This course deals with the topic of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). It starts with an investigation of firms’ outsourcing decisions. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the tensions between economic rationales and environmental/social standards that underly outsourcing decisions. During the course, students will learn about different approaches that are currently in use to manage sustainability in global supply chains, and critically reflect on their effectiveness.

Topics (Session 1-5)

• The outsourcing decision of the firm
• Buyer-led approaches for managing sustainability: Sustainability standards and audits
• The role of purchasing in SSCM
• Sustainability in multi-tier supply chains: The role of intermediaries
• Alternative approaches for managing SSCM: Legislation and multi-stakeholder approaches  

Session 6
Q+A (online)
 

Session 7
Exam

After successfully completing this course, students will be able to reflect upon basic and advanced concepts of sustainability and their implementation and application in supply chain theory and practice. At the end of the course, students will be able to compare and critically assess these different approaches in terms of their effectiveness to ensure that supply chains conform not only with economic, but also environmental and social criteria. Finally, they independently prepare presentations on special topics related 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 is tolerated if a proper reason is given.

This course has the character of a seminar. The students have to prepare research articles beforehand and the contents of these papers are presented and discussed in class. Furthermore, written assignments on the topics to discuss have to be prepared and handed in.

There are in total five classroom sessions on defined contents, one session for the exam and one (online) session for Q&A. 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%