Environmental pressures from consumer products and mechanisms of predetermination were examined in this thesis using causal loop diagram (CLD) and life cycle assessment (LCA) footprinting to respectively illustrate and provide some indicators about these mechanisms. Theoretical arguments and their practical implications were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis, using secondary and primary data. A study integrating theories from various research fields indicated that combining product-service system offerings and environmental policy instruments can be a salient aspect of the system change required for decoupling economic growth from consumption and environmental impacts. In a related study, modes of system behaviour identified were related to some pervasive sustainability challenges to the design of electronic products. This showed that because of consumption and investment dynamics, directing consumers to buy more expensive products in order to restrict their availability of money and avoid increased consumption will not necessarily decrease the total negative burden of consumption. In a study examining product systems, those of washing machines and passenger cars were modelled to identify variables causing environmental impacts through feedback loops, but left outside the scope of LCA studies. These variables can be considered in LCAs through scenario and sensitivity analysis. The carbon, water and energy footprint of leather processing technologies was measured in a study on 12 tanneries in seven countries, for which collection of primary data (even with narrow systems boundaries) proved to be very challenging. Moreover, there were wide variations in the primary data from different tanneries, demonstrating that secondary data should be used with caution in LCA of leather products. A study examining pre-consumer waste developed a footprint metric capable of improving knowledge and awareness among producers and consumers about the total waste generated in the course of producing products. The metric was tested on 10 generic consumer goods and showed that quantities, types and sources of waste generation can differ quite radically between product groups. This revealed a need for standardised ways to convey the environmental and scale of significance of waste types and for an international standard procedure for quantification and communication of product waste footprint. Finally, a planning framework was developed to facilitate inclusion of unintended environmental consequences when devising improvement actions. The results as a whole illustrate the quality and relevance of CLD; the problems with using secondary data in LCA studies; difficulties in acquiring primary data; a need for improved waste declaration in LCA and a standardised procedure for calculation and communication of the waste footprint of products; and systems change opportunities for product engineers, designers and policy makers. / <p><strong>Jury committee</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Henrikke Baumann, </strong>Associate Professor<strong></strong></p><p>Chalmers University of Technology</p><p>Department of Energy and Environment</p><p>Division of Environmental System Analysis</p><p></p><p><strong>Joakim Krook, </strong>Associate Professor</p><p>Linköpings Universitet</p><p>Department of Management and Engineering (IEI) / Environmental Technology and Management (MILJÖ)</p><p></p><p><strong>Karl Johan Bonnedal, </strong>Associate Professor</p><p>Umeå University</p><p>Umeå School of Business and Economics (USBE)</p><p></p><p><strong>Sofia Ritzén</strong>, Professor</p><p>KTH Royal Institute of Technology</p><p>School of Industrial Engineering and Management</p><p>Department of Machine Design</p><p>Integrated Product Development</p><p>QC 20160405</p><p></p>

The introduction of the Strategy Maps cooperate with the Balanced Scorecard(BSC) of Kaplan and Norton of 2003, the application and studying more and more on the practice and academy. In some papers mention the current BSC theory of the limit; there are no any research of interaction influence relation in BSC, Strategy goal, Performance Index and taking action etc. But it is the complicated dynamics relation between the BSC strategy action and the internal process of organization. Most of managers often pays close attention to neglecting the strategy goal long-termly in a short time, the side effect and sequelae caused by the fact that take action in strategy are influenced, form and judge the situation which feedbacks information by accident even more, namely the one that cause strategy planning is improper, then make the push benefit of the strategy goal not so good as expectancy. It can solve the problem of dynamic, If combine in BSC with the system dynamics method. Interaction mechanism and method of probing into enterprise's strategy goal and performance while measuring that the purpose of this research is here, draw the strategy map and weigh the goal and weigh the causality of the project with enterprises, Set up system dynamics model in accordance with its causality, analyze the result observed in simulation, find out the factor that drive succeeds, select the key index needed in order to finish the strategy goal. The main purpose, (1) to set up: The expansion of strategy map and Balanced Scorecard, and utilize the system dynamics method to carry on planning, simulation, procedure and tests. (2) To analyze: Through the interaction simulation of the test between performance index and strategy goal, looking for the best key performance index and the revise of policy and strategy. The research approach adopts the system dynamics method mainly, the materials which carry on case study are collected and analyzed; ' The procedure of planning, design and measurement of enterprise's strategy goal ' utilizing this research to be put in order, by the expansion of the strategy map and Balanced Scorecard, carry on the setting-up, simulation, test and analyzing of the system dynamic model. Use to propose the conclusion of this research. Study the conclusion: (1) with the causality of the BSC strategy goal project, there is influence of side effect and sequelae. (2) Imitate the execution achievement of the BSC strategy goal action scheme with the system dynamics method, can be the reference for policy planning and adjustment of the strategy. (3) With the side effect in the strategy goal causality of the Balanced Scorecard, support to conclude the performance index measurement. (4) Utilize the simulate test of system dynamics, look for the leading index in the system. (5) Study and put in order the basic system dynamics model of Balanced Scorecard. Expect that enterprises can use system dynamic to improve the whole benefit for a long time of enterprise's strategy goal to organize effectively. Lastly, to address the research result that in meaning on of managing, study limitation and the suggestion with follow-up research.

