Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- operate in a work-related project alone or in a small team
- apply different kinds of information search and development methods
- write a report following the thesis guidelines and present the results according to the instructions

Implementation and methods of teaching

There are many different project courses in the environmental technology education curricula (list at the end of this document), for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can generally complete these courses in two different ways:
1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company
2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you.

Timing and attendance

The course can be completed at a time that best suits the student's own schedule.

Project studies can also be completed in various project study units organized by LAB and other higher education institutions (for example Lahti Venture Program), in which case the scheduling of these study courses is followed.

Projects completed at work can also be credited for project studies.

Learning material and recommended literature

You can find additional information on how to complete project studies on the Moodle site of project studies "Ympäristöteknologian projektikurssit".

Alternative completion methods

Project studies can generally be completed in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you/your employer

Working life cooperation

The topics of the projects must be work life-oriented.

Exam retakes

The course must be successfully completed during the studies.

Student time use and work load

The calculated workload of the course is 135 hours, which consists of the time spent on the project itself, getting to know the subject area, making a project plan, reporting and reflecting. Time use for the project is monitored by working hours.

If the student replaces the studies, these guidelines are followed with a project study package offered by another entity.

Contents

This course is part of environmental technology project courses, for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can take these courses in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you or your employer.

Assessment criteria

The final report accounts for 70% of the project's overall grade. 30% of the project grade comes from the research plan. An evaluation matrix is used to evaluate the final report. The areas to be evaluated are described in Moodle in the file Assessment criteria for the research plan and final report.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student's competence does not meet the evaluation criteria of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reports of the assignments have flaws and are illogical
Project scheduling and resourcing have been done, but they have not been recorded at a sufficient level
There are deficiencies in process management and teamwork skills
The methods used in the project and their description are unnecessary
The results of the project are few and they are presented unclearly
Reflection and monitoring of working hours have not been done

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting of the work has been carried out well, mainly following the reporting guidelines
The goals of the project are well described
The project plan is relatively clear
Project process management and cooperation with stakeholders was good
The methods used in the project were appropriate and have been clearly described
The results of the project were mostly achieved and they were presented with justification
The activities of the group, the strengths of the individuals/areas for development and learning are described.
Work time monitoring restored

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting is clear and the structure of the reports is consistent
In reporting, the guidelines have been followed excellently
Project management was excellent and independent
The cooperation between the client, the project team and the supervisor was excellent.
The methods are clearly described and their use is justified.
The project was completed within the agreed schedule.
The project goals were exceeded and they were presented very well
The group's operations and strengths/areas for development have been evaluated and clearly compared to the set goals.
The work time plan is clear

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- apply commonly used environmental and sustainability certificates and labels
- report guidelines and standards, measures and practices
- create measures to manage resource and environmental efficiency and CSR -development of the company

Implementation and methods of teaching

Sustainability reporting is a virtual course through which students will learn what is included in the reports of companies. What regulations companies should follow in writing their reports. What are the best practices and what are the challenges. Throughout different case examples, students will learn the different companies' strategies towards sustainability, decision making as well as the implementation and follow up the reports.
Each session of the course includes group work and assignments for better understanding and reviewing the topics that have been discussed.
In addition there will be individual assignments to pass this course.
The individual and group work assignments counts 40% of the final grade.
The final project is 50% of the final grade and is done in the group of 4-5 students.
More detailed description of the teaching material will be provided in the introduction of the first session.

Timing and attendance

This Course is held during Autumn semester 6.9.2023- 15-11-2023.
Active participation of the course is 10% of the final grade

Learning material and recommended literature

This course is taught based on different scientific books, articles and resources. The course materials will be uploaded after each session in moodle and the additional learning material will be provided for the students' interest in the topic and further learning

Alternative completion methods

Can be discussed with the instructor. Students should inform the teacher ASAP to discuss.

Exam retakes

No Exam

Learning environment

Online learning platform, ZOOM and Teams.

Student time use and work load

The average work load for this course is estimated to be 135 hours (5 ECTS). The main part of the study module´s work load consists of independent and group work, about 115 hours (including individual assignments and final group work). The time allocation for contact learning is about 20 hours.

