Contact

Chair of Operations Management,
School of Business and Economics,
RWTH Aachen University,

Kackertstraße 7
D-52072 Aachen

Tel.: +49 241 80 23830
Mail: email protected

Current Lectures

Theses

Applicaton for theses

If you are interested in a topic (see list below), please contact the corresponding person via e-mail. In an one-on-one interview all detailes will be discussed and questions will be sorted out. Please attach the following information to your e-mail:

a current transcript of records
a current curriculum vitae

List of offered Theses

Type	Title	Contact
BT/MT	(Paid: in cooperation with Air Liquide) Analysing/Optimizing a hydrogen production and distribution system in Germany	Abdelshafy, A.
BT/MT	Analysis of optimization models for decision-making processes in social networks	Stadnichuk, V.	+
	This thesis aims to develop and examine bilevel optimization models for analyzing and predicting user decisions in social networks (Social Network Analysis). Starting with a detailed literature review that focuses on existing approaches to Social Network Analysis and specifically on bilevel models (see, for example, the paper DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2020.06.028), you will identify research gaps and develop recommendations for future research directions. In the case of a Master's thesis, your own model should also be developed.
BT/MT	Hidden Champions: A Literature Review of Forgotten Optimization Problems	Stadnichuk, V.	+
	In the modern literature there are many optimization problems, which are analyzed in detail in theoretical articles, but are hardly applied to "real" practical problems. Examples are the Multicommodity Flow Problem or Bin Packing with Conflicts. This topic is intended as a series of bachelor theses, where each thesis deals in detail with an optimization problem. The goal here is not only to give a precise classification of the literature, but also the identification of possible use cases and/or limitations for the considered optimization problem.If necessary, it may also be appropriate to implement some of the algorithms from the literature and compare them. The topic can also be assigned as a master thesis if desired.
BT/MT	Modelling/Analysing steel production and waste streams in North Rhine-Westphalia	Abdelshafy, A.
MT	(1) Analyse möglicher Optimierungsmodelle zur Identifizierung geeigneter Infrastrukturabschnitte für Elektrifizierungsszenarien des Straßengüterverkehres	Walther, G.	+
	Der Übergang zu einer nachhaltigen und klimafreundlichen Mobilität ist eine der drängendsten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit. Insbesondere der Schwerlastverkehr spielt eine entscheidende Rolle in diesem Transformationsprozess. Die dynamische Elektrifizierung von Lkw kann im Wesentlich entlang von drei Möglichkeiten erfolgen: Durch die Verwendung eines Pantografen mit einer Oberleitung oder dem Verlegen von Induktitonsspulen bzw. Schienen in den Straßen. Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse unterstreichen das Potenzial dieser Technologien zur Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen und zeigen zudem die technische Machbarkeit auf. Trotz dieser Erkenntnisse zeigt sich in der politischen und unternehmerischen Entscheidungsfindung eine gewisse Zurückhaltung hinsichtlich des Technologieausbaus. Diese Skepsis ist auf die wahrgenommenen hohen Anfangsinvestitionen und die Unsicherheit bezüglich des optimalen Einsatzes der Infrastruktur zurückzuführen. Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht das Ziel der Masterarbeit darin, Optimierungsmodelle zu untersuchen, welche geeignet sind die durch Quelle-Ziel Matrizen (QZM) gegebene Güterverkehrsnachfrage auf mögliche Elektrifizierungsangebote umzulegen. Die Optimierung zielt darauf ab, unter gegebenen Zielgrößen wie Emissionseinsparungen oder dem zu erwartenden Gewinn aus Betreibersicht ein bestmögliches Netz zu identifizieren. Im Rahmen der Masterarbeit sind somit folgende Arbeitspunkte zu behandeln: • Motivation des Themas, Problemstellung und Zielsetzung • Literaturrecherche zu naheliegenden Optimierungsmodellen (u.a. Fixed Charge Transportation Problem, Capacitated Network Design Problem) • Machbarkeitsanalyse verschiedener Verfahren hinsichtlich des QZM - Umfanges • Ableitung denkbarer Modellansätze • Zusammenfassung, Ausblick und Schlussfolgerung
MT	(2) Ableitung von Markteintrittsstrategien durch einen Technologie- und Kostenvergleich verschiedener Elektrifizierungsszenarien des Straßengüterverkehres	Walther, G.	+