The aim of this research is to find out what environmental impact a wave power park has on the Swedish west coast by creating a consultation paper (”Samrådsunderlag”) for the Lysekilproject at Uppsala University. To highlight the complexity of the problem a system analytic approach was used and illustrated by a Causal Loop Diagram. The overall assessment of the Lysekilprojects wave power park at the Swedish west coast is that it will have a low impact on the environment. This is due to the relative small size of the wave power park and some technical solutions made with the environmental aspect in mind. Artificial reefs and a sanctuary for marine species are effects created by the wave power park and in the longer term the impact will give access to an untapped source of renewable energy, wave energy. Thus reducing the need of fossil fuels and making it possible to reach the Swedish national environmental goals. / Lysekilsprojektet

The paper describes our usage of and experience with the method of participatory systems mapping. The method, developed for the purpose of facilitating knowledge brokerage, builds on participatory modelling approaches and applications and was used in several events involving both researchers and policy makers. The paper presents and discusses examples of how different types of participatory interaction with causal loop diagrams ("system maps") produced different insights on issues related to sustainable consumption and enabled participatory reflection and sharing of knowledge. Together, these insights support a systemic understanding of the issues and thus the method provides instruments for coping with complexity when formulating policies for sustainable consumption. Furthermore the paper discusses the ability of the method - and its limits - to connect mental models of participants through structured discussion and thus bridge boundaries between different communities.

More and more organizations and enterprises adopt the Strategy Map and Balanced Scorecard(BSC). However, did they really reach their strategy goal or do they have a mature method to assess their performances? When they finish contructing their strategy map and lauching the balanced scorecard, they may face the same problems, such as how to sucessfully implement strategy? How to effectively set up KPI? How to apply the limited resources into the most important strategy? Some researches mention that there is no interactive relationship among BSC, Strategy goal, Performance Indicators, and the actions they took. That is the limit of the current BSC theory. However, it do exists the complicated dynamics relation between the BSC strategy actions and the internal process of organization. Most of the top management only pay attention to the short-term performance and neglect the side effect and unintended consequences caused by the improper actions they took. They even misjudge the feedback information from the wrong messages because of the system delay. Therefore, the whole strategy planning turn out to be imperfect and the effectiveness of promoting strategy goal is not so good as they expected. But if they incorporate the system dynamics method into BSC, then it may resolve the dynamic and complex issue that happen in their system. The purpose of this study is toresearch and find out the interactive mechanism and method between strategy goal and performance measurement for the enterprises. According to the causal relationship found in the process of establishing the strategy map and examining its various measuring items, construct the system dynamics model and analyze the simulation outcomes. And then find out the driving factors to succeed and the Key Indicators for achieving the strategic goal. In this way, two objectives could be accomplished: (1) Launch and develop the strategy map and Balanced Scorecard, and then utilize the system dynamics to conduct the planning, simulation and test. (2) Through this interactive simulation and test between performance indicators and strategy goal, look for the best key performance indicators and revise the policy actions and strategy. System dynamics is the main approach adopted in this study. By following its modeling procedure, I undertook the data collecting and analyzing for the target company as my case study. And then, conducted the construction, simulation, test, and analysis of system dynamic model. According to the results, I made the conclusions of this study as follows: (1) Within the causal relationship between the strategy goal and performance measurement items of the BSC, there do exists an influence of side effect and unintended consequences. (2) The simulation outcomes of this system dynamics model could be taken as reference for planning and adjusting the strategy goal of BSC, and also could be the basis of finding out the leading index of the system. (3) Conclude and set up the basic system dynamics model for Balanced Scorecard. Trough this study, we hope that enterprises could adopt the system dynamic to help them improve their long- term integral effectiveness. At last, this study brings up the suggestions and proposes some idea for follow-up research.

