Sustainable Business Opportunities (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

Weekly online meetings (Zoom):

22nd August: Welcome, Kick-off, Orientation to the course
29th August: Sustainability framework: SDGs. Terminology, sustainability related frameworks: purpose and objectives
5th September: Context: Meaning and impact of context in developing sustainable business
12th September: Motivation: Identifying, reflecting and evaluating motivational drivers to recognize sustainable business opportunities
19th September: Resources and networks: Recognizing different networks and understanding how to utilize them for sustainable business opportunities
26th September: Business modelling 1: Value opportunity recognition
3rd October: Business modelling 2: Sustainable business model innovation (incl. tools)
10th October: Sustainable business cases (based on the Assignment 3): EXHIBITION

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

Contact / Blended

Recognizing prior learning: If the student has obtained the skills and knowledge matching the learning goals of the course elsewhere, for example at work, s/he can show the knowledge and skills through a demonstration. Please contact the responsible teacher. More information about this: https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning.

Intro

Welcome to join the course "Sustainable business opportunities". Sustainable development is the major challenge of the 21st century. This course focuses on the sustainable development goals as an opportunity for new businesses. You will learn about process of sustainable business opportunity recognition and sustainable business modelling. After this course you understand the dimensions of environmental, social and economic impact of businesses. You will also gain skills and tools to develop sustainable future businesses.

Materials

Aagaard, A. Sustainable business models: innovation, implementation and success. E-book. 2019.
Ryan, R. & Deci, E. Self-Determination Theory. Web article. 2022.
Harmaala, MM., Harilainen, H. Blueprint for a training program on business opportunity recognition in SDGs. Haaga-Helia ammattikorkeakoulu. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. 2020.
Johnson. M. W. Reinvent Your Business Model. E-book. 2018.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Frontiers in European Entrepreneurship Research
Larsson, M. Circular business models: developing a sustainable future. E-book. 2018.
OECD. Business Models for the Circular Economy. E-book. 2019.
+ other learning material in Moodle.
Laveren, E., Blackburn, R., Ben-Hafaïedh C. Part I & II/Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems : Frontiers in European Entrepreneurship Research. E-book. 2020.

Teaching methods and instruction

Online blended
Flipped classroom.
Online lectures including workshops.

Working life connections

The teaching material and company examples related to the main theme of the course (sustainable development) will focus on both current and future job requirements (knowledge, skills, attitudes and networks).

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

No exam.

Internationality

The course material and content are based on the international framework and research on sustainable development. The course will be based on examples involving international companies.

Completion alternatives

Recognizing prior learning: If the student has obtained the skills and knowledge matching the learning goals of the course elsewhere, for example at work, s/he can show the knowledge and skills through a demonstration. Please contact the responsible teacher. More information about this: https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/recognition-learning.

Learning assignments

Assignment 1: Quiz (20 %)
Assignment 2: Objective: Make a detailed and reasoned presentation of the Context & Stakeholder Analysis. (40 %)
Assignment 3: Sustainable business opportunity recognition and development (40 %)