Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, the participants assess and analyze the global megatrends and how they affect decision making in circular economy actions. They understand the need for using information from different sources. The participants explore future foresight theories and terminology and learn to anticipate the changes in their own operational environment.

After completing the course, the participants can
- explain important megatrends in relation to circular economy
- use the terminology and methods of futures research of their own field
- apply often contradictory information on the effects of megatrends
- anticipate the changes in their own operational environment
- utilize the futures research materials in their own field of studies

Content (course unit)

Megatrends and weak signals
Future scenarios
Future foresight theories and methods
Participatory methods

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

The student can name important megatrends in relation to circular economy and define the terminology and methods of futures research of their own field. The student recognizes contradictory information on the effects of megatrends. The student can anticipate the changes in own operational environment and utilize the futures research materials in their own field of studies by routine performance. The student can give and receive feedback but considers and assesses things from his/her viewpoint. The student can work in a group and take responsibility of own work and recognise important courses of action in the field.

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

The student can explain important megatrends in relation to circular economy and apply the terminology and methods of futures research of their own field. The student can compare contradictory information on the effects of megatrends and structure relations between field-related phenomena and concepts. The student can anticipate the changes in own operational environment and utilize the futures research materials in their own field of studies by selecting the most appropriate course of action and justify his/her choice. The student can give and receive feedback actively and constructively. The student takes responsibility and commits to the group activities in addition to his/her own work.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student understands extensive entities and relations between megatrends and circular economy. The student can generalise and relate the terminology and methods of futures research of their own field to professional context. The student can search for diverse courses of action and solution alternatives, justify his/her choices and try new courses of action to utilize the futures research materials in their own field of studies. The student uses feedback systematically as a professional growth tool in his/her own work and the community. The student works responsibly and in a committed manner considering the community and field requirements and need.

Location and time

The course will be organized during weeks 14-23 (3.4.-9.6.2023). A more detailed schedule for the course will be released by the end of January 2023.

The course is organised as an online course and it includes a total of six online sessions. Preliminary dates and durations of online meetings are:
- Week 14: Introductory lecture, practicalities, discussions and group works, 4 hrs (4-8 pm)
- Week 15: Introductory lecture, discussions and group works, 4 hrs (4-8 pm)
- Week 18: Theory and tutorials, 2 hrs (5-7 pm)
- Week 20: Theory and tutorials, 2 hrs (5-7 pm)
- Week 22: Final seminars, 5 hrs (3-8 pm)
- Week 23: Final seminars and conclusions, 5 hrs (3-8 pm)

Exam schedules

No exam

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

Online meetings, group work, peer group discussions and peer reviews, individual assignments.

Learning materials

All teaching materials will become available at Moodle. Materials used in the course are mainly freely available on the internet. In addition, students are encouraged to use the University Library Andor service.

Student workload

Participation to meetings (online meetings, tutorials), 18 hrs.
Emphasis is on group work and self-study.

Completion alternatives

None

Practical training and working life cooperation

Given the topics of the course, you are encouraged to think openly and also consider thoughts that sound crazy. As a rule, the course exercises and discussions during the course are aimed at relating to the phenomena and challenges of working life. You are encouraged to share your expertise in the field with other participants in the course. During the course, the aim is to find new perspectives on one's own work through dialogue and different exercises.

International connections

Global and international examples and cases.