Contents

Sustainability Reporting is a virtual course through which you will learn
- What sustainable business is?
- Definition of corporate social responsibility?
- Eu Taxonomy, GRI standards, CDP scoring
- CSR standards, SASB index, ISO 26000, ISO 14001
- What are Scopes 1, 2 and 3 of Carbon Emissions?
- Sustainability reporting process

Assessment criteria

less than 50p is fail 0
Grade 1: 50 - 59 p
Grade 2: 60 - 69 p
Grade 3: 70 - 79 p
Grade 4: 80 - 89 p
Grade 5 requires a minimum of 90 p

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can:
- find information from data sources in the subject area
- use the most important tools and programmes used in their professional field
- use various calculation programmes and tools and can apply them in various field or theme specific tasks

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- apply digital tools in circular economy development projects
- act as a responsible team member and apply digital / online tools in project management
- create a digital online publication on a practical project

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- analyse and develop internal logistics
- analyse and develop the components of the supply chain

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- Describe a land use planning system
- Define the key features of a sustainable community
- Apply what they learned in a small-scale project

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- apply planning software to illustrate structured or created information
- acquire knowledge and create a report for the basis of a development project and make use of geographical data
- observe the site considering the environmental aspects
- prepare development suggestions in a project based on reviews and acquired data

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- acquire information on the regional administration reform and understands its impact on the municipalities
- understand the principles of a municipality as an operating environment and the appropriate decision-making principles
- understand starting points for general level planning and knows how to prepare and structure information on and
for master plans
- create development plans based on municipal needs

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- define the impacts of climate change on various societies
- the basics of a transport planning system and transport planning
- calculate the reduction of municipal emissions (including traffic) in various circumstances

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- understand the signification of the risk management in different administrative and industrial sectors
- identify, evaluate, quantify and monitor potential risks
- make suggestions for risk avoidance and reductions
- project management tools in efficient project management

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is a virtual course. The contact learning lectures are held online. The main course assignment can be done in pairs or individually. Smaller assignments are done individually. The course is evaluated based on course assignment and other assignments given.

Timing and attendance

The course is held during the fall semester.

Learning material and recommended literature

All the materials will be achievable online and links can be found in Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Arrangements will be agreed with the teacher in responsible of the course.

Working life cooperation

Visitor lecture(s) from business side.

Exam retakes

Will be informed in the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Zoom and Moodle

Student time use and work load

The average work load for this course is estimated to be 135 hours (5 ECTS). The time allocation for on-line lecture learning is about 20 hours. Student will complete Course Assignment (65h), and in addition also other assignments and quizes.

Contents

The course observes the basic tools used in project management such as stakeholder analysis, project charter, WBS, time scheduling methods, and resource planning. Also, risk analysis and risk management tools are introduced.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prerequisites

Assessment criteria

All of the assignments and exam must be done (and approved).

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Does not meet the competence requirements of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- knows the most common project management tools and how to use them
- understands the importance of risk assessment
- knows the risk management process and the tools

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- knows the project management tools and how to use them in different type projects
- understands the importance of risk assessment
- knows the risk management process and the tools

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- is able to analyze and decide which project management tools are reasonable to utilize in different type of projects
- identifies and is able to tackle the complexity issues that may occur
- understands the importance of risk management
- is able to analyze risks with different tools

Learning outcomes

The student can
- acquire, apply and evaluate data related to research and development activities
with source-criticism
- follow ethical principles in research activities
- apply the most typical research and development methods of their field
- write a scientific report applying appropriate language, style and references

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course includes lectures, statistical methods mainly with Excel, and exercises to be done independently and in groups. The course is mainly implemented online, there is an average of 2 h/week of local/online teaching during the fall semester.

Timing and attendance

The course is implemented in the fall semester. On average, the teaching is once a week for 2 hours. Attendance at classes is recommended, especially in the statistical mathematics section.

Learning material and recommended literature

Hanna Vilkka, Tutki ja kehitä, 2015 E-kirja
Other material is distributed to students at the beginning of the study period via Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Will be agreed with the teacher in charge.

Working life cooperation

The measurement data used in the exercise is obtained from the city of Lahti.

Exam retakes

The course does not include an exam. Exercises must be done and returned during the course.

Student time use and work load

Online/face-to-face teaching approx. 20 h, guided workshops and seminars approx. 10 h, Independent/group work approx. 100 h.

Contents

The course has two sections. The first one focuses on the most commonly used qualitative research methods and reporting in environmental technology, and the thesis process.

