https://www.mdu.se/

Abstract

Date: 8 June 2009

Degree Program: International Business and Entrepreneurship

Program Division: School of Innovation, Design, and Engineering

Course: Graduation Project in Innovation Management

Title: Sustainable Development in Innovation, Design, and Technology Perspective.  Case Study of Volvo Construction Equipment

Authors: Nithiwat Riebroicharoen 821024-T173 nrn08002@student.mdh.se

Pim Koykitcharoen 830311-T101

pkn08002@student.mdh.se

Supervisors: Sten Ekman, Christer Nygren

Problem Statement: How does Volvo CE facilitate sustainable development in technology, design and innovation perspectives?  The purpose of this graduation project is to identify and analyze how Volvo CE improves sustainable development in technology, design and innovation. Volvo CE is chosen as the subject of the study since it is the one of the leading company that claimed to have efficient implementing system of technology, design and innovation that truly solves the environmental problem that its business can cause.

Methods: Qualitative research methodology was used in this study. Two in-depth interviews were conducted with an environmental manager and an environmental engineer of Volvo CE with a focus on sustainable issues and technologies when the authors visited the manufacturing plant. Corresponding secondary resources from literature, articles, and theories were thus collected to be studied in parallel with the qualitative data.

Conclusion: The research found that Volvo CE has implemented a lot of business activities by applying innovation, technology and design approaches in order to support and improve its sustainable development business concept which covers all social, environment and economic aspects.

Keywords: Sustainable development, Sustainability, Innovation, Design, Technology, Volvo Construction Equipment