Mapping Waste in a Clinical Supply Chain
Typ
Examensarbete på grundnivå
Program
Ekonomi och produktionsteknik 180 hp (högskoleingenjör)
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Palm, Gunnar
Östling, Klara
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This thesis examines the generation and management of waste in the clinical supply
chain of AstraZeneca, with a specific focus on the sustainability challenges inherent
in clinical trials. Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability in healthcare and
biotechnology, the clinical supply chain has received less attention compared to the
commercial supply chain. This research identifies key areas within clinical trials that
contribute to unsustainability and proposes methods to mitigate waste and enhance
ecological and economic sustainability. The study utilizes a mixed-methods
approach, combining a literature review with qualitative interviews conducted with
employees directly involved in AstraZeneca's clinical supply chain. This
methodological approach helps to map out the waste production points within the
study supply chain and identify factors contributing to waste. The findings indicate
that significant waste occurs due to factors such as forecasting inaccuracies,
communication challenges, and inefficiencies in labelling and packaging processes.
By providing a detailed analysis of waste generation in a crucial but understudied
area of pharmaceutical operations the thesis will contribute to and expand the field. It
suggests that improving forecasting accuracy, enhancing information channels, and
adopting innovative labelling solutions like digital labelling could significantly reduce
waste. This research supports the development of more sustainable practices within
the pharmaceutical industry, promoting not only environmental benefits but also
operational efficiencies.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Waste , Clinical Supply Chain , Sustainability , Clinical Trial/Study , Expiration Date , Labelling