Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains
University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera Specialization
Overview
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In a world where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly central to business success, companies face growing pressure to innovate and adapt. The Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains Specialization, developed in partnership with Siemens Digital Industries Software, equips professionals with the knowledge and tools to lead in a dynamic landscape.
This three-course specialization explores the principles and practices of sustainable operations and supply chain management. From implementing circular economy strategies to reducing carbon footprints, each course emphasizes real-world applications, emerging technologies like digital twins and the industrial metaverse, and frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
You will explore how to design circular products, develop sustainable supply chain strategies, and foster ethical labor practices. Additionally, the specialization highlights effective communication of sustainability initiatives, the use of lifecycle assessment tools, and strategies for sustainable procurement and supplier collaboration.
Whether you are an aspiring leader in operations or supply chain management or a seasoned professional seeking to enhance your expertise, this specialization provides actionable insights to drive sustainability and resilience in today’s business environment.
Syllabus
- Course 1: Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management
- Course 2: Developing and Managing Sustainable Supply Chains
- Course 3: Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
Courses
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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.
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Companies are facing pressures from governments, investors, and other stakeholders to become more sustainable. At the same time, customers are demanding more circular products. Companies are also expected to meet internal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while remaining profitable. Innovative companies such as Siemens Digital Industries Software recognize these challenges and have partnered with the University of Colorado Boulder to create this course that equips you with the knowledge and skills to build more sustainable and resilient supply chains. In “Developing and Managing Sustainable Supply Chains”, which is the second course in the Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains Specialization, you will explore the integration of sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life management, while understanding the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implications of these operations. The course emphasizes cutting-edge technologies such as AI and digital twins to drive efficiency and sustainability, with dedicated modules on carbon footprint reduction, fleet electrification, and circular supply chains. Through real-world case studies, peer discussions, and practical applications, you will develop skills that align with corporate sustainability strategies and be able to contribute to a more sustainable global supply chain. 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.
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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.
Taught by
Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP