On November 29 and December 6, 2024, we once again had the opportunity, as we do each semester, to conduct the business simulation The Blue Connection in collaboration with the Munich University of Applied Sciences (Munich Business School) as part of the seminar “SI.2 Sustainable Supply Chain Management.”
Under the guidance of our Managing Director Andrea Walbert, the students experienced two intensive days where theory and practice were closely intertwined on the topics of sustainability and circular economy.
Day 1: From Theory to Practice
The first day of the seminar began with an introduction to the fundamentals of sustainability and circular economy. The students were confronted with some of the pressing challenges of our time, such as low recycling rates and increasing resource scarcity.
Following this introduction, the workshop moved straight into its core element: the simulation The Blue Connection. Divided into teams, participants took on the responsibility of managing companies transitioning from a linear to a circular value chain. The goal was to extend the lifecycle of products, improve their reusability, and achieve both economic and ecological benefits through smart decision-making.
Each simulation round was accompanied by reflection and analysis, where teams presented their results and gained valuable insights into the impact of their decisions.
Day 2: Deep Dive and Innovation
The second day focused on applying specific strategies. In the simulation, the students explored sustainable business models such as Product-as-a-Service. Additionally, teams were assigned to two focus areas:
- Refurbishment & Second-Hand Sales: Strategies for reconditioning and reusing products.
- Component Remanufacturing & Recycling: Solutions for disassembling and recycling components.
The teams not only developed innovative concepts but also critically evaluated them. Two key questions guided their work: How profitable is the developed model? And how sustainable is it?
The final task required the students to document their findings in a module assignment, ensuring long-term retention of the knowledge and practical experience gained.
Conclusion: Enthusiasm and Commitment
The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. “It was impressive to see how quickly the students grasped the complex interconnections of the circular economy and developed creative yet profitable solutions,” summarized Andrea Walbert.
For us as a provider of continuing education, this event once again highlighted the importance of connecting theory and practice to foster sustainable competencies in young talents.
Experience and Implement Sustainability
Are you interested in simulations like The Blue Connection or other formats that bridge the gap between theory and practice? Contact us – we look forward to hearing from you!
