This thesis aims to expand scientific knowledge about Waste Management (WM) and its future possibilities with the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. It reports on the results of a Design Science Research (DSR) study that develops a Smart Waste Management (SWM) Ecosystem. It presents implications of the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies on Waste Management (WM) as well as the entire smart city.
Therefore, appropriate IoT technologies are evaluated and integrated into the WM value chain which coincide with the requirements and challenges for the WM sector. It is shown that the transformation into a Smart Waste Management (SWM) value chain enables improved and more efficient operations that can handle increasing amounts of waste in the future. In addition, the final revised SWM Ecosystem artifact depicts the necessity for a holistic view to transformations in the smart city environment, as synergy effects contribute to additional value, sustainability, and increased knowledge.
The thesis shows that interdependencies between social and technical system in WM impede on its transformation, and technological possibilities alone are not sufficient enough to drive the change. Thus, the thesis suggests that a common vision towards sustainability is needed among all components in the socio-technical system, that must be initiated and governed from a higher (political) instance.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Motivation and Relevance
- Research Gap and Research Question
- Structure
- Theoretical Background
- Socio-Technical Systems
- Waste Management Practices
- Waste and Waste Management
- Developments and Concepts in Waste Management
- Waste Management Value Chain
- The Waste Management Ecosystem
- The Internet of Things and its Application Areas
- Definition of IoT
- Classification of Internet of Things Technologies
- Internet of Things Applications in the Concept of Smart Cities
- Methodology
- Design Science
- Framework Construction
- The Smart Waste Management Ecosystem
- Possibilities for the Value Chain in Waste Management with new Technologies
- Challenges and Requirements for current Waste Management Operations
- Evaluation of Internet of Things Technologies
- The Smart Waste Management Value Chain
- The Smart Waste Management Ecosystem
- Discussion
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to develop a Smart Waste Management (SWM) Ecosystem through a Design Science Research (DSR) study. It investigates the implications of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies on waste management and smart city development. The research evaluates suitable IoT technologies for integration into the waste management value chain, addressing sector-specific challenges and requirements.
- The application of IoT technologies in waste management.
- The development of a Smart Waste Management (SWM) Ecosystem.
- The challenges and requirements of current waste management operations.
- The socio-technical aspects of SWM implementation.
- The importance of a holistic view for successful smart city transformation.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of a Smart Waste Management (SWM) Ecosystem and its relevance. It establishes the research gap, outlining the lack of holistic approaches to integrating IoT technologies into waste management. The chapter clearly defines the research question and the structure of the thesis, setting the stage for the subsequent exploration of theoretical foundations, methodologies, and the development of the SWM Ecosystem.
Theoretical Background: This chapter provides the theoretical foundation for the thesis, exploring relevant concepts such as socio-technical systems and current waste management practices. It defines the Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications, particularly within smart cities. This lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities of waste management and the potential of IoT to revolutionize it. The chapter thoroughly analyzes existing literature to establish a firm base for the thesis's methodology and subsequent findings.
Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology employed in developing the SWM Ecosystem. It explains the principles of Design Science Research (DSR) and outlines the framework used for constructing the ecosystem. This ensures transparency and allows for an assessment of the study's rigor and validity. The chapter emphasizes the iterative and design-oriented nature of the research process.
The Smart Waste Management Ecosystem: This chapter presents the core of the thesis, detailing the developed SWM Ecosystem. It thoroughly discusses the possibilities enabled by new technologies within the waste management value chain, addressing existing challenges and requirements. The chapter includes an evaluation of selected IoT technologies and explains how these technologies are integrated into the proposed SWM value chain. The description of the complete ecosystem highlights the synergistic effects and contribution to sustainability.
Discussion: This chapter analyzes the implications of the developed SWM Ecosystem, discussing its potential impact and limitations. It reflects on the research process and its findings. This section critically evaluates the outcome of the research and explores areas for future development.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Smart Waste Management, Internet of Things (IoT), Design Science Research (DSR), Socio-technical Systems, Waste Management Value Chain, Smart City, Sustainability, Ecosystem, IoT technologies, Waste Management Practices.
Frequently Asked Questions: Smart Waste Management Ecosystem
What is the main focus of this thesis?
This thesis focuses on developing a Smart Waste Management (SWM) Ecosystem using Design Science Research (DSR). It investigates how Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can improve waste management and contribute to smart city development.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The research aims to: 1) Apply IoT technologies to waste management; 2) Develop a functional SWM Ecosystem; 3) Identify challenges and requirements in current waste management; 4) Analyze the socio-technical aspects of SWM implementation; and 5) Emphasize the importance of a holistic approach for successful smart city transformation.
What methodologies are used in this research?
The research employs Design Science Research (DSR) to construct the SWM Ecosystem framework. This methodology is detailed in a dedicated chapter, ensuring transparency and allowing for assessment of the study's rigor and validity.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the application of IoT in waste management, development of a SWM ecosystem, challenges and requirements of current waste management operations, socio-technical aspects of SWM implementation, and the importance of a holistic approach for smart city transformation.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured into several chapters: an introduction establishing the research gap and question, a theoretical background covering socio-technical systems, waste management, and IoT, a methodology chapter explaining the DSR approach, a chapter detailing the developed SWM Ecosystem, a discussion chapter analyzing the implications, and a conclusion summarizing the findings.
How does the thesis address the current state of waste management?
The thesis analyzes current waste management practices, identifies challenges and requirements within the sector, and evaluates suitable IoT technologies for integration into the waste management value chain to address these shortcomings.
What is the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in this research?
IoT technologies are central to the thesis. The research evaluates suitable IoT technologies for integration into the waste management value chain, assessing their potential to revolutionize waste management processes and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient system.
What is the outcome of the research?
The core outcome is a detailed and developed Smart Waste Management (SWM) Ecosystem, presented within a dedicated chapter. This ecosystem incorporates selected IoT technologies and addresses existing challenges within the waste management value chain. The thesis also discusses the potential impact and limitations of the proposed ecosystem.
What are the key concepts explored in the theoretical background?
The theoretical background explores concepts such as socio-technical systems, current waste management practices, the definition and application of the Internet of Things (IoT), particularly within smart cities. This provides a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of waste management and the potential of IoT to improve it.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Key words include: Smart Waste Management, Internet of Things (IoT), Design Science Research (DSR), Socio-technical Systems, Waste Management Value Chain, Smart City, Sustainability, Ecosystem, IoT technologies, and Waste Management Practices.
- Citar trabajo
- Sina Reubelt (Autor), 2017, Waste Management in the smart city. Future possibilities with the integration of "Internet of Things" (IoT) technologies, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/899948
