Collaborative Approaches and Conflict Resolution Strategies for Sustainability Challenges

Course dates

1 February 2026 – 31 May 2026

Registration period

1 September 2025 – 31 December 2025

Coordinating university

University of Eastern Finland

Instructors

Irmeli Mustalahti
Ida Herdieckerhoff
Ubaldus Tumaini Rijal Ramdani Lasse Peltonen

Credits

5 ECTS

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Course dates: 1.2. - 31.5.2026
Registration dates: 1.9. - 31.12.2025
Coordinating university: University of Eastern Finland. Course code on Peppi: 5111806
Responsible teacher: Irmeli Mustalahti (if.feu@ithalatsum.ilemri), Ida Herdieckerhoff (if.feu@ffohrekceidreh.adi), Lasse Peltonen (UEF), Ubaldus Tumaini (College of Business Education, Tanzania, CBE) and Rijal Ramdani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, UMY)
Credits: 5 ECTS
Course offered: 1/3

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Course summary:

This course explores theories, tools and practices that foster collaborative approaches and conflict resolution strategies in the context of sustainability challenges. It offers a foundational understanding of theoretical and methodological approaches to collaboration and conflict resolution. The course provides an overview of key theories in collaborative governance, explains analytical frameworks and offers selected resolution and facilitation techniques. Three virtual case studies and interactive activities allow students to apply these frameworks and develop practical skills.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand and apply key theoretical frameworks for collaboration and conflict resolution;
2. Understand preconditions for success regarding conflict resolution and collaborative processes;
3. Understanding key building blocks of problem-solving processes and how to apply them in planning interventions;
4. Explore participatory problem-solving approaches, including collaborative governance and partnerships;
5. Apply and critically reflect on course content through case studies.

Learning methods:

This online course is based on blended learning techniques, including asynchronous activities (4 modules) and synchronous sessions (1 module). This blended learning approach caters to self-paced learning for students, while also including interactive live session where students can focus on discussion, clarifications, and applied learning with the mentors (co-teachers). The course is based on multimedia content, including text-based learning materials, video lectures, multiple-choice exams, video interviews and peer presentations.

Completion methods:

This course is comprised of 5 modules. At the end of each module, students must complete and pass a multiple-choice exam to move on to the next module. To complete the course, students must analyze a case study of their choice and give a 15 min power point presentation based on their findings during an online group session with a mentor. The online session will be organized based on time zones.

Study material:

The learning materials include online lectures (a total of 10 mandatory video lectures) on basic concepts such as collaborative approaches, collaborative governance, conflict analysis and conflict resolution strategies. Online reading materials are selected journal articles and book chapters from academic literature, as well as policy-oriented publications, government documents and NGO reports. The course also includes three original case studies comprised of text-based background material and video interviews. Students may select one case study to critically analyse and present during an in-person seminar with mentors (during the module 5).

Assessment criteria:

The students will be assessed based on multiple choice exams (80% correct in order to pass) as well as individual power point presentation and the active participation during the module 5 (graded on a scale pass/fail).

Maximum number of students:

80

Preliminary course timetable:

1st February – 31 May 2026: Course is open
May: online seminars are organized (Module 5)

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