[Engg-enci-l] Information Session - March 29

[engginfo at ucalgary.ca]

INFORMATION SESSION

PRESENTED BY

INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED MATERIAL FLOW MANAGEMENT,
UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES TRIER,
ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPUS BIRKENFELD, GERMANY
DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 2006
TIME: 9:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.

LOCATION: ROOM ST 128 (SCIENCE THEATRES BUILDING), UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

TOPIC:
MATERIAL FLOW MANAGEMENT: A MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES AND FOSTER ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
SPEAKER:  PETER HECK
•        CHAIR IN MATERIAL FLOW MANAGEMENT, UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
TRIER,
ON-SITE ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPUS BIRKENFELD, GERMANY
•        CEO AND FOUNDER OF THE INSTITUTE OF APPLIED MATERIAL FLOW MANAGEMENT


Abstract:

"Panta rhei - everything flows" remarked the Greek thinker Democritus
already at his time and indeed, our life is closely linked to the flows of
materials and energy, it even depends on them. More than others humans
have learned to use material- and energy flows to satisfy their needs.
Efficiency, quality and the degree of its utilization determine the
quality of life and the
viability of human living space.

Living spaces are complex systems. Natural and near-natural
(eco-)systems are self-regulating, they contain homoeostatic
material-and energy cycles, which from the outside only require solar
energy. So-called techno-ecosystems, created by humans, appear to totally
miss the capability of self-regulation. Human
interventions as well as the constant input of materials and energy to the
systems are necessary in order to guarantee their functioning.

Material Flow Management (MFM) looks at this fundamental requirement in an
integral and systematic way and helps making complex systems more
understandable. MFM try to learn from the efficiency of the eco-system and
optimise the techno-ecosystems using new management, communication,
financing and technology strategies. In order to understand systems and
qualitatively improve their utilization, it is indispensable to analyse
precisely the present structures and processes and recognise that each
system is only a partial system, a function within a greater overall
system. The optimization of single functions without considering the
overall context, as been practised often in the past, has repeatedly
proven disadvantageous to the overall system. MFM encompasses single
sectors such as waste management, mobility and transportation, nature
conservation, tourism, promotion of trade and industry or power supply
into an overall context and optimize these sectors interdependently.

A municipality, for instance, can be understood as an integral system of
different processes and material flows. To create and to strengthen a
regional added value, this regional system is being examined and analysed
independently from the limitations set by divisions and departments. Only
the individual examination of the existing structures and material flows
make qualitative improvements possible thanks to the implementation
of new ideas for solutions.  Material Flow Management, however, does not
supply a magic formula, but integrative solutions developed and adapted
depending on place, space and time.

The Institute for Applied Material Flow Management is the Centre of
Excellence of the German State Government of Rhineland Palatinate with a
long-lasting track records in research projects in Asia and South America.
The gained expertise in this field is now channeled in a tailor-made
master degree program in International Material Flow Management.

The Master’s program in International Material Flow Management aims to
train and educate competent leaders capable of understanding and tackling
global business development processes. As an interdisciplinary program, it
facilitates holistic business and technology management strategies through
a combination of engineering, economics and environmental sciences.

Students will learn to link economic development with environmental
protection by using optimal technology management strategies on a global
scale. Innovative applications of technology in the fields of energy,
water, waste or other material streams are connected with the management
of stakeholder networks, life cycle planning, innovative financing
systems and sustainable development.

Throughout the program, students will become familiar with terms like
“circular economy”, “sustainable society” and “zero-emission-regions” as
they study examples of Material Flow Management in Europe and Asia.
Students are also tasked with developing projects and eco-entrepreneurial
business ideas as a means of collecting relevant, practical experience
through close cooperation with small and medium sized enterprises.

Theory and practice of Material Flow Management (MFM) in Europe and Asia

Better understanding of eco-system management and economic aspects of
environmental protection

Systemic understanding of clean technologies and technology management

Knowledge on intercultural communication,networking, project management,
financing and fundraising

Business, Environment and Business Culture in Europe and Asia-
International Case, Studies and Practical Project Experience
Graduation Thesis about practical issues with professional guidance at
companies or research institutes in Europe or in Asia

The CEO of IfaS, Prof. Dr. Peter Heck, is an expert on this field and one
of two Professors in Germany with a Chair in Material Flow Management.
Prof. Dr. Heck is leading a number of innovative research projects on
behalf of the EC, the state government and the Chinese Government.