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    AI AI Captain - Leveraging artificial intelligence to navigate challenges in tanker shipping
    (2023) Wester, Andrea; Börjesson, Jonathan; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Lindén, Lisa; Bhatt, Oshin Siao
    "AI AI Captain: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Navigate Challenges in Tanker Shipping" presents a comprehensive analysis of the transformative impact of AI on the tanker shipping industry. This research explores the operational and strategic challenges faced by the industry, positioning AI as a critical tool for overcoming these issues. It identifies and categorizes the key uncertainties in adopting AI, which include technological, organizational, commercial, and social aspects, thereby highlighting the complexity of stakeholder relationships and the inherent ambiguity in this sector. The study primarily utilizes focus group interviews with the case study company, Stena Bulk, and its principal customers, offering in-depth insights into the practical deployment and potential benefits of AI. This methodological approach sheds light on the multi-dimensional aspects of AI integration and its consequences for tanker shipping, underlining the sector’s progressive shift towards embracing digital innovations.
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    Dynamic Material Flow Analysis for Battery Cell Circularity in Mining Equipment
    (2023) Ekblad, Johanna; Viberud, Lydia; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Arvidsson, Rickard; Helander, Harald
    Over the last decade, electric vehicles (EVs) have advanced considerably, with predictions of continued rapid growth. However, the batteries driving this electrification contain rare materials like lithium, nickel, and graphite, which are expected to face increased demand. This surge in demand poses challenges related to material supply and resource constraints. Circular economy principles can reduce the constraints and extending battery life through reuse and recycling loops. The mining industry exemplifies this transition, substituting diesel-powered equipment with electric alternatives in mines. This study therefore aims to investigate the resource implications of increased circularity for battery cells in mining equipment until 2050. Specific objectives include developing a dynamic material flow analysis (dMFA) model, examining effects under different reuse scenarios, and analyzing recycling rate implications. Results from the dMFA model show that life extension practices, such as reuse in other machines and battery energy storage solutions (BESS), can considerably reduce the demand for primary materials when electrifying the mining sector. For example, life extension possibilities in other mining equipment could in 2050 result in a lower demand for primary material, corresponding to a reduction of 17%. In the other scenarios, this level of reduction is affected by collection rate, recycling rate and the possibility of reusing batteries in BESS. However, practical challenges in infrastructure and compatibility arise with increased battery cell flows. The results further underscore the challenges arising from mining electrification, including infrastructure overhaul, longevity of operational mines, and practical issues in battery reuse. The thesis highlights the role of legislation in advancing recycling and technological adoption, emphasizing the need for clear legal frameworks. Collection rate mandates and product-service systems can incentivize businesses to enhance recycling efforts. Despite uncertainties in the dMFA model, the findings offer guidance for stakeholders and policymakers in enhancing sustainability within the mining sector. Future research is suggested to delve into the feasibility of life extension strategies and conduct life cycle assessments to investigate environmental impacts of electrifying mining equipment.
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    Carbon Flows in Life Cycle Assessment of Carbon Capture Assessing Environmental Impacts and Carbon Capture Potential in Industrial Processes
    (2023) Carlsson, William; Barclay, Jonathan; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Janssen, Mathias; Nyqvist, Evelina
    .This thesis presents a detailed analysis of the environmental impacts and carbon capture potential associated with cement production and biomass combustion. Through the use of life cycle assessment and material flow analysis, this study also offers a comprehensive understanding of the carbon capture and purification process within the PYROCO2 system, specifically focusing on a post-combustion amino solventbased approach. Additionally, the research explores opportunities for improving resource efficiency in the cement production process, aiming to the development of sustainable practices in these sectors. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the potential of carbon capture technologies in mitigating climate change. The life cycle assessment results reveal the environmental impacts associated with cement production and biomass combustion, highlighting the potential of carbon capture methods in reducing emissions. By expanding the knowledge base on carbon capture and utilization technologies, this thesis contributes to the ongoing efforts to address climate change. The research outcomes aim to adopt sustainable practices and further advance carbon capture technologies to address the urgent challenge of climate change, which can contribute towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future.
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    Managing Demand Fluctuations: Distribution Strategies as Risk Mitigation Tools An analysis of a case company’s current risk mitigation strategies and two logistics postponement strategies
    (2023) Byberg, Cecilia; Nylander, Maximilian; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Jonsson, Patrik; Jonsson, Patrik
    Currently, the retail sector is experiencing fluctuating markets with high demand volatility and demand uncertainty. Therefore, companies within this sector need to implement distribution strategies which are tailored to dealing with mitigating the risks of demand volatility and uncertainty without incurring too much costs, which may negatively affect operations or compromise customer service levels. In order to conduct this thesis and answer our research questions, we utilized a qualitative research method which included interviews and a literature review. The thesis entails an analysis of a case company’s current risk mitigation strategies and two logistics postponement strategies tailored to the case company. Their current risk mitigation strategies include an omni channel and balancing inventory through lateral shipments. The analysis was based on benefits and limitations related to dealing with demand volatility and uncertainty. Furthermore, complementary operational, based on a scenario planning analysis, and strategic considerations of the two logistics postponement strategies are discussed. In conclusion, the masterhouse strategy shows great robustness in dealing with demand volatility and uncertainty with centralizing safety stock closely lagging behind. However, further investigation of the centralizing safety stock strategy is recommended due to the associated lower implementation costs and scale. Additionally, expanding omni channel integration in conjunction with the centralizing safety stock will allow for enhanced operational efficiency and increased customer service. However, if the case company decides to remain their decentralized set up, further integration and optimization of the omni channel and balancing inventories need to take place. Both their current strategies respectively deal with demand uncertainty and volatility in various ways, however, there are relevant limitations such as navigating compliances and regulations and lacking technical capabilities.
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    Reducing planned production downtimes by efficient setup planning A case study based on a production line at the food production company Paulig in Gothenburg
    (2023) Svensson, Leonique; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Kans, Mirka; Kans, Mirka
    This thesis presents a case study conducted at Paulig, a food production company in Gothenburg, Sweden, with the purpose of examining how productivity and the availability factor in the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics can be increased when focusing on setup times. The examined research questions are “How can the availability factor in OEE measurements be increased when focusing on downtimes?”, “How can setup times be reduced?”, and “How can standardized setup processes be attained?” Six setup cases were identified and extensively analyzed, improved, and standardized using spaghetti diagrams, work classification, Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), and work instructions. Collaboration with operators and informal interviews with both operators and the management team played a crucial role in the improvement process. The first research question aimed to determine how the availability factor could be increased by focusing on downtimes. The answer revealed that reducing setup time could effectively minimize planned production downtimes. The answer to the second research question is that Spaghetti diagrams, work classification, and SMED analyses can together be used to reduce setup times. The third research question focused on how standardized setup processes can be attained. The result showed that providing clear instructions to operators can contribute to the standardization of setup processes. In conclusion, this thesis highlights that spaghetti diagrams, work classification, SMED analyses, and work instructions can be combined to increase productivity and the availability factor at a production line.