	Der Übergang zu einer nachhaltigen und klimafreundlichen Mobilität ist eine der drängendsten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit. Insbesondere der Schwerlastverkehr spielt eine entscheidende Rolle in diesem Transformationsprozess. Die dynamische Elektrifizierung von Lkw kann im Wesentlich entlang von drei Möglichkeiten erfolgen: Durch die Verwendung eines Pantografen mit einer Oberleitung oder dem Verlegen von Induktionsspulen bzw. Schienen in den Fahrbahnen. Aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse unterstreichen das Potenzial dieser Technologien zur Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen und zeigen zudem die technische Machbarkeit auf. Trotz dieser Erkenntnisse zeigt sich in der politischen und unternehmerischen Entscheidungsfindung eine gewisse Zurückhaltung hinsichtlich des Technologieausbaus. Diese Skepsis ist auf die wahrgenommenen hohen Anfangsinvestitionen und die Unsicherheit bezüglich des optimalen Einsatzes der Infrastruktur zurückzuführen. Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht das Ziel der Masterarbeit darin, einen Kosten- und Technologievergleich möglicher Elektrifizierungsszenarien im Schwerlastverkehr für verschiedene Länder aufzuzeigen. Hierbei sind unterschiedliche länderspezifische Marktpotentiale zu berücksichtigen, um Länder zu identifizieren, welche möglicherweise geeignete Pilotprojekte für die jeweiligen Technologien darstellen können. Im Rahmen der Masterarbeit sind somit folgende Arbeitspunkte zu behandeln: • Motivation des Themas, Problemstellung und Zielsetzung • Literatur- und Datenrecherche zu den oben genannten Technologien • Analyse von Ländermerkmalen zur Identifizierung von geeigneten Märkten • Entwurf eines Business Cases zur Bewertung potentieller Markteintritte • Parametervariation unter Einbezug von Emissionswerten und Kosten • Zusammenfassung, Ausblick und Schlussfolgerung
MT	(Paid: in cooperation with Infineon) Global supply chain and lifecycle of semiconductors	Abdelshafy, A.
MT	Actor modelling of a CCS-network	Bogs, S.	+
	CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technology could be an essential tool in the fight against climate change. It involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes, such as cement or steel production, and storing them underground or in other long-term storage facilities. Getting the CO2 from the industrial plants to the storage sides will probably involve a pipeline network. Building the CO2 pipelines will probably be a joint effort between the different stakeholders based on regulations, policies, and economic values. The cost of a pipeline network will probably be too much effort/investment for a single stakeholder. Actor modelling can simulate different behaviours of the involved parties and the potential outcomes. NOTE: Writing this thesis will need a substantial amount of programming skill!
MT	The Hazmat Transportation Problem under Uncertainity	Stadnichuk, V.	+
	The Hazmat Transportation Problem (HTP) is a well known optimization problem from the literature. Here, a city authority wants to prohibit certain road sections in the city center for the transport of hazardous materials in order to minimize the risk in case of an accident for the residents. However, it must be kept in mind that the truck drivers of the hazardous material transporters use the shortest route suggested by the navigation system, which, in the case of ill-considered bans, can lead to other road sections being overloaded, resulting in a higher overall risk for the population. At the same time, the bans must be made in such a way that all hazardous materials can still be transported from their starting point to their destination. Most scientific articles on HTP assume that the number of trucks along with their origin and destination points are known. In practice, however, scenarios are also conceivable where only estimated values or forecasts for this information are available. Thus, the goal of this thesis is to perform a literature analysis of the extent to which uncertainties for the HTP have already been studied in the literature and, if necessary, to design an own optimization model to solve the Hazmat Transportation Problem with uncertainties.
MT	Designing a logistics system for collecting, transporting and storing biomass in NRW	Abdelshafy, A.
MT	Designing/Analysing circular economy models for construction sector in NRW	Abdelshafy, A.
MT	Evaluating the Reason of Social/Economic/Environmental Sustainability Failure in Supply Chains	Hendiani, S.	+
	Social, economic, and environmental sustainability failures in supply chains can be attributed to various factors. One key reason is the pursuit of short-term financial gains at the expense of broader sustainability considerations. Companies often prioritize cost reduction and operational efficiency, neglecting the social and environmental impacts of their supply chain activities. Lack of awareness and understanding of sustainable practices, inadequate supplier monitoring, and weak regulatory frameworks can also contribute to sustainability failures. In addition, global supply chains with complex networks and extended value chains make it challenging to trace and address sustainability issues effectively. Insufficient collaboration and communication among stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers, can hinder the implementation of sustainable practices. Ultimately, addressing sustainability failures in supply chains requires a holistic approach that involves integrating sustainability into corporate strategies, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering collaboration across the entire supply chain ecosystem. MCDM can help address social, economic, and environmental sustainability failures in supply chains by providing a structured framework for decision-making. It enables the inclusion and evaluation of sustainability criteria alongside other factors, such as cost and efficiency
