Now more than ever, companies need experts to shape the future of global supply chains and make a lasting difference in advancing sustainability and corporate responsibility. Innovative companies such as Siemens Digital Industries Software recognize these challenges and have partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder to create this course to provide a comprehensive exploration of sustainable operations and supply chain management through the lenses of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
This third course in the Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains Specialization emphasizes effective communication of sustainability initiatives and the use of tools like Lifecycle Assessments to evaluate environmental performance. You will also explore global reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance accountability and address pressing global challenges such as ethical labor practices and corporate responsibility in global supply chains.
This course also provides an in-depth analysis of building partnerships for sustainable operations, emphasizing sustainable procurement, supplier collaboration, and ethical sourcing. Topics include fair trade practices, human rights, and compliance with international standards, equipping learners with strategies to foster equitable labor practices and enhance supply chain resilience.
This course was developed in collaboration with Siemens Digital Industries Software and is part of the "Design for the Circular Economy" collection. Learners who complete and pass the course can receive an industry-recognized digital badge.
The “Design for the Circular Economy” microcredential and graduate certificate are developed around the educational goals of providing technical, business, and leadership knowledge and skills that inspire the transformation towards a more circular economy. This includes gaining technical knowledge to apply circular economy principles in product design, minimizing waste and maximizing impact; developing business acumen to implement innovative circular economic models that prioritize sustainability and resilience; and acquiring leadership strategies to communicate effectively and inspire change within an organization.
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.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction to Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
- Welcome to Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains. This first module introduces the course and how it operates. You will learn about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, examining their foundation principles, evolution, and strategic applications in business. The module emphasizes the practical aspects of implementing and measuring CSR, exploring the complexities of balancing stakeholder expectations, developing robust metrics, and addressing challenges like greenwashing. Real-world case studies illustrate how companies can integrate CSR and ESG principles while balancing growth with sustainability.
- Environmental Impacts and Metrics for Sustainable Operations & Supply Chains
- This module introduces key concepts in sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, and effective communication of sustainability initiatives. You will explore how tools such as Lifecycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can be used to evaluate and communicate environmental performance. This module examines how reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) enhance accountability and address global challenges.
- Social Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
- This module explores the critical role of ethical labor practices and corporate responsibility in global supply chains. It addresses the challenges businesses face in navigating complex regulatory and operational environments to uphold human rights and fair labor standards. The module emphasizes the transformative impact of fair trade practices, such as fair pricing, ethical labor standards, and sustainability, on supply chains and their contributions to corporate social responsibility. By analyzing real-world scenarios, you will develop actionable strategies to ensure compliance with international standards, foster equitable labor practices, and enhance the sustainability and resilience of supply chains in diverse industries.
- Developing Partnerships for Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
- This module examines the critical role of partnerships in driving sustainable operations and building resilient supply chains. It explores the principles and practices of sustainable procurement, the development and enforcement of supplier codes of conduct, and strategies for fostering collaborative, long-term relationships with suppliers. In this module you will analyze tools and frameworks that facilitate ethical sourcing, transparency, and accountability. Through case studies and activities, you will gain insights into aligning supplier incentives with sustainability goals, managing compliance challenges, and leveraging innovation to enhance supply chain sustainability. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to create and manage partnerships that balance business objectives with environmental and social responsibility.
Taught by
Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP
