Bachelor and Master Theses

Context and Motivation

The construction and mining industries are experiencing a rapid digital transformation driven by the adoption of platform-based digital services, data analytics, and automation technologies. In open-pit mining and quarry sites, digital platforms are increasingly used to integrate data from equipment, operations, and workforce activities into a unified system. These platforms enable better decision-making, resource allocation, and performance management, offering opportunities for improved efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

However, the implementation of digital platforms in such complex operational environments remains challenging. The diversity of user roles—ranging from operators and maintenance teams to site managers and planners—creates varied user needs across different time horizons:

• Daily operations, which focus on productivity, safety, and immediate problem-solving;

• Mid-term planning, centered on scheduling, maintenance, and resource optimization;

• Long-term strategic goals, including sustainability, equipment lifecycle management, and digital maturity.

To effectively design and evaluate platform-based digital services, it is crucial to systematically map these user needs, assess the digital capabilities required to meet them, and define appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success over time. Understanding the alignment between these three elements is fundamental to realizing the full value of digital platforms in open-pit mining and construction quarry environments.

Purpose:
The purpose of this research is to develop a structured framework for platform-based digital services in open-pit mining by systematically mapping user needs, digital capabilities, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across daily, mid-term, and long-term time horizons.

Main Research Question (RQ):
How can platform-based digital services be designed and evaluated in an open-pit mine site by mapping user needs, digital capabilities, and key performance indicators across different time horizons (daily, mid-term, long-term)?

Research setting and research group 

The thesis work will be performed in the research project Tested-SoS (Tested Site Optimization Solutions), where you will work with Volvo CE and NCC. You can search the project on MDU webpage for more information. This thesis work will be part of the research group DigiCircle (Digital and Circular Industrial Services). The group is currently leading research projects on battery circularity, digital and circular business models, digital servitization, and circular ecosystems with more than 10 industrial companies, public funded companies, municipalities, and industrial clusters. Your thesis work will be used as a knowledge development as part of the group and will be used in the relevant courses, projects or publications upon completion. 

Education in one of these areas (Industrial engineering and management, product development, innovation management, business management, product and process development, energy engineering and management) and familiar with circular economy, business models, Industry 4.0 or digital transformation.