Lifelong learning at Scania and KTH : A qualitative study on community of practice as a learning method in contract education

Abstract: This degree project examines the feasibility of implementing a community of practice within the contract education course ”Sustainable Transport Systems” offered at KTH Royal Institute of Sweden in collaboration with Scania. This degree project aims to investigate if it would be possible to increase participation in the course by creating study circles led by circle leaders who have completed the course. Four interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis, leading to the identification of four themes. A beta test was then conducted with 15 Scania employees who had yet to take the course, in which they participated in two condensed modules led by a circle leader. Results suggest a potential for implementing a community of practice, as circle leaders and employees saw value in the format and appreciated the opportunities for discussion and reflection on sustainability. The proposed concept is that the course serves as an introduction to a community of practice focusing on sustainability at Scania, where an attitude towards sustainability is developed and concrete improvement proposals for sustainability work are created through the course’s projects.