| 1. |
- Toorajipour, Reza
(author)
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Circular Business Models for Electric Vehicle Battery Second Life : Challenges, enablers, and preconditions from an ecosystem perspective
- 2023
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Sustainability has become a critical issue due to global warming, scarcity of resources, and the high costs of raw materials. It is vital to reconsider linear business models and value creation processes and transition towards circularity. The growth of the electric vehicles market is promising; however, it comes with a major downside. Soon there will be a considerable number of used batteries without the original capacity and potentially hazardous that cannot go to landfill due to environmental and economic reasons. In this regard, the use of electric vehicle batteries in second life (EVBSL) is suggested as a solution. EVBSL comes with benefits such as the extension of the battery life cycle, extracting value from the remaining capacity of the battery, reduction in the upfront costs of the electric vehicle, and create new revenue streams for the companies. And since various actors are involved in EVBSL, it is essential to study this phenomenon from an ecosystem perspective.Despite the recent focus of researchers on EVBSL, there are several gaps in the current literature on this topic. The first gap concerns the challenges and enablers of implementing circular business models (CBMs) for EVBSL. The second gap concerns the second life operations of electric vehicles (EV). There is a lack of research on the solutions that can guide the ecosystem actors to manage EVBSL-related activities. And the third gap concerns the limited research on the preconditions of circular business model innovation for the EVBSL that focuses on the transition from linear business models to CBMs. Therefore, this thesis aims to develop knowledge of the factors that influence the implementation of CBMs for EVBSL from an ecosystem perspective.This study intends to address these gaps by conducting qualitative research. An exploratory research design has been deemed adequate due to its flexibility and compatibility. This research draws on the existing literature on the second life of EV batteries, and circular business models. In total, 20 interviews and 15 workshops have been conducted covering 15 companies in the EVBSL ecosystem. Purposeful sampling was employed to select the EVBSL ecosystem actors with the aim of covering the key actors such as OEMs, battery manufacturer, recycling companies, remanufacturers, energy utility companies, material supplier for battery parts, construction and housing company, and public transportation companies. The collected data was analyzed via qualitative methods such as thematic analysis. The results of this study have led to the identification of nine key challenges and seven key enablers. Moreover, two dimensions (i.e., time frame and responsible entity) are identified from the empirical data, through which companies can structurally categorize and work with the identified key challenges and enablers. Based on this, a guiding framework is suggested that could support firms in the EV battery ecosystem to establish and manage various configurations for second-life operations in a series of phases such as firm-level initiation, ecosystem construction, firm-level optimization, and ecosystem orchestration. Finally, the current linear business models (traditional sales of products and services, product maintenance and support, R&D, consultancy, and services), upcoming CBMs (regenerating, looping, and sharing), and the preconditions (for value creation, capture, and delivery) for the circular business model innovation are extracted. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in several ways. It enhances the current literature on challenges and enablers of EVBSL by covering various actors in this ecosystem and extends the knowledge on the scope of these factors. Moreover, this study is the first one that suggests a guiding framework for the ecosystem actors through configurations for second-life operations while shedding light on the preconditions of circular business innovation for EVBSL. This study also provides interesting insights for practitioners and managers in the EVBSL ecosystem.
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| 2. |
- Agerskans, Natalie, et al.
(author)
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Critical Factors for Selecting and Integrating Digital Technologies to Enable Smart Production : A Data Value Chain Perspective
- 2023
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In: IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. - : Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. - 9783031436611 ; , s. 311-325
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the development towards Industry 5.0, manufacturing companies are developing towards Smart Production, i.e., using data as a resource to interconnect the elements in the production system to learn and adapt accordingly for a more resource-efficient and sustainable production. This requires selecting and integrating digital technologies for the entire data lifecycle, also referred to as the data value chain. However, manufacturing companies are facing many challenges related to building data value chains to achieve the desired benefits of Smart Production. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the critical factors of selecting and integrating digital technologies for efficiently benefiting data value chains for Smart Production. This paper employed a qualitative-based multiple case study design involving manufacturing companies within different industries and of different sizes. The paper also analyses two Smart Production cases in detail by mapping the data flow using a technology selection and integration framework to propose solutions to the existing challenges. By analyzing the two in-depth studies and additionally two reference cases, 13 themes of critical factors for selecting and integrating digital technologies were identified.
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| 3. |
- Chirumalla, Koteshwar, Associate Professor, et al.
