Reverse logistics as a complex system : a case study of waste management in the Norwegian offshore petroleum industry
Peer reviewed, Journal article
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Date
2017Metadata
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Original version
International Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics. 2017, 12 (3), 348-356. 10.2495/DNE-V12-N3-348-356Abstract
Waste management is usually considered just another form of reverse physical distribution. This case study points to uncertainties associated with operating a drill cuttings flow from offshore installations, through treatment on land, and onwards to its final form. The case description evokes a form of supply chain that is inherently complex. Contingency theory, focusing on interdependencies associated with interaction, is applied as approach to indicate how developing this waste flow as a complex system involves taking into account features of sequential, pooled and reciprocal interdependencies. Interaction should accordingly be tailored through analyzing these interdependencies found in the case. Keywords: case study, contingency theory, interdependencies, Norwegian petroleum industry, reverse logistics, supply chain management