Operational excellence plays a key role in improving a firm’s performance through waste elimination, variability reduction, and continuous process improvement. In light of growing sustainability challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, and labor conditions, organizations must integrate environmental and social considerations alongside traditional economic objectives.

“Operational Excellence for Sustainable Organizations” explores how operational excellence can support sustainability. The course covers foundational initiatives (Lean and Quality Management) as well as more advanced capabilities (agility, resilience, and digitalization) for managing sustainable operations. It emphasizes how these initiatives can be implemented in a meaningful (rather than purely symbolic) way, contributing to broader goals such as reducing Scope 3 emissions, achieving net-zero targets, and improving long-term business performance.

After completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

1. Explain key sustainability frameworks, including guiding principles (e.g., TBL, circular economy), practices (e.g., green practices, ESG), and targets (e.g., Scope 1–3 emissions, net-zero goals).
2. Analyze foundational operational excellence initiatives (Lean, ISO 9000, Six Sigma) and advanced capabilities (agility, resilience) in relation to sustainability, including environmental management systems and sustainable design.
3. Evaluate the role of data-driven technologies in enhancing operational excellence and supporting sustainability outcomes.
4. Apply course concepts to analyze real-world organizations and propose practical improvement solutions aligned with sustainability goals.

Attendance is expected for all sessions. One absence may be permitted only if a valid reason is communicated in advance of the session. Absences reported after the session will not be accepted.

• Lectures
• Group project
• Assisgnment and cases
• Presentation and report

• Final exam (30%)
• Group work and report (50%)
• Assignment and case (20%)

Grading scale

• 1 (Excellent): ≥ 90%
• 2 (Good): ≥ 80% to < 90%
• 3 (Satisfactory): ≥ 70% to < 80%
• 4 (Sufficient): ≥ 60% to < 70%
• 5 (Unsatisfactory): < 60%

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.