MT	Investigating Potentials of Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage for Reaching Climate Neutrality	Rütt, J.	+
	Climate change is one of the biggest challenges humankind faces. For reaching the European climate neutrality (net-zero) goal by 2050, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions of the different economic activities (e.g. industry, energy, and transport) is crucial. However, no matter how ambitious reduction efforts in these sectors are, emissions can never be reduced to zero. To close this gap and enable reaching the net-zero goal, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a crucial technological option. Particularly biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) can offer cost-effective emission reductions. Yet, the economic and environmental potentials for biogenic BICRS remain underexplored. Detecting BiCRS' potential benefits, risks and trade-offs is crucial to enable informed choices of decision-makers and practitioners. The thesis' analyses could include for instance (1) comparative environmental and/or economic assessment of different CCS technologies (BiCRS, Direct Air CCS) (2) resource potential analysis for BiCRS in NRW/Germany/Europe and assessment of economic/environmental implications. Potential methods: Life Cycle Assessment, Techno-economic Assessment, GIS, Material Flow Analysis, Language: English or German
MT	Investigating the environmental impact and material intensity of cement products in NRW	Abdelshafy, A.
MT	Does high-tech synthetic paper environmentally friendly?	Walther, G.	+
	In 1969, two Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation and Oji Paper Co. Ltd., had a shared vision of generating and producing paper entirely out of synthetic raw materials. Using synthetic polymers, they developed papers which are unparalleled for their combination of superior functionality and unique aesthetic appeal. Today the joint-venture business – the YUPO Corporation – ranks among the global market leaders with a product range of more than 50 synthetic papers and annual production capacity of more than 40.000 tons. YUPO paper is 100% recyclable, waterproof, tree-free synthetic paper with attributes and properties that make it the perfect solution for a variety of marketing, design, packaging, and labeling needs. These characteristics make this product environmentally friendly, but only under certain circumstances. Recycling and repurposing, eliminating waste and toxins from the manufacturing process and using revolutionary environmentally sound materials are just a few examples of how YUPO fosters resource saving and reduction of environmental impacts. But plastic has obtained a bad reputation in the last decade. Accordingly, we need science-based evidence whether synthetic paper is an environmentally sound solution for the above-mentioned aims. The results will help decision makers to find environmental improvement options. Master student will get an insight of everyday life of a worldwide top 10 chemical company and learn what decision makers are interested in and how to translate science to sustainable business. The following tasks have to be fulfilled during this master thesis: • Motivation, research challenge and target of the thesis • Literature research regarding production processes of different papers, critical evaluation of state of information (data quality, availability) • Development of an own data inventory together with Tokyo HQ • Model the production system in GaBi software • Scenarios and sensitivity analyses, and robustness check of the model • Evaluation of the environmental impacts, hot-spot analysis, contribution of different system elements • Summary and Outlook
MT	LCA/MCDA/Socio-economic assessment for different biowaste/biomass utilization in Germany (MA)	Kern, J.	+
	Biochar as a soil amendment is becoming increasingly popular as it can improve many different soil properties as a fertiliser amendment. Besides increasing crop yields, another advantage of biochar as a soil amendment is that the carbon is stored in the soil for several centuries and is thus considered a CO2 sink. However, the production of biochar is not the only possible use of biowaste/biomass that is available. Biomass is also used in Germany today to produce energy (electricity, gas or alternative fuels) or animal feed. The different types of biomass use therefore compete with each other to different extents from an economic, ecological or even social perspective. The aim of this work is to develop an approach to make these different uses of biomass comparable and to investigate the economic, ecological, and social potential of these different value chains. Methodologies to be used: LCA, MCDA, Socio-economic assessment
MT	Sustainability Assessment of Polylactic acid (PLA) Life Cycle: A cradle-to-grave approach	Güreli, N.	+