The operation in assignment of manpower needs in the country is still in the primary stage. The present implementation of labor ordinance does not have effective regulations and it is not so clear. Therefore it easily creates confusion and attribution of responsibility problems. Aside from these, enterprise does not have a set of effective operation method in allocation between regular employee and assignment of manpower needs. Therefore, the present stage in the allocation of manpower is mostly the line aspect of thinking mode. Due to the lack of whole value concept in system thinking therefore the allocation between regular employee and assignment of manpower needs create unharmonious phenomenon which bring about the enterprise in assignment of manpower needs that the cost of personnel expenses did not decrease but increases. Because the method in allocation of manpower in production line and the variation of customer order that it must be a development variation. Therefore, we must depend in the complete system thinking and setting of strategy in order to let the interaction relationship of both party reaches the optimum. The aim of this research is to use the strategy map and the method of System Dynamics to proceed in the regulation, simulation and testing in order to analyze in finding the most suitable allocation method between regular employee and assignment of manpower needs. Due to the direct production manpower and the existence of enterprises, the lasting of enterprises are closely related. But in the general enterprises toward the strategy in allocation of direct manpower and implementation still use the direct line of thinking method. Therefore it is very difficult to handle the development variation of environment. It is only adequately let the manpower resources strategy of enterprises to draw a casual loop map then use the related aspect of strategy map. Thru the emphasis of relationship between manpower resource strategy and enterprises strategy then use the System Dynamics to establish model. At the same time, perform the simulation of development and analysis in order to assist the company cases in manpower development allocation strategy more effective. This research is base on the research aim, confer documents, research of company cases, cost and effect related feedback analysis. System Dynamics establishes the subject pattern, testing, situation and policy simulation, analysis, conferment that sum up and arrange the conclusion of this research. 1. Flexibility of Manpower Resource Strategy: Assignment of personnel will let the company cases in the aspect of using manpower to have flexibility and decrease the cost of personnel expenses. At the same time, the same line of enterprises will have more competition and greater survival space. 2. Drawing of Manpower Resources Strategy Map: strategy map can help enterprises ¡§focusing¡¨ and ¡§connection¡¨ in setting the strategy. It can let all personnel clearly understand the target and direction of the strategy. At the same, in the setting of model, thru the strategy map can set the bounder of the system. 3. Using System Thinking to establish the cost and effect feedback map and System Dynamics Pattern: Thru the system thinking pattern of the System Dynamics draw the cost and effect feedback map. Aside that it can test the general thinking and direct thinking. It also can let the system to have more intersystem relationship. 4. Let the Simulation Result of the System Dynamics Serves as Reference of the Enterprises Manpower Strategy Regulations: using system thinking to establish system pattern, thru the testing of pattern, simulation and analysis, use the result of simulation to provide enterprises as reference in setting the direct manpower resource strategy regulations. Using the Simulation Testing of the System Dynamics to find for the Most Suitable Solution in the System: Thru the development simulation of the system pattern, we can find out the most suitable solution that belongs to the enterprises.

