INN360 Sustainable Business Model Innovation

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Erlend Nybakk, Dagfinn Sætra

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:Maximum number of students are 40.

Course frequency:Annually.

Nominal workload:250 hours.

Teaching and exam period:The course starts and ends in the autumn parelell.

About this course

This course provides a thorough introduction to how existing business models can be transformed to become more sustainable. The course covers theoretical frameworks and practical tools necessary to analyze and redesign business models with a focus on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The students learn to identify sustainable opportunities and challenges within various industries. The course will also explore how innovation and technology can be used to promote sustainable solutions. Topics covered include circular economy, green value chain, sustainable financing, and stakeholder engagement.

Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with companies to develop concrete strategies and action plans for sustainable business model innovation. The course emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking, preparing students to become leaders in sustainable development.

Learning outcome

A student, upon completing the course, will have the following overall learning outcomes defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The student:

  • has advanced knowledge of fundamental principles and theories in sustainable business model innovation
  • has knowledge of various methods and tools to analyze and evaluate the sustainability of existing business models
  • has insight into how circular economy and green value chains can be integrated into business models
  • is familiar with global and local sustainability trends and their impact on business

Skills

The student:

  • has the ability to identify and assess sustainable opportunities and challenges in various industries
  • has skills in developing and implementing strategies for sustainable business model innovation
  • has competence in using innovation and technology to promote sustainable solutions
  • has the ability to collaborate with stakeholders and build partnerships to achieve sustainable goals

General Competence

The student:

  • has developed good collaboration skills
  • masters problem-solving and creative skills under uncertain conditions
  • can apply analytical and reflective abilities to work with complex problems and reflect on their actions
  • can communicate and convey information about sustainable business models in an understandable way
  • Learning activities
    Students work actively through the course, as the course does not follow a passive approach of students listening to lectures. Instead they are expected to be actively engaged in learning both in the class and outside of the classroom through group work.
  • Teaching support

    The learning platform Canvas.

    The students will work out and sign a team contract which regulate the team-work.

  • Prerequisites
    INN301 Innovation or INN340 Entrepreneurship in Practice and Theory or INN341 Entrepreneurship in Practice or INN271 Sustainable Entrepreneurship or equivalent.
  • Recommended prerequisites
    None.
  • Assessment method

    Oral exam based on the final written report mentioned under mandatory activities.

    Grade rule: A-F.



    Oral exam Karakterregel: Letter grades
  • Examiner scheme
    Two examiners.
  • Mandatory activity
    • Participation in team work and presentations that require physical attendance. Note that in weeks 41 and 42, daily attendance is mandatory in connection with the Oslo Entrepreneurship League. This takes place in Oslo.
    • Submission of a written final report. The mandatory activities must be approved in order to take the exam.

      Mandatory activity must be completed again when retaking the subject.

  • Teaching hours
    The course will be mentoring based, meaning students will mainly be responsible for their own project planning and progression. There will be some seminars and follow up.
  • Preferential right
    Master students in Entrepreneurship and innovation, and Bioeconomy.
  • Reduction of credits
    10 stp. overlap between INN360 with version code V20
  • Admission requirements

    Students in the master programs in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and in Bioeconomy have first priority.

    Students from other programs at NMBU can contact studieveileder-hh@nmbu.no to be put on a waiting list.