Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, participants create mutual understanding on how the circular economy (CE) and risk management are interconnected. They explore the relation of both CE and risk management to sustainable development and the to need for systemic change. Participants will explore the transition from linear to circular economy, by using current concepts, solutions, and ecosystems created to promote the CE. As an important part of the course, the participants will familiarize themselves with risk management and how to identify, assess, and prioritize risks in different contexts. Participants learn how to search CE and risk management related literature from various sources and learn how to analyse and assess the reliability of different information sources. The assignments aim to support the use of versatile information sources and analysis of the materials from different viewpoints.

After completing the course, the participants can:
- Utilize various sources to find research-based information
- Explain current research-based knowledge of CE
- Analyze current concepts, solutions, and ecosystems of CE
- Describe risk management tools and processes
- Interpret connections between CE and risk management
- Suggest improvements for current CE concepts, solutions, and ecosystems

Content (course unit)

Information sources and searches
Current knowledge of CE
CE concepts, solutions, and ecosystems
Terminology of risk management
Risk management methods and tools
Implementation of risk management processes

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

The student can perform routine searches to find research-based information. The student can recognize and define phenomena and basic concepts of circular economy. The student knows the terminology, methods, and basic tools of risk management. The student can, with the help of others, manage to solve assigned tasks. The student gives and receives feedback but considers and assesses things only from his/her own point of view, without being able to generalize and contextualize. Commitment to create mutual understanding about interconnection of CE and risk management remains unclear and limited.

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

The student can perform searches of research-based information from various sources and explain and compare results in a logical way and can assess the reliability of the sources. The student can structure relations between field-related phenomena and the existing CE knowledge and concepts. Student can explain the terminology, methods, and tools of risk management and apply the knowledge. The student can apply research-based information to assigned tasks and select the most appropriate courses of actions from diverse options and justify his/her choice. The student can give and receive feedback actively and constructively and is able to generalize and conceptualize his/her views. The student can cooperate responsibly and is committed to creating mutual understanding about interconnections between CE and risk management.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student can find research-based information from various sources and analyze and generalize and conceptualize the information. The student can relate the information to the professional context and is able to discuss the contents in an objective way. The student understands the terminology, methods, and tools for risk management and how to apply them professionally. The student can apply research-based information to assigned tasks in a versatile way and is able to select the most appropriate courses of actions from diverse options and justify his/her choice and try new courses of action. The student uses feedback systematically as a professional tool for growth in his/her own work and for the benefit of the community. The student can cooperate responsibly, flexibly, and constructively and develops his/her own and the group's interaction to create mutual understanding about interconnections between CE and risk management.

Location and time

Meetings during the intensive week:
5.9.: 9-17 (at Campus)
6.9.: 9-16 (at Hiedanranta)
7.9.: 9-17 (at Campus)
8.9.: 9-12 (at Campus)

Online-meetings:
12.9.: 17-19
19.9.: 17-19
26.9.: 17-19
3.10.: 17-19

The course will be completed by 27.10.2023.

Students agree together the time and platform of group meetings. The student chooses place and time for personal distant learning. Every task and assignment have a deadline which must be respected (further details in course moodle) and participate actively during the course to get the best results and learning experience.

Exam schedules

There are no exams during this course, the assessment is based on individual and group assignments.

Assessment methods and criteria

All assignments must be completed and approved upon the given schedule. Group based feedback will be collected by completion of the course.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lecturing, demonstrations, online-learning, group work, individual assignments and tasks.

Learning materials

All learning materials are distributed via the course moodle. The student is strongly recommended to find complementary learning material and share it with the others.

Student workload

The student is expected to do an individual study plan for the course to be able to complete the course within the target time. Participation in meetings (intensive week and online meetings), emphasis is on group work and self-study.

One ECTS credit is estimated to be approximately 27 hours of student's work.

Content scheduling

The course starts in the first intensive week and will be completed in 27th of October. Active period of the course is September - October 2023. The assignments have deadlines which will be informed in course moodle.

Completion alternatives

There are no alternative ways to complete the course.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Real working life examples, in addition to cases the students present. The student is encouraged to bring working life and personal experience in all its forms to be shared with others.

International connections

Global and international examples and cases.