| Abstract [eng] |
The aim is this Master thesis was to identify the relations between the use of life cycle assessment (LCA), material flow analysis (MFA) and the enhancement of dynamic business capabilities (DBCs) for the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices and related performance improvement in companies. Specific objectives of the work were: 1. To develop a conceptual research model by theoretically investigating the concepts of circular economy, life cycle analysis, material flow analysis, and dynamic business capabilities; 2. To establish a research methodology aimed at analysing how the use of LCA and MFA is associated to the implementation of circular economy practices in companies, based on a dynamic business capabilities framework; 3. To collect and analyse data determining how the use of LCA and MFA is associated to the implementation of circular economy practices in companies, based on a dynamic business capabilities framework; 4. To create a theoretical model defining the relations between the use of LCA and MFA and the implementation of circular economy practices in companies within a dynamic business capabilities framework. The main methods used to achieve the objectives were: analysis and systematic review of scientific literature, semi-structured expert interviews, constant comparison analysis of qualitative data by applying theories related to DBCs, CE, and continuous improvement, as well as data synthesis and generalisation techniques. Based on the results from 11 interviews with business consultants – experts and supporting evidence from the literature, a theoretical model defining the relations between life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and dynamic business capabilities for circular economy implementation in companies was developed. Key conclusions derived from the work are: 1) the use of LCA and MFA strengthens companies’ capabilities to identify new business opportunities related to CE practice implementation through the analysis of internal company characteristics, and enhances the capabilities to plan and transform existing processes while taking the advantages of new improvement opportunities; 2) LCA and MFA enhanced DBCs enable companies to overcome barriers to the implementation of CE practices, covering aspects of strategic planning, business model governance, innovation, and collaboration, as well as organisational restructuring, technological upgrading, and knowledge integration; 3) in this context, more resource-efficient and circular design practices are commonly implemented in companies leading to improvements in related organizational performance; 4) companies’ focus on long-term competitiveness in the market (attribute of strong DBCs) inclines them to the regular use of environmental assessment instruments (LCA and MFA) in order to better respond to changing market needs and regulations in the CE field. Thesis includes 99 pages, 8 figures, 14 tables, 4 annexes, and 185 references. |
