| 1. |
- Allen, Ann Marie, et al.
(author)
-
Exploring the link between the humanitarian logistician and training needs
- 2013
-
In: Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 2042-6747 .- 2042-6755. ; 3:2, s. 129-148
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose – The aim of this paper is to evaluate job profiles in humanitarian logistics, and assess current task priorities in light of further training and educational needs.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents findings from a survey among humanitarian logistics practitioners and compares these to other studies in this area. It uses econometric models to evaluate the impact of managerial responsibilities in training needs, usage of time and previous training.Findings – The results show that the skills required in humanitarian logistics seem to follow the T-shaped skills model from Mangan and Christopher when looking at training wanted and time usage.Research limitations/implications – Survey respondents being members of the Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA) may be more interested in developing the humanitarian logistics profession than other populations.Originality/value – This paper offers an insight in the specific skill requirements of humanitarian logisticians from members of the HLA and allows to understand which type of skills are linked to managerial responsibilities. The paper also establishes a link between logistics skill models and career progressions overall.
|
|
| 2. |
- Blomé, Mikael, et al.
(author)
-
Course Supervision Challenges in PhD Education
- 2012
-
In: 7:e Pedagogiska Inspirationskonferensen 2012. - 2003-3761 .- 2003-377X. ; 7
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A large portion of the PhD education in Sweden is dedicated to courses. This made it interesting to explore potential course supervision challenges in the PhD programme. A multiple-case study was conducted to identify such challenges and explore how these are perceived by students and supervisors at the Faculty of Engineering of Lund University. By interviewing students and supervisors in five different research groups, insights were gained into how the main stakeholders reason about courses. The findings indicate that courses that are to be included in the education are characterized by a large degree of freedom tailored to individual student needs and preferences. However, the type, timing, availability, value, and convalidation of courses are challenges that limit this freedom.
|
|
| 3. |
- Cinege, Gyöngyi, et al.
(author)
-
Broad Ultrastructural and Transcriptomic Changes Underlie the Multinucleated Giant Hemocyte Mediated Innate Immune Response against Parasitoids
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Innate Immunity. - : S. Karger. - 1662-811X .- 1662-8128. ; 14:4, s. 335-354
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Multinucleated giant hemocytes (MGHs) represent a novel type of blood cell in insects that participate in a highly efficient immune response against parasitoid wasps involving isolation and killing of the parasite. Previously, we showed that circulating MGHs have high motility and the interaction with the parasitoid rapidly triggers encapsulation. However, structural and molecular mechanisms behind these processes remained elusive. Here, we used detailed ultrastructural analysis and live cell imaging of MGHs to study encapsulation in Drosophila ananassae after parasitoid wasp infection. We found dynamic structural changes, mainly driven by the formation of diverse vesicular systems and newly developed complex intracytoplasmic membrane structures, and abundant generation of giant cell exosomes in MGHs. In addition, we used RNA sequencing to study the transcriptomic profile of MGHs and activated plasmatocytes 72 h after infection, as well as the uninduced blood cells. This revealed that differentiation of MGHs was accompanied by broad changes in gene expression. Consistent with the observed structural changes, transcripts related to vesicular function, cytoskeletal organization, and adhesion were enriched in MGHs. In addition, several orphan genes encoding for hemolysin-like proteins, pore-forming toxins of prokaryotic origin, were expressed at high level, which may be important for parasitoid elimination. Our results reveal coordinated molecular and structural changes in the course of MGH differentiation and parasitoid encapsulation, providing a mechanistic model for a powerful innate immune response.
|
|
| 4. |
- Cinege, Gyöngyi, et al.
