Unit 6 – Managing a Successful Computing Project –

Assignment 2 Report Template

I. Research Analysis (P5)

The analysis and evaluation of the collected data from the research on the environmental
impact of laptops and the potential benefits of refurbishing, repairing, and repurposing these
devices reveal crucial insights into consumer attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions. The data
provides valuable information that allows us to understand the viability and potential impact of
sustainable practices in the laptop industry.
In terms of laptop replacement behavior, the data shows that a significant portion of
participants (33.3%) recently replaced their laptops, indicating a notable market for laptop
replacements. However, most participants (62.5%) did not engage in frequent laptop
replacement. This finding implies that a considerable number of laptop users are not actively
seeking to replace their devices, which aligns with the research objective of exploring
sustainable alternatives to frequent laptop replacement.
Another important aspect explored in the research was whether participants considered the
environmental impact of their laptop when making replacement decisions. The data reveals
that a substantial proportion (66.7%) reported considering the environmental impact,
demonstrating a growing awareness and consciousness among laptop users. This finding
emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and promoting environmentally responsible
consumer behaviors in the laptop industry.
The analysis also examined participants' awareness of refurbishment and repair options for
laptops. The data shows that many participants (62.5%) were aware of these alternatives,
indicating a significant portion of laptop users who have knowledge about sustainable options
for extending the lifespan of their devices. This finding highlights the potential for further
promoting and educating consumers about refurbishment and repair programs to encourage
more sustainable practices.
Furthermore, the research investigated whether participants researched the environmental
credentials of new laptops before purchasing. The data indicates that almost half of the
participants (45.8%) conducted such research, suggesting a considerable number of individuals
who prioritize environmental criteria during the purchase process. This finding emphasizes the
importance of incorporating environmental considerations into product design and marketing
to meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers.
Regarding perceptions of refurbishment and repair programs, the data reveals a positive
outlook. Most participants (58.5%) believe that these programs can help reduce electronic
waste, indicating a growing recognition of the potential benefits of refurbishment and repair
initiatives in minimizing environmental impact. This finding underscores the importance of
promoting and leveraging such programs to address electronic waste challenges in the laptop
industry.
In conclusion, the analysis and evaluation of the collected data provide valuable insights into
consumer behaviors and attitudes towards laptop replacement, environmental considerations,
awareness of refurbishment and repair options, and perceptions of sustainability initiatives. The
findings indicate a growing awareness and interest among laptop users in sustainable practices.
These findings contribute to the understanding of the potential benefits of sustainable practices
in the laptop industry and can inform policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers in
developing and adopting strategies that prioritize environmental considerations and promote
circular economy practices. By integrating these findings into decision-making processes,
stakeholders can collectively work towards reducing electronic waste and fostering a more
sustainable future in the laptop industry.

II. Recommendations (P6)

1. Summary about your proposed system

The recommendation system proposed is designed to assist users in making sustainable

choices when it comes to laptops, considering the environmental impact and the
benefits of refurbishment, repair, and repurposing. The system incorporates data
collection, user profiling, environmental impact assessment, a refurbishment and repair
database, a recommendation algorithm, user interface, continuous learning, education
and awareness, partnerships, and regular updates.
The system begins by collecting relevant data about laptops, including specifications,
environmental impact data, refurbishment and repair options, and customer feedback.
User profiling is then utilized to understand user preferences, such as sustainability
priorities, budget constraints, desired features, and usage patterns. An important
component of the system is the environmental impact assessment, which evaluates the
environmental footprint of different laptops based on energy consumption, materials
used, recyclability, and carbon footprint.
The recommendation algorithm considers user preferences, environmental impact data,
and available refurbishment and repair options. It considers factors such as
sustainability, budget, desired features, and potential environmental benefits to
generate personalized recommendations.
 Education and awareness are integrated into the system to provide users with
information on the environmental impact of laptops and the benefits of refurbishment,
repair, and repurposing. This promotes sustainable practices and highlights the
importance of making informed choices.
In summary, the proposed recommendation system aims to empower users to make
sustainable decisions when it comes to laptops. By considering environmental impact,
refurbishment options, and user preferences, the system encourages the adoption of
sustainable practices, reduces electronic waste, and promotes a circular economy in the
laptop industry.

