Examensarbeten för masterexamen

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https://odr.chalmers.se/handle/20.500.12380/56

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Incorporating Sustainability as a Parameter in the Ocean Carrier Selection Process A Study Conducted at a Case Company
(2024) Eriksson, Alicia; Rejgård, Elin; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Roso, Violeta; Roso, Violeta
The study has been conducted at a case company in the biomaterials and paper business that delivers products worldwide. Procuring transportation services is critical due to its significant share of logistics costs and impact on business performance. The case company transports a large share of their products through maritime transport, hence, selecting ocean carriers that can meet their needs is critical. Maritime transport is considered environmentally friendly as it carries large volumes over long distances. However, it still faces significant sustainability challenges, including rising GHG emissions and air pollution. Sustainability is a key component of the case company’s corporate strategy and governance, and they want it to influence all aspects of their operations, including logistics. Therefore, the purpose of the thesis is to develop a framework for successful incorporation of sustainability as a parameter in companies’ LSP selection process for maritime transport. To fulfill this purpose, the current procurement process for maritime transport at the case company had to be identified. Secondly, through a literature review and empirical findings, suitable sustainability criteria for the container segment within maritime transport were identified. After this, a method that integrates sustainability as a parameter in selecting ocean carriers was developed. It regards the construction of a sustainability performance index which facilitates the assessment of ocean carriers’ sustainability performance by weighting and aggregating criteria scores. To obtain scores, a questionnaire based on identified sustainability criteria was created. The AHP method is recommended for weighting and an additive aggregation method for compiling weighted scores into sub-indices within each dimension which together form the sustainability performance index. Lastly, a framework was developed for how sustainability can be integrated as a parameter in the selection process. It is recommended to consider sustainability throughout the selection process to guarantee that ocean carriers’ performance is taken into account. In conclusion, implementation of the developed framework will improve the case company’s’ selection process, enabling better evaluation and comparison of ocean carriers’ sustainability performances.
Enablers and barriers to adoption of residential solar PV A case study on Swedish households
(2024) Juliusson, Erik; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Onufrey, Ksenia; Bastås, Lisa
Climate change threatens society and crucial ecosystems, with urgent reductions of greenhouse gas emissions , with renewable energy sources like residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offering a viable solution. This master's thesis explores the evolving enablers and barriers to the adoption of residential solar PV systems in Swedish households since 2018. Utilizing a qualitative research design, the study gathers data through semi-structured interviews with recent adopters and triangulates these findings with secondary data from a quantitative survey. The empirical findings are then compared to findings from previous case studies on enablers and barriers to adoption of residential solar PV in Sweden. The study utilizes several theoretical frameworks to analyze adoption factors, including Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Pereira's Sensemaking Model, and Venkatesh et al.’s Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Identified enablers include financial benefits from reduced electricity costs and the potential to sell excess electricity, environmental concern, social influence, technology interest, and the desire for energy independence. Additionally, a significant new enabler is the synergy between residential solar PV systems and electric vehicles, enhancing both financial and environmental benefits. Persistent barriers to adoption include high initial costs, administrative hurdles, lack of clear information from suppliers, and property-specific issues such as roof orientation and condition. Although financial barriers have weakened due to decreased installation costs and improved subsidies, administrative and informational challenges continue to impede adoption. The findings underscore the importance of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence and interaction in driving adoption. The study suggests that enhancing institutional support and simplifying regulatory processes could further accelerate the adoption of residential solar PV systems in Sweden. The evolving landscape of enablers and barriers highlights the dynamic nature of technology adoption and the need for continuous adaptation of policies and support mechanisms.
Harvesting Impact: Navigating Growth and Scaling of Digital Platforms in Mission-Driven Firms
(2024) Betsén, Petter; Gerber, Philip; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Elmquist, Maria; Thomson, Linus
