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Haider Ali

On this course, you’ll examine the process, methodology and impact of global circular economy initiatives.

You’ll use systems thinking and mapping to understand the underlying dynamics and interaction of your problem-opportunity space and explore the likely impacts and effects of changing and/or influencing key elements of your systems. You’ll also identify key ‘leverage points’ of potential change across your systems map that you can address through future business interventions.

Read more

On this course, you’ll examine the process, methodology and impact of global circular economy initiatives.

You’ll use systems thinking and mapping to understand the underlying dynamics and interaction of your problem-opportunity space and explore the likely impacts and effects of changing and/or influencing key elements of your systems. You’ll also identify key ‘leverage points’ of potential change across your systems map that you can address through future business interventions.

Via text-based resources and task books, you’ll gain comprehensive understanding and benefit from in-depth reference points as you formulate your ideas and plans.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the course
This week, you will learn about the benefits of a circular economy and examine what steps you should take to frame a specific challenge before you attempt to solve it.
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Systems thinking and sustainability spaces
This week, you will address complex issues within multi-stakeholder settings, often with divergent perspectives. You will learn how to create, map and analyse problems across stakeholders using systems thinking to understand complex dynamics and their interrelatedness across your chosen challenge space.
Developing your systems map
This week, you will pick up threads from the three preceding lessons and move on to building a systems map related to your challenge space.
Refining your systems map
This week, you will decide what to include and exclude from your map given the underlying complexities of your stakeholder ecosystem, and decide where you might need to intervene within your system.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills in contemplating systems dynamics in global circular economy initiatives
Teaches systems thinking, mapping, analyzing, and identifying key leverage points in global circular economy initiatives
Provides in-depth reference points and comprehensive understanding of global circular economy initiatives through text-based resources and task books
Examines the underlying dynamics and interaction of systems in global circular economy initiatives
Helps learners navigate complex issues within multi-stakeholder settings in global circular economy initiatives
Suitable for professionals and students interested in developing a comprehensive understanding of global circular economy initiatives

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Thinking about sustainable business systemically with these activities:
Review course prerequisites
Review systems thinking and mapping concepts to strengthen your foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on Systems Thinking
Show steps
  • Read introductory articles or textbooks on systems thinking
  • Practice creating simple systems maps using online tools or software
Read 'The Circular Economy Handbook'
Gain a comprehensive understanding of circular economy principles and best practices from this authoritative resource.
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  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts
  • Summarize and reflect on the main ideas and their relevance to your course work
Follow online tutorials on circular economy and systems thinking
Explore online resources to supplement your learning and gain insights into the concepts and practices of circular economy and systems thinking.
Browse courses on Circular Economy
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on platforms such as Coursera, edX, or YouTube
  • Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to your course modules
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Conduct stakeholder analysis exercises
Engage in practice exercises to develop your skills in identifying and analyzing stakeholders, their interests, and their potential influence on your project.
Browse courses on Stakeholder Analysis
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  • Identify stakeholders for a given problem or opportunity
  • Develop stakeholder profiles outlining their interests, perspectives, and potential impact
Participate in online discussion forums with other students
Engage with other students in discussions to exchange ideas, share insights, and broaden your perspectives on the course content.
Browse courses on Circular Economy
Show steps
  • Join online discussion forums or participate in live webinars hosted by the course provider
  • Contribute to discussions by sharing your thoughts, asking questions, and responding to others
Create a visual map of a chosen problem space
Develop a visual representation of your chosen problem space to enhance your understanding of its dynamics and identify potential leverage points for interventions.
Show steps
  • Use a mapping tool or software to create a visual representation of your problem space
  • Include elements such as stakeholders, resources, processes, and interactions
Develop an intervention plan for a specific circular economy challenge
Apply your understanding of circular economy and systems thinking to develop a practical plan for addressing a real-world challenge in this area.
Browse courses on Circular Economy
Show steps
  • Identify a specific circular economy challenge that you want to address
  • Develop an intervention plan that outlines your proposed solution, its benefits, and potential impact
Contribute to open-source projects related to circular economy
Apply your skills and knowledge by contributing to real-world projects that promote circular economy practices and sustainability initiatives.
Browse courses on Circular Economy
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects or initiatives related to circular economy on platforms like GitHub
  • Contribute to these projects by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or developing new features

