Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- understand quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- find and utilise scientific publications and research data responsibly, understand the field and practices of open professional and scientific publishing.
- understand research, development and innovation activities, and the roles of various stakeholders as well as examples of regional, national and international projects in circular economy.
- increase abilities in research, development and innovation project preparation skills based on strategic understanding, latest knowledge and innovation insights.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course is delivered online. The course is taught on the Moodle platform, providing a variety of materials and learning tasks to support learning. Zoom meetings (3 x 4 hours) are held to support learning, and the lecture sections are recorded.

Timing and attendance

1.9.2025-15.11.2025

Learning material and recommended literature

Will be announced on the Moodle platform.

Learning environment

Moodle

Contents

The graduating student becomes familiar with quantitative and qualitative research methods and research, development, and innovation activities related to sustainability and the circular economy. The student understands the logic of research, development and innovation projects.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

The course includes online lectures, literature studies, research and development collaboration, individual work and group work.

Assessment criteria

Group work, individual thesis analysis, exam, participation activity.
The areas to be evaluated are described in Moodle in the file Assessment criteria.

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- understand and apply key sustainability concepts and methods in process and product management.
- assess and develop organisational processes to align with sustainability and circular economy principles.
- optimize resource use to extend lifecycle and maintain value in production, product design, and organisational projects.
- understand and enhance utilisation of renewable energy solutions as a basis of sustainable development activity; wind, solar, geothermal, biofuels, biogas and hydrogen.
- identify the innovation opportunities of sustainable development and the development and business opportunities of intellectual property rights (IPR).

Implementation and methods of teaching

Virtual course Learning methods are insightful and shared learning.

Learning material and recommended literature

There will be the course material available in the Moodle course platform.

Alternative completion methods

- earlier studies by academic course certificate (M.Sc. level)
- studies during your current studies in other higher education institution (M.Sc. level)
- simulated work situations or work experience demonstration to be settled with the teacher
- portfolios, assessment interviews to be settled with the teacher

Working life cooperation

In the assignment, the student can use their own employer's assignment or daily tasks, if they are in the field of the course content.

Learning environment

Moodle course platform, virtual lectures, in assignment/essay part own working place environment, if possible to apply.

Student time use and work load

I ect equals with ca. 27 working hours. The total study hours of the course is ca. 135 hours for a student.

Contents

The goal is to create an understanding of the meaning of the green process management in businesses' and organizations' leadership and learn some methods like Greenality, Biosphere rules method and 4L method
It is also targeted to give abilities to participate in business/organizational process identification, modelling, assessment and development.
The content is based on the utilization of process thinking in leadership, identification and modelling.
It is also how to connect processes in strategy and impact of the ICT in process development and renovation.
Product development part of the course will concentrate on product planning by sustainability and circular ecnonomy principles.

Assessment criteria

Written assignments with different weights (20%, 20%, 60%)

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Any of the assignments undone or not in an approved level during the course time.

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

Student's performance is inadequate or the outputs don't equal with the assignment(s) requirements. A student has used references in the written assignments, but there are still inadequacy. The content of the assignment is very minimal. Own thinking is not expressed, and that is why there are no interdependence between issues.

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

A student works in a smooth manner and there are only a need affording a bit more. In assignments a few issues are presented and illustrated by examples.
Through own thinking the theory and examples are interrelated. It has been brought out key issues and the assignments are structured sets of written outputs.

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

Student's is performing in a very smooth manner, output techniques is personal, outputs of the assignments are according to the requirements.Furthermore, assignments include knowledge based thinking from various approaches, comparisons or assessment.