Thesis
A wicked and complex problem-based analysis framework applying wicked problem thinking to the supply chain and engineering research domain
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2025
- Thesis identifier
- T17342
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202089489
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge faced by humanity and one that affects all nations, organisations and individuals. Everyone is a stakeholder in climate change. It is therefore not surprising that there can seem to be as many views on what to do about it as there are stakeholders. The role of technological change and the means of enabling it through supply chains are secondary but essential elements of this difficulty. Problems like climate change can seem daunting due to their inherent complexity and the diversity of views that surround them, and while technological advances often seem to offer encouragement, they can often seem stages removed from the overarching systematic problem. Supply chains play a key role but add to this complexity of working towards net zero. As such, due to this severe complexity, net zero may be labelled as an impossible to solve task with little attempt made to approach it. This is one of the characteristics of wicked problems, under which climate change is classified. Understanding the key components necessary to approach in achieving net zero by breaking this down into smaller more achievable tasks, in other words decomposing it, appears to be a valid method for this. This is where this thesis is set, using established structured methodologies for assessing wicked problems. In order to progress a chosen framework as a structured methodology, two case studies from the research environment are used, one focusing on an all-encompassing solution for net zero and another engineering focused on electrical machine requirements for 2050. The first case study is used to test the framework for its robustness. This is achieved by analysing the Absolute Zero report by the UK FIRES Research Group that lays out 13 actions to undertake to reach absolute zero emissions, as it is called in the report. When conducting the analysis, four positioning steps are used that have been summarised from the literature and a complexity classification card was developed to consolidate the analysis steps and visualise them for ease of understanding. The analysis led to iterations of the framework, and the development into a 16-box model to encompass the requirements from the research environment, which forms a key contribution from this thesis. The second case study, a roadmap from the Future Electrical Machines Manufacturing (FEMM) Hub on electrical machines, acts as a validation for the developed framework and offers insights into the effects of decomposition. Based on this, the thesis provides some novel contributions to knowledge: 1. Applying the 9Box Model in Engineering and Research Context, 2. Developing of a 16-box Model, 3. Advising mechanisms to approach wicked problems, 4. Applying the framework in the research domain, 5. Development of a Complexity Classification Card and 6. Terminology with regards to wicked and complex problems. These contributions combine to offer a novel approach for wicked problems like the climate crisis. The developed approach can be applied by research leaders in helping to shape research programmes, especially those which aim to progress far reaching and politically challenging issues like climate change by addressing specific technology needs and gaps. In this context it also has potential for future use for funders, strategist and policymakers in reviewing research propositions and helping assess the viability of impact against grand challenges.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Ward, Michael
- Butler, David L.
- Resource Type
- DOI
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PDF of thesis T17342 | 2025-05-23 | Public | Download |