(author)
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Elevating B2B Mobility with Sharing Autonomous Electric Vehicles : Exploring Prerequisite Criteria and Innovative Business Models
- 2023
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In: Sustainability. - : Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). - 2071-1050. ; 15:18
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The transition towards a circular economy compels manufacturing companies in the transportation industry to reassess how they create, deliver, and capture value for their customers. Autonomous electric vehicles, with their advanced connectivity, autonomy, and efficiency, offer innovative business opportunities and services. However, there is limited knowledge concerning the sharing of autonomous electric vehicles in the business-to-business (B2B) market, particularly for industrial manufacturing companies. This study aims to identify the prerequisite criteria and potential innovative business models for sharing autonomous electric vehicles within a B2B context. To investigate this phenomenon, the study employs a case study approach within the heavy-duty vehicle industry, which involves a vehicle manufacturer and customers from a specific industry sector. The findings reveal that economic gain, service quality, and accessibility serve as prerequisite criteria for sharing autonomous electric vehicles in a B2B context. Furthermore, by leveraging a morphological framework, the study outlines five business model scenarios to explore the potential of sharing autonomous electric vehicles in enhancing B2B mobility. This research contributes to the field of business model innovation in a B2B context by introducing a model that delineates both the prerequisite criteria and potential business model concepts for the B2B sharing of autonomous electric vehicles.
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| 4. |
- Chirumalla, Koteshwar, Associate Professor, et al.
(author)
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Moving from servitization to digital servitization : Identifying the required dynamic capabilities and related microfoundations to facilitate the transition
- 2023
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In: Journal of Business Research. - : Elsevier. - 0148-2963 .- 1873-7978. ; 158
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Many manufacturing companies are adopting servitization as a competitive business strategy to offer product-service combinations. The ongoing shift to digitalization and Industry 4.0 provides novel opportunities and benefits to industrial firms in this regard, and researchers termed the adoption of digital technologies to servitization as “digital servitization”. In order to successfully transition towards digital servitization, fundamental reconfiguration of resources, organizational structures, work practices, infrastructure, culture, etc. are required. Hence, this paper performs a systematic literature review on prior studies covering dynamic capabilities for servitization and digital servitization. The purpose is to identify and compare the dynamic capabilities needed to facilitate a transition from “traditional” servitization to digital servitization. In doing so, this paper presents an integrated framework of dynamic capabilities to enable digital servitization, providing 22 micro-foundations for servitization and digital servitization, as well as the key challenges and enablers related to the transition from one to the other.
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| 5. |
- Chirumalla, Koteshwar, Associate Professor, et al.
(author)
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Second life use of Li-ion batteries in the heavy-duty vehicle industry : Feasibilities of remanufacturing, repurposing, and reusing approaches
- 2023
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In: Sustainable Production and Consumption. - : Elsevier B.V.. - 2352-5509. ; 42, s. 351-366
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the efficient management of end-of-life lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries becomes a pressing concern. This case study investigates sustainable second life approaches for Li-ion batteries within a leading manufacturing company in the heavy-duty vehicle industry. Employing an exploratory methodology, the study evaluates three distinct circularity approaches for second life applications: remanufacturing, repurposing, and reusing. Based on a financial model and sustainability metrics, remanufacturing emerged as the most economically viable and environmentally sustainable strategy for the company. The study also explores supplementary approaches, such as repurposing used batteries for smaller power applications and reusing them in large-scale Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Regulatory inconsistencies in battery second life are identified as a significant barrier to widespread implementation. The study concludes by advocating for a multi-stakeholder ecosystem approach and calls for the establishment of universal circularity regulations to streamline the second life of Li-ion batteries.
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| 6. |
- Dahlquist, Erik, 1951-, et al.
(author)
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Balancing Power in Sweden Using Different Renewable Resources, Varying Prices, and Storages Like Batteries in a Resilient Energy System
- 2023
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In: Energies. - 1996-1073. ; 16:12, s. 4734-4734
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this paper, balancing electricity production using renewable energy such as wind power, PV cells, hydropower, and CHP (combined heat and power) with biomass is carried out in relation to electricity consumption in primarily one major region in Sweden, SE-3, which contains 75% of the country's population. The time perspective is hours and days. Statistics with respect to power production and consumption are analyzed and used as input for power-balance calculations. How long periods are with low or high production, as well as the energy for charge and discharge that is needed to maintain a generally constant power production, is analyzed. One conclusion is that if the difference in production were to be completely covered with battery capacity it would be expensive, but if a large part of the difference were met by a shifting load it would be possible to cover the rest with battery storage in an economical way. To enhance the economy with battery storage, second-life batteries are proposed to reduce the capital cost in particular. Batteries are compared to hydrogen as an energy carrier. The efficiency of a battery system is higher than that of hydrogen plus fuel cells, but in general much fewer precious materials are needed with an H-2/fuel-cell system than with batteries. The paper discusses how to make the energy system more robust and resilient.
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| 7. |
- Fattouh, Anas, et al.
