Francesca Ostuzzi and Maya Hoveskog
Teaching sustainable development at the higher education level requires that existing curricula are supplemented with multi-disciplinary (and sometimes multi-national…
Abstract
Purpose
Teaching sustainable development at the higher education level requires that existing curricula are supplemented with multi-disciplinary (and sometimes multi-national) collaboration and integrated thinking. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of a particular framework for business model innovation for sustainability-as-flourishing that is used as a boundary object in the context of interdisciplinary, peer-assessed distance learning. This study is positioned in the broader picture of enlarging curricular content so as to reflect the systemic and interconnected nature of socio-technical and economic developments. The motivation behind this study is the authors’ wish to achieve a deeper understanding of how students engage with the complex concept of sustainable business modelling, while using the flourishing business canvas (FBC).
Design/methodology/approach
An experiment was conducted on the use of the FBC as a boundary object among 52 engineering students at two universities. Data were provided by the following: iterations of the FBC; oral and written peer feedback; and an online survey.
Findings
Based on an evaluation of the experiment, this study shows that the FBC supports the use of multi-disciplinary, multi-national peer and distance learning in sustainability education.
Research limitations/implications
This study used one test condition of multi-disciplinary, multi-national collaboration for peer and distance learning at one point in time. Additional tests, using the tools and approaches of this study, are needed.
Originality/value
Various tools and methods for use in education have been developed that support a new view of sustainability –sustainability-as-flourishing. Extant research focusses primarily on the development of tools and methods in this area. Not enough attention has been paid to the analysis of their implementation and use in higher education. This paper seeks to fill that research gap.
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Francesca Ostuzzi, Valentina Rognoli, Jelle Saldien and Marinella Levi
This paper aims to present a pilot study’s aims to identify opportunities and limits deriving from the use of low-cost 3D printing (3DP), fused deposition modelling (FDM)…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a pilot study’s aims to identify opportunities and limits deriving from the use of low-cost 3D printing (3DP), fused deposition modelling (FDM), open-source technologies in co-design and co-production processes involving persons with rheumatic diseases (RDs).
Design/methodology/approach
In the paper, the authors outline why the use of low-cost, entry-level FDM can be meaningful for this scenario, implying a complete sharing of the design and the production phases of small assistive devices. The +TUO process is composed of several stages, among which the generative session represents the core.
Findings
This study highlights as the introduction of this low-cost technology in co-generative processes with people with RDs is a real challenge that can lead to new products and solutions, and that can sustain a social and local manufacturing approach for people facing a specific disablement.
Research limitations/implications
This research is a first step of a broader research, new researches are going to explore further details related with the technology and of the adopted method.
Practical implications
Involving actively, the end user during the creation process can bring advantages such as meeting more precisely their needs and create innovative products, as shown in the text.
Social implications
For people living with RDs, an occupation is important to sustain a process of empowerment. Adopting assistive devices supports daily activities and facilitates the occupation.
Originality/value
+TUO is a pilot study that explore a topic already discussed in the scientific arena, without focusing on the specific use of low-cost 3DP technologies.