Quantitative methods, especially important in technology, are introduced through statistical methods.

During the course, an extensive report will be made in groups. The report uses climate data from the city of Lahti and Finland. The data is mainly processed with excel. Based on the obtained results, a report is prepared, following the LAB's reporting guidelines. The studies also include participation in thesis seminars.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prior knowledge requirements

Assessment criteria

0 - 5

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- search for information from various information sources
- use individual professional concepts and demonstrates familiarity with the field's knowledge base
- follow the given instructions and rules
- describe the starting points, needs and bases related to the exercises and actions in individual situations
to be done according to the assignment
- writes a report in accordance with the instructions, with learned techniques, work methods and models.
- act as a member of the group

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- limit the need for information and separate everyday information from researched information
- act in a goal-oriented and developmental way in doing assignments related to study courses independently and as part of a group
- find out the starting points, needs and bases related to research methods and report on them duly
- use key professional concepts consistently in exercises
- writes a report in accordance with the instructions, in which he has applied a wide range of learned techniques, work methods and models.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- search for information according to the stages of the information acquisition process, justify the selection and use of information sources, and evaluate different information sources
- use professional concepts expertly as part of the exercises done in the study courses
- organize the group's activities
- write a report in accordance with the instructions, in which the techniques, work methods and models learned have been applied in a wide range of ways with justification

Learning outcomes

The student can:
- use project-related concepts consistently and can justify their actions based on
data
- review the starting points, needs and rationale of a project
- work in a goal-oriented way, evaluate operations and make development suggestions
- apply various techniques and working methods to projects
- operate safely, ethically and in a customer-oriented way
- operate responsibly and in a goal-oriented manner within a group and in other situations requiring interaction during projects
- create a presentation of a practical project using digital medial elements

Implementation and methods of teaching

There are many different project courses in the environmental technology education curricula, for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can generally complete these courses in two different ways:
1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company
2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you.

Timing and attendance

The course can be completed at a time that best suits the student's own schedule.

Project studies can also be completed in various project study units organized by LAB and other higher education institutions (for example Lahti Venture Program), in which case the scheduling of these study courses is followed.

Projects completed at work can also be credited for project studies.

Learning material and recommended literature

You can find additional information on how to complete project studies on the Moodle site of project studies "Ympäristöteknologian projektikurssit".

Alternative completion methods

Project studies can generally be completed in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you/your employer

Working life cooperation

The topics of the projects must be work life-oriented.

Exam retakes

The course must be successfully completed during the studies.

Student time use and work load

The calculated workload of the course is 135 hours, which consists of the time spent on the project itself, getting to know the subject area, making a project plan, reporting and reflecting. Time use for the project is monitored by working hours.

If the student replaces the studies, these guidelines are followed with a project study package offered by another entity.

Contents

This course is part of environmental technology project courses, for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can take these courses in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you or your employer.

Assessment criteria

The final report accounts for 70% of the project's overall grade. 30% of the project grade comes from the research plan. An evaluation matrix is used to evaluate the final report. The areas to be evaluated are described in Moodle in the file Assessment criteria for the research plan and final report.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student's competence does not meet the evaluation criteria of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reports of the assignments have flaws and are illogical
Project scheduling and resourcing have been done, but they have not been recorded at a sufficient level
There are deficiencies in process management and teamwork skills
The methods used in the project and their description are unnecessary
The results of the project are few and they are presented unclearly
Reflection and monitoring of working hours have not been done

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting of the work has been carried out well, mainly following the reporting guidelines
The goals of the project are well described
The project plan is relatively clear
Project process management and cooperation with stakeholders was good
The methods used in the project were appropriate and have been clearly described
The results of the project were mostly achieved and they were presented with justification
The activities of the group, the strengths of the individuals/areas for development and learning are described.
Work time monitoring restored

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting is clear and the structure of the reports is consistent
In reporting, the guidelines have been followed excellently
Project management was excellent and independent
The cooperation between the client, the project team and the supervisor was excellent.
The methods are clearly described and their use is justified.
The project was completed within the agreed schedule.
The project goals were exceeded and they were presented very well
The group's operations and strengths/areas for development have been evaluated and clearly compared to the set goals.
The work time plan is clear

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- analyse and develop internal logistics
- analyse and develop the components of the supply chain