(author)
-
Distinctive features of Zaprionus indianus hemocyte differentiation and function revealed by transcriptomic analysis
- 2023
-
In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-3224. ; 14
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Insects have specialized cell types that participate in the elimination of parasites, for instance, the lamellocytes of the broadly studied species Drosophila melanogaster. Other drosophilids, such as Drosophila ananassae and the invasive Zaprionus indianus, have multinucleated giant hemocytes, a syncytium of blood cells that participate in the encapsulation of the eggs or larvae of parasitoid wasps. These cells can be formed by the fusion of hemocytes in circulation or originate from the lymph gland. Their ultrastructure highly resembles that of the mammalian megakaryocytes.Methods: Morphological, protein expressional, and functional features of blood cells were revealed using epifluorescence and confocal microscopy. The respective hemocyte subpopulations were identified using monoclonal antibodies in indirect immunofluorescence assays. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Escherichia coli bacteria were used in phagocytosis tests. Gene expression analysis was performed following mRNA sequencing of blood cells.Results: D. ananassae and Z. indianus encapsulate foreign particles with the involvement of multinucleated giant hemocytes and mount a highly efficient immune response against parasitoid wasps. Morphological, protein expressional, and functional assays of Z. indianus blood cells suggested that these cells could be derived from large plasmatocytes, a unique cell type developing specifically after parasitoid wasp infection. Transcriptomic analysis of blood cells, isolated from naïve and wasp-infected Z. indianus larvae, revealed several differentially expressed genes involved in signal transduction, cell movements, encapsulation of foreign targets, energy production, and melanization, suggesting their role in the anti-parasitoid response. A large number of genes that encode proteins associated with coagulation and wound healing, such as phenoloxidase activity factor-like proteins, fibrinogen-related proteins, lectins, and proteins involved in the differentiation and function of platelets, were constitutively expressed. The remarkable ultrastructural similarities between giant hemocytes and mammalian megakaryocytes, and presence of platelets, and giant cell-derived anucleated fragments at wound sites hint at the involvement of this cell subpopulation in wound healing processes, in addition to participation in the encapsulation reaction.Conclusion: Our observations provide insights into the broad repertoire of blood cell functions required for efficient defense reactions to maintain the homeostasis of the organism. The analysis of the differentiation and function of multinucleated giant hemocytes gives an insight into the diversification of the immune mechanisms.
|
|
| 5. |
- Ekwall, Daniel, 1974-, et al.
(author)
-
Trade wars, embargos and sanctions : Implications for supply chain management
- 2021
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PurposeThe purpose of the study is to explore the logistics and SC effects linked to trade wars, embargos, and sanctions, or even other geopolitical events that effects and alters the current status quo of international trade and business relations. The paper also provides a research agenda for SCM on this basis.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper based on a system approach, which emphasizes a holistic view instead of the characteristics of the different parts. The paper revisits macro-economic and geopolitical developments and evaluates their impact on, and implications for supply chains.FindingsThe paper frames supply chains within macro-economic and geopolitical events and their development. It shows that causal relationships between acts of trade conflict to an actual and intended change in the trade between actors are weak, paradoxical, and non-linear. Outside of conflicts, changes to the rules and regulations in international business are slow and predictable, allowing for companies and their supply chains to adapt. Trade wars make the changes in trade regulations less predictable but they are also introduced at a much higher pace. This results in higher uncertainty for all involved actors. This also results in a new supply chain systemic behaviour, which is better understood as a complex system instead of the more traditional supply chain view of stable links and nodes.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the understanding of geopolitical developments and their implications for supply chain management and develops a specific research agenda for supply chain management.
|
|
| 6. |
- Kovács, Gyöngyi, et al.
(author)
-
Gender mainstreaming in humanitarian purchasing
- 2011
-
In: Gender, peace and development.
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract in UndeterminedIn the humanitarian context, gender mediates access to aid. The gender of the beneficiary is not only intrinsically linked with her/his disaster vulnerability (Enarson, 2002), but also to their ability to physically access aid distribution points (Lutz and Gady, 2004) and even to be considered a beneficiary in the first place. There is, however, yet another factor mitigating an individual’s access to aid: namely the humanitarian organization and its workers (Kovács and Tatham, 2009).Particularly in the case of purchasing within humanitarian organizations, it is both the mainstreaming of gender among purchasers and as well as the use of the purchasing function itself to empower women that deserve attention. In relation to the latter, humanitarian organizations have frequently adopted a strategy aimed at increasing the income, skills and influence of women in local communities by purchasing from them (UNOPS, 2010). In case of former, the gender of the purchaser has been linked to the quality of decision-making in, for example, deciding what products to buy and distribute to beneficiaries (Min et al., 1995). In particular, the gender of the decision maker affects their awareness of gender specific needs, and there is ample evidence of the wrong items being bought and of the needs of female beneficiaries not being considered sufficiently well in purchasing decisions. Examples of such failings include the provision of tents for refugee/IDP camps made of transparent materials that made it possible to detect females who were alone and, thus, exposed them to sexual violence; or the absence of hygiene items for females. Purchasing decisions are, thus, linked to the safety and hygiene, health and wellbeing the beneficiaries.Gender is, therefore, an important aspect that purchasers in the humanitarian context need to consider - and yet it is an area of current practice that has frequently been overlooked. However, this is less surprising when one considers the gender ratios of purchasing decision-makers which, in the humanitarian context, can range from 70:30 up to 90:10 male to female. Thus, although gender mainstreaming is undoubtedly on the agenda of many humanitarian organizations, there is clear evidence that this strategic aim yet to be implemented in the area of purchasing. The aim of this research is, therefore, to improve the situation of beneficiaries through diverse and more gender-aware purchasing decisions.
|
|
| 7. |
- Kovács, Gyöngyi, et al.
