Meet the future with the right skills - take further education in agile project management and circular economy

How can we recycle the materials from wind farms, oil platforms and nuclear reactors? Will the facilities be left as ghosts and, in some cases, ticking environmental bombs? Instead, they have unique potential for the development of new circular business models and new industries.

The further education program in agile project management is based on this untapped potential. The main focus is on how to manage projects according to agile principles, where circular value chains, products and services are the overall goal of a project.

What is decommissioning?

Decommissioning is about planning for all phases from establishment to destruction and clean-up as well as reuse of materials, safe management of hazardous waste and restoration of the site - in the most profitable way possible. Circular business models are about how to reduce waste and pollution while creating economic value.

Practical information

In this program, you will learn basic agile principles and why it is crucial for the creation of new circular business models and industries. Through a practical toolbox for agile project management, you will learn and practice how it is possible to secure circular value chains and gain tools to seize the opportunities in these business areas.

The continuing education program is a collaboration between OsloMet - Metropolitan University, Digital Norway and the DECOM cluster at Smart Innovation Norway.

Studies start in the spring semester 2024 with continuous admission from 1 September 2023.

The course runs for one semester and can be combined with a full-time job. There will be three physical gatherings in Halden during the semester where you will work with practical examples. Here you will meet Nordic pioneering leaders in decommissioning and circular economy and have a unique opportunity for networking in relevant professional environments.

The program gives 10 credits, is at bachelor level and is offered free of charge for the spring semester 2024 (value of NOK 30,000)

What are you learning?

You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge in agile project management and circular business models. You'll gain insight into how lifecycle thinking can be built into profitable business models, and you'll be given practical assignments based on real-life examples to maximize learning outcomes.

The program gives you the opportunity to identify new and innovative business opportunities for decommissioning, waste management, recycling and reuse. This program also addresses the importance of digital technologies in addressing the challenges associated with post-industrial cleanup.

Target group

The program is tailored for both individuals and companies who want to expand their knowledge in agile project management and circular business models.

Through this programme, you will gain a deeper understanding of how agile project management can be used to optimize projects within decommissioning, waste management and recycling. At the same time, you will learn about the latest trends and tools in this field, so the program will be relevant for both new graduates and those who have been working in the industry for a longer period of time.

Knowledge of circular business models allows you and companies to identify new and innovative business opportunities, opening up new career opportunities and increasing competitiveness.

Four reasons to take this course

Agile projects are well suited when the specific end solution is not possible to define before the project starts and when adjustments and adaptations through learning and experimentation along the way are key. Sometimes large programs or projects can be the solution, but very often it will be appropriate to take an experimental approach to finding new solutions. In such cases, it is often a good idea to start small by testing and learning before scaling things up. Here, agile project management focuses on value creation, partial deliveries, collaboration and adaptations are other key words.

A toolbox that provides an overview of the process and various tools is useful. Projects need structure and direction even if the projects do not follow a predefined and detailed progress. Having tools available in the form of templates and assessment points is also useful for more agile projects. A digital toolbox will be designed so that there will be some principles and ways of thinking at the core, but the tools are designed to be adapted to the specific project. Nor is it the case that tools are the most important and that they should all be used in a project. To use a metaphor, an electric hand drill is not the most useful tool for driving a nail - a hammer works best.

The course is at bachelor level and can be adapted to all bachelor programs that allow for electives or project management courses. However, it is the individual study program that may grant such approvals.

The sessions will be activity-based in the sense that there will be short presentations (lectures/guest lectures), followed by assignments, discussions and exercises. There will be a strong emphasis on discussions and exchange of experience across participants when we first meet together.