Los medicamentos cumplen un rol fundamental en la sociedad debido a que contribuyen a la salud de las personas gracias a sus componentes químicos. Es precisamente por su composición que, cuando se eliminan incorrectamente, estos productos podrían llegar a generar numerosos problemas debido a la toxicidad y contaminación por las sustancias químicas que contienen, representando un riesgo para la vida humana además de generar que la contaminación ambiental incremente. En ese sentido, el presente estudio se titula Análisis de la logística inversa en los importadores de la industria farmacéutica de la partida del sistema armonizado 30.03 en lima metropolitana durante el periodo 2015-2019 y tiene como objetivo: Comprender la aplicación de la logística inversa en las empresas importadoras de la industria farmacéutica de la partida del sistema armonizado 30.03 en Lima Metropolitana durante el periodo 2015-2019. Mediante un enfoque cualitativo se recolectó información de los actores involucrados como representantes de asociaciones, laboratorios importadores de la partida en cuestión y expertos en logística inversa mediante la realización de entrevistas. Gracias a ello, se obtuvo el resultado de que las empresas importadoras del sector farmacéutico sí emplean la logística inversa en sus procesos, mediante la correcta eliminación de los residuos. / Pharmaceutical products play a fundamental role in society because they contribute to people's health thanks to their chemical components. It is precisely because of their composition that, when improperly disposed of, these products could generate numerous problems due to toxicity and contamination by the chemical substances they contain, representing a risk to human life as well as increasing environmental pollution. In this sense, the present study is entitled Analysis of reverse logistics in importers of the pharmaceutical industry of the harmonized system item 30.03 in metropolitan lima during the period 2015-2019 and has the objective: To comprehend the application of reverse logistics in importing companies of the pharmaceutical industry of the harmonized system item 30.03 in Metropolitan Lima during the period 2015-2019. Using a qualitative approach, information was collected from key stakeholders such as representatives of associations, importing laboratories and experts in reverse logistics through interviews. As a result, it was found that importing companies in the pharmaceutical sector do use reverse logistics in their processes, through the correct disposal of waste. / Tesis

The world’s population alongside the general consumption and use of natural resources hasgrown immensely during the past decade. The construction sector is today one of the industriesthat has the highest impact on the environment. Therefore, the current linear economy has to bemoved towards a circular economy which aims for material- and resource efficiency. The concept of reverse logistics for reuse of construction material and the need for collaboration hasbeen identified as key areas for transitioning to a circular economy and thus has a decisive rolein reducing the construction waste. However, due to the construction industry beingfragmented, a lack of collaboration amongst real estate developers and other market actors hasbeen identified as a barrier for successfully implementing the reuse of construction materials.Furthermore, the real estate developer is seen as a key actor to utilise the potential of the reuseof construction materials by creating incentives and collaborations with other actors involved. The aim of this paper was therefore to investigate different actor’s perspectives in the realestate- and construction sector regarding reuse of construction materials and what the keybarriers and incentives are for them to implement it. Furthermore, by gaining an understandingof each actor's perspective the aim was to create a framework model for how a real estatedeveloper can achieve a strategic collaboration with different actors to make the process ofreusing construction materials in tenant adaptation projects more efficient. This was achievedby interviewing key actors within the real estate- and construction industry in order to get anoverall perspective on their views. Furthermore, a survey was conducted to obtain anunderstanding of the tenants view on having reused construction materials in their facilities. The results indicated that the main barriers were; a lack of incentives, lack of logistics &recovery facilities, an established procedure for quality assuring the material & warranty issuesas well as the tenants’ perception of it. Furthermore, the results show that the real estatedeveloper can create different types of incentives for the tenants and involved actors in order tofacilitate the implementation of material reuse and an established collaboration. Lastly, aframework model was presented to demonstrate how a real estate developer can collaboratewith different actors in order to get a deeper understanding of the dynamics of a potentialcollaboration. / Världens befolkning har i samband med den generella konsumtionen samt vår användning av naturresurserna ökat avsevärt det senaste decenniet. Bygg- och fastighetssektorn är idag en av de industrier som har störst påverkan på vår miljö. Därav behövs en skiftning från den linjäraekonomin till en cirkulär ekonomi som grundar sig i material- och resurseffektivisering.Konceptet omvänd logistik för ett ökat återbruk av byggmaterial och behovet av samarbete har identifierats som viktiga verktyg för skiftet mot en cirkulär ekonomi och därmed en minimeringav byggavfall. Då byggbranschen idag är fragmenterad har bristen på samarbete mellan fastighetsägare och andra aktörer identifierats som en utmaning för att implementera återbrukav byggmaterial med framgång. Vidare ses fastighetsägare som en huvudaktör som kan utnyttja potentialen som finns kring återbruk av byggmaterial genom att skapa incitament ochsamarbeten med andra involverade aktörer. Därför var syftet med denna rapport att utreda olika aktörers perspektiv på återbruk avbyggmaterial inom bygg- och fastighetssektorn samt vad de främsta barriärer och incitament ärför att de ska implementera det. Vidare, genom att få en förståelse för samtliga aktörersperspektiv var målet att skapa en modell för hur fastighetsägarna kan uppnå ett strategiskt samarbete med olika aktörer för att effektivisera processen av återbruk av byggmaterial vid enhyresgästsanpassning. Detta uppnåddes genom att intervjua huvudaktörer inom bygg- och fastighetssektorn. Vidare gjordes en enkät för att erhålla en förståelse för hyresgästerna syn på att ha återbrukatbyggmaterial i deras lokaler.

An escalating concern about the environment amongst the general population, businesses trying to make their way forward on the hunt for market shares and profitability, and customers that nowadays are used to extreme flexibility in their purchase and return process due to the immense growth of e-commerce. These observations can all be considered facts, but do they correlate with each other when a customer tries on a pair of pants and decides to return them to the retailer? The purpose and reason for why this thesis was conducted was to gain an understanding of how fashion e-tailers in Sweden balance the needs of consumers, company finances and environmental concerns when designing their return policy. The thesis was conducted as a multiple case study, using a qualitative research method where the primary data was collected from six in-depth semi-structured interviews with practitioners within the field, representing e-tailers in the fashion industry. The findings obtained from the interviews were put in context, analysed, discussed and compared with literature from previous research using a thematic analysis approach. The authors can conclude that balance in the return policy is difficult to achieve. Various avoidance techniques are being used in order to maintain balance, and customer satisfaction is seen as a vital part of the return process. Sustainability is difficult to define and the participants interpreted the phrase in various ways. It was therefore complicated to analyse the environmental impact from product returns. Basically, it is difficult to know what the most sustainable initiatives are, and even though our participants take some environmental initiatives, there is room for improvement. The research provides valuable managerial implications from a new perspective that the researchers believe is more comprehensive, and gives suggestions for future research within the field of study.

Syfte – Syftet med studien är att Identifiera förbättringsmöjligheter och kritiska faktorer genom att studera returflödet för litiumjonbatterier ur ett miljöperspektiv. Genom att studera returflödet för litiumjonbatterier kan det hjälpa till att ta reda på hur flödet kan se ut för att minimera miljöpåverkan. Detta görs för att bidra med kunskap till återvinningsbranschen om hur returflödet för litiumjonbatterier ser ut idag och hur det förbättras i framtiden.  För att uppnå syftet med studien har två frågeställningar tagits fram:  [1] Hur kan returflödet för litiumjonbatterier förbättras ur ett miljöperspektiv?  [2] Vilka kritiska faktorer kan beaktas vid utformningen av returflödet för litiumjonbatterier?  Metod – Studien har utförts som en fallstudie på ett av Sveriges största återvinningsbolag. Forskarna startade med en förstudie i form av en ostrukturerad observation på fallföretagets återvinningsstation. Vidare hölls en ostrukturerad workshop med den strategiska logistikchefen och en affärsutvecklare inom batterier på fallföretaget. Förstudien gav forskarna en fördjupad kunskap i det aktuella ämnet och därpå kunde ett teoretiskt ramverk byggas upp för att stödja studien. För att uppfylla studiens syfte och besvara frågeställningarna har kvalitativ datainsamling i form av tre intervjuer och dokumentationsstudie utförts. För att besvara studiens syfte har det teoretiska ramverket och den insamlade empirin analyserats och ställts mot varandra.  Resultat – Returflödet för litiumjonbatterier kan förbättras genom att utforma ett navsystem. Navsystemet innebär i praktiken att det kan anläggas mellanlagringstationer där litiumjonbatterierna plockas isär och djupurladdas. Mellanlagringen minimerar avståndet som litiumjonbatterierna behöver fraktas innan de är djupurladdade vilket bidrar till att enklare emballage kan användas och ökad fyllnadsgrad vid transport. Enklare emballage och ökad fyllnadsgrad bidrar till att minska miljöpåverkan i returflödet för litiumjonbatterier. En optimeringsmodell kan användas för att minimera antalet tonkilometer som krävs för att transportera litiumjonbatterier mellan flödets alla delar. Vidare identifierades kritiska faktorer som påverkar returflödets utformning. De kritiska faktorerna som identifierades var:  - Ökade volymer  - Farligt gods  - Skadade batterier  - Nytt forskningsområde  - Osäkerhet i varifrån LIB kommer in i flödet  Studien har bidragit med kunskap för återvinningsbranschen genom att besvara frågeställningarna och därför anses studiens syfte uppnått.  Implikationer – Studiens resultat kan användas av återvinningsbranschen för att förstå returflödet av litiumjonbatterier och hur flödet kan förbättras. Resultatet kan även ge indikationer på vilka kritiska faktorer som behöver tas hänsyn till vid utformning av returflödet för litiumjonbatterier. Studien bidrar med kunskap till vidare forskning inom området för hanteringen av litiumjonbatterier.  Begränsningar – Det kan ifrågasättas om studien kan generaliseras för alla parter i återvinningsbranschen då studien bygger sitt resultat på endast ett fall. Studiens ämne är outforskat och därmed inte helt okomplicerat att studera på grund av brist på kunskap och tidigare forskning. Det studerade ämnet består av processer som inte finns på plats idag och således kan studiens resultat inte valideras då scenariot är en bit bort i framtiden. / Purpose – The purpose of the study is to identify opportunities for improvement and critical factors by studying the return flow of lithium-ion batteries from an environmental perspective. By investigating the return flow of lithium-ion batteries, it can help to find out what the flow might look like to minimize the environmental impact. This is done to contribute knowledge to the recycling industry about what the return flow for lithium-ion batteries looks like today and how it can be improved in the future.  To achieve the purpose of the study, two research questions have been raised:  [1] How can the reverse logistics for the collection of lithium-ion batteries be improved from an environmental perspective?  [2] What critical factors can be considered in the design of reverse logistics for lithium-ion batteries?  Method – The study was carried out as a case study at one of Sweden's largest recycling companies. The researchers started with a pilot study in the form of an unstructured observation at the case company recycling station. Furthermore, an unstructured workshop was held with the strategic logistics manager and a battery business developer at the case company. The pilot study gave the researchers an in-depth knowledge of the current subject and then a theoretical framework could be built up to support the study. In order to fulfil the purpose of the study and answer the research questions, qualitative data collection in the form of three interviews and documentation studies has been performed. To answer the purpose of the study the theoretical framework and the collected empirical data have been analysed and set against each other.  Findings –The reverse logistics when collecting lithium-ion batteries can be improved by designing a hub and spoke system. The hub and spoke system are in practice that intermediate storage stations can be built where the lithium-ion batteries are disassembled and deep discharged. The intermediate storage minimizes the distance that the lithium-ion batteries need to be transported before they are deep discharged, which contributes to simpler packaging being used and an increased degree of filling during transport. Simpler packaging and an increased degree of filling help to reduce the environmental impact of the reverse logistics for lithium-ion batteries. An optimization model can be used to minimize the number of tonne-kilometres required to transport lithium-ion batteries between all parts of the flow. Furthermore, critical factors were identified that affect the design of the reverse logistics. The critical factors identified were:  - Growing volumes  - Dangerous goods  - Damaged batteries  - New phenomenon  - Uncertainty in where lithium-ion batteries come into the flow  The study has contributed knowledge for the recycling industry by answering the questions and therefore the purpose of the study is considered to have been achieved.  