| dc.description.abstract | Truck manufacturers are facing unprecedented technological disruptions from electrification,
digitalization and automation. When disrupted, sustainment-dominated industries such as the
trucking industry, face increased risks of component and system obsolescence, which might lead
to skyrocketing costs and diminishing aftermarket service. Building on existing theory of
obsolescence and insights from other disrupted industries, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate
how a truck OEM can effectively manage obsolescence issues caused by disruptive technologies.
In order to reach substantiated conclusions of this research question, four supporting research
questions were formulated to understand the OEM’s current disruption and obsolescence
management situation, what insights and learnings can be gathered from other relevant industries,
what early warnings the OEM can use to assess when to manage obsolescence issues, and finally
how the OEM can develop strategies to better manage obsolescence.
The thesis applied a multi-method framework to investigate the research questions and fulfil the
purpose. First, a case study review of relevant industries (aviation, cars, defense, electronics,
energy, ICT, lighting, music, maritime, rail and space) was conducted. Second, semi-structured
interviews were held with employees from a specific truck OEM, experts within the field of
obsolescence; and experienced professionals from disrupted industries (cars, music, lighting and
rail). The case study review generated a knowledge platform from which the second method,
qualitative interviews, could gather deeper and more applied insights and knowledge.
The thesis concludes that, in order to successfully manage obsolescence issues from disruptive
technologies, the truck OEM should continuously improve their existing reactive obsolescence
management approaches and additionally develop a strategic and proactive framework including
early warning indicators to preemptively assess and monitor potential developments leading to
obsolescence. Furthermore, five different areas were identified, in which the OEM should
implement strategies to develop more effective proactive and strategic obsolescence management:
management, knowledge, design considerations, supplier management and innovation. The
detection of early warning signals was deemed as critical for management of challenges caused by
disruptive technologies.
The thesis has concluded concepts and insights that primarily fall within the existing contemporary
field of obsolescence management. The main contribution of the thesis is instead focusing on
adding and extending the existing knowledge by synthesizing practical and empirical depth of
obsolescence management from real-life situations. | sv |