Sistemas de saúde têm sido cada vez mais exigidos a serem mais eficientes, o que encorajou o uso de iniciativas de melhoria de processos. A partir de então, a Produção Enxuta (PE) surgiu como uma abordagem amplamente utilizada. Alguns resultados insatisfatórios da PE podem ser, parcialmente, explicados pela falta de considerar a complexidade dos serviços de saúde. Os sistemas de saúde são classificados como sistemas sócio-técnicos complexos (SSTC) devido à incerteza, diversidade e interações não-lineares. De acordo com a literatura, as implementações de Lean em serviços de saúde geralmente envolvem Kaizen, que tende a produzir ganhos significativos de eficiência e segurança através de mudanças relativamente pequenas e localizadas. Contudo, as melhorias locais podem implicar resultados globais indesejados, uma vez que as interações entre os elementos de sistemas complexos podem não ser lineares. Para isso, este trabalho desenvolve e aplica uma framework que visa avaliar projetos de melhoria em SSTC. O estudo foi realizado em uma unidade de internação de um hospital escola. As interações entre os projetos foram modeladas através do desenvolvimento de um diagrama de loop causal, o qual representou variáveis relacionadas a cinco projetos de melhoria analisados e um modelo FRAM. Os projetos também foram avaliados quanto ao seu impacto no sistema e sua adesão a boas práticas em Kaizen, identificadas na literatura. A framework demonstrou-se eficaz em elencar as variáveis para que possam influenciar positivamente os resultados dos projetos e embasar recomendações para a condução de novos projetos de melhoria por meio de uma visão sistêmica. / Healthcare systems have been increasingly demanded to be more efficient, which has encouraged the use of process improvement initiatives. From these, lean production has emerged as a widely used approach. Some disappointing results of lean production can be partially due to the lack of consideration of the complexity of healthcare. Health systems are classified as Complex socio-technical systems (CSTS) due to the uncertainty, diversity, and non-linear interactions. According to the literature, the implementation of Lean in healthcare usually involves Kaizen, which tends to produce significant gains in efficiency and safety through relatively small and localized changes. However, local improvements may imply unwanted overall results, since interactions between elements of complex systems may not be linear. For this, this work develops and applies a framework that aims to evaluate improvement projects in CSTC. The study was performed in an in-patient surgical ward of a teaching hospital. The interactions between the projects were modelled through the development of a causal-loop diagram, which accounted for variables related to all five projects, and a FRAM model. The projects were also evaluated as to their impact on the system and their adherence to good Kaizen practices identified in the literature. The framework proved to be effective in highlighting the variables so that they can positively influence the projects results and support recommendations for conducting new improvement projects through a systemic view.

This thesis investigates the use of a combined set of quantitative and qualitative tools to help address known barriers associated with adopting and sustaining pollution prevention (P2) in an industrial manufacturing setting. The research was conducted at an Ontario dairy processing facility in the form of a case study. P2 is an alternative approach to traditional pollution control or abatement techniques. P2 is a preferred method for pollution management, both environmentally and economically, as it focuses on the efficient use of resources to prevent pollution at the source. The tools used in this research included: wastewater treatability testing, hierarchical process mapping, employee interviews, and causal loop diagrams (CLDs). The application of these tools assisted the participating facility in better characterizing its existing environmental problems, uncovering concrete resource saving opportunities within its processes, and providing more adaptive visual approaches of documenting and conveying P2 concepts. / OMAFRA Agri-Food and Rural Link KTT Funding Program

