The aim of this module is to explore the sustainable use of resources and how better management of the factors of production can lead to both a competitive advantage and sustainable resource use outcome. Today, the linearity of the global economy is becoming hard to escape; excess waste piled in landfills and littered along coastlines are visible hallmarks of a “take, make, dispose” paradigm fuelled by business and devoured by consumers. Despite such worrying trends, the linear model is still going strong and continues to form the basis of much of today's production and consumption patterns. In fact, only 9% of primary resources, which include biomass, fossil fuels, metals, and non-metallic minerals, are being circulated in some form. Linear systems are easier to understand, model and manage. Students will consider how businesses decide on the combinations of inputs to produce their desired output/s within the limits of sustainable systems. The changing dynamics affecting these choices will be analysed. The raised awareness over the social impacts of these choices will be considered. How are businesses altering their resource allocation decisions in light of better understanding of the environmental costs, coupled with increased customer demand for such changes? In the past ownership of resources was a major source of power. Today it is the sustainable management of such scarce items that is becoming increasingly important. This coupled with consumer demand and Government regulation is impacting how businesses operate.