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can:
- find information from data sources in the subject area
- use the most important tools and programmes used in their professional field
- use various calculation programmes and tools and can apply them in various field or theme specific tasks

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- apply digital tools in circular economy development projects
- act as a responsible team member and apply digital / online tools in project management
- create a digital online publication on a practical project

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- Describe a land use planning system
- Define the key features of a sustainable community
- Apply what they learned in a small-scale project

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can:
- use project-related concepts consistently and can justify their actions based on
data
- review the starting points, needs and rationale of a project
- work in a goal-oriented way, evaluate operations and make development suggestions
- apply various techniques and working methods to projects
- operate safely, ethically and in a customer-oriented way
- operate responsibly and in a goal-oriented manner within a group and in other situations requiring interaction during projects
- create a presentation of a practical project using digital medial elements

Implementation and methods of teaching

There are many different project courses in the environmental technology education curricula, for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can generally complete these courses in two different ways:
1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company
2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you.

Timing and attendance

The course can be completed at a time that best suits the student's own schedule.

Project studies can also be completed in various project study units organized by LAB and other higher education institutions (for example Lahti Venture Program), in which case the scheduling of these study courses is followed.

Projects completed at work can also be credited for project studies.

Learning material and recommended literature

You can find additional information on how to complete project studies on the Moodle site of project studies "Ympäristöteknologian projektikurssit".

Alternative completion methods

Project studies can generally be completed in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you/your employer

Working life cooperation

The topics of the projects must be work life-oriented.

Exam retakes

The course must be successfully completed during the studies.

Student time use and work load

The calculated workload of the course is 135 hours, which consists of the time spent on the project itself, getting to know the subject area, making a project plan, reporting and reflecting. Time use for the project is monitored by working hours.

If the student replaces the studies, these guidelines are followed with a project study package offered by another entity.

Contents

This course is part of environmental technology project courses, for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can take these courses in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you or your employer.

Assessment criteria

The final report accounts for 70% of the project's overall grade. 30% of the project grade comes from the research plan. An evaluation matrix is used to evaluate the final report. The areas to be evaluated are described in Moodle in the file Assessment criteria for the research plan and final report.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student's competence does not meet the evaluation criteria of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reports of the assignments have flaws and are illogical
Project scheduling and resourcing have been done, but they have not been recorded at a sufficient level
There are deficiencies in process management and teamwork skills
The methods used in the project and their description are unnecessary
The results of the project are few and they are presented unclearly
Reflection and monitoring of working hours have not been done

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting of the work has been carried out well, mainly following the reporting guidelines
The goals of the project are well described
The project plan is relatively clear
Project process management and cooperation with stakeholders was good
The methods used in the project were appropriate and have been clearly described
The results of the project were mostly achieved and they were presented with justification
The activities of the group, the strengths of the individuals/areas for development and learning are described.
Work time monitoring restored

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting is clear and the structure of the reports is consistent
In reporting, the guidelines have been followed excellently
Project management was excellent and independent
The cooperation between the client, the project team and the supervisor was excellent.
The methods are clearly described and their use is justified.
The project was completed within the agreed schedule.
The project goals were exceeded and they were presented very well
The group's operations and strengths/areas for development have been evaluated and clearly compared to the set goals.
The work time plan is clear

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- operate in a work-related project alone or in a small team
- apply different kinds of information search and development methods
- write a report following the thesis guidelines and present the results according to the instructions

Implementation and methods of teaching

There are many different project courses in the environmental technology education curricula (list at the end of this document), for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can generally complete these courses in two different ways:
1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company
2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you.

Timing and attendance

The course can be completed at a time that best suits the student's own schedule.

Project studies can also be completed in various project study units organized by LAB and other higher education institutions (for example Lahti Venture Program), in which case the scheduling of these study courses is followed.

Projects completed at work can also be credited for project studies.

Learning material and recommended literature

You can find additional information on how to complete project studies on the Moodle site of project studies "Ympäristöteknologian projektikurssit".

Alternative completion methods

Project studies can generally be completed in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you/your employer

Working life cooperation

The topics of the projects must be work life-oriented.

Exam retakes

The course must be successfully completed during the studies.

Student time use and work load

The calculated workload of the course is 135 hours, which consists of the time spent on the project itself, getting to know the subject area, making a project plan, reporting and reflecting. Time use for the project is monitored by working hours.