	Given the significant market share and widespread use of plastics, it is crucial to assess their environmental impact. This has led to increased exploration of alternative sustainable materials. Among these, polylactic acid (PLA) has emerged as a promising bioplastic due to its renewable origins and potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, holding the largest share (31%) in global bioplastic production. However, evaluating the sustainability of PLA production requires a comprehensive understanding of its entire life cycle, from biomass sourcing to end-of-life (EoL) disposal. Adopting a cradle-to-grave approach is essential for effectively integrating bioplastics into existing plastic markets and waste stream management systems. Therefore, it is crucial to address the challenges and benefits posed by various PLA production and EoL routes. This thesis aims to contribute valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of PLA as a sustainable material by conducting a thorough analysis of its sustainability impacts and potential for circularity. The findings of this master’s thesis are expected to inform decision-makers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers in their efforts to promote more sustainable practices within the bioplastics sector, ultimately advancing the transition towards a circular plastic economy.
MT	Optimization-Based Analysis of Repurposing Natural Gas Pipelines for Hydrogen Transportation	Bogs, S.	+
	This master thesis aims to leverage and extend the existing mathematical optimization model developed by our research group to systematically analyze the uncertainties surrounding the repurposing of natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transportation. The study should focus on two primary uncertainties: Availability of the Gas Pipeline: Integrate the existing mathematical optimization model with data and scenario analyses to assess the availability of natural gas pipelines based on changing energy demand and supply conditions. Extend the model to incorporate variables related to the decommissioning or reduced utilization of natural gas pipelines and evaluate the economic implications of repurposing these pipelines for hydrogen transport. Hydrogen Demand for Pipeline Transport: Enhance the optimization model to account for dynamic changes in hydrogen demand across different sectors and regions. Incorporate technical constraints and requirements for hydrogen transportation within the model. Develop a cost-benefit analysis within the optimization model to assess the economic viability of repurposing gas pipelines for hydrogen transportation.
MT	Optimizing Renewable Fuel Imports into the EU	Zardoshti, M.	+
	Climate neutrality by 2050 is a challenging goal for the European Union. This transition is costly and complex, requiring substantial investment in renewables, focused R&D, and supportive policies. In addition, several constraints limit domestic renewable fuel production in the EU, including renewable resource potential, the cost of resource utilization and producing renewable fuels, and regulatory limitations. As a result, importing renewable fuels from other countries and regions becomes an attractive option. As the EU seeks to diversify its energy portfolio, achieve its environmental goals, and ensure energy security, regions with excess renewable resources can serve as important partners. It is therefore of paramount importance to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental advocates to understand how the EU can optimize its renewable fuel imports. Against this background, the objective of this master thesis is to assess the import potential of various renewable fuels into the EU. Initially, the research will map the potential and availability of renewable resources in different regions, such as the abundant solar power in the MENA region or the wind energy potential in Patagonia. Furthermore, the study will analyze the demand dynamics for renewable fuels (such as Fischer-Tropsch liquids, e-ammonia, e-methane, and hydrogen) within the EU, based on current consumption patterns and projected future needs. Having gained these insights, the thesis will focus on one of the following options: - A qualitative deep dive into data, availabilities, literature, and roadmaps - Utilization of machine learning techniques to derive insightful information on the potential of various renewable fuels in different regions. - A focus on mathematical optimization models to establish efficient and sustainable supply chain configurations for trading renewable fuels.
MT	Regionale Transformation zur Klimaneutralität – Konzeption und Planung von Klimaneutralitätsszenarien am Beispiel einer Region in Nordrhein-Westfalen	Walther, G.	+
