Lean growth from a sustainability perspective

The Applied Value Group wants to map factors and better understand companies’ move towards sustainability as an integral part of the core business. They are now looking for a student to take on this exciting task as a Master’s project. The goal is to map factors and in the end make recommendations for a next-generation product offer focusing on lean growth from a sustainability perspective. You will form part of a dedicated team and get one-to-one coaching from Applied Value’s consultants.

About Applied Value Group

The Applied Value Group combines Management Consulting, Private and Public Investments, and Social Responsibility. The Group has offices in the US, Europe, and China and their clients include leading international companies in several sectors, ranging from industry to services and private equity. Read more about Applied Value Group on their website.

Your assignment

We are leaving behind the time of the industrial era when pollution was free, labor was just a cost factor, and scale and scope was the dominant strategy. Thus, companies must adapt to a new industry landscape implied by novel challenges and opportunities. As a reaction to this trend, the Applied Value Group wants to map factors and better understand companies’ move towards sustainability as an integral part of the core business. You will form part of a dedicated team and Applied Value will offer one-to-one coaching from their consultants and exposure to senior industry experts. During the thesis period you will be responsible for the following steps:

Step 1: Perform a literature review including a meta-analysis of available research in the area of sustainability practices within large and mid-sized companies.
Step 2: Informed by Step 1, design and launch a study to identify and understand current challenges and opportunities for large and mid-sized companies to move towards sustainability at the core of the business model. Data collection will include an online survey, complemented with in-depth interviews with sustainability experts from leading firms.
Step 3: Based on findings and conclusions in Step 2, make recommendations supported by cross-derived findings for a next-generation product offer focusing on lean growth from a sustainability perspective.

Required skills and experience

• Ongoing university degree, preferably in Engineering, Economics, and/or Business and Management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainability from a business perspective.
• Proven experience of designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis, and production of reports.
• Strong ICT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in analyzing data using statistical software (e.g. JMP, MATLAB) is advantageous.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Personal Qualifications

• Establishes, builds and maintains effective working relationships with staff and business partners.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Consistently approaches work with enthusiasm and a positive constructive attitude.

Depending on your academic requirements, the thesis project can be carried out individually or together with a thesis partner.

The details

Type of engagement: Thesis offer at Master’s level (30hp, full-time). Autumn term 2019.
Location: Applied Value’s office in Stockholm, Sweden. Part of the work can be carried out remotely.

Reward: Unpaid to be conducted as part of a degree. A symbolic remuneration will be rewarded upon completion of the final product. Possible consideration for full-time employment with Applied Value Group after graduation.