Overview

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 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.

Syllabus

Introduction to Sustainable Operations

Welcome to Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management! This is the first course of the Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains specialization. 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.

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.