Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

The course aims to introduce aspects of sustainability. It is presenting perspectives of ecological, cultural, social, and economical principles of sustainability as basis for modern, profitable business and business planning. The course emphasizes nature as a significant resource in business, especially in experience business through examples on tourism industry context, applicable in any business sector.

After completing the course, the student will be able to:
• understand and consider sustainability aspects and principles in running profitable, responsible business.
• apply aspects of sustainability in designing and analyzing products and services.
• understand, consider and apply nature resources for product and service designing, especially in tourism industry context, applicable in any business sector.

Content (course unit)

The contents include the followings:
• Which are the principles of sustainability?
• How to consider aspects of sustainability in business planning and product design?
• What is the role of nature as a business resource and customer experience?
• How to design a sustainable nature based product/service?

Prerequisites (course unit)

None.

Further information (course unit)

Implementation plan.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

Student is able to identify and understand some of the principles of sustainability in the business context. He/she applies aspects of sustainability and the idea of nature as business resource to a limited extent in product/service design/analysis.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

Student is able to consider principles of sustainability in the business context. He/she applies aspects of sustainability and the idea of nature as business resource in product/service design/analysis in a creative way, justifying decisions.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student is able to give thorough and holistic presentation on principles of sustainability in the business context. He/she is able to apply aspects of sustainability and nature as business resource in product/service design/analysis in a creative and innovative way, justifying decisions. Professional touch is implemented.

Location and time

Course activities take place in study period 1, between 19.9. - 31.10. 2025
For more details, see Moodle course (available in Autumn - September 2025)

Exam schedules

Exam in Moodle on 31.10.2025

Assessment methods and criteria

Participating a team task: passed/failed (must be passed in order to pass the whole course.
Individual exam is assessed for the final, individual grade.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, discussions, team working, individual working and individual exam

Learning materials

Literature and course material is presented in Moodle course
For more details, see Moodle course (available in Autumn - September 2025)

Student workload

5cr = 135h of student work
Teaching and coaching sessions available, but team and individual working is emphasixed.
For more details, see Moodle course (available in Autumn - September 2025)

Content scheduling

Course activities take place in study period 1, between 19.9. - 31.10. 2025
For more details, see Moodle course (available in Autumn - September 2025)

Completion alternatives

None

Practical training and working life cooperation

Student teams are free to select co-operation wit a company or an organization

International connections

International student teams (and international companies or organizations)

Further information

IMPORTANT!
This course is mainly individual and team working. You have a good opportunity and freedom to organize your working. Meetings and team working are highly important to attend in order to pass the course! Without participating team working, course is failled. NOTE: Individual exam is to be assessed for the total grade, though.