INQ-277 | Sustainable Operations: the Right Road to Profitability

Topic Description:

This course will focus on the business processes taken to increase profit as an economic strategy while working within a business model that also affects positive changes on society and the environment. Students will start by learning the basic concepts of business profit and loss and currently defined best practices for sustainable operations. In groups, they will visit local businesses and investigate for indications of sustainablity. This will be followed by a tour of model businesses and sustainability focused facilities in the southeast showcasing their operations and practices. The travel portions will include a trip to Appalachian State University to study wind farms, Spartanburg, SC. to view the BMW assembly plant in action, and conclude with a week in charleston, SC. studying various applications in that area. The cours will conclude with a re-visit of local businesses and student collaboration to present recommended changes to achieve sustainable business operations. Included will be visits to operating examples of sustainablility components such as wind power, solar power, manufacturing, health care, and land fill use.

Course Types Offered: Travel

Topic Approved: March 2012