Closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) management provides opportunity for cost savings through the integration of product recovery activities into traditional supply chains. Product recovery activities, such as remanufacturing, reclaim a portion of the previously added value in addition to the physical material. Our problem setting is motivated by the practice of an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the automotive service parts industry, who operates a well established forward network. The OEM faces customer demand due to warranty and beyond warranty vehicle repairs. The warranty based demand induces part returns. We consider a case where the OEM has not yet established a product recovery network, but has a strategic commitment to implement remanufacturing strategy. In accomplishing this commitment, complications arise in the network design due to activities and material movement in both the forward and reverse networks, which are attributed to remanufacturing. Consequently, in implementing the remanufacturing strategy, the OEM should simultaneously consider both the forward and reverse flows for an optimal network design, instead of an independent and sequential modeling approach. In keeping with these motivations, and with the goal of implementing the remanufacturing strategy and transforming independent forward and reverse supply chains to CLSCs, we propose to investigate the following research questions: 1. How do the following transformation strategies leverage the CLSC?s overall cost performance? ? Extending the already existing forward channel to incorporate reverse channel activities. ? Designing an entire CLSC network. 2. How do the following network flow integration strategies influence the CLSC?s overall cost performance? ? Using distinct forward and reverse channel facilities to manage the corresponding flows. ? Using hybrid facilities to coordinate the flows. In researching the above questions, we address significant practical concerns in CLSC network design and provide cost measures for the above mentioned strategies. We also contribute to the current literature by investigating the optimal CLSC network design. More specifically, we propose three models and develop mathematical formulations and novel solution approaches that are based on decomposition techniques, heuristics, and meta-heuristic approaches to seek a solution that characterizes the configuration of the CLSC network, along with the coordinated forward and reverse flows.

In this study, we focus on pricing and production decisions in reusable container systems with stochastic demand. We consider a producer that sells a single product to the customers in reusable containers with two supply options: (i) brand-new containers, (ii) returned containers from customers. Customers purchasing the products may return the containers to the producer to receive a deposit price. The return quantity depends on both customer demand and the deposit price determined by the producer. Hence, the producer has the opportunity to manipulate the return quantity via the deposit price. The unit cost of filling brand-new containers is different than the unit cost of refilling returned containers. We also consider resource restrictions on the production operations. Our setting represents certain hybrid manufacturing / remanufacturing systems where (i) the producer collects and recovers his own products, (ii) the producer supplies both brand-new and recovered products to his customers, and (iii) the customers are indierent between brand-new and recovered products. In this setting, we investigate the optimal pricing and production decisions in order to maximize the producer`s profit. Our approach utilizes non-linear optimization techniques. We characterize the optimal acquisition fee and the optimal order quantity of brand-new containers analytically and investigate the effect of parameters with an extensive computational study.

Durch immer knapper werdende Ressourcen, steigendes ökologisches Bewusstsein der Konsumenten und nicht zuletzt gesetzlichen Vorgaben sind produzierende Unternehmen über den gesamten Lebenszyklus ihrer Produkte für diese verantwortlich. Dies gilt im Besonderen für Hersteller elektronischer Produkte. Stetige Innovationen und kurze Nutzungszyklen führen dazu, dass noch funktionierende Geräte ungenutzt in den Haushalten lagern oder im Restmüll entsorgt werden. Mit der WEEE-Richtlinie verpflichtete die EU 2003 die Hersteller elektronischer Produkte dazu, nachhaltiger zu produzieren, Ressourcen effizienter zu nutzen, die Schadstoffbelastung und allgemein das durch die elektrischen Geräte induzierte Müllaufkommen zu reduzieren. Mit der Aufgabe diese Ziele zu erreichen, stellen sich die Hersteller somit einer großen Herausforderung. Auf der einen Seite steigt der Druck des Wettbewerbs, die Konsumenten werden zunehmend kritischer und die Rohstoffkosten steigen. Auf der anderen Seite müssen sie eine adäquate Verwertung ihrer Altprodukte finden und deren Rückführung sicherstellen. Dabei sind sie maßgeblich abhängig von der Entscheidung der Konsumenten. Diese können das Produkt kostenfrei entsorgen, jedoch fehlt es ihnen häufig an entsprechenden Anreizen. Diese Dissertation klärt daher u.a. folgende Forschungsfragen: Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es, die Vorgaben des Gesetzgebers (WEEE) profitabel umzusetzen und wie kann der Konsument in die Planung einer Closed Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) einbezogen werden. Zudem diskutiert sie die Optionen die Handlungen der Konsumenten aktiv zu beeinflussen. Mit Hilfe der spieltheoretischen Modellierung wird ein komplexes dynamisches Modell entwickelt, welches sowohl für den Hersteller als auch für die Endkunden elektronischer Produkte die bestmögliche Lösung vorschlägt. Mit dem entwickelten Modell ist es den Herstellern möglich, ein optimales Produktionsprogramm für mehrere Perioden unter Beachtung einer optimalen Rücknahmestrategie aufzustellen.