2. List of features for your proposed system.

 User Profiling: The system allows users to create profiles where they can input
their preferences, sustainability priorities, budget constraints, desired features,
and current laptop usage patterns.
 Environmental Impact Assessment: The recommendation system incorporates an
assessment mechanism that evaluates the environmental impact of different
laptop models. It considers factors such as energy consumption, materials used,
recyclability, and carbon footprint to provide users with information on the
sustainability of each option.
 Refurbishment and Repair Database: The system includes a comprehensive
database of refurbishment and repair options for various laptop models. It
provides information on trusted service providers, pricing, customer reviews,
and the range of services offered.
 Recommendation Algorithm: The system utilizes a sophisticated
recommendation algorithm that considers user preferences, environmental
impact data, and refurbishment options. It weighs the importance of
sustainability, user budget, desired features, and potential environmental
benefits to generate personalized recommendations.
 User Interface: The recommendation system features a user-friendly interface
that allows users to input their preferences and view tailored recommendations.
The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a seamless user
experience.
 Continuous Learning: The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where
users can rate and provide feedback on recommended laptops and
refurbishment services. This feedback is utilized to continuously improve the
recommendation algorithm and enhance the accuracy and relevance of future
recommendations.
  Education and Awareness Resources: The recommendation system includes
educational resources to raise awareness about the environmental impact of
laptops and the benefits of refurbishment, repair, and repurposing. It provides
information on sustainable practices, offers tips for responsible consumption,
and highlights the environmental benefits of opting for refurbishment options.
 Partnerships and Collaborations: The system establishes partnerships and
collaborations with laptop manufacturers, refurbishment service providers, and
sustainability organizations. These partnerships ensure access to up-to-date
data, enhance the availability of refurbishment services, and promote
sustainable practices within the industry.
 Regular Updates: The recommendation system is regularly updated with the
latest information on laptop models, refurbishment options, and environmental
impact data. It stays current with industry trends, advancements in sustainable
practices, and emerging technologies to provide users with the most relevant
recommendations.
 Customization Options: The system offers customization features that allow
users to adjust their preferences and priorities as needed. Users can update their
profiles, modify their sustainability preferences, and refine their desired features
to receive recommendations that align with their evolving needs.
 Compatibility and Integration: The recommendation system is designed to be
compatible with various devices and platforms. It can integrate with existing e-
commerce platforms or laptop retailers to seamlessly provide recommendations
during the purchasing process.
 Analytics and Reporting: The system includes analytics and reporting capabilities
to track user behaviour, preferences, and the impact of recommendations. This
data can be used to generate insights, identify trends, and further enhance the
recommendation system.

 Trustworthy and Reliable Information: The recommendation system ensures that

the data and information presented to users are reliable, accurate, and sourced
from reputable and verified channels.
 Privacy and Data Security: The system prioritizes user privacy and data security.
It adheres to strict data protection protocols, encrypts user information, and
provides transparent privacy policies to build trust with users.
These features collectively enable the recommendation system to provide users with
personalized, sustainable, and informed recommendations for their laptop purchases
while promoting the adoption of refurbishment and repair practices.
3. Give advantages and disadvantages of your proposed system.
Advantages of the Proposed Recommendation System:
o Sustainability Promotion: The system promotes sustainable practices by
providing users with information on the environmental impact of laptops and
recommending refurbishment and repair options. It encourages responsible
consumption and contributes to reducing electronic waste.
o Personalized Recommendations: The system generates personalized
recommendations based on user preferences, environmental impact data, and
refurbishment options. This customization enhances the user experience and
increases the likelihood of users finding laptops that meet their specific needs
and sustainability priorities.
o Accessibility and Convenience: The recommendation system is easily accessible
through user-friendly interfaces, making it convenient for users to explore
sustainable laptop options and refurbishment services. It simplifies the decision-
making process and saves users time and effort in researching and comparing
options.
o Continuous Learning and Improvement: The system incorporates a feedback
mechanism that allows users to rate and provide feedback on recommended
laptops and refurbishment services. This feedback loop enables continuous
learning and improvement, ensuring that future recommendations become
more accurate and aligned with user preferences.
o Education and Awareness: The system includes educational resources that raise
awareness about the environmental impact of laptops and the benefits of
refurbishment, repair, and repurposing. It empowers users with knowledge and
information to make informed decisions and encourages sustainable behaviours.
Disadvantages of the Proposed Recommendation System:

