Circular business models fostering sustainability from Coursera

The course will start with the basic concept of Circular Economy, its definition, core characteristics, and differences with the linear economy. The definition of Circular Economy will then be enriched with the main frameworks for understanding Circular Economy (e.g., the butterfly diagram and the RESOLVE model). Additionally, the course will give some practical examples of companies applying Circular Economy principles. Having defined the concept, the course will deepen the topic from a business model perspective: frameworks and tools will be presented as a valuable means to design and evaluate Circular Business Models. Besides, the transition from linear to circular economy involves not only the company per se but also the whole business ecosystem. Accordingly, the concept of circular ecosystems will be defined together with the rationale behind the need for circular ecosystems. The course will also unveil the role of platforms in enabling the transition towards Circular economy. The course ends by identifying the main factors impacting Circular Economy adoption and investigating their role in the transition from linear to circular economy: digital technologies, policies and financing mechanisms.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

If you actively participate in this course, at the end you will be able to:

WEEK 1

- Define the concept of Circular Economy

- List its principles and clearly differentiate linear economy from circular economy

- Describe the main models at the core of Circular Economy (e.g., the Butterfly Diagram)

- Get to know some practical examples of companies applying Circular Economy principles

- List its principles and clearly differentiate linear economy from circular economy

WEEK 2

- Describe the classification of Circular Economy business models

- Use a useful and handy tool to frame a successful Circular Economy Business Model

- Define the concept of circular ecosystem and its rationale

- Explain the role of platforms in Circular Economy

WEEK 3

- Explain the role of digital technologies in enabling Circular Economy transition

- Explain the role of policies in supporting Circular Economy transition

- Describe the importance of financing mechanisms for Circular Economy

ACTIVITIES

Over and above consulting the content, in the form of videos and other web-based resources, you will have the opportunity to discuss course topics and to share ideas with your peers in the Forum of this MOOC.

You will find a large number of readings and insights to further enrich your knowledge of the topics covered.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 0: Introduction to the course

Week 1: The transition from linear to circular economy

Week 2: The business perspective behind circular economy

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Gives a brief but solid foundational understanding of the Circular Economy

Grasps core principles and concepts of the Circular Economy Framework

Explores a range of practical examples to demonstrate the application of Circular Economy principles

Emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to Circular Economy implementation, encompassing businesses, ecosystems, and enabling factors

Covers the role of digital technologies, policies, and financing mechanisms in fostering the Circular Economy transition

Provides a framework for evaluating Circular Business Models

Reviews summary

Circular business models for sustainability

According to learners, this course offers an excellent and comprehensive overview of circular economy concepts, effectively differentiating them from linear models. Students frequently highlight its well-structured content, which logically progresses from foundational definitions to practical business model examples and key enabling factors like digital technologies and policy. Many found the lectures clear and engaging, with real-world case studies and frameworks such as the butterfly diagram proving particularly insightful for understanding practical applications. While widely praised for providing a solid foundational understanding, some reviews indicate that advanced learners might desire more in-depth coverage on specific implementation tools or financial implications, suggesting its primary strength lies as a thorough introduction.

Ideal for newcomers, less for advanced practitioners.

"A good introductory course to circular business models... it provided a solid foundation."

"The course has good intentions, but some parts felt a bit too high-level... It's more of an awareness course than a practical 'how-to'."

"It serves as a good introduction but doesn't go deep enough for professionals already familiar with sustainability concepts."

Theory is well-supported by real-world applications.

"I particularly appreciated the focus on real-world applications and the role of digital technologies."

"The case studies were particularly illuminating."

"The practical examples were key to understanding. A must-take for anyone in business or environmental studies."

A well-organized and thorough overview of the topic.

"This course provides an excellent overview of the circular economy, blending theoretical concepts with practical business model examples."

"Absolutely fantastic! The course is very comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic definitions to complex business ecosystems..."

"The structure of the course, moving from foundational concepts to business models and then enabling factors, is logical and effective."

Certain advanced topics could benefit from more detail.

"I found the section on policy and financing a bit superficial, wishing for more depth..."

"I was hoping for more advanced strategies or detailed financial implications."

"The foundational weeks were strong, but later weeks could use more advanced material."

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 Circular business models fostering sustainability with these activities:

Compile a Resource List on Circular Economy

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Creating a resource list will help you organize and share valuable information on circular economy, benefiting yourself and others.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Gather resources from various sources, such as articles, websites, and videos.
Organize the resources into different categories or topics.
Create a digital or physical resource list to share with others.

Follow Online Tutorials on Circular Economy Tools and Frameworks

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Following online tutorials will provide you with hands-on experience with circular economy tools and frameworks, enhancing your understanding of their practical applications.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Identify relevant online tutorials that cover specific circular economy tools or frameworks.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
Experiment with the tools or frameworks to gain practical experience.

Participate in Online Discussion Forums on Circular Economy

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Engaging in online discussions will allow you to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and learn from others interested in circular economy.

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Join online discussion forums or groups related to circular economy.
Actively participate in discussions by sharing your thoughts, asking questions, and responding to others.

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Review 'Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things'

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the circular economy concept and its principles.

View Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make... on Amazon

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Read the introduction and Chapter 1 to understand the basic principles of circular economy.
Go through Chapter 2 to learn about the different business models that can be used to implement circular economy principles.
Read Chapter 3 to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to a circular economy.

Create a Presentation on Circular Economy for a Target Audience

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Creating a presentation for a specific audience will help you tailor your message and effectively convey the importance of circular economy principles.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Identify your target audience and their level of knowledge about circular economy.
Research and gather information on circular economy principles and case studies.
Develop a presentation that is clear, concise, and engaging.

Attend a Circular Economy Workshop or Conference

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Attending a workshop or conference will provide you with an opportunity to learn from experts, network with professionals, and gain practical insights into circular economy.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Research and identify relevant circular economy workshops or conferences.
Register and attend the event.
Actively participate in sessions and networking opportunities.

Create a Blog Post on Circular Economy

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Writing a blog post will help you synthesize and communicate your understanding of circular economy principles and their importance.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Choose a specific aspect of circular economy that you want to focus on.
Research and gather information on your chosen topic.
Write a blog post that clearly explains the topic and its significance.

Solve Circular Economy Case Studies

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Solving case studies will help you apply the concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios and develop your critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Read and analyze the case study.
Identify the key issues and challenges related to circular economy.
Develop and evaluate potential solutions to the identified issues and challenges.

Develop a Circular Economy Business Model

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Circular Economy

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Identify a problem or opportunity that can be addressed through a circular economy solution.
Research and develop a circular economy business model that addresses the identified problem or opportunity.
Create a business plan for your circular economy business model.
Present your business plan to a group of peers or mentors.

Career center

Learners who complete Circular business models fostering sustainability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Circular business models fostering sustainability

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Circular business models for sustainability

Activities

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