Bachelor and Master Theses

To apply for conducting this thesis, please contact the thesis supervisor(s).
Title: Formation of a circular business model innovation framework for the second life electric vehicle batteries industry
Subject: Produktutveckling, Industriell ekonomi - Produktionssystem, Produktion, Innovation och design
Level: Advanced
Description:

Today electric vehicle (EV) batteries have been considered as enablers for creating new business opportunities in the form of second life applications. Potential second life applications include different kinds of stationary energy storage systems in industrial, residential, and commercial applications, providing services such as integration with solar panels and wind turbines, peak shaving, back-up power, energy arbitrage, demand-side response, fast charging, frequency response, asset optimization, grid services, mobile power for use in remote or temporary locations, and off grid backup. Many OEMs, energy utility companies, and recycling companies have taken this explorative journey of second life and are considering how to improve their internal and external competences, organizational structures, and capabilities to realize second life applications. However, companies operating in the market suffer from a lack of understanding of creation a competent business strategy for successful development. The formation of a circular innovation business model for existing and especially new companies is important for understanding the market, defining its own niche, and forming a unique value preposition, including based on innovation.

 

Purpose and Possible research questions.

The purpose of the thesis is to form a circular business model innovation framework which existing and potential market participants could choose to create their own value preposition and differentiate from competitors. Based on literature and practice, the thesis can suggest the components of a framework that will form the basis of business formation. The thesis could apply business model innovation, circular business models, servitization business models, or other management related areas to frame and analyse the topic. The thesis will be guided by following research questions:

  • What are the main components of creation a business model framework for the second life electric vehicle batteries industry?
  • What are the free niches in the focal market?
  • What is the role of key stakeholders in making the industry more attractive to new entrants?

 

Research method and context

The thesis employs qualitative case study research approach and data collection will be done through semi-structured interviews, workshops, observations, and documentation. In the initial phase, a systematic literature review will take place for understanding the existing knowledge, research gaps, and potential questions to ask in the study. The thesis work will be performed as part of the research project called RECREATE (Secondary life management of electric vehicle batteries), where partner companies include Volvo CE, Volvo Group Circular Operations, Alstom, Mälarenergi, Eskilstuna Strängnas & Miljö, and KPRO. More information is available at MDU webpage. The empirical data collected from partner companies during the thesis work will be used by the researchers in the Recreate project for further analysis. If there is any possibility for a research publication, you would be included as co-authors.

 

Other information

Timeline: 6 months (from January 2023 until June 2023)

Number of Students: 1 or 2

Project is done at: RECREATE partner companies

 

If you are interested, you can contact us:

Koteshwar Chirumalla, Associate professor in product and production development, Koteshwar.chirumalla@mdu.se

Ignat Kulkov, Postdoc in digital servitization and ecosystems, ignat.kulkov@mdu.se

 

 

Start date: 2022-11-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Prerequisites:

Masters in Production, or Product development, or Industrial engineering and economy, or Innovation and Design

IDT supervisors: Koteshwar Chirumalla Ignat Kulkov
Examiner:
Comments:

If you are interested, you can contact us:

Koteshwar Chirumalla, Associate professor in product and production development, Koteshwar.chirumalla@mdu.se

Ignat Kulkov, Postdoc in digital servitization and ecosystems, ignat.kulkov@mdu.se

Company contact:

The thesis work will be performed as part of the research project called RECREATE (Secondary life management of electric vehicle batteries), where partner companies include Volvo CE, Alstom, Mälarenergi, Eskilstuna Strängnas & Miljö, and KPRO.