(author)
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Remote integration of advanced manufacturing technologies into production systems : integration processes, key challenges and mitigation actions
- 2023
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In: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The study examines the remote integration process of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) into the production system and identifies key challenges and mitigating actions for a smoother introduction and integration process.Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a case study approach to a cyber-physical production system at an industrial technology center using a mobile robot as an AMT.Findings: By applying the plug-and-produce concept, the study exemplifies an AMT's remote integration process into a cyber-physical production system in nine steps. Eleven key challenges and twelve mitigation actions for remote integration are described based on technology–organization–environment theory. Finally, a remote integration framework is proposed to facilitate AMT integration into production systems.Practical implications: The study presents results purely from a practical perspective, which could reduce dilemmas in early decision-making related to smart production. The proposed framework can improve flexibility and decrease the time needed to configure new AMTs in existing production systems.Originality/value: The area of remote integration for AMT has not been addressed in depth before. The consequences of lacking in-depth studies for remote integration imply that current implementation processes do not match the needs and the existing situation in the industry and often underestimate the complexity of considering both technological and organizational issues. The new integrated framework can already be deployed by industry professionals in their efforts to integrate new technologies with shorter time to volume and increased quality but also as a means for training employees in critical competencies required for remote integration.
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| 8. |
- Gustafsson, Christopher, et al.
(author)
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Exploring the Integration of Additive Manufacturing : Lessons Learned and Success Factors of Use Cases
- 2023
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In: Industrializing Additive Manufacturing. AMPA 2023. - 9783031429828 ; , s. 423-439
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this paper is to present propositions for facilitating the integration of additive manufacturing (AM) for manufacturing companies in the heavy vehicle sectors based on identified success factors and lessons learned in use cases with different operational purposes. A case study was conducted that identified 42 retrospective use cases from three main sources highlighting seven different use case types with contributions from seven sectors representing 14 countries on four continents. Six success factors (technology infrastructure, relative advantage, organizational readiness, competitive pressure, expectations of market trends, and trading partner) and 20 lessons learned sorted into five dimensions (additive thinking, management aspects, practice makes perfect, AM acceptance, and AM experts) were identified in the use cases based on the analysis. Three propositions covering the three stages of integration were derived based on the identified success factors and lessons learned. These propositions should provide guidance on what managers need to be prepared for when integrating AM step-by-step. Integrating AM is no simple feat, and the propositions only scratch the surface since the complexity of AM runs deep both technically and managerially. Future research should investigate in-depth operational capabilities and, if applicable, dynamic capabilities to further enhance facilitating the integration of AM step-by-step.
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| 9. |
- Gustafsson, Christopher, et al.
(author)
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Integration of Additive Manufacturing in an Industrial Setting : The Impact on Operational Capabilities
- 2023
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In: Advances in Production Management Systems. Production Management Systems for Responsible Manufacturing, Service, and Logistics Futures. - 9783031436659 - 9783031436666 ; , s. 590-604
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this paper is to explore changes in operational capabilities and their impact when integrating additive manufacturing into a traditional manufacturing company. This was exemplified based on a sub-system component (gears and shafts in a gearbox) for automotive applications that are developed and manufactured at a manufacturing company in the commercial vehicle sector. The research was set up based on a case study consisting of semi-structured interviews, informal meetings, observations, company documents, reports, presentations, and field notes. The literature and findings from empirical data converged into 57 themes of operational capabilities that were categorized into six aggregated dimensions. The results suggest two emerging dimensions, namely stakeholders and strategy, building upon an existing theoretical framework. Integrating AM into traditional industrial settings requires several changes in operational capabilities. It is essential to consider the following priorities, 1) gain understanding and knowledge in design for AM, 2) build robust AM infrastructure as an integral part of existing infrastructure, 3) evaluate AM process changes in product development and production, 4) establish an internal AM team with at least one person working full time with AM, 5) establish collaborations with suitable AM research partners, and 6) conduct AM management and evaluate the business impact not only short-term but also long-term. Future research should investigate operational capabilities from other use cases, dynamic capabilities in the same or similar contexts, and transform the required operational capabilities into guidelines and best practices for managers and other decision-makers in the manufacturing industry.
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| 10. |
- Javadi, Siavash, 1984-, et al.
(author)
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Leveraging Advanced Digital Technology Practices to Enhance Information Quality in Low-Volume Product Introduction and Manufacturing
- 2023
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In: IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. - : Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. - 9783031436611 ; , s. 401-416, s. 401-416
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study aims to examine the potential of advanced digital technology practices to enhance information quality during low-volume product introduction and manufacturing. The successful introduction of products is vital for the competitiveness and prosperity of manufacturing companies. However, low-volume products have distinct characteristics that affect the introduction process, and one significant challenge is the presence of poor information quality. This adversely impacts the introduction process and can lead to disruptions in new product production. Consequently, it is crucial to identify alternative approaches that align with the specific characteristics of such industries to enhance information quality. This research conducted a longitudinal study within a large manufacturing company specializing in heavy commercial vehicles. Two product introduction projects were examined to investigate how the adoption of advanced digital technology practices, including interactive digital design reviews, digital test assemblies, virtual builds, and digital clinics, has influenced the quality of information exchanged between the research and development (R&D) department and the production team throughout the product introduction process. The study begins by highlighting the primary challenges associated with the product introduction process within the case company. Subsequently, it explores the impacts of implementing digital technology practices on various criteria related to information content quality, such as completeness, accuracy, clarity, consistency, correctness, and timeliness. These criteria are discussed in detail, and their impact is supported by examples from the two studied product introduction projects.
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