Case Study: Community-Partnered Problem Solving for Sustainable Logistics
The Social Logistics Challenge is a group assessment in the MSc Green and Sustainable Logistics programme, delivered across Edinburgh and Dubai campuses to cohorts of varying sizes.
Student teams (4–5 members) identify a real-world local sustainability logistics problem, partner with an affected organisation, develop a solution and present it through a video or podcast alongside a short report.
Teams select authentic community logistics challenges, such as cleaner last-mile delivery on Edinburgh's Royal Mile or move-out reverse logistics at student residences, and engage directly with businesses, councils, or charities. They co-develop practical solutions and communicate findings through a 7–10 minute video or podcast, supported by a 1,000 word report. Early deadlines for group formation, topic selection, and stakeholder engagement maintain progress, while tutorials and digital storytelling resources help students unfamiliar with media production.
This assessment shifts students from passive learning to active sustainability practice, developing skills in stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, and communication. Collaboration with external organisations generates tangible sustainability proposals and strengthens students’ climate literacy and community awareness. It also enhances students’ employability as it prepares graduates to apply these capabilities in professional logistics contexts.
Top tips for others interested in adopting or adapting this approach
- Ensure students map local logistics pain points first; it sharpens problem framing and makes stakeholder conversations more productive.
- Keep the creative format (video/podcast) flexible; it lowers barriers and lets diverse teams play to their strengths.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressed
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
