Ateneo - UPO

The course introduces the main reference concepts for planning, managing, and achieving objectives in line with the principles of circular economy within organizations.
It covers the notions of methodology and technical standards (ISO, EN, UNI) for the measurement, evaluation, and management of sustainable life cycle (Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Circularity Assessment) of products, processes, and organizations. The course includes a basic discussion of the main certification schemes adopted in the corporate environment for communicating results and making comparisons.
Students also learn the basic principles for scenario analysis using specific calculation programs for measuring life cycle sustainability and the related databases. Exemplary case studies are illustrated and relevant applications in the industrial field are presented.

The Circular Economy Handbook: Realizing the Circular Advantage, Peter Lacy, Jessica Long, Wesley Spindler, Palgrave Macmillan London, 2020, ISBN: 978-1-349-95970-9

Edition in Italian language:
Il manuale della circular economy: realizzare il vantaggio circolare, Peter Lacy, Jessica Long, Wesley Spindler, Egea, 2021, ISBN: 978-8-823-83819-2

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental conceptual, regulatory, and methodological frameworks for circular economy management and life cycle sustainability assessment in organizations. Specifically, the course aims to develop the ability to analyze strategic and operational decisions in view of the circular transition, providing technical tools (LCA, LCSA, Circularity Assessment) to measure and communicate environmental and socio-economic performance.
The course carries a total value of 6 ECTS (CFU), structured according to the following breakdown of teaching activities:
• Asynchronous Delivered Teaching (TEL-DE): 3.5 CFU (28 hours of asynchronous video lectures) devoted to studying theoretical models, the regulatory framework and fundamental concepts.
• Synchronous Interactive Distance Teaching (TEL-DI): 1.5 CFU (12 hours of synchronous distance learning sessions) focusing on guided exercises, e-activities and interactive discussions.
• In-Person Teaching (DE/DI): 1 CFU (8 hours in the classroom) devoted to case study analysis, group project work and the practical application of computational software.

None

The course adopts a blended learning approach that integrates:
• Asynchronous Delivered Teaching (TEL-DE, 3.5 ECTS): access to theoretical video modules and multimedia materials on the DIR platform. Asynchronous activities deliver core knowledge, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies for circular economy management.
• Synchronous Interactive Distance Teaching (TEL-DI, 1.5 ECTS): e-tivities, guided discussions, and methodological deep dives conducted online.
• In-Person Teaching (DE/DI, 1 ECTS): face-to-face lectures, practical exercises with dedicated calculation software, case study analysis, and group work (project work).
Synchronous online and in-person sessions are oriented towards practical application and critical discussion of content through real-world case studies, simulations, and group projects. The overall design encourages active student participation, fostering critical thinking, autonomy, and collaborative problem-solving supported by digital platforms and technical software tools.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Learning assessment takes place through a final written examination lasting 2 hours, integrated by the evaluation of project work activities and active participation carried out during the semester.
Structure of the Written Exam and Scoring Criteria:
1. Closed-ended Questions (Multiple Choice) - 10 questions:
• Scope: verification of basic theoretical knowledge and technical standards (ISO/UNI).
• Scoring: 1 point for each correct answer (maximum 10 points). Incorrect or unanswered questions carry NO penalty.
2. Open-ended Questions - 2 short-answer questions:
• Scope: verification of application capability, independent judgment, and mastery of technical terminology in English applied to case studies and methodological exercises.
• Scoring: up to 10 points for each question (maximum 20 points).
3. Project Work / Active Participation Bonus (Up to +2 points):
• Students who actively participate in group project work during in-person sessions and complete synchronous e-tivities can earn up to 2 additional bonus points added to the written exam score.
The final mark is expressed on a 30-point scale (minimum passing mark: 18/30; a total score of 31-32 points awards Honors / Cum Laude). Results are published online.
The examination paper will be marked according to the following criteria:
Fail (< 18): Major deficiencies and inaccuracies in knowledge and understanding of course topics; limited analytical and synthesis skills, frequent generalizations, and limited critical judgment; topics presented incoherently and with inappropriate language.
18-20: Barely sufficient knowledge and understanding of topics with possible generalizations and imperfections; sufficient analytical, synthesis, and independent judgment capabilities; topics presented with occasional lack of coherence and barely technical language.
21-23: Routine knowledge and understanding of topics; correct analytical and synthesis skills with sufficiently coherent logical argumentation and appropriate technical language.
24-26: Good knowledge and understanding of topics; good analytical and synthesis skills with arguments expressed rigorously, though language is not always fully technical/appropriate.
27-29: Complete knowledge and understanding of topics; remarkable analytical and synthesis skills; good independent judgment; topics presented rigorously with appropriate technical language.
30-30 Cum Laude: Excellent level of deep knowledge and comprehensive understanding of topics; outstanding analytical, synthesis, and independent judgment capabilities; arguments expressed in an original manner with appropriate technical language.

Introduction to foundational principles of circular economy and the reference technical regulatory framework (ISO 59000, UNI/TS 11820, and UNI/TR 11821). Presentation of Life Cycle Thinking as a reference approach for measuring sustainability and for designing, evaluating, and monitoring organizational goals aligned with circular economy principles.
Reference methodologies for measuring, evaluating, and managing sustainable life cycles (Life Cycle Assessment - LCA, Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment - LCSA, Circularity Assessment) of products, processes, and organizations. External communication of results through national and international certification schemes adopted in corporate settings for reporting and comparisons: basic coverage of key certification schemes (Corporate Carbon Footprint, Cradle to Cradle, ReMade in Italy, Environmental Product Declaration - EPD).
Calculation tools for measuring, evaluating, and managing sustainable life cycles. Available databases mainly used to support calculation models. Applied case studies.
The topics addressed in the course are applied across different organizational contexts: profit-making enterprises, public organizations, and third sector / non-profit entities.
Within the module on Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) and in the analysis of circular organizational models, a specific focus is dedicated to the gender dimension and social sustainability. In particular, gender implications in sustainable product/service design and the integration of Gender Equality and Diversity & Inclusion indicators into corporate reporting and certification schemes are analyzed.

Intended learning objectives are detailed according to the Dublin Descriptors and tailored to the professional profile of the Circularity Manager and Sustainability Specialist:
• Knowledge and understanding (Conoscenza e comprensione): Identify and explain theoretical principles, technical standards (e.g., ISO 59000, UNI/TS 11820), and methodological models of circular economy and life cycle assessment.
• Applying knowledge and understanding (Capacità di applicare conoscenza e comprensione): Apply LCA and Circularity Assessment methodologies to real case studies, using specific software and databases to measure sustainability performance.
• Making judgements (Autonomia di giudizio): Critically evaluate managerial decisions and design alternatives, weighing trade-offs between economic efficiency, environmental impact, and social responsibility/inclusivity.
• Communication skills (Abilità comunicative): Communicate clearly, rigorously, and with appropriate technical terminology in English the results of sustainability assessments and environmental claims to internal and external stakeholders.
• Learning skills (Capacità di apprendimento): Develop autonomous and lifelong learning capabilities, integrating regulatory and methodological updates into professional practice within complex organizational contexts.
Breakdown of Achievement Levels for Intended Learning Objectives:
• Minimum Passing Threshold (18-20/30): Demonstrate essential knowledge of basic circular economy concepts and technical standards; elementary capability to interpret life cycle assessment results with sufficient technical language.
• Advanced Level & Excellence (27-30 and Cum Laude): Deep and exhaustive mastery of methodologies, standards, and calculation tools; excellent critical capability for re-elaboration and problem-solving in complex cases; fluid, rigorous, and original presentation in English.