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.