Developing and Managing Sustainable Supply Chains

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

• Explain key concepts of sustainable supply chain management and ESG role
• Identify and analyze emission types and sources in supply chains
• Research and assess company carbon reduction initiatives
• Demonstrate understanding of circular supply chain models

• Basic computer and internet skills
• Ability to read instructions in English and complete short practices