MJ2693 Sustainable Development in Theory and Practice 6.0 credits

In this course we focus on sustainability in the developing world, with special emphasis on the BoP (Base of the Pyramid) concept from a business, entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction perspective, and the role of the Millennium Development Goals. A case study and a literature- and discussion seminar are included.

The overall objective in this course is to give a deeper insight in the science of sustainability (ecological, economic and social sustainability).  After concluding this course the student should be able to: 

• Give a historical background to the concept of “sustainable development”.
• Describe the different aspects of sustainable development 
• Describe the ecological, economic and social situation in the developing world.
• Describe and analyse the Millennium Development Goals and their prerequisite.
• Describe and analyse the BoP (Base of the Pyramid) concept from a business, entrepreneurship, and poverty reduction perspective.
• Search for scientific literature in the subject areas of the course from the Internet and in libraries and use it as reference materials for a written report / case study.
• In a written report / case study analyse and discuss different implementations of “sustainable development” in respective native country or development problems related to the developing world.
• Use footnotes and bibliography in a written report / case study.
• Give an oral presentation to a written case study.

At least 150 academic credits in a program of engineering or natural science including documented proficiency in english B or equivalent.

Course book. Papers published in scientific journals, downloadable from the Internet and a course compendium

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• ÖVN1 - Seminars, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN2 - Seminars, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Monika Olsson

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.