The learning experience of this course includes, in addition to face-to-face lectures, case discussions, group works, real examples and interactions with guest speakers from companies that are coping with these issues. Topics are analyzed moving from real-life case-histories, so as to make the students aware not only of the technicalities related to sustainability in Operations and Supply Chain Management, but also of the most valuable experiences of companies and of industries that are leading the process toward a more sustainable operating system.
• Three group works are assigned during the course: students are expected to analyze each case/assignment within their working group and then prepare a power-point presentation summarizing their main findings. These presentations are used for the student assessment (see next paragraph) as well as a basis for a discussion of the cases in class, during which students are encouraged to bring their own views and to share insights, comments and conclusions. The active participation in class is  also considered for the overall student assessment.
• Attendance: due to this teaching methodology, heavily based on interaction and class participation, attending is recommended.

With the purpose of measuring the acquisition of the above-mentioned learning outcomes the student assessment is based on three main components:

1. In-class participation (10% of the final grade) aimed at testing the student ability to interact in a multicultural environment and to think critically through contribution given to the class discussion.
2. Three group assignments (30%  of the final grade - 10% each) designed for the purpose of verifying the student ability to:
   • Identify and analyze the main issues related to sustainable operations and supply chain management.
   • Apply the appropriate tools and methodologies learnt in class (design for environment principles, life cycle analysis, etc.). 
   • Use and evaluate the relevant data and KPIs.
   • Work on a team and organize and present effectively the relevant outcomes.
3. Final written exam (60% of the final grade), based on a mix of multiple-choice and open questions related to the topics covered in class and to the reference book, which aims to assess the student’s learning level of the theoretical models and the main concepts, methods and tools shared in the course as well as the clarity of written communication.

The attendance are measured by the specific app available to all students. To take the exam as an attending student, an attendance rate equal to or higher than 75% must be reported.

Written exam, (100% of the finale grade) based on a mix of multiple-choice and open questions related to the reference book, which aims to assess the student’s learning level of the theoretical models and the main concepts, methods and tools detailed in the book as well as the ability to analyze some implications related to them and to use a clear communication style.

• V. BELVEDERE, A. GRANDO, Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management, Wiley & Sons, 2017.
• Case-studies discussed in class and uploaded on the e-learning platform.

• V. BELVEDERE, A. GRANDO, Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management, Wiley & Sons, 2017.