Technology & Operations Management: Climate Change Challenge

At Harvard Business School (HBS), students are taking a deep dive into the challenges of climate change through a required class called Technology and Operations Management (TOM). In this class, students are assigned a challenge to write a blog post describing how a single organization of their choice is being affected by climate change. In their posts, they explore how climate change impacts the organization's operations, innovation system, or supply chain.

The purpose of this assignment is to help students understand the role of corporate leaders in addressing climate change and how it affects their company, industry, supply chain, and communities. By reading and commenting on each other's posts, students gain exposure to a broad array of topics related to climate change.

A Diverse Range of Organizations

The TOM challenge allows students to explore the diversity of industries and the opportunities and threats they face due to climate change. One student wrote about Nestle and its efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change in their cocoa and coffee production. Given that Nestle purchases 10% of the world's coffee and cocoa production, any steps they take to address climate change can have a significant impact on the industry as a whole.

Another student focused on Eversource, a utility company that provides heating for HBS students' dorm rooms. By examining the policy environment and its effects on Eversource, the student highlights how climate change can influence the energy sector and impact individuals' daily lives.

Coca-Cola was the subject of another student's blog post. The student explored how water scarcity affects Coca-Cola's operations and emphasized the importance of sustainable water management practices. As Coca-Cola faces scrutiny for its water usage, it has implemented initiatives to give back water to communities and reduce its overall environmental impact.

The Power of Community Engagement

All of the projects discussed by the students underscore the need for community engagement in combating climate change. Some organizations lack sufficient community involvement in their sustainability efforts, which limits their ability to effect change. The private sector plays a crucial role in driving environmental improvements, and companies must make concerted efforts to create positive environmental impacts.

The students' blog posts sparked a rich dialogue among their peers, with differing opinions leading to meaningful debates. This exchange of ideas created a vibrant learning experience and encouraged students to think critically about their own roles as future leaders. The diverse perspectives offered by students from different industries, such as consulting, banking, and sustainability, enriched the discussions and highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors when addressing climate change.

Looking Towards a Sustainable Future

Overall, the TOM challenge has proven to be an exciting and eye-opening class for HBS students. It allowed them to explore real-world examples of how climate change affects organizations and industries. By examining companies' responses to climate change, students gained insights into the potential strategies and actions that can be taken to mitigate and adapt to the challenges ahead.

The discussions prompted students to consider the next steps they can take to address climate change as leaders in their respective industries. They recognized the importance of envisioning a sustainable future and the role they can play in driving positive change.

By delving into the complexities of climate change through assignments like the TOM challenge, HBS students are equipped with the knowledge and perspective to tackle the pressing environmental issues our world faces. As they venture into their careers as business leaders, they are poised to make a difference in creating a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.