COMM 415 – Operations and Climate

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of public policies and corporate strategies using statistical evaluation methods, cost-benefit analysis, and other modelling tools, with a focus on the impacts of climate change on operations and vice versa. Industries including service provision, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment are assessed based on pricing, operating costs, emissions, and other environmental and societal impacts.

Learning objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the physical and economic impacts of climate change on different sectors of the economy, including primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors.
• Develop an understanding of the possible role of operations management in mitigating the effects of climate change and adapting to its impacts.
• Analyze the impact of climate change on supply chains in several key industries and identify strategies to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Develop quantitative models to analyze the impact of changes to supply chains and service sector operations.
• Identify the biggest polluting industries and understand the impact of their operations on the environment.
• Understand the role of policy in promoting sustainable operations and reducing carbon emissions.

Prerequisite: One of COMM 295, ECON 201, ECON 301.