(author)
-
Practices in the wine supply chain
- 2015
-
In: NOFOMA 2015. - Molde : Molde University College. - 9788279622079
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: The low level of supply chain maturity and the lack of industry best practices in wine supply chains are stated to be some of the biggest challenges for this industry. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to explore practices in the wine supply chain, and to evaluate a framework of supply chain practices through a multiple case study.Design/methodology/approach: A multiple case study approach is used, through which the case of a multi-national wine producer is compared to the supply chains of small Australian winemakers.Findings: The findings corroborate that performance, while highlighted in production and the quality of the product, is less in focus in terms of efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain. The wine supply chain is very manufacturing and marketing-focused, with distribution supporting these activities. The case study shows that supply chain practices such as customer orientation, process integration and visibility are key to the wine supply chain, albeit they are not discussed in supply chain terms.Research limitations/implications (if applicable): The research indicates the link between supply chain practice and performance, yet the directionality of this link remains to be established.Practical implications: Wine researchers have called for more research in supply chain management. This paper aims to fill this gap and in addition provide practitioners with practice examples.Original/value: This paper is a first evaluation of a conceptual framework on supply chain practices in the wine supply chain. This framework is very useful for eliciting current practices but also for benchmarking with other companies in the wine industry.
|
|
| 8. |
- Lindh, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Brownboard - A tool to facilitate improved supply chain traceability
- 2008
-
In: Beyond Business Logistics. - 9789519805092 ; , s. 393-408
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper aims to describe the brownboard tool and to elaborate on its characteristics. Brownboard can be seen as a tool within process mapping and it is focused on supply chain traceability. The process map is created in a dynamical group process where supply chain actors with different competence level meet and interact. The brownboard tool is used in a case study based on a Swedish supply chain for frozen food; ice cream. The data collection includes on-site interviews, observations, and review of internal documents. Empirical results from the case are used to exemplify the use of the tool. This study indicates that the brownboard tool enables identification of potential traceability related improvements by its visualization of the flow throughout the supply chain and through highlighting potential risks connected to traceability for the supply chain actors.The evidence has so far been collected through a single case study, and is thereby limited. Although there are limitations in how far one can generalize, the evidence should be regarded as a first step toward future research on this tool in a wider supply chain context. The Swedish food industry has worked intensively with internal traceability, while supply chain traceability is identified as important but not yet fully implemented. In addition, due to increased consumer awareness about food safety, new regulations, and standards, traceability has become a focus area for the food industry in Sweden. Brownboard is one possible tool that can be used in order to facilitate the process towards fully implemented supply chain traceability. This paper describes and illustrates the use of a novel tool within process mapping for gaining improved supply chain traceability.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
- Pålsson, Henrik, et al.
(author)
-
Reducing transportation emissions – a reaction to stakeholder pressure or a strategy to increase competitive advantage
- 2014
-
In: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management. - 0960-0035. ; 44:4, s. 283-304
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: This paper evaluates why companies reduce transportation emissions by examining the relative importance of external drivers vs. internal motives for companies in considering CO2 emissions in freight transportation. Design/methodology/approach: A framework is suggested that captures internal, competitiveness-driven motives and external, stakeholder-driven drivers for companies seeking to reduce CO2 in freight transportation. These factors are tested in a large industry survey in Sweden. The survey resulted in 172 responses from corporate heads of logistics, a response rate of 40.3%. Findings: Variations in responding to stakeholder pressure vs. company strategy for reducing transportation emissions are identified. Company strategy outweighs stakeholder pressure in determining whether a company intends to green its transportation. The strategy leads to company-internal motives for reducing transportation emissions which differ from company to company. These differences, in turn, lead to different levels of intended reductions. Stakeholder pressure sets the minimal levels that elevate the performance of a group of companies in an industry or a country, but the differentiation effect across companies is lost. The intention to reduce emissions is greatest if a company has both economic and image motives. The logistics resource configuration does not seem to impact drivers and motives. Research limitations/implications: The research is based on companies in Sweden. Studies across several countries are needed to investigate the impact of national requirements. Originality/value: The paper shows that the combination of the resource-based view and stakeholder theory presents a better explanation as to why companies reduce transportation emissions than either of them do separately. By combining the two theories this research differentiates between how stakeholder pressure and company strategy influence intents to green transportation.
|
|
