Classes
Fall 2022
EMS 595 ESG & Sustainability Performance Measurement
This course surveys the current ecosystem and approaches to measuring and reporting environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Students learn how to use ESG performance measurement frameworks, examine the landscape of sustainable investing, and analyze how performance measurement approaches help to advance long term sustainability of business enterprises.
IDN 571(A) Systems & Systems Theory
This course introduces students to different types of social, ecological and technological systems in which humans are embedded. Through the course, they will learn how to utilize various systems thinking tools to identify commonly observed problems and patterns; explore systems goals, rules, power dynamics, functions and dysfunctions; identify leverage points; and design for achieving systems change.
IDN 534(B) Business Models & Value Webs
In this course, students will develop a practical understanding of how business models are used to create and appropriate value for participants in a value web, such as core business, its customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Through the semester, students will work together to explore and develop new business model concepts in diverse industry and social sectors. Topics include value proposition, value creation, value delivery, and value capture. We will explore competitive and cooperative approaches to the creation of economic and social value.
Spring 2022
EMS 504 Industrial Ecology
This course introduces students to the emerging field of Industrial Ecology, and examines how this systems-based approach can be used to move society toward a more sustainable future. Industrial Ecology is an interdisciplinary field involving technology (science and engineering), public policy, business administration and increasingly the social sciences. The course introduces concepts and tools such as Material and Energy Flow Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment, Design for Sustainability, Extended Producer Responsibility and Industrial Symbiosis.
IDN 571(A) Systems & Systems Theory
This course introduces students to different types of social, ecological and technological systems in which humans are embedded. Through the course, they will learn how to utilize various systems thinking tools to identify commonly observed problems and patterns; explore systems goals, rules, power dynamics, functions and dysfunctions; identify leverage points; and design for achieving systems change.
IDN 534(B) Business Models & Value Webs
In this course, students will develop a practical understanding of how business models are used to create and appropriate value for participants in a value web, such as core business, its customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Through the semester, students will work together to explore and develop new business model concepts in diverse industry and social sectors. Topics include value proposition, value creation, value delivery, and value capture. We will explore competitive and cooperative approaches to the creation of economic and social value.
Other courses
MBA595.EMS595.PA595 Special Topics: The Circular Economy
The course introduces students to the scientific, business and policy aspects of the circular economy. Students completing this course students will be able to explain the major concepts underlying the circular economy, apply business model innovation tools to design CE business opportunities, and compare policies for implementing CE in larger socio-ecological systems levels.
BUS 510 Fundamentals of Innovative Business
BUS 510 teaches the fundamentals of doing business in technology-intensive industries. Students will not only be exposed to the basics of starting, growing and running a profitable business, but also learn how to compete in industries wherein technological transformation is rapid and business innovation is the basis for competitive advantage.
This course gives students a practical introduction to the exciting and rapidly growing field of social entrepreneurship - the application of business approaches to solving social, economic, and environmental challenges. Students gain hands-on experience by a) developing a business plan for a for-profit or non-profit social enterprise to address a specific real world problem, or b) assisting an existing Chicago-based for-profit or non-profit social venture to improve their impact.