Course information

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards circular economy models, such as reuse/remanufacture/refurbish/recycle, as well as e-commerce models instead of physical markets. Both of these models have the existence of an efficient reverse logistics network as a basic prerequisite for their success. At the same time, the pressure to reduce the environmental footprint leads to the adoption of green practices in Logistics. The course covers the design of reverse and green logistics networks, at both strategic and operational levels, through the lens of circular economy applications and modern e-business. Qualitative and quantitative methods are examined, and learning is facilitated by extensive use of case studies and workshops in specialized software, also using a number of research examples conducted at NTUA. Specifically, the course consists of the following modules: 1. Technology and Sustainable Development – Introduction to Industrial Ecology – Basic Principles of Sustainable Development / Introduction to Circular Economy. 2. Sustainability as a Factor of Competitiveness of the Modern Supply Chain. 3. Circular Economy – basic concepts - models. 4. Industrial Metabolism and Industrial Symbiotic Business Networks. 5. Closed-Loop Supply Chains – reverse logistics - Sustainable Logistics, Distribution, and Packaging. 6. Sustainable Production and Procurement & Sustainable Product Design. 7. Transportation and Supply Chain – Green Transportation. 8. Quantitative Methods for Designing Reverse Logistics Networks. 9. Introduction to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) – LCA Software. 10. Life Cycle Analysis – Methodologies, Examples Exercises (LCA, LCI, LCIA). 11. Sustainability Measurement / Indicators (Po).