Durch immer knapper werdende Ressourcen, steigendes ökologisches Bewusstsein der Konsumenten und nicht zuletzt gesetzlichen Vorgaben sind produzierende Unternehmen über den gesamten Lebenszyklus ihrer Produkte für diese verantwortlich. Dies gilt im Besonderen für Hersteller elektronischer Produkte. Stetige Innovationen und kurze Nutzungszyklen führen dazu, dass noch funktionierende Geräte ungenutzt in den Haushalten lagern oder im Restmüll entsorgt werden. Mit der WEEE-Richtlinie verpflichtete die EU 2003 die Hersteller elektronischer Produkte dazu, nachhaltiger zu produzieren, Ressourcen effizienter zu nutzen, die Schadstoffbelastung und allgemein das durch die elektrischen Geräte induzierte Müllaufkommen zu reduzieren. Mit der Aufgabe diese Ziele zu erreichen, stellen sich die Hersteller somit einer großen Herausforderung. Auf der einen Seite steigt der Druck des Wettbewerbs, die Konsumenten werden zunehmend kritischer und die Rohstoffkosten steigen. Auf der anderen Seite müssen sie eine adäquate Verwertung ihrer Altprodukte finden und deren Rückführung sicherstellen. Dabei sind sie maßgeblich abhängig von der Entscheidung der Konsumenten. Diese können das Produkt kostenfrei entsorgen, jedoch fehlt es ihnen häufig an entsprechenden Anreizen. Diese Dissertation klärt daher u.a. folgende Forschungsfragen: Welche Möglichkeiten gibt es, die Vorgaben des Gesetzgebers (WEEE) profitabel umzusetzen und wie kann der Konsument in die Planung einer Closed Loop Supply Chain (CLSC) einbezogen werden. Zudem diskutiert sie die Optionen die Handlungen der Konsumenten aktiv zu beeinflussen. Mit Hilfe der spieltheoretischen Modellierung wird ein komplexes dynamisches Modell entwickelt, welches sowohl für den Hersteller als auch für die Endkunden elektronischer Produkte die bestmögliche Lösung vorschlägt. Mit dem entwickelten Modell ist es den Herstellern möglich, ein optimales Produktionsprogramm für mehrere Perioden unter Beachtung einer optimalen Rücknahmestrategie aufzustellen.

