Course syllabus for Sustainable supply chains

Course syllabus adopted 2021-02-08 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameSustainable supply chains
  • CodeITR363
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPSCM
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyIndustrial Engineering and Management
  • ThemeEnvironment 7.5 c
  • DepartmentTECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 37123
  • Maximum participants50
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsNo

Credit distribution

0118 Take-home examination 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Students are expected to have background in logistics, supply chain management or operations management, which will be the point of reference for the course.

Aim

The aim of the course is to provide students with a knowledge on sustainability in and sustainable development of contemporary supply chains, ranging from suppliers and customers towards logistics services providers and consumers.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Having successfully completed the course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of principles and practice of sustainable supply chains in general; what makes contemporary supply chains sustainable, and how do they become more sustainable? In particular:
  • Describe and elaborate upon the role and importance of sustainability and sustainable development in different types of supply chains and with a triple bottom-line perspective.
  • Identify and evaluate relevant established and emerging principles, frameworks and theories in sustainable logistics and supply chain management.
  • Explain how structures, processes and management activities in the supply chain impact the sustainability of contemporary supply chains in a negative or positive way.
  • Outline energy consuming activities and potential sources of environmental impact at different supply chain stages.
  • Identify the different tools to measure and assess social sustainability along the supply chains from different industries.
  • Analyze managerial challenges regarding sustainable supply chain management, and provide a structured solution to these, with clear implications for relevant stakeholders.
  • Appreciate the role of technology as enabler in sustainable development of individual supply chain processes.
  • Compose strategies towards sustainable development of supply chains.

Content

The course focuses on eight key themes:

1. Role and relevance of environmental sustainability and social responsibility for contemporary supply chains
2. Technological trends and their impact on sustainable supply chain management
3. Managing upstream and downstream relationships for sustainability in the supply chain
4. Closed-loop supply chains, reverse logistics and circular economy
5. Environmental impact assessment from different supply chain stages
6. Establishing, measuring, controlling social sustainability along different supply chains
7. Humanitarian supply chains: how to manage the consequences of global warming and unsustainability in contemporary supply chains
8. Strategies, principles and tools for sustainable development of supply chains

Organisation

The course consists of lectures, guest lectures, group work, hand-in assignments, seminars, and a learning log. The guest lectures are normally compulsory and active participation is essential in the following discussions.

Literature

Book chapters, academic journal articles and other relevant practice-oriented material.

Examination including compulsory elements

Written and oral examination. Parts of this will take place during the course in form of guest lectures, presentations and short reports. All individual elements of the course must be passed to pass the course overall.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.