Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
-explain the current situation of the Planetary boundaries
-map the critical areas of Planetary boundaries as environmental impact areas in an organization
-explore the relevant rules, regulations, and reporting for sustainability in an organization
-combine the environmental and social impact, the forthcoming sustainability rules and regulations in a plan for key sustainability steps in an organization

Implementation and methods of teaching

Student is able to
-explain the planetary boundaries
-map the critical areas of planetary boundaries as environmental impact areas in an organization
-explore the relevant rules, regulations, and reporting for sustainability in an organization
-combine the environmental and social impact, the forthcoming sustainability rules and regulations in a plan for key sustainability steps in an organization

Timing and attendance

3.9. 15-18
Introduction; Foundations of Sustainability & Organizational Change
- Planetary boundaries, ESG, SDG
- Definitions of sustainability in organizational contexts and strategic imperative
- Business-as-usual vs. transformative change

10.9. 15-18
Impact Measurement, Strategy and Governance
Visiting lecture by Hanna-Leena Ottelin
- SDGs and reporting frameworks
- Integrating sustainability in an organization and engaging internal stakeholders
- Accountability and transparency mechanisms


17.9. 15-18
LCA and Communicating Impact
Visiting lecture by Ville Uusitalo
- LCA, materiality, and reporting frameworks
- Integrating sustainability into strategy and risk

24.9. 15-18
Business models and innovation
Perhaps a visiting lecturer
-Students present their ideas of their development task

1.10. 15-18
Organizational Culture & Sustainability, values-driven leadership
Visiting lecture by Aino Vepsäläinen
- Real-life business cases
- Cultural change and values-driven businesses
- Role of designers in cross-disciplinary teams
- Building a culture of sustainability

8.10. 15-18
Future scenarios and transformative futures
Speculative and critical design for reimagining systems
Perhaps a visiting lecturer

15.10. 15-18
Students present their final project

Student time use and work load

133 hours student work
Pre-class preparation (25h):
Reading articles, watching videos, listening to podcasts
Lectures (21h):
Weekly lectures
Assignments, 3 in total (32h):
Pre-Task (20h), reflective journals (10h), group presentations (12h)
Final project (30h):
Research, interviews, concept development
- plan sustainability steps in an organization (sustainability roadmap for a real organization)
- Design fiction: a newsletter from the year 2035
Individual reflection (5h):
Journal & personal learning outcomes
Peer & personal feedback (10h):
Peer evaluation & final self-reflection

Assessment scale

1-5

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

Struggles to apply relevant concepts or frameworks. Suggestions lack coherence or are unrealistic. Shows little originality. Provides minimal reflection; lacks awareness of own assumptions or ethical dimensions of transformation. Communication is unclear or poorly structured. Limited engagement in group work.

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

Demonstrates a basic grasp of key frameworks e.g. planetary boundaries and applies them with some accuracy, though links to real-world context are sometimes superficial. Presents workable strategies with some strategic alignment; may overlook key risks or stakeholder dynamics. Demonstrates some creative thinking; includes novel elements but could push the vision further. Reflects on personal perspectives and identifies some ethical considerations, but depth is limited. Communicates ideas adequately and contributes to group tasks, though collaboration may be uneven.

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

Applies transformation concepts fluently and insightfully, showing deep understanding of how sustainability integrates into organizational change. Proposes a clear, compelling, and well-prioritized strategy grounded in deep understanding of feasibility and stakeholder complexity. Offers a bold, inspiring vision for transformation, combining creativity with strategic insight to reimagine the future of the organization. Engages deeply with self-reflection and ethical questions. Communicates with clarity, actively facilitates group collaboration and takes feedback constructively.