Theory and Methods in Systems Approaches to Sustainability

The course examines systems approaches to sustainable transformation in interdisciplinary research. The goal is to support students in forming solid approaches to conceive, analyze, and address sustainability challenges at various levels of socio-technical organization.

Problem structures and solution concepts for sustainable transformation are introduced at the societal, network, and organizational levels. Emphasis is put on the main ideas, frames, and philosophical underpinnings of central theories and methods.

Theories and concepts include system theory and systems thinking; problem-solving and decision-making; stakeholder theory and analysis; global sustainability frameworks; circular economy; industrial ecology; organizational management, sustainability management, and supply chain management; innovation and entrepreneurship; sustainable business models.

Methodologies, methods, and techniques include research design, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches; systemic and participatory design; systems engineering; case study research; system analysis; decision analysis; research ethics.

Where possible, cases and practical applications will be adapted to align with students’ individual research interests.

On satisfactory completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Describe, analyze and evaluate course concepts to consider sustainable transformation at various levels of social organization
2. Recognize and reflect on the ontological, epistemological, and axiological underpinnings of course theories and methods
3. Contextualize and conceptualize your own research using course topics and concepts
4. Design and implement interdisciplinary research approaches to explore sustainable transformation
5. Clearly communicate your ideas and findings to academics and professionals

Learning activities include lectures, discussions, group work, and presentations. Teaching is organized in three or more seminars (in-person). Additional course meetings and supervision activities will be held hybrid/online. Course attendance is mandatory. Course dates will be announced at semester start-up.