	Die Transformation zur Klimaneutralität stellt für Deutschland die größte Herausforderung der letzten Jahrzehnte dar. Die politischen Ziele hierfür sind vorgegeben und geeignete Technologien mit einem ausreichenden Technology-Readiness-Level (TRL) vorhanden. Notwendig ist nun aber die konkrete Umsetzung, d.h. die Entwicklung konkreter Konzepte zur Klimaneutralität auf regionaler Ebene. Hierbei gilt es zunächst, die regionalen Rahmenbedingungen zu analysieren, zum Beispiel die Potenziale erneuerbarer Energien sowie aktuelle CO2-Quellen und vorhandene bzw. erweiterbare (Pipeline-)Infrastrukturen. Darauf aufbauen müssen für energiebedingte CO2-Quellen geeignete Minderungsmaßnahmen bzw. für prozessbedingte CO2-Emissionen geeignete Maßnahmen zur Abscheidung und Nutzung bzw. Speicherung (CCU/CCS) erarbeitet werden. Diese sind in eine geeignete Logistik und Infrastruktur (CO2-Pipelines, H2-Pipelines) einzubinden. Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht das Ziel dieser Masterarbeit in der Entwicklung eines Konzepts zur Klimaneutralität für eine konkrete Region in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Hierbei erfolgt die Analyse und Bewertung der erneuerbaren Energiepotenziale der Region sowie die Entwicklung und kapazitative Auslegung konkreter Minderungs- und CCU/CCS-Maßnahmen für die regionalen Punktquellen. Die Konzepte und Szenarien werden im Dialog mit den Entscheidungsträgern vor Ort entwickelt. Auf Basis dieser Analysen werden Aussagen zum Einsatz von Technologien für die Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien, zur Minderung von CO2-Emmissionen mit entsprechenden Kapazitäten sowie zu potenziellen H2-/CO2-Infrastrukturen für die betreffende Region erarbeitet und Strategien für die Transformation zur Klimaneutralität für die Region und für die optimale Auslegung von Klimaschutzmaßnehmen abgeleitet. Für die Abschlussarbeit können bestehende Daten von und Kontakte zu den Kommunen und Industriepartnern der Regionen genutzt werden. Die Ergebnisse werden in Kooperation mit dem Verein deutscher Zementwerke (VDZ) erarbeitet und mit den Vertretern des VDZ sowie mit den Entscheidungsträgern vor Ort diskutiert und reflektiert. Im Rahmen der Abschlussarbeit sind somit folgende Arbeitspunkte zu behandeln: • Motivation des Themas, Problemstellung und Zielsetzung • Analyse der regionalen Rahmenbedingungen: Potenzial erneuerbarer Energien, aktuelle energiebedingte und prozessbedingte CO2-Quellen • Analyse, Bewertung und Auslegung von Technologien zur Minderung der regionalen CO2-Emissionen • Entwicklung eines konkreten regionalen Transformationskonzeptes zur Klimaneutralität unter Berücksichtigung von erneuerbaren Energien, Minderungs- und CCU/CCS-Technologien sowie der hierfür erforderlichen Infrastrukturen • Iterative Erarbeitung und Diskussion des Konzeptes mit den Entscheidungsträgern vor Ort • Zusammenfassung, Ausblick und Schlussfolgerung
MT	Success factors and challenges of Product Carbon Footprint calculation including Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions	Adam, K.	+
	What cannot be measured, cannot be minimized – in order to meet sustainability goals, set by the European Green Deal and Paris Agreement, companies need to calculate their carbon emissions. Product Carbon Footprint calculations offer great potentials but suffer from missing standards, lack of abilities and know-how as well as effort needed to set up the systems. More and more software companies offer expensive tools to get calculations done. Yet, it is not researched what exactly the main challenges are, where they occur and how-to success with this LCA analysis. • How does a PCF theoretically need to be calculated? • Which rules do companies need to follow? • What kind of emissions need to be included? • Which challenges come with PCF calculations? The main focus of the thesis will be to find out what needs to be done in order to calculate a product carbon footprint. PCF calculation will be compared to other LCA approaches, company carbon footprint calculation and ISO and GHG standards. After having reviewed the literature and compared the approaches, a business case will be obtained in order to link the analysis to practical implications. Subsequently, transferability to other industries and branches should be discussed. The thesis is offered in cooperation with Circular Tree, for more information please contact Kathrin Adam (kathrin@circulartree.com).
MT	Systematic Pipeline Layout Scenario Generation	Bogs, S. Stadnichuk, V.	+
	Many algorithms and models will generate pipeline layouts. However, these will often have a single outcome that might be optimal from a systemic level (overall costs) but not for the different stakeholders. E.g., customers, pipeline operators, and local governments would have their own goals. A customer would want a short connection to the next port, while the operator wants to use economies of scale and leverage the design to maximize its profit. States or regions would want to be included in the design to protect local industry even if this is not profitable for the operator, etc. However, including all these conflicting interests in a single model is unrealistic, considering the already high complexity of pipeline design. Just entering, e.g., 100 scenarios as discrete possibilities in a new optimization model would abstract this and allow a broad analysis of the stakeholder interests. Thus, the target of this master thesis is to generate a big set of possible layouts systematically. Possible approaches to do that include: - Identify common grounds between scenarios derived from different algorithms. - Generate heuristically new layouts by combining multiple options. - Extend existing models with Multi Objectives. - Using generative AI Models.
MT	Techno-economic analysis of different bio-based products	Abdelshafy, A.

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