Exploring critical factors for successful closed-loop supply chains with remanufacturing

University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. June 2012. Major: Engineering Management. Advisor:Dr. Hongyi Chen. 1 computer file (PDF); vi, 78 pages.This thesis contributes to the knowledge on closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) with a focus on remanufacturing in the fields of sustainability. CLSCs involve the collection of end-of-life products, the remanufacturing of these products to original specifications, and the redistribution of remanufactured products. The objective of this research is to identify factors key to the success of CLSCs with remanufacturing practices and to propose a business model framework for remanufacturing companies. Through case studies on several companies in the consumer electronics, heavy equipment manufacturing, and industrial process control industries, issues related to product safety, liability, reliability, customer perception, and others are analyzed. Within the company environment, it is important to address the mission and vision statements, the project portfolio, and acquisitions, partnerships, or mutual agreements with other businesses; within the product environment, it is important to address the intellectual property of product design, product acquisition and reverse logistics, and design for remanufacturing; within the macro environment, it is important to address the industry’s technology clockspeed, regulatory agencies, and customer perception of remanufactured products. These factors are identified to be critical to the success of CLSCs. To address the challenges faced by remanufacturing companies, such as the lack of awareness and knowledge of remanufacturing throughout the world, possible solutions are proposed. Findings from this study are important to engineering management research and practice because the growing concerns on the environment and sustainability will bring an increased focus on these issues in the near future