Circular Economy Business Models for the Tanzanian Coffee Sector: A Teaching Case Study

Francesco Paolo Lagrasta, Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo and Barbara Scozzi
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Francesco Paolo Lagrasta: Department of Mechanics, Mathematics & Management, Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
Pierpaolo Pontrandolfo: Department of Mechanics, Mathematics & Management, Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy
Barbara Scozzi: Department of Mechanics, Mathematics & Management, Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, BA, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 24, 1-28

Abstract: One of the major issues the agri-food supply chains is the considerable production of by-products, which are mostly discarded as wastes and dangerously landfilled. This problem is particularly acute in the coffee supply chain: coffee cultivation generates by-products and in quantities which are potentially dangerous for the environment. A circular economy business model aimed at the recovery of these by-products may represent an interesting solution in terms of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The goal of this paper was to provide teachers and educators with case material on circular business models that can be used for problem-based learning and case-based learning activities. The proposed case was built to address a real-world problematic situation related to the coffee supply chain. From a theoretical point of view, this study contributes to the literature on circular economy business models by providing a case study developed in the context of a developing country. Furthermore, the research entails practical implications since it shows managers and startuppers how to map a circular business model in all its components under the guidance of a conceptual framework.

Keywords: circular economy; circular business model; case study; problem-based learning; case-based learning; education for sustainable development; coffee by-products; business model canvas; sustainable business model innovation framework; developing countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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