Integrated reverse logistics: Case study of a product take-back program
Loading...
URL
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
Unless otherwise stated, all rights belong to the author. You may download, display and print this publication for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Authors
Date
2023-06-12
Department
Major/Subject
Sustainable Urban Mobility Transitions
Mcode
ENG3085
Degree programme
Master’s programme in Urban Mobility
Language
en
Pages
106 + 4
Series
Abstract
With the rise in environmental concerns and the growing focus on the circular economy, reverse logistics has gained significant attention from academia and the business world as one of the key enablers. However, it is characterized by high uncertainties, operation complexities and barriers to implementation. Consequently, a need for a systematic integrated reverse logistics framework that can help organizations effectively plan, execute, and control reverse logistics has been identified. In response, this thesis proposes a theoretical framework that offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and components associated with the implementation of integrated reverse logistics such as activities and performance measurement. To explore the practical implications of the framework, the research adopts a qualitative approach and evaluates the current state of reverse logistics at the case company. Through this evaluation, a gap analysis is conducted to compare theory with the existing practices and to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering insights into areas of improvement and potential alignment between the proposed framework and the current operations at the case company. In evaluating the framework, particular attention is given to the strategic fit of a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that digitalizes the physical waste flows. The findings highlight the potential of incorporating this solution to improve the existing reverse logistics system of the case company. By addressing operational and technical challenges, facilitating collaboration and information integration among actors, and improving the traceability of products, the solution demonstrates promise for informed decision-making. However, the challenges such as perceptions of poorer quality products after recovery, lack of consumer awareness about returns, and unregulated secondary markets may require a different approach, such as education campaigns or regulatory interventions. To overcome organizational barriers and lack of strategy, the case company is suggested to undertake pilot projects, test digitalization within current workflows, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) through digital platforms. Overall, this thesis contributes to the development of a theoretical framework of integrated reverse logistics and provides insights into the challenges and potential solutions for implementing such a framework.Description
Supervisor
Mladenović, MilošThesis advisor
Bakajic, MisaKeywords
reverse logistics, circular economy, product take-back, digitalization, traceability, digital platforms