Trial lecture
The trial lecture starts at 10.15.
Title of the trial lecture
“Can manufacturing ever be sustainable?”
The defence of the thesis starts at 12.15.
Adjudication committee
- Professor Bert Bras, George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA
- Senior Research Associate Ettore Settanni, Department of Engineering, Insitute of Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Professor Berit Helgheim, Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics
Chair of defence
Professor Harald Martin Hjelle, Molde University College
Supervisors
- Primary Supervisor Professor Jan Emblemsvåg, NTNU Ålesund
- Secondary Supervisors Professor Svein Bråthen and Professor Steinar Kristoffersen Molde University College
Additional information
The circular economy (CE) has gained traction as a pathway towards more sustainable economic growth. However, the practical implementation of CE business models (CEBMs), which is a key element in the transition to CE, has been somewhat modest. This is partly due to companies' perception of CE strategies as being too risky and lacking economic viability, and that they will only make a move towards CE if they find business models (BMs) that are economically attractive. Moreover, it remains a mystery as to how CE can lead to a realisation of value within companies and whether it is effective and viable. However, since CEBMs are context-dependent and their successful implementation mainly relies on individual products, this dissertation investigates CEBMs for Engineer-To-Order (ETO) products. The main rationale for studying ETO products is based on their complexity and durability, and the fact that they are largely neglected in the literature despite being an essential aspect of project-based industries. This is because when their materials are invested into stock in the form of heavy machinery, they become embedded and unavailable as secondary feedstock for as long as they remain stored and in use. It is therefore of immense significance that these products are designed, produced, maintained, and reused in a circular manner. Hence, studying CEBMs for ETO products is key in determining the actual economic benefits that can result from embracing CE strategies at the company level in several industries.
To quantify the economic effect of implementing CEBMs for ETO products, this study uses the Activity-Based Life Cycle Costing (LCC) method. Since the study looks into the future, which is inherently uncertain, uncertainty is included in the Activity-Based LCC models by employing a Monte Carlo simulation to assess its impact. Statistical sensitivity analyses are also conducted in such a Monte Carlo simulation to identify the input variables that are most important concerning managing risks and reducing uncertainty as well as tracing critical success factors.
The results show that the investigation of specific CEBMs that are relevant and most effective in a shift towards CE depends on a product’s characteristics as well as the untapped value potential inherent in the product lifecycle. Thus, to guide a transition to circularity and capture value opportunities from it, it is essential to identify which CEBMs are relevant for specific products and what is the best fit for the core activities of companies. Additionally, the results show that the implementation of relevant CEBMs tailored to individual ETO products positively affects the economic viability of such CEBMs. Hence, ETO products require a tailored approach to establish CEBM unlike the more general advice found in the literature.
Nina Pereira Kvadsheim (39) comes from Molde (originated from Malawi). She holds a BSc in Education from Chancellor College, the University of Malawi from 2006, a Certificate in Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies, Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK, from, 2021 and an MSc in Logistics, specializing in Supply Chain Management from 2014.
During her PhD studies, Kvadsheim has been employed as a Doctoral Research Fellow at Molde University College, financed by the region of Møre and Romsdal County Municipality. She was also Researcher at Møreforsking Molde AS. At present, she holds a position as Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy at NCE iKuben in Molde.