Bachelor and Master Theses

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are used in industrial equipment, automotive systems, medical devices, and many other electronic products. Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) providers manufacture and test these boards according to customer-owned designs and specifications. Although they may have the technical capabilities to repair or refurbish PCBs, establishing circular business models is challenging because the products often pass through several companies before reaching their final applications. Once PCBs leave the manufacturing facility, they may be integrated into larger products or systems by customers or other downstream companies. The EMS provider has limited visibility into their use, maintenance, replacement, and end-of-life management. Product ownership and decisions about returning used or faulty PCBs usually remain with other actors.

EEPAB, an electronics manufacturing services company in Eskilstuna, is collaborating with Mälardalen University (MDU) through the SmartCircle research project to investigate opportunities for circular economy implementation in PCB manufacturing.

An important development opportunity is to establish a reverse logistics process that enables the PCBs to return for inspection, repair, or refurbishment. 

Aim

The aim of this master's thesis is to design and assess a feasible reverse logistics process that could support EEPAB in developing circular business models based on PCB repair and refurbishment, despite limited ownership and control over products after delivery.

Research Questions

RQ1: How can a reverse logistics process for PCB repair and refurbishment be designed when product ownership and return decisions are controlled by actors outside the EMS provider?
RQ2: What lifecycle information and information-sharing arrangements are required to support reverse logistics process and circular decisions?
RQ3: What preconditions are needed to make the proposed reverse logistics process operationally and commercially feasible?

Expected Outcomes

The main outcome will be a detailed and evaluated reverse logistics process design for PCB repair and refurbishment, supported by a proposed circular business model. The proposed solution will be evaluated with relevant company representatives, considering operational, organizational, informational, and economic constraints.

The thesis is suitable for master's students in Production and Product Development, Industrial Engineering and Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Innovation and Design, or related fields.

Students should have an interest in circular economy, industrial operations, business model development, and supply chain processes. Experience with process mapping, business model analysis, or industrial case studies is an advantage but is not a strict requirement.

The thesis will be conducted in collaboration with EEPAB and Mälardalen University within the SmartCircle research project.

Students will have the opportunity to investigate an industrial circular economy challenge and develop a practical reverse logistics solution based on company information, interviews, and relevant operational requirements. The focus is on process and business model design and evaluation. 

EEPAB – Eskilstuna, Sweden

EEPAB is an Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) company working with PCB manufacturing, assembly, testing, and product development. The company participates in the SmartCircle research project with Mälardalen University to investigate how digital technologies and circular economy strategies can support more sustainable manufacturing and product lifecycle management.