Implications – The results of the study can be used by the recycling industry to understand the reverse logistics of lithium-ion batteries and how the flow can be improved. The result can also give indications of which critical factors need to be considered when designing the return flow for lithium-ion batteries. The study contributes with knowledge to further research in the field of handling lithium-ion batteries.  Limitations – It can be questioned whether the study can be generalized for all parties in the recycling industry as the study bases its results on only one case. The subject of the study is unexplored and thus not completely uncomplicated to study due to lack of knowledge and previous research. The studied subject consists of processes that are not in place today and therefor the results of the study cannot be validated as the scenario is a bit far in the future.

M. Tech. (Department of Logistics Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of reverse logistics practices on environmental sustainability and business performance in manufacturing firms in the Vaal Triangle Region. The study employed a quantitative research method that used a survey questionnaire to gather data from supply chain professionals operating in the manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. The survey was self-administered to 350 randomly selected respondents who were mainly supply chain professionals drawn from various manufacturing firms in the Vaal Triangle region. Despite the large number of respondents, only 201 questionnaires were usable, which represented a response rate of 57 per cent. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS 25.0 in which descriptive statistics were analysed to assess the demographic characteristics of the respondents. An analysis of mean scores was performed to establish the perceptions of supply chain professionals toward the levels of the constructs in manufacturing firms. Besides, the study made use of correlation and regression analyses to examine the causal relationships between reverse logistics practices on environmental sustainability and business performance. The results of the study show that the identified reserve logistics practices (repairs, remanufacturing, recycle, recondition and disposal) were insignificantly correlated to environmental sustainability. However, environmental sustainability was significantly correlated to the two sub-dimensions of business performance, namely, sales and profit. Likewise, in the regression analysis, all reverse logistics components were statistically insignificant, whereas environmental sustainability significantly influenced both profits and sales. The study thus offered a contrasting perspective from the general findings that have found reverse logistics to be a significant contributor to sustainability initiatives. However, the study confirms the importance of environmental sustainability as a predictor of business performance in manufacturing firms.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to develop guidelines for effective returns management in manufacturing companies that provide both standard and customized products. To answer the purpose, it was broken down into three questions: [1] How does the return management process differ between standard and customized products in manufacturing companies? [2] What challenges exist in the return management process in manufacturing companies for standard and customized products? [3] What guidelines can be implemented for standard and customized products when streamlining the return management process in manufacturing companies? Method – This study used the case study research method, with a qualitative approach together with a case company. The empirical data was composed using the data collection techniques of interview, observation, and document study. Pattern matching was used to provide a basis for analysis by comparing the theoretical framework with the collected empirical data. Findings – The result of the study is that the management of customized products is more time-consuming and involves more stakeholders than for standard products. It also identified six challenges that can be linked to the return flow. Finally, nine guidelines were developed to streamline returns management in manufacturing companies. Implications – The study contributes with both practical and theoretical implications. This is because the guidelines developed can be used by manufacturing companies in their returns management process to streamline the flow. These guidelines also go towards a more focus on a standardized approach that decision makers can follow. The study also contributes to guidelines to work with, as an addition to the established research. Limitations – This study has been limited to returns and thus complaints have been chosen to be excluded. This is because complaints arise when there is a fault in a product, which is based on a lack of quality in manufacturing. The interest of the study is instead to investigate how returns are handled. In addition, the study has only been conducted at one company, which may have an impact on generalizability.

