4 1 Introduction
been selected as the focus industry accompanied by other industries selected to
explore which modes of the circular economy have been implemented and which
benefits companies have derived from it. Consequently, three key questions form
the research focus of this thesis:
- How is the concept of the circular economy implemented?
- What impact has the implementation of circular economy on organizations?
- What are the challenges deriving from circular economy implementation?
The aim and objective of this research project is to inductively develop a conceptual
understanding of the circular economy as a concept and provide insights on how
organizations implement it. Moreover, the purpose is to gain a deeper understanding
for drivers to engage in the circular economy and challenges the organizations are
facing. In contrast to the existing literature on the circular economy in China, this
study concentrates on Western culture countries. In doing so, this thesis aims to
primarily contribute to the open questions in research on the circular economy.
Moreover the study offers potential implications and strategies for managers – those
considering to invest in the circular economy approach as well as those that have
already started their engagement.
1.3 Structure of this Thesis
1.3 Structure of this Thesis
This dissertation is structured into seven chapters. After introducing the research
focus and main questions in this chapter, chapter 2 deals with the theoretical
background by explaining the link between the current sustainability debate and
the role of the circular economy in this debate. Furthermore, the concept of the
circular economy is explained in detail by introducing its principles, providing a
review on existing literature on its economic benefits, and developing a framework
which is used in the course of this study to analyze cases and draw conclusions.
Chapter 3 discusses the research methodology applied to answer the researchquestions posed. In section 3.1, the design of the qualitative multiple case study
approach is presented as well as reasons given as to why this approach has been
chosen as the adequate one to answer the research questions. Moreover, quality
criteria for qualitative research are introduced and their adherence illustrated.
Section 3.2 outlines the research steps by presenting how and why these cases have
been selected for this study, and how the data has been collected and analyzed.