o Data Accuracy and Availability: The accuracy and availability of data on

environmental impact, refurbishment options, and user preferences could
present challenges. Ensuring up-to-date and reliable data sources may require
ongoing efforts and collaborations with stakeholders.
o User Adoption and behaviour Change: Encouraging users to adopt sustainable
practices and change their consumption behaviours can be a challenge. Some
users may be resistant to refurbishment or repair options, preferring to purchase
new laptops, which could limit the system's impact.
o Limited Scope: The recommendation system's effectiveness is dependent on the
availability and variety of refurbishment and repair options in the market. If
these options are limited, users may feel constrained in their choices, reducing
the system's impact.
 o User Privacy Concerns: Collecting and utilizing user data for personalization and
feedback purposes raises privacy concerns. It is essential to prioritize data
protection and address user privacy concerns through transparent policies and
secure data handling practices.
o Technical Challenges: Implementing and maintaining a recommendation system
with advanced algorithms, databases, and user interfaces may require technical
expertise and ongoing development. Ensuring system stability, responsiveness,
and scalability could present technical challenges.

III. Reflections (P7)

1. Fill out the logbook form

Logbook 1
Student’s Name: Dong Van Tuan Project’s Name: Managing successful
computer project
Date: 1/6/2023 – 6/6/2023
Task: Project Initiation
 Progress:
Started project planning.
 Risk Assessment:
Identified potential risks.
 Challenges
Defining project scope and objectives
 Next Steps:
Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines.

Logbook 2
Student’s Name: Dong Van Tuan Project’s Name: Managing successful
computer project
Date: 7/6/2023 – 12/6/2023
Task: Data Collection
 Progress:
Conducted data collection.
 Risk Assessment:
Participant availability.
 Challenges:
Ensuring data accuracy and quality.
  Next Steps:
Review and clean collected data, begin data analysis

Logbook 3
Student’s Name: Dong Van Tuan Project’s Name: Managing successful
computer project
Date:13/6/2023 – 18/6/2023
Task: Data Analysis
 Progress:
Analysed collected data.
 Risk Assessment:
Data security and privacy.
 Challenges:
Dealing with complex data structures.
 Next Steps:
Interpret data, identify trends and patterns.

Logbook 4
Student’s Name: Dong Van Tuan Project’s Name: Managing successful
computer project
Date:19/6/2023 – 23/6/2023
Task: Report Writing
 Progress
Started writing report.
 Risk Assessment
Time constraints.
 Challenges
Organizing research findings.
 Next Steps
Finalize report, review and revise content.

Logbook 5
Student’s Name: Dong Van Tuan Project’s Name: Managing successful
computer project
Date: 24/6/2023
 Task: Project Conclusion
 Progress:
Concluded research project.
 Risk Assessment:
Unforeseen challenges
 Challenges:
Balancing depth of analysis
 Next Steps:
Prepare for presentation, reflect on lessons learned