<p>The last two decades witnessed an increasing emphasis on reverse logistics (RL). Our thesis attempts to investigate two research problems in RL and explore game theoretic applications in this field.</p> <p>In Chapter 1, we introduce SCM, RL, relevant game theoretic applications, and the organizational structure of this thesis.</p> <p>In Chapter 2, we address a newsvendor problem with resalable returns. We develop a basic model with order quantity as the single decision variable and conduct concavity analysis. We also develop a general model in which the retailer determines both order quantity and two inter-period inventory thresholds. We use simulation to investigate the timing effect of both customer demands and returns on the retailer's decision making.</p> <p>In Chapter 3, we explore the application of game theoretic models with incomplete information in inventory management. Games with incomplete information may provide a more realistic modeling framework. We hope this exposition be helpful to researchers interested in applying game theoretic models and computing equilibriums in their specific problems in SCM and RL.</p> <p>In Chapter 4 we consider a remanufacturing competition problem between an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a pure remanufacturer (REM) with the OEM's incomplete information on the REM's unit cost. We apply the type-III model in Chapter 3 for formulation and derive the closed-form Bayesian Nash equilibrium. We use sensitivity analysis to investigate the effect of such incomplete information on both competitors' decision making.</p> <p>We summarize in Chapter 5 and provide a general direction for future research on game theoretic applications in RL.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Implementing Take-Back Systems comes with many challenges and opportunities for companies. This study investigates the possibility of implementing a Take-Back System at Gardena to fulfill their circularity goals. For this purpose, a literature review was conducted to gain insight into the topic and its relevance for the research. Furthermore, a qualitative study was conducted to gain insight into Gardena and its relevant stakeholders and how a potential Take-Back System would affect its organization. The literature and qualitative study laid the ground for the development of a concept consisting of a Pilot Project taking place in Germany. The contribution of this thesis is to investigate uncertainties when implementing a Take-Back System within the Gardena organization during the Pilot Project. / Att implementera Take-Back System medför många utmaningar och möjligheter för företag. Denna studie undersöker möjligheten att implementera ett Take-Back System på Gardena för att uppnå deras cirkularitetsmål. För detta ändamål genomfördes en litteraturstudie för att få insikt i ämnet och dess relevans för arbetet. Vidare genomfördes en kvalitativ studie för att få insikt i Gardena och dess relevanta parter och hur ett potentiellt Take-Back System skulle påverka dess organisation. Litteraturstudien och den kvalitativa studien lade grunden för utvecklingen av ett koncept bestående av ett Pilotprojekt som äger rum i Tyskland. Bidraget från denna avhandling är att undersöka osäkerheter vid implementering av ett återtagningssystem inom Gardenaorganisationen under Pilotprojektet.

