Due to the increasing relevance of climate change and the resulting crises, companies need to realign themselves. Their current business models will no longer be sustainable and they will have to detach themselves from their existing business models and realign themselves. The circular economy plays an important role here, as it enables companies to meet the challenge of the climate crisis and sell more sustainable products.

The Circular Business Model specialist lab addresses this current challenge. Students will develop new sustainable or circular business models using scientific methods from the field of design science. In doing so, they acquire new skills in the fields of circular product development, design science and scientific work.

Module description:

Today, the automotive industry is particularly affected by climate targets, as it is partly responsible for the high greenhouse gas emissions that further exacerbate the climate crisis. At the same time, digitalization is driving the automotive industry forward - the vehicles produced today are no longer comparable to those of the past. Digital interfaces or sharing offers have become indispensable. The aim of the specialist laboratory will therefore be to develop a digital or innovative business model for players in the automotive industry in order to remain competitive and at the same time take an important step towards sustainability. For this purpose, an adapted design thinking methodology - consisting of several scientific tools of design science - will be applied, which maps the complex process from the innovation idea to innovation development.

The specialist laboratory is aimed at students on the Master's degree courses in Industrial Engineering and Management, Logistics and Mechanical Engineering. Students must be enrolled in the Master's program at the time of registration. Proof of this in the form of a student certificate must be enclosed with the application. Registrations without proof will not be considered.

Structure of the course:

• Start of the lab with a face-to-face event
  • Introduction to the topics of circular economy and design thinking
  • Task definition & group formation
• Independent work on the task in groups
• Interim presentation of the results
• Final presentation of the results in a competitive pitch process
• Submission of the project report
• Individual group consultation hours

Scope & assessment:

• 6 CP
• Group work is graded individually

Registration information:

There are 24 places available for students of mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and logistics. Students must be enrolled in the Master's program at the time of registration. Corresponding proof in the form of a student certificate must be enclosed with the application. Registrations without proof will not be considered.

Registration is possible from March 26, 09:00 to April 09:00. Students of mechanical engineering should register by e-mail: hannah.scheerertu-dortmundde. Students of other degree programs can register via the Moodle course.

Please note:

According to the decision of the examination board of 04.02.2016, the acceptance of a place in a course with limited participation is binding and at the same time an examination registration. Registration in the Moodle room is considered a binding declaration of participation. Failure to take up a bindingly accepted place is a failed attempt.