Reverse logistics as a complex system : a case study of waste management in the Norwegian offshore petroleum industry

Abstract

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