[pt] A disciplina de marketing vem discutindo o tema de sustentabilidade desde a década de 1970, em um debate que se torna cada vez mais relevante para a sociedade à medida em que os padrões de consumo são insustentáveis diante da necessidade de conservar os recursos naturais. Com sua popularização, o discurso sobre sustentabilidade incorpora aspectos sociais e passa a focar em como garantir qualidade de vida a todos sem ultrapassar os limites ambientais do planeta. A disciplina do macromarketing, com sua abordagem sistêmica, que observa um fenômeno sob a perspectiva das micro interações e, ao mesmo tempo, como estas ações se inserem nas macroestruturas sociais, vem se mostrando melhor apropriada para a compreensão de fenômenos complexos. Utilizando uma abordagem de sistemas de provisionamento este estudo visa compreender como as práticas de marketing podem influenciar padrões de consumo mais sustentáveis. No contexto da logística reversa, foi realizado um estudo de caso múltiplo que entrevistou experts e executivos de sustentabilidade e marketing de quatro grandes empresas. O presente trabalho contribui com a discussão sobre sistemas de provisionamento expondo complexidades ainda não abordadas na literatura, que ampliam o entendimento sobre o funcionamento dos sistemas de provisionamento. A análise das práticas de marketing de quatro grandes empresas de setores distintos atuantes contribui para um melhor entendimento das melhores práticas e obstáculos para que haja maior integração entre as práticas de marketing e os objetivos de sustentabilidade das empresas, detalhando aspectos operacionais que são cruciais para esta integração e que pouco são abordados na literatura. / [en] The discipline of marketing has been discussing the theme of sustainability since the 1970s, in a debate that becomes increasingly relevant to society as consumption patterns prove unsustainable in light of the need to conserve natural resources. With its popularization, the discourse on sustainability incorporates social aspects and focuses on how to ensure quality of life for all without exceeding the planet s environmental limits. The discipline of macromarketing, with its systemic approach, examines phenomena from the perspective of micro-interactions and, simultaneously, how these actions fit into macro social structures, proving to be more appropriate for understanding complex phenomena. Using a provisioning systems approach, this study aims to understand how marketing practices can influence more sustainable consumption patterns. In the context of reverse logistics, a multiple case study was conducted, interviewing experts and sustainability and marketing executives from four major companies. This work contributes to the discussion on provisioning systems by exposing complexities not yet addressed in the literature, thereby broadening the understanding of the functioning of provisioning systems. The analysis of the marketing practices of four major companies from different sectors contributes to a better understanding of best practices and obstacles for greater integration between marketing practices and companies sustainability goals, detailing operational aspects that are crucial for this integration and that are seldom addressed in the literature.

Das aktuell vorherrschende lineare Wirtschaftsprinzip ist für viele Umweltprobleme verantwortlich. Neben der immensen Umweltverschmutzung sorgt der stetig wachsende Ressourcenverbrauch für eine zunehmende Verknappung vieler wertvoller Rohstoffe. Ein intelligentes Kreislaufwirtschaftskonzept wie Cradle-to-Cradle kann diesen Problemen entgegenwirken. Für eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung von Cradle-to-Cradle werden unternehmerische Ansätze benötigt. Im Rahmen dieses Artikels werden vier Konzepte untersucht, die in einer Kreislaufwirtschaft implementiert werden können. Diese sind Design für Demontage, Produkt-Service-Systeme, Take-back Strategien und Reverse Logistics. Für jeden dieser vier Ansätze werden die Voraussetzungen sowie Barrieren hinsichtlich der Umsetzung innerhalb eines Kreislaufwirtschaftssystems aufgezeigt. Zudem wird dargelegt, dass sie im Cradle-to-Cradle-System realisierbar sind. Weiterhin werden reale Beispiele in Form von Unternehmen vorgestellt, die die verschiedenen Modelle bereits erfolgreich umgesetzt haben. Alle vier untersuchten Konzepte sind für ein Kreislaufwirtschaftssystem unter Beachtung der Cradle-to-Cradle-Kriterien geeignet. / The currently prevailing linear economic principle is responsible for many environmental problems. In addition to the immense environmental pollution, the constantly growing consumption of resources is causing an increasing shortage of many valuable raw materials. An intelligent circular economy concept such as Cradle to Cradle can counteract these problems. Entrepreneurial approaches are needed for a successful implementation of Cradle to Cradle. This article examines four concepts that can be implemented in a circular economy. These are design for disassembly, product service systems, take-back strategies, and reverse logistics. For each of these four approaches, the prerequisites as well as barriers regarding the implementation within a circular economy system are shown. In addition, it is shown that they can be implemented in a cradle-to-cradle system. Furthermore, real examples are presented as companies that have already successfully implemented the various models. All four concepts examined are suitable for a circular economy system in compliance with the Cradle to Cradle criteria.