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Faculty of Social Sciences, Economics, and Business Administration

Chair of Supply Chain Management

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  10. Exploring Firms Sustainability Practices across the EU

Exploring Firms Sustainability Practices across the EU: Challenges and Solutions

Type: Advanced Seminar
Type of examination: refers
ECTS: 6
Cycle: winter term
Language: English

Lecturer

Prof. Dr. Alexander Pflaum ; Dr. Marcel Papert

Other Responsible Persons: Dr. Felipe Martínez and Dr. Petr Jirsák, VŠE Prag; Dr. Loic Martin, IAE Lille

Requirements

At least a B2 level of English; attendance at the courses “Introduction to Supply Chain Management (SCM I)” and “Digital Supply Networks (SCM II)” is recommended.

Course Content

This advanced seminar invites students to investigate how companies in different EU countries address the topic of sustainability. By comparing national practices and collaborating in international teams, participants identify key challenges and propose actionable solutions to support companies in strengthening their sustainability strategies. 

The advanced seminar is divided into three phases (see figure): The first two phases each consist of an online session and the development of a case study in the participants’ home country. The third phase comprises a one-week in-person event with a case study, which takes place in the Czech Republic (VŠE Prague) or in France (IAE Lille).

First case study: The students initially work together in national groups at their respective home universities to analyze a local company in terms of its sustainability practices. The fundamental content for this is provided in a first online session in March. The results of this first case study are presented at the beginning of the in-person week in Prague or Lille. 

Second case study: This takes place on-site as part of the block seminar. Immediately before a site visit, the students are reassigned into international teams. Each international group conducts a sustainability analysis of the Czech or French partner company and develops recommendations for improvement. The final results are presented to the stakeholders on the last day of the work week. The fundamental content for this is provided on site.

The main seminar focuses, among other things, on the following topics:

  • Business Model Canvas
  • Basic pillars of sustainability in SCM
  • SCM strategies and concepts including globalisation/localisation and their impact on sustainability
  • Sustainability in procurement
  • Sustainability in manufacturing and warehouse operations
  • Process improvement and sustainability
  • Sustainability certification
  • Sustainability in transport including ecodriving
  • Sustainability in citylogistics

The main seminar pursues the following learning objectives:

  • Analyse the key pillars of supply chain sustainability in the context of the organisation.
  • Evaluate the main strategies and concepts of supply chains, including globalisation/localisation and their impact on thesustainability of an organisation.
  • Apply the concepts of sustainability in purchasing.
  • Analyse the principles of sustainability in manufacturing and warehousing operations.
  • Propose sustainable operational activities from process improvement tools.
  • Propose specific sustainable solutions based on the evaluation of the current state of the organization by applying key toolsfor sustainability certification.
  • Analyse examples of sustainability implementation in transport.
  • Analyse examples of the application of sustainability in urban logistics.

Further Information

  • Due to the international orientation of this main seminar in cooperation with partner universities and the intensive work in case studies, the number of participants is limited.
  • Please also note that applying for the course does not automatically entitle you to admission or to register for the module examination.
  • The one-week on-site case study (block session) takes place annually, alternating between Prague (Czech Republic) and Lille (France). The travel and accommodation costs for the excursion will be covered.

Application

The application deadline for the winter semester 2026/2027 ends on 22.10.2026 at 23:59.

What happens next?

  • Our response: We will review all applications immediately afterwards. You will likely receive an email from us on 23.10.2026 with all the details regarding the next steps.
  • Your response: You must reply to this email no later than Monday, 26.10.2026 at 13:00. Please check your inbox regularly during this period. If we do not receive a response from you by then, we will unfortunately have to offer the place directly to the next applicant on the waiting list.

Note on language requirements: As the seminar and the case studies are conducted entirely in English, the department reserves the right to verify the stated language proficiency, e.g., through a brief interview.

To register, please fill out the online form.
 

Note

This information is indicative only and subject to change.

Legally binding information on legal aspects of examinations is only provided by the Examination Board.