If the student replaces the studies, these guidelines are followed with a project study package offered by another entity.

Contents

This course is part of environmental technology project courses, for which the teachers do not organize separate courses. You can take these courses in two different ways: 1) By participating in project/innovation events organized by LAB or another university/company 2) By making a project for the workplace or on a topic that interests you or your employer.

Assessment criteria

The final report accounts for 70% of the project's overall grade. 30% of the project grade comes from the research plan. An evaluation matrix is used to evaluate the final report. The areas to be evaluated are described in Moodle in the file Assessment criteria for the research plan and final report.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student's competence does not meet the evaluation criteria of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reports of the assignments have flaws and are illogical
Project scheduling and resourcing have been done, but they have not been recorded at a sufficient level
There are deficiencies in process management and teamwork skills
The methods used in the project and their description are unnecessary
The results of the project are few and they are presented unclearly
Reflection and monitoring of working hours have not been done

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting of the work has been carried out well, mainly following the reporting guidelines
The goals of the project are well described
The project plan is relatively clear
Project process management and cooperation with stakeholders was good
The methods used in the project were appropriate and have been clearly described
The results of the project were mostly achieved and they were presented with justification
The activities of the group, the strengths of the individuals/areas for development and learning are described.
Work time monitoring restored

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The reporting is clear and the structure of the reports is consistent
In reporting, the guidelines have been followed excellently
Project management was excellent and independent
The cooperation between the client, the project team and the supervisor was excellent.
The methods are clearly described and their use is justified.
The project was completed within the agreed schedule.
The project goals were exceeded and they were presented very well
The group's operations and strengths/areas for development have been evaluated and clearly compared to the set goals.
The work time plan is clear

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- understand the signification of the risk management in different administrative and industrial sectors
- identify, evaluate, quantify and monitor potential risks
- make suggestions for risk avoidance and reductions
- project management tools in efficient project management

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is a virtual course. The contact learning lectures are held online. The main course assignment can be done in pairs or individually. Smaller assignments are done individually. The course is evaluated based on course assignment and other assignments given.

Timing and attendance

The course is held during the fall semester.

Learning material and recommended literature

All the materials will be achievable online and links can be found in Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Arrangements will be agreed with the teacher in responsible of the course.

Working life cooperation

Visitor lecture(s) from business side.

Exam retakes

Will be informed in the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Zoom and Moodle

Student time use and work load

The average work load for this course is estimated to be 135 hours (5 ECTS). The time allocation for on-line lecture learning is about 20 hours. Student will complete Course Assignment (65h), and in addition also other assignments and quizes.

Contents

The course observes the basic tools used in project management such as stakeholder analysis, project charter, WBS, time scheduling methods, and resource planning. Also, risk analysis and risk management tools are introduced.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prerequisites

Assessment criteria

All of the assignments and exam must be done (and approved).

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Does not meet the competence requirements of the course.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- knows the most common project management tools and how to use them
- understands the importance of risk assessment
- knows the risk management process and the tools

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- knows the project management tools and how to use them in different type projects
- understands the importance of risk assessment
- knows the risk management process and the tools

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

a student
- is able to analyze and decide which project management tools are reasonable to utilize in different type of projects
- identifies and is able to tackle the complexity issues that may occur
- understands the importance of risk management
- is able to analyze risks with different tools

Learning outcomes

The student can
- acquire information on the regional administration reform and understands its impact on the municipalities
- understand the principles of a municipality as an operating environment and the appropriate decision-making principles
- understand starting points for general level planning and knows how to prepare and structure information on and
for master plans
- create development plans based on municipal needs

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- apply planning software to illustrate structured or created information
- acquire knowledge and create a report for the basis of a development project and make use of geographical data
- observe the site considering the environmental aspects
- prepare development suggestions in a project based on reviews and acquired data

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- apply commonly used environmental and sustainability certificates and labels
- report guidelines and standards, measures and practices
- create measures to manage resource and environmental efficiency and CSR -development of the company

Implementation and methods of teaching

Sustainability reporting is a virtual course through which students will learn what is included in the reports of companies. What regulations companies should follow in writing their reports. What are the best practices and what are the challenges. Throughout different case examples, students will learn the different companies' strategies towards sustainability, decision making as well as the implementation and follow up the reports.
Each session of the course includes group work and assignments for better understanding and reviewing the topics that have been discussed.
In addition there will be individual assignments to pass this course.
The individual and group work assignments counts 40% of the final grade.
The final project is 50% of the final grade and is done in the group of 4-5 students.
More detailed description of the teaching material will be provided in the introduction of the first session.

