The MOOC provides a structured approach to developing a sustainable business model. It consists of seven chapters, each based on five units. Each unit addresses a specific element of developing a business model. The MOOC is designed in a step-by-step manner, following the structure of the book which consists of three stages and ten building blocks (see below). Each unit starts with a short introduction, after which a concise central video is provided. This is followed by (if available) various assignments, some multiple-choice questions for a self-test and finally some additional material. Each unit indicates how it is linked to a specific chapter and/or paragraph of the book. When it comes to key choices such as choosing a business model archetype, we have provided additional units and a case study: this should help you to make the right choice. In addition to the seven chapters that represent the core of the MOOC, an eighth chapter is provided with ten tools that you can use while elaborating the various assignments found throughout the various chapters.

Time

At your own pace

Complexity

Target group

Starters

This Tools can be found via the following link:

MOOC: Organizing for Sustainability

Massive Open Online Course

Within this Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) you can learn more about new sustainable business models at your own pace. The MOOC is a project from various Universities of Applied Sciences, consultants and organisations within the Netherlands (see image above for all cooperation partners).

The MOOC is based on the book Organizing for Sustainability - A Guide to Developing New Business Models.

Introduction to the MOOC:

The MOOC provides a structured approach to developing a sustainable business model. It consists of seven chapters, each based on five units. Each unit covers a specific element of developing a business model. The MOOC is designed step-by-step, following the structure of the book, which consists of three stages and 10 building blocks. Each unit starts with a short introduction, followed by a short central video. This is followed (if available) by various assignments, some multiple-choice self-test questions and, finally, some supplementary material.

Each unit indicates how it is linked to a specific chapter and/or paragraph of the book. When it comes to important choices, such as choosing a business model archetype, we have provided additional units and a case study: this should help you make the right choice. Besides the seven chapters that form the core of the MOOC, an eighth chapter has been provided with ten tools that you can use when working out the various assignments you will encounter in the different chapters.

You can take the MOOC at your own pace, so you can follow it in your own time. The seven-chapter structure does not oblige you to take the MOOC in seven weeks. You can go faster or slower, depending on the time you have and your specific circumstances. Moreover, you can ‘jump’ through the MOOC whenever you want; there is no ‘forced’ sequence. You can take the MOOC individually, but we think it would be more fun to work on the various assignments as a team.

Learning objectives

After attending the MOOC, you will have:

Learnt about concepts such as sustainability and circularity;
Learned more about multiple value creation and how this is crucial in business modelling;
Walked through the BMT approach (found under our tools), enabling you to develop your own sustainable business model;
Brought your business model idea to life, by soliciting feedback from people in the field;
Created a short video presenting your brilliant and unique business model;
Had a lot of fun translating a dream into a feasible business model prototype.

Are you interested or do you have any questions? Then be sure to click on the link to find out more about this interesting MOOC.