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Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP

Operations management involves the strategic use of company resources to create value and meet market demands. As customer expectations evolve, there is a growing emphasis on the environmental impact of the products we design and manufacture. Innovative companies such as Siemens Digital Industries Software recognize this need and have partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder to create this course that equips you with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable operations management practices. In Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management, you will explore concepts such as the circular economy, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. The course is for anyone who is interested in how companies can responsibly design products and operational processes to reduce waste and become more circular.

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Operations management involves the strategic use of company resources to create value and meet market demands. As customer expectations evolve, there is a growing emphasis on the environmental impact of the products we design and manufacture. Innovative companies such as Siemens Digital Industries Software recognize this need and have partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder to create this course that equips you with the knowledge and skills to implement sustainable operations management practices. In Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management, you will explore concepts such as the circular economy, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. The course is for anyone who is interested in how companies can responsibly design products and operational processes to reduce waste and become more circular.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Sustainable Operations
Welcome to Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management! This first module provides an introduction to sustainable operations management, exploring key concepts such as ESG strategies, circular economy, and systems thinking. By partnering with Siemens Digital Industries Software, you will gain insights from industry experts and examine real-world case studies. This module will equip you with the skills needed to implement sustainable practices in their organizations, benefiting both the environment and business performance.
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Sustainable Product & Process Development
This module examines sustainable design principles, focusing on product and process design for sustainability. It covers the sustainable design process, techniques, challenges, and tools, with a spotlight on the circular economy. You will explore the role of digital enterprise and digital twins in achieving sustainable design.
Sustainable Facilities
This module provides an overview of sustainable facilities, examining different types and showcasing a case study on facility decarbonization. It covers standards, scopes, and strategies for reducing carbon emissions through electrification. You will explore the concept of circular facilities and hear insights from sustainability experts to enhance an understanding of practical applications.
Sustainable Production
This module focuses on sustainable production, providing insights on achieving sustainability and energy efficiency. It covers decarbonization strategies and discusses the role of additive manufacturing in the circular economy. You will also be introduced to the concept of the industrial metaverse.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops conceptual and practical understanding of the circular economy, a key element of sustainability
Covers key topics such as sustainable design, sustainable facilities, sustainable production, and decarbonization strategies
Examines practical applications and real-world case studies to enhance relevance
Taught by instructors from the University of Colorado Boulder and industry experts from Siemens Digital Industries Software, providing a blend of academic and industry knowledge and insights
Suitable for individuals with a broad range of backgrounds, incluindo engineers, scientists, and technical professionals interested in sustainability
This course can be taken for academic credit as part of a Master's degree, indicating rigor and depth of coverage

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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 Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management with these activities:
Read 'Cradle to Cradle'
Read the seminal work on the circular economy to gain insights into the principles and practices of sustainable design and manufacturing.
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  • Summarize the key concepts of the circular economy
  • Identify examples of circular products and processes
  • Discuss the implications for businesses and industries
Review Systems Thinking
Review the concepts of systems thinking to strengthen your understanding of the interconnectedness and complexity of business operations.
Browse courses on Systems Thinking
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  • Identify the key elements of a system
  • Understand the relationships between different components
  • Apply systems thinking to analyze real-world business scenarios
Join a Study Group
Connect with your classmates and form a study group to discuss course material, work on projects, and support each other's learning.
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  • Find like-minded classmates
  • Set regular meeting times
  • Establish clear goals and objectives
Four other activities
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Design a Sustainable Product
Engage in a hands-on project to apply circular economy principles and design a sustainable product that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
Browse courses on Sustainable Design
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  • Research sustainable materials and manufacturing processes
  • Brainstorm ideas for a sustainable product
  • Design and prototype your product
  • Evaluate the sustainability and circularity of your design
Contribute to an Open-Source Sustainability Initiative
Engage with the sustainability community by contributing to open-source software projects that promote sustainable practices and solutions.
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  • Identify relevant open-source projects
  • Contribute code, documentation, or other resources
  • Collaborate with other contributors
Develop a Sustainability Strategy
Create a comprehensive sustainability strategy for a hypothetical company, outlining goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) for achieving sustainable operations.
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  • Conduct a sustainability assessment
  • Set sustainability goals and objectives
  • Identify key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Develop an implementation plan
  • Monitor and evaluate progress
Write a Case Study on a Sustainable Business
Research and write a detailed case study that analyzes the sustainable operations and practices of a successful business.
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable business
  • Research their sustainability initiatives
  • Analyze their performance and impact
  • Draw conclusions and recommendations

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