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Thesis proposal & literature study
Transitioning to circular supply chain management: the impact on the
economic and environmental performance of scrapped metals.
Case study at ASML
Full name: Nhi Bao Nguyen
SNR: 2106361
Study program: Master Supply Chain Management
Date: January 2nd, 2022
Page 1 of 19
,Table of Contents
1. Research background .............................................................................................................. 3
2. Problem indication .................................................................................................................. 3
3. Theoretical contributions ........................................................................................................ 7
4. Managerial implications.......................................................................................................... 8
5. Problem statement ................................................................................................................... 9
6. Conceptual model ................................................................................................................... 9
7. Research questions .................................................................................................................. 9
8. Research nature and strategy ................................................................................................ 10
9. Data collection ...................................................................................................................... 10
10. Data analysis ......................................................................................................................... 12
References ............................................................................................................................. 13
Annex 1: ................................................................................................................................ 19
Annex 2: ................................................................................................................................ 19
Page 2 of 19
, CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1. Research background
ASML is the world’s leading manufacturer of lithography machines which enables global
chipmakers to produce chips from silicon wafers. The company provides the hardware, software,
and services related to lithography systems with around 38.000 employees and accounted 18.6b€
revenue and 52.7% gross margin in 2021 (ASML, 2021). ASML believes that the circular economy
is critical to the semiconductor industry's future success and competitiveness (ASML, 2022). The
firm wants to ensure increasingly sustainable use of materials across its processes and value chain
while continuously innovating.
2. Problem indication
In academic literature, particularly Supply Chain Management (SCM) literature, sustainability has
sparked a variety of discussions and debates (Seuring & Müller, 2008, Linton et al., 2007). Global
trade, consumption, and production patterns, however, continue to be severely unsustainable (von
Geibler, 2013). Evidently, we may be using resources 50% faster than they can be replenished,
and by 2030, two planets' worth of natural resources will be needed to meet our demands (Esposito
et al., 2018). Hence, the physical limits of the world are being put to the test by this linear economy
model of mass production and consumption. If nothing changes in the way products are sourced,
produced, delivered, used, reclaimed, and recycled, the world will run out of many natural
resources shortly (Hazen et al., 2016).
Industrial hazardous waste is a significant global environmental concern, as it can have negative
impacts on human health and the environment. The increase in industrialization and globalization
has led to an increase in the production of this type of waste, and hazardous wastes generated by
industry were estimated to be 300 million tons annually in 1985, which are now more than about
500 million tonnes (Chaaban, 2001). The improper management of industrial hazardous waste can
result in the contamination of soil and water sources, as well as air pollution (Mota et al., 2015).
This can lead to negative health effects for both humans and wildlife. It is therefore crucial for
industries to properly manage their hazardous waste to minimize these negative impacts (UNEP,
2011).
Page 3 of 19
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