As pesquisas identificam os modelos e práticas ligados a cadeias de suprimentos de ciclo fechado, como uma das estratégias para o desenvolvimento sustentável através da recuperação do produto pós-consumo, maximizando a criação de valor ao longo de todo seu ciclo de vida, transformando o que é resíduo em produto para novo uso. O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar como a gestão da cadeia de suprimentos de ciclo fechado pode criar e capturar o valor deste produto pós-consumo. O método adotado foi de múltiplos estudos de caso explorando duas cadeias de suprimentos de ciclo fechado a de baterias automotivas chumbo ácido e de produtos eletrônicos tais como telefones celulares, notebooks, tablets, impressoras, desktops e monitores no Brasil. Primeiro conduzimos uma análise do relacionamento entre as empresas de cada cadeia e então expandimos nossa análise comparando as duas cadeias. Os resultados sugerem que para criar e capturar valor na cadeia de suprimentos direta ou tradicional é necessário a gestão das dimensões prioridades competitivas, estrutura da cadeia de suprimentos, relacionamento comprador-fornecedor, compras estratégicas e inovação. Entretanto, para a cadeia de suprimentos de ciclo fechado criar e capturar valor será necessário além da gestão destas dimensões adicionarmos maior interdependência entre as empresas, vantagem colaborativa, gestão tétrade multinível e uma estrutura da cadeia de suprimentos com novas ramificações em outros setores e indústrias que aumenta a quantidade de produtos pós-consumo retornados, resultando em um importante ganho de economia de escala, com foco no processo de reciclagem. / The researches identify closed loop supply chain models and practices as one of the sustainable development strategies through post consumption product recovery, maximizing value creation over the entire life cycle of a product transforming waste in a product for new use. The aim of this research is to understand and identify how the closed loop supply chain management can create and capture the value of this post consumption product. By adopting a multiple case study method, studying two Brazilian\'s closed loop supply chain the lead acid battery industry supply chain and electronic products industry supply chain for mobile phones, notebooks, tablets, printers, desktops and monitors. We first conduct a relationship analysis between the firms of each supply chain then we expand our analysis comparing the two chains. The results show that for value creation and capture in supply chain is required management in dimensions competitive priorities, supply chain structure, buyer supplier relationship, strategic purchasing and innovation. However for closed loop supply chain besides management in these dimensions we must add firms\' bigger interdependency, collaborative advantage, multi-level tetrad management and a supply chain structure with new connections in others industries, that increases the post consumption product\'s return resulting in an important gain from economies of scale focusing in recycling process.

As pesquisas identificam os modelos e práticas ligados a cadeias de suprimentos de ciclo fechado, como uma das estratégias para o desenvolvimento sustentável através da recuperação do produto pós-consumo, maximizando a criação de valor ao longo de todo seu ciclo de vida, transformando o que é resíduo em produto para novo uso. O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar como a gestão da cadeia de suprimentos de ciclo fechado pode criar e capturar o valor deste produto pós-consumo. O método adotado foi de múltiplos estudos de caso explorando duas cadeias de suprimentos de ciclo fechado a de baterias automotivas chumbo ácido e de produtos eletrônicos tais como telefones celulares, notebooks, tablets, impressoras, desktops e monitores no Brasil. Primeiro conduzimos uma análise do relacionamento entre as empresas de cada cadeia e então expandimos nossa análise comparando as duas cadeias. Os resultados sugerem que para criar e capturar valor na cadeia de suprimentos direta ou tradicional é necessário a gestão das dimensões prioridades competitivas, estrutura da cadeia de suprimentos, relacionamento comprador-fornecedor, compras estratégicas e inovação. Entretanto, para a cadeia de suprimentos de ciclo fechado criar e capturar valor será necessário além da gestão destas dimensões adicionarmos maior interdependência entre as empresas, vantagem colaborativa, gestão tétrade multinível e uma estrutura da cadeia de suprimentos com novas ramificações em outros setores e indústrias que aumenta a quantidade de produtos pós-consumo retornados, resultando em um importante ganho de economia de escala, com foco no processo de reciclagem. / The researches identify closed loop supply chain models and practices as one of the sustainable development strategies through post consumption product recovery, maximizing value creation over the entire life cycle of a product transforming waste in a product for new use. The aim of this research is to understand and identify how the closed loop supply chain management can create and capture the value of this post consumption product. By adopting a multiple case study method, studying two Brazilian\'s closed loop supply chain the lead acid battery industry supply chain and electronic products industry supply chain for mobile phones, notebooks, tablets, printers, desktops and monitors. We first conduct a relationship analysis between the firms of each supply chain then we expand our analysis comparing the two chains. The results show that for value creation and capture in supply chain is required management in dimensions competitive priorities, supply chain structure, buyer supplier relationship, strategic purchasing and innovation. However for closed loop supply chain besides management in these dimensions we must add firms\' bigger interdependency, collaborative advantage, multi-level tetrad management and a supply chain structure with new connections in others industries, that increases the post consumption product\'s return resulting in an important gain from economies of scale focusing in recycling process.