Business Strategy and Operations in a Biobased Economy

This course is a part of Business and Operations for a Circular Bio-Economy, a 4-course MicroMasters series from edX.

“Sustainable growth business models are the beginning of a solution — they aim to optimize the use of resources and fossil energy, and to reduce waste flows and emissions (eco- efficiency). Structuring a (more) circular business model is a logical next step. A circular economy is the logical and more hands-on approach to sustainable thinking and acting. Besides a clear link to cost reduction, the principles of a circular economy have an even stronger link to value creation and innovations at system level". From the document “Circular Economy” of the Dutch Sustainable Growth Coalition.

To contribute to the bio-society in 2050 you should know what a business model of a company in the biobased and circular economy comprise of. Does it always require cross-company collaborative efforts to succeed in this sector? What operational supply chain challenges have to be dealt with to ensure efficient and sustainable production networks? And how can managerial decision-making be supported by quantitative methods?

Join the MOOC Business Strategy and Operations in a Biobased Economy if you want to be able to answer these questions and gain a solid understanding of the business side of the biobased and circular economy.

The course contains two key business perspectives. It starts with relevant strategic management considerations such as the trends impacting the transition of businesses and value chains towards a more circular economy, their multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the development of feasible biobased business models. Then, the course continues with operational considerations, on e.g. supply chain management issues, different types of planning problems that are encountered, and the development of decision support for the design and operations of biobased supply chains.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain the skills on a strategic- and operational level to transform your company’s business model in a conscious, sustainable and profitable one.

Join the MicroMasters Program!

This course is part of the MicroMasters Program Business and Operations for a Circular Bio-Economy

A series of 3 courses and a final capstone project that will provide you with the knowledge and tools to analyse the business and operations side of the switch to biobased products. You will be able to contribute to managerial decision-making, as well as deal with supply chain management and planning.

Explore the other courses in this MicroMasters Program:

Circular Economy: An Interdisciplinary Approach

From Fossil Resources to Biomass: a Chemistry Perspective

Capstone Business and Operations for a Circular Bio-Economy

You might also like the MicroMasters Program Economies and Policies for a Circular Bio-Economy.

What you'll learn

• Understand the dynamics in biobased business investments
• Creating business strategies in a biobased economy
• Understand the supply chain challenges for biobased businesses
• Using decision support tools to make better decisions about the short- and long-term plans for your business.
• Design and evaluate biobased supply chains using quantitative methods