Free course

Supply chain sustainability

Free statement of participation on completion
Supply chain sustainability
More about this course

Course description

Course content

Course reviews

To survive in today’s competitive environment, organisations need not only have an efficient and effective supply chain for the context in which they operate, they also have to consider issues of sustainability in their supply chain strategies. These issues are a consideration beyond those of environmental sustainability and also encompass social sustainability (ethics and wellbeing), financial sustainability, and network sustainability. This free course, Supply chain sustainability, introduces four sustainability perspectives and discusses how these perspectives can assess the sustainability of any supply chain.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • understand what is meant by sustainability in the context of the supply chain
  • explain the four perspectives of supply chain sustainability
  • assess the degree of sustainability in your (or any other) organisation from each of these four perspectives, and provide suggestions for improving
  • critically assess the extent of sustainability that is realistic in a given situation, and identify and explain the constraints to sustainability.

First Published: 09/08/2017

Updated: 16/05/2019

You can start this course right now without signing-up. Click on any of the course content sections below to start at any point in this course.
If you want to be able to track your progress, earn a free Statement of Participation, and access all course quizzes and activities, sign-up.

Course content

Expand all course content

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?

Take your learning further371

Making the decision to study can be a big step, which is why you'll want a trusted University. The Open University has 50 years’ experience delivering flexible learning and 170,000 students are studying with us right now. Take a look at all Open University courses372.

If you are new to university level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. Find out Where to take your learning next?373 You could either choose to start with an Access courses374or an open box module, which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification.

Not ready for University study then browse over 1000 free courses on OpenLearn375 and sign up to our newsletter376 to hear about new free courses as they are released.

Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. With over 120 qualifications, we’ve got the right course for you.

Request an Open University prospectus371

BB849_1