Transitioning to a circular economy in the manufacturing industry : a case study of Vietnam national textile and garment group | |
| Author | Le Tien Truong |
| Call Number | AIT Diss. no.DBA-SOM-25-01 |
| Subject(s) | Circular economy--Vietnam--Case studies Sustainable development--Vietnam--Case studies |
| Note | A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Business Administration |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The manufacturing sector is transitioning from a traditional linear economy - based on a take-make-dispose model - to a Circular Economy (CE) that emphasizes sustainability, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. While past studies have examined the challenges and opportunities of this transition, they mostly rely on secondary data and desk research. There remains a significant lack of empirical studies at the enterprise level, especially in dynamic industries like manufacturing. Addressing this gap, the dissertation applies a theory-driven, practice-oriented approach using real world data to deepen both academic insights and practical applications. Grounded in the theory of change, it proposes a conceptual framework to assess the necessity, opportunities, barriers, and risks of CE adoption, highlighting key factors such as challenges and mediators. It also introduces three output groups - transition programs, performance evaluation, and support policies - to guide businesses and policymakers. The study employs an iterative qualitative case study approach, using the framework to structure data collection and analysis.. Purposive sampling selected Vinatex, a leading textile corporation, for an in-depth case study on CE transition. Twenty-three interviews with Vinatex executives, complemented by business documents, explored challenges, strategies, and practices for transitioning to CE. Findings were coded into main themes: CE’s role, SWOT analysis, circular production practices, transition process, evaluation aspects, and support mechanisms for CE adoption. The findings result in a Transition Framework for Circular Economy Effectiveness model which outlines the transition program, evaluation aspects, and necessary support policies to promote and assess the effectiveness of the CE model post-conversion. This dissertation contributes to the existing literature on transitioning to CE by introducing the Transition Framework for Circular Economy Effectiveness model. This model is one of the first to comprehensively highlight the environmental, economic, and social benefits and challenges of adopting new business models. The dissertation also provides managerial implications for government bodies, regulatory agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to support the transition from a linear to a CE in Vietnam's textile and garment sector. The dissertation also highlights key research limitations and suggests avenues for future studies to broaden the scope of this research. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Dissertation |
| School | School of Management |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Publication code = DBA-SM, SM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Liem, Viet Ngo;Badir, Yousre F. M. (Co-chairperson) |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chatterjee, Joyee S.;Zimmermann, Willi |
| Degree | Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |