Enhancing life cycle product design decision-making processes: insights from normal accident theory and satisficing framework

Ibn-Mohammed, T. and Yamoah, Fred and Acquaye, A. and Omoteso, K. and Koh, S.C.L. (2024) Enhancing life cycle product design decision-making processes: insights from normal accident theory and satisficing framework. Resources, Conservation & Recycling 205 (107523), ISSN 0921-3449.

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a computational tool used in sustainable product design decision making, faces challenges in the interpretation phase, where conclusions are drawn for improvement recommendations. This necessitate the need to incorporate into LCA management-relevant theoretical underpinnings to strengthen decision-making processes. Comparative LCA case studies of lead-based piezoelectric material (lead zirconate titanate – PZT) and lead-free alternatives (potassium sodium niobate – KNN, sodium bismuth titanate – NBT), was employed to demonstrate how two theoretical lenses, namely Normal Accident Theory (NAT) and Satisficing Framework, are used inductively to enhance decision making regarding unintended consequences in the value chain revealed by LCA outputs. The environmental analysis reveals NAT attributes of interactive complexity and tight coupling in piezoelectric materials, based on systems’ predictability, observability, and applicability, leading to the introduction of Environmental Impact Accident (EIA) as a new concept. EIA facilitates early assessment of the associated complexities influencing the sustainability credentials of piezoelectric materials, informing mitigation strategies. However, a conundrum is created when considering multiple objectives that conflict or trade-off between alternative piezoelectric materials with different environmental and health impacts across the value chain but was resolved using the Satisficing Framework. The paper concludes by proposing theoretical and practical policy options for incorporating LCA into product life cycle decision making.

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