Interview with Martin Chau

Does the study meet your expectation? / In what way?

Despite my business-oriented background, exploring computer science and engineering at the KIT and HECTOR School was a bold and simultaneously excellent decision. Especially, my major in Autonomous Robotics allowed me to experience hands-on research and development work in a cutting-edge lab, where I had the incredible opportunity to work directly with state-of-the-art KUKA robots. The program's balance of theory and hands-on experience fostered significant personal and professional growth, making this journey incredibly fulfilling for me.

About the Master´s Thesis

What is the topic of you Master’s Thesis?

The topic of my master’s thesis is "Designing a Dashboard for Sustainability Specialists to monitor Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the context of Supply Chain Management"

Why did you decide on this topic?

I decided on this topic because I noticed that while there is significant international interest in climate change from a political perspective, there is a lack of sufficient research on an engineering and technical level to practically address the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. I believe that research in designing a dashboard for sustainability specialists will fill this gap and provide valuable insights to manage greenhouse gas emissions in the context of supply chain management effectively.

What is the purpose of designing a dashboard for sustainability specialists to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in supply chain management?

The purpose of designing a dashboard for sustainability specialists to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in supply chain management is twofold: Firstly, it aims to empower sustainability specialists to assist companies in measuring their GHG emissions more accurately. Secondly, the thesis seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying frameworks for data management in the field of sustainability and assess the usability of the dashboard to ensure its effectiveness.

How can the dashboard help sustainability specialists in identifying emission hotspots within the supply chain?

The dashboard can help sustainability specialists in identifying emission hotspots within the supply chain by offering various visualizations such as heatmaps, location maps, and for example an emission flow composition tree. This type of visualization allows sustainability specialists to start with a high-level overview of emissions data, gradually zooming in and filtering to obtain more detailed views at each level, ensuring they can focus on the specific information they need without being overwhelmed by excessive data. Additionally, the dashboard facilitates navigation through different levels of the tree, providing a clear path of the user's exploration and enabling effective identification of emission hotspots.

Do you see importance of real-time data and visualization techniques in the dashboard to aid decision-making?

Definitely, real-time data and visualization techniques are vital in the dashboard for aiding climate actions within companies. Up-to-date information and effective visualizations enable sustainability specialists to promptly respond to changes, identify emission patterns, and make informed decisions to drive sustainable practices across the supply chain.

Based on your research, what are the main challenges that sustainability specialists may face while monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, and how does your dashboard propose to address these challenges?

Based on the analysis of expert interviews with sustainability specialists and data experts, various challenges in the field of sustainability, such as monitoring emissions, data collection and framework complexity have been highlighted. These challenges have led to negative sentiments about the accuracy, reliability, and utility of existing GHG emission data and frameworks. To address these concerns, the dashboard I have designed aims to provide an effective tool for accurate and reliable emissions monitoring in supply chain management.

How can your dashboard contribute to enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability reporting for companies in their supply chain operations?

My dashboard can be a first important step towards enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability reporting for companies in their supply chain operations. By providing valuable insights into GHG emissions and energy consumption within the supply chain sector, it contributes to the broader goal of achieving sustainable development and reducing the impact of climate change, encouraging companies to take more environmentally responsible actions.

Is there anything else you want to emphasize?

This research is just the beginning, with immense potential for greater impact through further development. Personally, contributing to a more sustainable future through innovative solutions is both exciting and fulfilling at the same time.

About the HECTOR School

How did you hear about the HECTOR School?

I first learned about the HECTOR School through its affiliation with the renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which has a strong reputation in computer science disciplines. Being associated with such a prestigious university naturally caught my attention, making it a top choice for pursuing my studies in Information Systems Engineering and Management.

What do you see as the main advantages of the Master's program?

The Master’s program has two major advantages from my perspective. Firstly, its executive schedule allows me to manage work and study efficiently, striking a great balance between the two. Secondly, the program offers an exceptional level of education with valuable and practical knowledge that significantly enhances my skills and opens up promising career opportunities.

Would you recommend to study at HECTOR School and why?

Absolutely, I highly recommend studying at HECTOR School for the chance to learn from students across diverse industries in the executive Master's program and build a valuable network that extends beyond the classroom.

What are your plans?

In my position as Strategy and Portfolio Manager, I strive to use my technical and management knowledge to drive strategic initiatives and contribute to the success of Lufthansa's digital excellence. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to make a significant contribution in this position.