Sistemas de saúde têm sido cada vez mais exigidos a serem mais eficientes, o que encorajou o uso de iniciativas de melhoria de processos. A partir de então, a Produção Enxuta (PE) surgiu como uma abordagem amplamente utilizada. Alguns resultados insatisfatórios da PE podem ser, parcialmente, explicados pela falta de considerar a complexidade dos serviços de saúde. Os sistemas de saúde são classificados como sistemas sócio-técnicos complexos (SSTC) devido à incerteza, diversidade e interações não-lineares. De acordo com a literatura, as implementações de Lean em serviços de saúde geralmente envolvem Kaizen, que tende a produzir ganhos significativos de eficiência e segurança através de mudanças relativamente pequenas e localizadas. Contudo, as melhorias locais podem implicar resultados globais indesejados, uma vez que as interações entre os elementos de sistemas complexos podem não ser lineares. Para isso, este trabalho desenvolve e aplica uma framework que visa avaliar projetos de melhoria em SSTC. O estudo foi realizado em uma unidade de internação de um hospital escola. As interações entre os projetos foram modeladas através do desenvolvimento de um diagrama de loop causal, o qual representou variáveis relacionadas a cinco projetos de melhoria analisados e um modelo FRAM. Os projetos também foram avaliados quanto ao seu impacto no sistema e sua adesão a boas práticas em Kaizen, identificadas na literatura. A framework demonstrou-se eficaz em elencar as variáveis para que possam influenciar positivamente os resultados dos projetos e embasar recomendações para a condução de novos projetos de melhoria por meio de uma visão sistêmica. / Healthcare systems have been increasingly demanded to be more efficient, which has encouraged the use of process improvement initiatives. From these, lean production has emerged as a widely used approach. Some disappointing results of lean production can be partially due to the lack of consideration of the complexity of healthcare. Health systems are classified as Complex socio-technical systems (CSTS) due to the uncertainty, diversity, and non-linear interactions. According to the literature, the implementation of Lean in healthcare usually involves Kaizen, which tends to produce significant gains in efficiency and safety through relatively small and localized changes. However, local improvements may imply unwanted overall results, since interactions between elements of complex systems may not be linear. For this, this work develops and applies a framework that aims to evaluate improvement projects in CSTC. The study was performed in an in-patient surgical ward of a teaching hospital. The interactions between the projects were modelled through the development of a causal-loop diagram, which accounted for variables related to all five projects, and a FRAM model. The projects were also evaluated as to their impact on the system and their adherence to good Kaizen practices identified in the literature. The framework proved to be effective in highlighting the variables so that they can positively influence the projects results and support recommendations for conducting new improvement projects through a systemic view.

Sistemas de saúde têm sido cada vez mais exigidos a serem mais eficientes, o que encorajou o uso de iniciativas de melhoria de processos. A partir de então, a Produção Enxuta (PE) surgiu como uma abordagem amplamente utilizada. Alguns resultados insatisfatórios da PE podem ser, parcialmente, explicados pela falta de considerar a complexidade dos serviços de saúde. Os sistemas de saúde são classificados como sistemas sócio-técnicos complexos (SSTC) devido à incerteza, diversidade e interações não-lineares. De acordo com a literatura, as implementações de Lean em serviços de saúde geralmente envolvem Kaizen, que tende a produzir ganhos significativos de eficiência e segurança através de mudanças relativamente pequenas e localizadas. Contudo, as melhorias locais podem implicar resultados globais indesejados, uma vez que as interações entre os elementos de sistemas complexos podem não ser lineares. Para isso, este trabalho desenvolve e aplica uma framework que visa avaliar projetos de melhoria em SSTC. O estudo foi realizado em uma unidade de internação de um hospital escola. As interações entre os projetos foram modeladas através do desenvolvimento de um diagrama de loop causal, o qual representou variáveis relacionadas a cinco projetos de melhoria analisados e um modelo FRAM. Os projetos também foram avaliados quanto ao seu impacto no sistema e sua adesão a boas práticas em Kaizen, identificadas na literatura. A framework demonstrou-se eficaz em elencar as variáveis para que possam influenciar positivamente os resultados dos projetos e embasar recomendações para a condução de novos projetos de melhoria por meio de uma visão sistêmica. / Healthcare systems have been increasingly demanded to be more efficient, which has encouraged the use of process improvement initiatives. From these, lean production has emerged as a widely used approach. Some disappointing results of lean production can be partially due to the lack of consideration of the complexity of healthcare. Health systems are classified as Complex socio-technical systems (CSTS) due to the uncertainty, diversity, and non-linear interactions. According to the literature, the implementation of Lean in healthcare usually involves Kaizen, which tends to produce significant gains in efficiency and safety through relatively small and localized changes. However, local improvements may imply unwanted overall results, since interactions between elements of complex systems may not be linear. For this, this work develops and applies a framework that aims to evaluate improvement projects in CSTC. The study was performed in an in-patient surgical ward of a teaching hospital. The interactions between the projects were modelled through the development of a causal-loop diagram, which accounted for variables related to all five projects, and a FRAM model. The projects were also evaluated as to their impact on the system and their adherence to good Kaizen practices identified in the literature. The framework proved to be effective in highlighting the variables so that they can positively influence the projects results and support recommendations for conducting new improvement projects through a systemic view.