Study Guide

Objective

The student

• Is familiar with more advanced consumer behavior frameworks
• Knows how to create value for target groups
• Can develop sustainable and circular business models
• Can implement business design thinking
• Is familiar with relevant funding sources and business ecosystems
• Can develop an ecopreneurial mindset
• Can respond to existing megatrends in the field of green transition
• Can develop, start or acquire a sustainable and profitable business

Content

Part 1
• Circular economy
• Circular business models
• Circular business design thinking
• Value creation
• Profitability in circular business
• Consumer behavior

Part 2
• Entrepreneurial mindset:
o the effectuating mind
o the opportunity recognising mind
o the resilient mind
o the risk managing mind
o the designing mind
o the sustainable mind
• Financing
• Entrepreneurship in practice
• Business Ecosystems
• Business support organisations

Location and time

December 2025
Flipped pre-assignment 1.
Pre-assignments must always be submitted in Moodle one day before the following contact lessons.
Trends of consumer behaviour, megatrends (Eva)

January 13, 2026 (17 - 20) online
Introduction, course flow, assignments, groups, and deadlines (Reija)
Discussion on trends of consumer behaviours, megatrends (Eva, Fredrik, Reija)
First business ideation (all together)

January 14
Flipped pre-assignment 2
Advanced target group and stakeholder analysis (Fredrik)

January 27 (17 - 20) online
Target groups and stakeholders (Fredrik)
Discussion on value proposition canvas and stakeholder map (Eva, Fredrik)
Second ideations: Three ideas to choose from

January 28
Flipped pre-assignment 3
Customer value creation in sustainable business models (Fredrik, Eva)

February 12 (17 – 20) online
Customer value and business models
Group work

February 13
Flipped pre-assignment 4
Circular and financial cost structures and revenue streams (Fredrik)

Coaching round #1: Each group books a time slot (1 h) with Reija to discuss the plans based on previous materials and discussions
Coaching session alternatives (one time 60 minutes/group)
• Tuesday Feb. 17 from 14 to 18
• Thursday Feb. 19 from 14 to 18
• Monday Feb. 23 from 14 to 18

March 5 (17 – 20) online
Circular and financial cost structures and revenue streams (Fredrik)
Entrepreneurship (Reija)
Business design and plans

March 6
Flipped pre-assignment 5
Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindset (Reija)

April 9 (17 – 20) online
Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindset (Reija)
Business design and plans

April 24 Excursion
Company visits
Group work: prototyping and testing
Pitching and presenting (Pia Kiviaho-Kallio)

Coaching round #2: Book a slot (1 h) with Reija
• Monday April 27 from 14 to 18
• Wednesday April 29 from 14 to 18
• Tuesday May 5 from 14 to 18

Make your competitive pitches

May 19 HG-103
Pitching
Picnic together by Aura River

Materials

Is published on Moodle.

Teaching methods

• Flipped learning
• Contact lessons
• Analyses
• Value proposition canvas
• Stakeholder map
• Coaching
• Company visits
• Workshops
• Business Model Canvas and Business Plans

Employer connections

Own business plans
Company visits
Guest lecturers

Exam schedules

• Pre-assignment 1, Jan. 12
• Pre-assignment 2, Jan. 26
• Pre-assignment 3, Feb. 11
• Pre-assignment 4, March 4
• Pre-assignment 5, April 8
• Pitch, May 19
• Business plan, May 24

International connections

International student group

Completion alternatives

Independent or cross studies to be agreed with the course teachers.
Recognition of Prior Learning to be agreed with the course teachers.

Content scheduling

Spring semester, from Jan. 13 to May 24, 2026

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Theory and methodology are understood and implemented to some extent in the projects.
Research, circular business design and entrepreneurial implementation, communication and documentation are acceptable. The student has participated in the course.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student understands theory and applicability of methods in the project, but work could be stronger. Research, circular business design and entrepreneurial implementation, communication and documentation are good. The student shows active participation and development.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has a great command of theory and methods, proficiency of implementation of them in the project.
The student performs outstanding research, innovative circular business and entrepreneurial implementation and excellent communication and documentation. The student shows very active participation and development.

Assessment methods and criteria

• Five flipped pre-assignments: one pre-assignment max. 5 points, total max. 25 points
• Business plan max. 65/100 points
• Pitch max. 10/10 points
• Bonus points: activity and attendance on contact days max. +10 points

All four parts must be passed (above zero, in other words done)

Max 100 points.

Grading and points
90 – 100 =5
80 – 89 =4
70 – 79 =3
60 – 69 =2
50 – 59 =1
0 – 49 =0, failed

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

0 - 49 points of 100
not all parts finished or passed

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Grade 1
Theory and methodology are poorly understood and implemented in the projects.
Research, circular business design and entrepreneurial implementation, communication and documentation are hardly acceptable. Participation.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Grade 3
Understanding of theory and applicability of methods in the project, but work could be stronger.
Research, circular business design and entrepreneurial implementation, communication and documentation are good. Active participation and development.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5
A great command of theory and methods, proficiency of implementation of them in the project.
Outstanding research, innovative circural business and entrepreneurial implementation and excellent communication and documentation. Very active participation and development.

Qualifications

No prerequisites.

Further information

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
If students have acquired the required competence in previous work tasks, recreational activities or on another course, they can show their competence via a demonstration. The demonstration must be agreed with the course teacher.

The course can be replaced by another similar course at Master's level (EQF7). The student must apply for replacement in Peppi.