This master’s thesis examines the growth and scaling of digital platforms for missiondriven firms. This has been achieved by examining two cases operating within the Swedish agri-food industry: Mylla and Skira. Twelve interviews were conducted with individuals currently or previously employed at Mylla or Skira. The findings suggest that being a mission-driven firm affects how strategic decisions are made and influences growth and scaling across three platform development stages. Firstly, during the initial growth phase, the study implies that embedding mission values early on integrates core values and the mission into every aspect of the platform from the onset, attracting producers at an early stage. Second, in the growth stage, the study finds that protecting mission values is vital to continue delivering a value proposition anchored through alignment with the mission. Lastly, during the scaling phase, the study finds that assuring mission values seems to be crucial in order to ensure that scaling efforts enhance rather than dilute the mission’s influence. The theoretical contributions of this study point towards the idea that mission-driven firms need to adopt a more cautious approach than profit-driven firms during their growth efforts, both to ensure mission alignment and due to often limited financial resources. This is aligned with the practical contribution provided that mission-driven firms ensure and leverage alignment to the mission continuously throughout the growth and scaling efforts.
Key Capabilities for Successful Lean Implementation A study at an innovative start-up company in Sweden
(2024) Abdullahi, Flona; Karacan, Elif; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Persson, Magnus; Gyllenhammar, Daniel
Lean emphasizes waste reduction, continuous improvement and customer focus and has evolved from its origins in operational shop floor manufacturing to more of a socio-technical approach. Today, the deployment of lean is leaning towards a strategic perspective, where the approach is more management focused, shaping the strategy, culture and objectives of the organization. Implementing lean in an innovative environment is a newer concept that is perceived as both beneficial and challenging. The advantages of such an implementation includes enhanced efficiency and waste reduction, faster time-to-market, focus on customer value, continuous improvement and scalability. The challenges that come with the innovative environment involves the higher levels of uncertainty, resource constraints, rapid change, culture resistance, lack of historical data and balancing creativity with efficiency. When adapted correctly, lean can offer substantial benefits in terms of efficiency and scalability. This study aims to bridge gaps between the current state of an innovative startup and identified success factors for lean implementation. It explores how innovative startups must adapt to incorporate lean practices, focusing on essential success factors. Key challenges are identified, and success factors are suggested to address these challenges, with significant focus on cultural aspects. A qualitative study has been carried out at the company, and a total of 13 interviews has been conducted. The findings suggest several critical success factors that need to be present to implement lean successfully. These include leadership, culture and communication, human resources and training, customer focus, project management, strategy and targets, recognition and rewards, financial capabilities and lean methods and tools. The results from these suggest strategies that align with the key factors to foster optimal conditions for lean implementation. Innovative startups are recommended to implement structured HR programs for employee development, establishing clear communication channels, maintaining clear objectives and defined processes, and integrating customer feedback into product development.
Navigating Hydrogen Horizons - Mapping the Technological Innovation System of Mid Sweden Hydrogen Valley A case study in collaboration with CIT Renergy
Banjac, Tom; Sörum, Melvin; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för teknikens ekonomi och organisation; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Technology Management and Economics; Onufrey, Ksenia; Thomson, Linus
The transition towards a sustainable energy future necessitates the adoption of fossil-free technologies, with hydrogen emerging as a pivotal element in achieving climate neutrality. Hydrogen valleys – a geographical area where several hydrogen applications are combined together into an integrated hydrogen ecosystem, are identified by the European Commission as important enablers for transitioning into a full-scale hydrogen economy. This master thesis investigates Mid Sweden Hydrogen Valley (MSHV) – a hydrogen valley in early formation in Sweden, using a Technological Innovation System (TIS) framework. Due to the novelty of hydrogen valleys, few studies have analyzed hydrogen valleys using system level frameworks like TIS – which could provide valuable insights regarding how a hydrogen valley should be developed. By employing a qualitative case study approach, data was collected through 21 interviews with members of MSHV. Key findings reveal that a hydrogen valley is a complex system, including diverse networks of actors both in the main hydrogen value chain, through supporting value chains, and other influences such as grant providers and authorities. The findings also reveal that MSHV performs relatively well based on the appraisal of its seven functions. Still, five challenges (labeled blocking mechanisms) are identified that prevent the hydrogen valley from moving smoothly from a formative phase into a growth phase. These challenges are addressed by proposing five recommendations for policymakers and three recommendations for managers, which emphasize the need for collaboration, improved economics, and political support. Finally, the study concludes by suggesting directions for future research.

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