Sustainability and Circular Economy

Course outline

Literature (suggested)

• Epstein, Marc J., Making sustainability work (San Francisco 2008)
• Tepper, Jonathan, and Hearn, Denise, The myth of capitalism (New Jersey 2019)
• Raworth, K., Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist (Vermont, USA, 2017)

References

1) "I liked the depth we went through with the reflections. More specifically, I appreciate the fact that you really went through the documents and gave feedback also from your own experience. It made me felt I could relate more and thus I was able or at least I wanted to go even deeper in my own reflections. The different kinds of assignments were a lot of fun and very educational as well. It was a good way to be creative and be active with my brains by doing other things rather than just reading and discussing. I especially liked that you joined us with the assignments as well! The discussions about theories and then trying to implement or seek for our own examples accordingly was very nice. It gave a good practical sense of understanding and how we can then also could implement in future events. Thank you for sharing your own experience!"

2) "Videos were very inspiring and easy to relate to - I liked the personal point of view and that we had to go really deep into our own heads - You very good teacher and I liked your transparency and that your also shared with us. You made it relevant to our own backgrounds. The wide range of different methodologies we used. The reflections. (Even though it was very demanding sometimes because there was a lot to do all the time, not much rest in general. Nevertheless, I very much appreciate this way of learning and reminding myself about what I have actually learned today and how can I implement this in my own background)"

3) "Use of videos Very good explanations Activities in the course."

Sustainable Leaders

The journey starts with awareness by investigating what kind of a leader you are and letting you see different facets of your leadership.

We continue by investigating what kind of a leader you are and letting you see different facets of your leadership. We look at different perspectives using well-known leadership theories to set your leadership style in context. Once the foundation is laid we can start practicing what we preach and confront the reality of our own leadership skills.

We believe you can lead to make the planet a better place to live and will help you focus your attention to reversing global warming. We explore this using the concepts of the doughnut economy. We are looking at the global thresholds and to the social foundations that should limit the global economy.

We need leadership to incorporate the doughnut in business. What is corporate sustainability and what is the connection between being a leader and sustainability? We will explore the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the use of metrics to monitor companies. We will bring the theory into practice by applying the acquired knowledge on a local Prague company.

Am I a leader? What kind of leader can I be? What is needed to develop as a leader? What is sustainability? What is the connection between being a leader and sustainability?

Be an effective leader to change the world.

We believe you can lead to make the planet a better place to live and will help you focus your attention to reversing global warming.

How to implement sustainability

Theory is nice, but practicing is better. Not only by visiting the local company, but also making efforts to implement sustainability. What topics can you think about and why can these topics make a difference? What’s the relationship with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals? Are there connections with The project drawdown to be made? By selecting and implementing, you can actually contribute to sustainability.

During the course, you’ll experience that implementing and executing a sustainable strategy is far more complicated than you could ever imagine. Even for a SME it’s a challenging task to become more sustainable. Biased pitfalls and unforeseen outcomes will give you new insights that sustainability is not just around the corner.

Create a new business model for a circular economy

Today's world is in a transition phase meaning how we will live tomorrow will be very different to what we or our parents have known. An example of this change is the fast developing concept of using services instead of owning products like the purchasing of a lease contract for your house boiler or washing machine instead of the traditional purchase of these products. The "Uberization" of our society, forces us to think in different ways as resources becomes scarce and digitalization is prominent.

These new business models (for instance leasing instead of purchasing) will shape tomorrow's business and life. You will learn how to create new business models and will apply it in a practical way.

What is a business model? how can I create my own which would serve a circular economy?

Overall you will discover the leader in you and will put it to good use.

We look forward to facilitating this challenging and exciting process through intensive and fruitful exchanges during class.

Credits

You will receive an official Certificate of Attendance upon completion of your course. Please inform the organizing staff if you require any extra supplements, such as Transcript of Records. The student is eligible to receive up to 5 ECTS credits, however please follow the instructions here and consult the acknowledgment process with your university in advance.

Assessments

• attendance in class 15%
• team assignment 40%
• individual assignment 35%
• exam 10% (optional, if required by home University)

Course time total 125 hours

1. Course runs 2 weeks Monday to Friday 9:00-14:00
2. Total time of in-class work = 50hours
3. Preliminary assignment = 10hours
4. Preparation = 65hours

Price

Course fee includes the course itself, application fee, study materials, afternoon/evening social activities and events, welcome and goodbye drink as part of the graduation party. Other expenses, such as meals, accommodation, insurance, personal expenses, public transportation ticket, extra activities (such as trips outside of town over the weekend and entrance fees), and required equipment (i.e. pencils, paper for illustrations) are not included in the price.

Please note, after the 30th of April 2023 there will be a late enrollment fee charged in the amount of 50EUR on top of the course fee.

Terms and Conditions - Cancellation fees

Costs of living in Prague

Accommodation

For accommodation options, please visit the dedicated page

*Program/Course Outline is subject to change.