This course deals with the topic of sustainability in supply chains. It starts with an introduction into the basics and fundamental concepts of sustainability in operations and supply chain management. It is discussed how these concepts can be transferred to certain key performance indicators (KPIs) and if/how these KPIs are collected and reported by today’s companies. For that, the reporting standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) are discussed in detail. In the second and third session the focus lies on incorporating sustainability concepts into decision models in the context of supply chain management, namely location decisions and routing decisions. The fourth session is dedicated to Renewable Energies. Finally, special issues in sustainable supply chain research and practice are discussed in depth.
 

Topics (Session 1-5)
Introduction and Sustainability Basics

Decision models for sustainability (Inventory/vehicle routing/location models)

Sustainable product design

Sustainable business models

Regulations and policies for sustainability.

• Session 6
  Exam
   
• Session 7
  Students paper presentations

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to reflect upon basic and advanced concepts of sustainability and their implementation and application in theory and practice. They understand the different modelling opportunities of sustainability indicators and are capable of extending certain decision support models by sustainability aspects themselves. Furthermore, the students can analyse, assess, critically scrutinize and discuss the results of such models. Finally, they independently prepare presentations on special topics of sustainable supply chains and thus gain the ability to argue, discuss and defend their work in front of others.

According to the examination regulation full attendance is intended for a PI. Absence in one unit (or two hours in block mode lectures) is tolerated if a proper reason is given.

There are in total four sessions on defined contents, one session for the exam and one or two sessions (depending on the number of attendants) for final presentations. The final grade is composed of the following:

• Exam (individual, 50%)
• Class assignments (individual, 20%)
• Paper presentation (group, 30%)

Prerequisite for passing the course is the minimum performance of 40% in the exam and a total of at least 50% of all individual activities.

Grading scale:

• Excellent (1): 90% and above
• Good (2): 80% and above
• Satisfactory (3): 70% and above
• Sufficient (4): 60% and above
• Fail (5): < 60.0%

Incoming students (exchange programs): tba