Course Description

"Business Strategy and Operations in a Biobased Economy" is an advanced-level course offered by WageningenX that delves into the exciting world of sustainable business models and circular economy principles. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the transition towards a more sustainable and biobased economy. You'll explore both strategic management considerations and operational aspects of businesses in this emerging sector, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to develop and implement successful biobased business models.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding the dynamics of biobased business investments
• Creating effective business strategies for the biobased economy
• Identifying and addressing supply chain challenges specific to biobased businesses
• Utilizing decision support tools for short-term and long-term business planning
• Designing and evaluating biobased supply chains using quantitative methods
• Analyzing trends impacting the transition towards a circular economy
• Developing feasible biobased business models
• Managing multi-stakeholder collaborations in the biobased sector
• Addressing operational considerations in biobased supply chains
• Integrating business strategy and operations in real-world scenarios

Prerequisites

While there are no formal entry-level requirements for this MOOC, a basic understanding of business concepts and sustainability principles would be beneficial. The course is designed for advanced learners, so some prior knowledge in business administration or related fields may help you grasp the concepts more easily.

Course Content

• Trends and drivers in the biobased and circular economy
• Strategic management considerations for biobased businesses
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration in the biobased sector
• Development of biobased business models
• Supply chain management issues in the biobased economy
• Planning problems and decision support in biobased operations
• Legal structures and key players in biobased supply chains
• Reverse flows in creating biobased supply chains
• Decision-making tools for short-term and long-term business planning
• Integration of business strategy and operations in case studies

Who This Course Is For

• Business professionals looking to transition their companies towards more sustainable practices
• Entrepreneurs interested in entering the biobased and circular economy sectors
• Students pursuing careers in sustainable business management
• Policymakers and consultants working on circular economy initiatives
• Anyone passionate about combining business success with environmental sustainability

Real-World Applications

• Develop and implement sustainable business strategies in their organizations
• Design and optimize biobased supply chains for improved efficiency and sustainability
• Make informed decisions about investments in biobased technologies and processes
• Collaborate effectively with multiple stakeholders in circular economy initiatives
• Create innovative business models that align with circular economy principles
• Analyze and solve complex operational challenges in biobased businesses
• Contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and circular economy in various industries

Syllabus

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain the strategic and operational skills needed to transform your company's business model into a conscious, sustainable, and profitable one, positioning yourself at the forefront of the biobased and circular economy revolution.