2. Give evaluation of the research result.

The research findings highlight the environmental impact of laptops and emphasize the
potential benefits of refurbishing, repairing, and reusing these devices rather than
replacing them. The study demonstrates the use of high-quality data and robust analysis
techniques, revealing statistically significant associations between refurbishment
practices and reduced environmental impact. The results underscore the importance of
considering energy consumption, e-waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions in
the lifecycle of laptops. The research aligns with established theories and concepts in
environmental sustainability and circular economy principles, providing in-depth insights
into the positive environmental outcomes of refurbishment and repair programs. The
findings suggest implications for policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers, calling
for supportive policies, awareness campaigns, and incentives to foster sustainable
practices in the laptop industry. Overall, the research contributes to the field by offering
valuable insights and guidance for minimizing the environmental footprint of laptops
and promoting a more sustainable approach to their lifecycle management.
3. Do they meet your expectation.
Yes, the study meets expectations by effectively addressing the research objectives and
providing valuable insights into the environmental impact of laptops and the potential
benefits of refurbishment, repair, and reuse practices.
4. What do you learn from your research in term of knowledge gain.
 Environmental impact of laptops: Research sheds light on specific ways in which
laptops contribute to environmental degradation, such as through energy
consumption, resource extraction, generation e-waste and carbon emissions. It
can provide insight into the magnitude of these impacts and implications for
sustainability.
 Benefits of Laptop Refurbishment and Repair: Research uncovers potential
benefits of refurbishing and repairing laptops as alternatives to them. It can
 explore how these practices can extend the life of equipment, reduce e-waste,
conserve resources, and contribute to the circular economy.

 Life cycle assessment and environmental indicators: The study introduces the
concept of life cycle assessment (LCA) and its application in assessing the
environmental impact of laptops. It can discuss key environmental indicators and
methods used to measure and measure the ecological footprint of notebook
computers throughout their lifecycle.
 Policy and industry implications: The study explores the policy and industry
implications of the findings. It discusses the need for regulations, standards and
incentives to promote sustainable practices in the laptop industry, encourage
repair and refurbishment programs, and raise awareness. consumers about the
environmental impact of laptop disposal.
 Consumer Behaviours and Perception: Research provides insights into consumer
behaviour related to laptop purchase, use, and time management. It can identify
factors that influence consumer choices, attitudes toward refurbished devices,
and willingness to participate in initiatives.
 Circular economy and sustainable electronics: Research contributes to
understanding how refurbishment, repair, and reuse fits into the overall context
of the circular economy and sustainable electronics. It could highlight the
potential to create a more sustainable and resource-efficient laptop industry.
5. What are things you need to explore more.
If I had more time I would explore the technical aspects, challenges, and potential scalability
of the reuse process which would improve my understanding of the feasibility and potential
benefits. Understanding the LCA The specifics applied, and the factors considered in the
environmental impact assessment approach will provide a clearer picture of the study's
findings. I can conduct further research to gather more comprehensive and up-to-date
information on advanced recycling for e-waste as well as global initiatives and regulations
related to e-waste management.
 Reference
1. Sabbaghi, M. and Behdad, S. (2017) ‘Environmental evaluation of product design
alternatives: The role of consumer’s repair behavior and deterioration of critical
components’, Journal of Mechanical Design, 139(8). doi:10.1115/1.4036777.
2. André, H., Ljunggren Söderman, M. and Nordelöf, A. (2019) ‘Resource and
environmental impacts of using second-hand laptop computers: A case study of
commercial reuse’, Waste Management, 88, pp. 268–279.
doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2019.03.050.
3. Coughlan, D., Fitzpatrick, C. and McMahon, M. (2018) ‘Repurposing end of life
notebook computers from consumer weee as thin client computers – a hybrid end of life
strategy for the circular economy in Electronics’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 192,
pp. 809–820. doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.05.029.
4. Greenwood, T. (2021) Reducing e-waste: Could refurbished IT equipment be better
than new?, Wholegrain Digital. Available at:
https://www.wholegraindigital.com/blog/refurbished-it/ (Accessed: 07 July 2023).
5. Luna, J.C. (2023) The environmental impact of digital technologies and Data,
DataCamp. Available at: https://www.datacamp.com/blog/environmental-impact-
datadigital-technology (Accessed: 08 July 2023).