EVSNPCEK Circular Economics II

School of Business Administration in Karvina
Summer 2026
Extent and Intensity
2/1/0. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Taught in person.
Teacher(s)
prof. Mgr. Ing. Michal Tvrdoň, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Ing. Petra Chmielová, Ph.D. (seminar tutor)
Guaranteed by
prof. Mgr. Ing. Michal Tvrdoň, Ph.D.
Departament of Economics and Public Administration – School of Business Administration in Karvina
Contact Person: Ing. Eva Kotlánová, Ph.D.
Timetable
Wed 15:35–17:10 B206
  • Timetable of Seminar Groups:
EVSNPCEK/01: Wed 18. 2. 17:15–17:35 D036, M. Tvrdoň
Prerequisites (in Czech)
FAKULTA(OPF) && TYP_STUDIA(N) && FORMA(P)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The course develops and deepens the knowledge acquired in the introductory course towards advanced analysis and the practical application of circular principles. It focuses on assessing resource-use efficiency through advanced circular economy indicators and on interpreting data in both corporate and macroeconomic contexts. Students explore innovative circular business models, regenerative design, and eco-innovations throughout the entire product life cycle. Significant attention is devoted to the use of digital technologies for tracking material flows and optimising processes, as well as to the analysis of circular strategies across individual industrial sectors. Graduates are able to assess the economic and environmental impacts of circular solutions, develop business cases, and design strategies for the transition to a circular economy. They are particularly suited for specialist and managerial positions in sustainability, environmental management, strategic management, consulting, and public policy development.
Learning outcomes
The student will be able to analyse key circular economy indicators at both the firm and national levels; design and critically evaluate various business models based on circular principles; and identify and address barriers to the implementation of circular principles in business practice. The student will learn to apply the concept of regenerative design, assess its impact on sustainability, and design products with low environmental impact, as well as to identify key opportunities for eco-innovation at different stages of the product life cycle. The student will be able to propose solutions using digital technologies to support circular business models and improve their efficiency, and to evaluate and compare the benefits of different digital tools for sustainable production. The student will be familiar with the main strategies and initiatives of the EU and its Member States in the field of the circular economy, including financing, and will understand the role of governmental and non-governmental organisations in supporting and implementing the circular economy. Furthermore, the student will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in analyses of specific industrial sectors, assess the practical implementation of circular principles, evaluate sector-specific challenges of the transition to a circular economy, quantify the economic and environmental benefits of this transition, develop business cases for sustainable innovations, and identify potential cost savings and benefits associated with the implementation of circular strategies.
Syllabus

  1. Advanced Circular Economy Indicators

An extended overview of key indicators for measuring resource efficiency, such as material productivity, recycling, and waste treatment. Methods for measuring resource consumption and efficiency. Analysis and interpretation of data sources from Eurostat.

2. Innovative Circular Economy Business Models

Product life-cycle extension, circular services, and business models based on leasing, sharing, and reuse. Examples of successful circular models in manufacturing and services. Assessment of the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of circular business models.

3. Regenerative Design and Eco-Innovation

Product design for reuse, disassembly, and recycling. The introduction of eco-innovations in production processes. Case studies of firms applying regenerative design.

4. Digital Technologies Supporting the Circular Economy

The role of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence in tracking material flows, recycling, and process optimisation. Practical examples of companies using digital tools to support circular business models.

5. Circular Economy Legislation and Policy in the EU

The European Union’s circular economy policy. Strategies and action plans to support the circular economy. Financing and support mechanisms for the circular economy. National and regional strategies of EU Member States. The role of governmental and non-governmental organisations. The legislative and institutional framework.

6. The Circular Economy across Different Industrial Sectors

Case studies of the application of circular strategies in construction, energy, the food industry, and the textile industry. The role of innovation and technology in the transition to circular models in these sectors.

7. Financial and Environmental Impacts of the Circular Economy

Economic and environmental benefits of implementing circular business models, including cost–benefit analysis. Economic impacts of the transition to a circular economy, such as job creation and cost savings. Environmental benefits, including waste reduction and efficient resource use.

Teaching methods
Work with texts, teamwork, group discussion and group problem-solving methods, brainstorming, and case study–based teaching.
Assessment methods
Student requirements: attendance at seminars (minimum 50% participation).
Assessment methods: team-based semester project and its presentation (40% of the final grade), final written examination (60% of the final grade).
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
Study Materials
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