Timing and attendance

This Course is held during Autumn semester 6.9.2023- 15-11-2023.
Active participation of the course is 10% of the final grade

Learning material and recommended literature

This course is taught based on different scientific books, articles and resources. The course materials will be uploaded after each session in moodle and the additional learning material will be provided for the students' interest in the topic and further learning

Alternative completion methods

Can be discussed with the instructor. Students should inform the teacher ASAP to discuss.

Exam retakes

No Exam

Learning environment

Online learning platform, ZOOM and Teams.

Student time use and work load

The average work load for this course is estimated to be 135 hours (5 ECTS). The main part of the study module´s work load consists of independent and group work, about 115 hours (including individual assignments and final group work). The time allocation for contact learning is about 20 hours.

Contents

Sustainability Reporting is a virtual course through which you will learn
- What sustainable business is?
- Definition of corporate social responsibility?
- Eu Taxonomy, GRI standards, CDP scoring
- CSR standards, SASB index, ISO 26000, ISO 14001
- What are Scopes 1, 2 and 3 of Carbon Emissions?
- Sustainability reporting process

Assessment criteria

less than 50p is fail 0
Grade 1: 50 - 59 p
Grade 2: 60 - 69 p
Grade 3: 70 - 79 p
Grade 4: 80 - 89 p
Grade 5 requires a minimum of 90 p

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student can
- acquire, apply and evaluate data related to research and development activities
with source-criticism
- follow ethical principles in research activities
- apply the most typical research and development methods of their field
- write a scientific report applying appropriate language, style and references

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course includes lectures, statistical methods mainly with Excel, and exercises to be done independently and in groups. The course is mainly implemented online, there is an average of 2 h/week of local/online teaching during the fall semester.

Timing and attendance

The course is implemented in the fall semester. On average, the teaching is once a week for 2 hours. Attendance at classes is recommended, especially in the statistical mathematics section.

Learning material and recommended literature

Hanna Vilkka, Tutki ja kehitä, 2015 E-kirja
Other material is distributed to students at the beginning of the study period via Moodle.

Alternative completion methods

Will be agreed with the teacher in charge.

Working life cooperation

The measurement data used in the exercise is obtained from the city of Lahti.

Exam retakes

The course does not include an exam. Exercises must be done and returned during the course.

Student time use and work load

Online/face-to-face teaching approx. 20 h, guided workshops and seminars approx. 10 h, Independent/group work approx. 100 h.

Contents

The course has two sections. The first one focuses on the most commonly used qualitative research methods and reporting in environmental technology, and the thesis process.

Quantitative methods, especially important in technology, are introduced through statistical methods.

During the course, an extensive report will be made in groups. The report uses climate data from the city of Lahti and Finland. The data is mainly processed with excel. Based on the obtained results, a report is prepared, following the LAB's reporting guidelines. The studies also include participation in thesis seminars.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No prior knowledge requirements

Assessment criteria

0 - 5

Assessment scale

1-5

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- search for information from various information sources
- use individual professional concepts and demonstrates familiarity with the field's knowledge base
- follow the given instructions and rules
- describe the starting points, needs and bases related to the exercises and actions in individual situations
to be done according to the assignment
- writes a report in accordance with the instructions, with learned techniques, work methods and models.
- act as a member of the group

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- limit the need for information and separate everyday information from researched information
- act in a goal-oriented and developmental way in doing assignments related to study courses independently and as part of a group
- find out the starting points, needs and bases related to research methods and report on them duly
- use key professional concepts consistently in exercises
- writes a report in accordance with the instructions, in which he has applied a wide range of learned techniques, work methods and models.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- search for information according to the stages of the information acquisition process, justify the selection and use of information sources, and evaluate different information sources
- use professional concepts expertly as part of the exercises done in the study courses
- organize the group's activities
- write a report in accordance with the instructions, in which the techniques, work methods and models learned have been applied in a wide range of ways with justification

Learning outcomes

The student can
- define the impacts of climate change on various societies
- the basics of a transport planning system and transport planning
- calculate the reduction of municipal emissions (including traffic) in various circumstances

Assessment scale

1-5