Page 261 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024
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Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World




                      6.  BENEFITS OF THE MODEL               damaging the charging systems inside phones. For instance,
                                                              with the iPhone 5, issues arose due to the use of third-party
           The proposed model is not only sustainable but economically   chargers and cables, resulting in intermittent charging and
           viable  for  refurbishment  framework  which  further  offers   connection  problems,  which  refurbishers  may  have
           numerous benefits. One key benefit is it bridges the digital   overlooked. These problems were often linked to damaged
           divide  by  ensuring  accessibility  obligations  set  by  the   Tristar/U2 chips on the main circuit board, challenging to
           government  during  registration,  leading  to  increased   replace  even  for  skilled  refurbishers  [27].  Substandard
           smartphone proliferation in blocks thus enhancing internet   chargers and batteries used by third-party refurbishers can
           and  telecommunications  service  penetration  nationwide.   pose severe dangers, including fire and electrocution hazards,
           Secondly,  the  model  ensures  seller  data  security  through   to end-users.
           strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedure guidelines
           mandated by certifier, thus promoting trust among buyers   Moreover,  it's  challenging  to  determine  the  position  of  a
           and sellers. Additionally, it incorporates a systematic pricing   refurbished product on a hazard rate curve of failure rates
           model with specified parameters, ensuring fair pricing for all   (often  represented  by  a  bathtub  curve).  This  is  because
           parties involved. By utilizing a centralized database to verify   refurbishers lack access to time-in-service and stress data for
           the legality of used phones, the model mitigates the risk of   the  device  or  its  individual  components.  Consequently,
           legal issues arising from unlawful activities associated with   refurbishers  (and  consumers)  cannot  accurately  gauge  the
           refurbished devices. Furthermore, clear responsibilities are   remaining  lifespan  of  any  of  the  components  within  the
           assigned to each stakeholder, with aggregators tasked with   device. One of the metrics to check whether a mobile phone
           maintaining ownership transfer and legality checks before   can  be  further  used  is  its  Specific  Absorption  Rate  value
           and after refurbishment, thus minimizing legal complications.  which according to ICNIRP guidelines must not exceed 2
                                                              W/kg [28].
           The model also aims to raise awareness about refurbishment
           through   government-certified   aggregators   and   the   Finally,  increasing  the  availability  of  affordable  handsets
           proliferation of  Points  of  Sale  (POS)  in  remote  areas.  By   will not close the gap in mobile internet usage on its own.
           mandating eco-certification (R2 standard compliance) in the   Unaffordable  handsets  must  be  tackled  alongside  other
           registration process of aggregator by government, the model   barriers  for  underserved  populations,  including  low
           ensures eco-friendly recycling practices. To ensure buyers   awareness  of  mobile  internet,  literacy  and  digital  skills,  a
           receive good-quality smartphones at affordable prices, pre-  lack  of  relevant  content  and  services,  safety  and  security
           owned phones undergo rigorous testing and repairs by the   concerns and issues related to access. Strategies also need to
           handset  manufacturer.  Critical  components  such  as  the   consider prevailing social norms and underlying inequalities,
           battery,  outer  shell,  accessories,  and  cables  are  typically   including  disparities  in  education  and  income,  that  limit
           replaced  to  ensure  optimal  quality.  Certified  refurbished   access to mobiles and mobile internet for some segments of
           phones  often  come  with  a  guarantee  specified  by  the   the  population.  A  consumer  may  be  willing  to  allocate  a
           aggregator, providing buyers with assurance of quality and   relatively higher share of their income to an internet enabled
           reliability. Moreover, by providing government certification   handset (and consider it affordable) if they perceive being
           to  aggregators  the  model  promotes  the  growth  of  the   connected as relevant, valuable and satisfying their personal
           refurbishment market.                              needs or aspirations.

                           7.  CHALLENGES                                      8.  CONCLUSION

           Refurbishment  can  defer  the  environmental  impact  of   Second hand/Refurbished mobile phones play a critical role
           electronic waste to a large extent. However, there are a few   in bridging the digital divide and fostering sustainability in
           technical  challenges  in  the  refurbishment  process.  The   technology use. They offer a viable solution for enhancing
           design  and  assembly  of  modern  smartphones  can  make   digital  inclusion,  particularly  among  underprivileged
           refurbishment  difficult.  Features  like  integrated  batteries,   sections  of  society,  by  providing  affordable  access  to
           adhesive seals, and compact builds complicate disassembly   technology. These phones reduce environmental impact by
           and  can  discourage  refurbishment  efforts.  Additionally,   extending the lifespan of devices and minimizing e-waste,
           features  like  integrated  chips  in  display  screens  pose   which aligns with Sustainable Development Goals focused
           difficulties,  as  replacing  them  may  void  warranties  and   on  responsible  consumption  and  production.  While  a
           impact  device  functionality.  These  technical  barriers   refurbished phone typically presents a more environmentally
           increase  the  costs  and  time  required  for  refurbishment,   and  economically  sound  option  compared  to  a  new  one,
           diminishing the profitability and feasibility of refurbishing   concerns persist regarding its quality and future lifespan.
           smartphones.
                                                              The paper advocates for rigorous refurbishment processes to
           Aggregators  or  retailers  occasionally  include  third-party   ensure that phones are restored to a condition that meets or
           USB chargers and cables with smartphones, which can pose   exceeds   original   specifications.   This   includes
           risks if not designed to operate within Original Equipment   comprehensive  testing  and  replacement  of  faulty
           Manufacturer (OEM) specifications. These accessories may   components, which enhances the reliability and performance
           deviate from specified voltage or current limits, potentially   of  refurbished  devices.  Establishing  trust  standards  is





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