Career center

Learners who complete Thinking about sustainable business systemically will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Analyst
A **Sustainability Analyst** researches and evaluates environmental, social, and economic factors to develop strategies for sustainable business practices. They help organizations identify and manage risks, mitigate impacts, and create long-term value. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of systems thinking and circular economy initiatives, which are essential for analyzing complex sustainability issues and developing effective solutions.
Sustainability Consultant
A **Sustainability Consultant** provides advisory services to businesses and organizations on how to improve their sustainability performance. They help clients develop and implement sustainability strategies, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance social responsibility. This course provides a strong foundation in systems thinking and sustainable business practices, which are essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities of sustainability consulting.
Environmental Engineer
An **Environmental Engineer** designs, implements, and manages solutions to environmental problems. They work to protect the environment and public health by addressing issues such as pollution, climate change, and waste management. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and circular economy initiatives, which are increasingly important for understanding the complex environmental challenges of today.
Sustainability Manager
A **Sustainability Manager** is responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs for organizations. They work to reduce environmental impacts, improve social responsibility, and enhance economic performance. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of systems thinking and sustainable business practices, which are essential for leading sustainability initiatives.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A **Corporate Social Responsibility Manager** is responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs for organizations. They work to ensure that businesses operate in a socially responsible manner and contribute to the well-being of society. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and sustainable business practices, which are essential for understanding the challenges and opportunities of CSR.
Circular Economy Consultant
A **Circular Economy Consultant** helps organizations transition to a circular economy model. They work to reduce waste, increase resource efficiency, and create closed-loop systems. This course provides a deep understanding of circular economy initiatives and systems thinking, which are essential for success in this emerging field.
Operations Manager
An **Operations Manager** is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and process mapping, which are essential for success as an Operations Manager.
Project Manager
A **Project Manager** plans, organizes, and executes projects to achieve specific goals. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, manage resources, and track progress. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and stakeholder management, which are essential for success as a Project Manager.
Systems Analyst
A **Systems Analyst** analyzes and designs systems to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. They work to understand complex systems and identify areas for improvement. This course provides a strong foundation in systems thinking and mapping, which are essential for success as a Systems Analyst.
Business Analyst
A **Business Analyst** analyzes and evaluates business processes to identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to understand business needs and develop solutions. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and stakeholder analysis, which are essential for success as a Business Analyst.
Market Research Analyst
A **Market Research Analyst** conducts research to understand market trends and consumer behavior. They work to provide insights that can help organizations develop new products and services. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and stakeholder analysis, which are essential for success as a Market Research Analyst.
Data Analyst
A **Data Analyst** collects, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends and patterns. They work to provide insights that can help organizations make better decisions. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and data analysis, which are essential for success as a Data Analyst.
Sustainability Educator
A **Sustainability Educator** teaches and trains individuals and organizations about sustainability. They work to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about environmental and social issues. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of systems thinking and sustainable business practices, which are essential for success as a Sustainability Educator.
Management Consultant
A **Management Consultant** provides advisory services to organizations on how to improve their performance. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and organizational analysis, which are essential for success as a Management Consultant.
Policy Analyst
A **Policy Analyst** researches and evaluates public policies to identify their impact and effectiveness. They work to inform decision-makers and develop evidence-based policy recommendations. This course provides a foundation in systems thinking and stakeholder analysis, which are essential for success as a Policy Analyst.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Thinking about sustainable business systemically.
This influential book presents a visionary approach to design and manufacturing that aims to create products that are safe for both human health and the environment.
This foundational text provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of the circular economy, including strategies for transitioning to a more sustainable economic model.
This classic work provides a clear and engaging introduction to systems thinking, offering practical tools and frameworks for understanding and addressing complex sustainability challenges.
This comprehensive handbook provides detailed guidance on implementing circular economy principles in various industries and sectors.
This edited volume brings together diverse perspectives on the circular economy, providing a comprehensive overview of its principles, challenges, and opportunities.
This groundbreaking work argues that it is possible to create a prosperous and sustainable economy by investing in natural resources and renewable energy.

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