Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains

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Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains

This course is part of Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains Specialization

Instructor: Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP

Included with

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Build toward a degree

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Build toward a degree

Learn more

What you'll learn

Analyze Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks to develop sustainable business strategies.
Evaluate tools used to measure and communicate environmental performance and impacts.
Develop actionable strategies to ensure compliance with international labor standards, uphold human rights and promote ethical labor practices.
Develop strategies to foster supplier partnerships that prioritize ethical sourcing, transparency, and shared sustainability goals.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

13 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Sustainable and Resilient Operations and Supply Chains Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

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.

Welcome to Impacts of Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains. This first module introduces the course and how it operates. You will learn about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, examining their foundation principles, evolution, and strategic applications in business. The module emphasizes the practical aspects of implementing and measuring CSR, exploring the complexities of balancing stakeholder expectations, developing robust metrics, and addressing challenges like greenwashing. Real-world case studies illustrate how companies can integrate CSR and ESG principles while balancing growth with sustainability.

What's included

12 videos7 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

12 videos Total 72 minutes

Design for the Circular Economy: Program Overview 5 minutes
Introduction to the Course 3 minutes
Corporate Social Responsibility 6 minutes
Foundations of Corporate Social Responsibility 7 minutes
Challenges of Implementing CSR 9 minutes
An Introduction to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) 6 minutes
An Example of CSR vs ESG 6 minutes
Sustainability Strategy 6 minutes
Materiality Assessment 6 minutes
Sustainability Governance within the Organization 6 minutes
Stakeholders & Partnerships 7 minutes
Let's Hear from the Experts: Katharina Raimann 5 minutes

7 readings Total 111 minutes

Course Updates and Accessibility Support 1 minute
Welcome to Design for the Circular Economy 15 minutes
More About Siemens 10 minutes
Non-Credit Students: Welcome and Where to Find Help 10 minutes
Patagonia's Paradox: Navigating CSR, Consumerism, and Greenwashing 15 minutes
Developing a Corporate Sustainability Strategy 30 minutes
Select a Sustainability Report 30 minutes

2 assignments Total 45 minutes

Corporate Social Responsibility 15 minutes
End of Module 1 Graded Assessment 30 minutes

1 peer review Total 150 minutes

Evaluate a Sustainability Report 150 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 45 minutes

Beyond the Ad: Evaluating CSR Efforts, Impacts, and Stakeholder Conflicts 45 minutes

This module introduces key concepts in sustainability, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, and effective communication of sustainability initiatives. You will explore how tools such as Lifecycle Assessments (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can be used to evaluate and communicate environmental performance. This module examines how reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) enhance accountability and address global challenges.

What's included

11 videos3 readings3 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

11 videos Total 72 minutes

What to Measure 8 minutes
How to Measure 6 minutes
Life Cycle Assessment 4 minutes
Frameworks, Standards, & Protocols 5 minutes
Common Reporting Frameworks 9 minutes
Let's Hear from the Experts: Philip Ankel 4 minutes
ESG Reporting Assurance 3 minutes
Let's Hear from the Experts: Stacy Mahler 3 minutes
Communicating Sustainability Performance 9 minutes
Tools for Data Collection & Communication 13 minutes
Communicating Performance — Internally and Externally 7 minutes

3 readings Total 85 minutes

Environmental Product Declarations 10 minutes
Exploring Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations 30 minutes
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 45 minutes

3 assignments Total 75 minutes

Measuring Environmental Impact 15 minutes
Sustainability Frameworks, Standards & Protocols 20 minutes
End of Module 2 Graded Assessment 40 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Sustainability Report Comparison 60 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 25 minutes

Integrating ESG Frameworks with Corporate Sustainability Reports 25 minutes

This module explores the critical role of ethical labor practices and corporate responsibility in global supply chains. It addresses the challenges businesses face in navigating complex regulatory and operational environments to uphold human rights and fair labor standards. The module emphasizes the transformative impact of fair trade practices, such as fair pricing, ethical labor standards, and sustainability, on supply chains and their contributions to corporate social responsibility. By analyzing real-world scenarios, you will develop actionable strategies to ensure compliance with international standards, foster equitable labor practices, and enhance the sustainability and resilience of supply chains in diverse industries.

What's included

5 videos7 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

5 videos Total 28 minutes

Social Impacts 6 minutes
Human Rights 5 minutes
Labor Rights, Global Standards, & Ethical Operations 12 minutes
Unsafe Working Conditions 4 minutes
Fair Trade Intro 1 minute

7 readings Total 97 minutes

The UN Global Compact 15 minutes
United Nation’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights 15 minutes
Apple’s Commitment to Human Rights 25 minutes
The International Labour Organization 10 minutes
Fair Trade Starts with You 12 minutes
Fair Trade Certifications and Labels 10 minutes
Fair Trade: How Does it Work? 10 minutes

4 assignments Total 140 minutes

Social Impacts and Human Rights 20 minutes
Fair Labor in Operations and Supply Chain Management 20 minutes
Is Fair Trade a Fair Trade? 60 minutes
End of Module 3 Graded Assessment 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 45 minutes

Comparative Reflection on Human Rights 45 minutes

This module examines the critical role of partnerships in driving sustainable operations and building resilient supply chains. It explores the principles and practices of sustainable procurement, the development and enforcement of supplier codes of conduct, and strategies for fostering collaborative, long-term relationships with suppliers. In this module you will analyze tools and frameworks that facilitate ethical sourcing, transparency, and accountability. Through case studies and activities, you will gain insights into aligning supplier incentives with sustainability goals, managing compliance challenges, and leveraging innovation to enhance supply chain sustainability. By the end of this module, you will be equipped to create and manage partnerships that balance business objectives with environmental and social responsibility.

What's included

4 videos5 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt

4 videos Total 24 minutes

Sustainable Procurement 7 minutes
Sustainable Procurement Case 3 minutes
Transparency, Collaboration, & Compliance 5 minutes
Lets Hear from the Experts: Jonas Hohlweck 9 minutes

5 readings Total 84 minutes

Sustainable Procurement Pledge 14 minutes
Sustainable Procurement Guide 45 minutes
Walmart's Project Gigaton 8 minutes
Supplier Codes of Conduct 7 minutes
Claim Your Digital Badge 10 minutes

4 assignments Total 170 minutes

Sustainable Procurement 20 minutes
Building and Managing Supplier Partnerships 20 minutes
A Deep Dive Into Sustainability Partnerships 90 minutes
End of Module 4 Graded Assessment 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 45 minutes

Exploring Sustainable Procurement Strategies 45 minutes

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructor

Christy Bozic, PhD, PMP

University of Colorado Boulder

10 Courses 72,602 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

Siemens

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Frequently asked questions

To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.

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