PhD Dissertation Defense: Lojain Alkhuzaim

Abstract: 

Emergy analysis (with an “m”) has been gaining attention in its use as an environmental accounting tool. Its relationships and implications to sustainable supply chains and the circular economy are still not well understood.

This research uses an integrative emergy system dynamics methodology to address supply chain related decisions with incorporating a theoretical perspective using the natural resources dependence theory. The emergy analysis is used to evaluate two different multi-tier supply chains using a circular economy by-product practice. A case study evaluation is employed as a proof-of-concept and focuses on Saudi Aramco’s supply chain processes for lost circulation materials used in drilling operations.

In addition, a system dynamics model is constructed using Stella Architect software. The model presents the emergy system of the date cultivation, which is part of the date seed by-products supply chain. The system dynamics model is used as a policy intervention tool through simulating four scenarios, investigating the impact of two government policies in the emergy evaluation of the date cultivation. 

Results of the emergy analysis suggest that the performance of the walnut shell by-product supply chain is more sustainable than the date seed by-product supply chain. The simulation results of the emergy system dynamics model revealed that integrating the two suggested policies produced the best emergy performance.

Dissertation Committee:
Prof. Josef Sarkis (Chair), WPI
Prof. Khalid Saeed, WPI
Prof. Sara Saberi, WPI
Prof. Xu Tian, Shanghai Jiao Tong University