| 1. |
- Forslund, Helena, 1964-, et al.
(författare)
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Strategies for achieving customer order flexibility – supplier perspective
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 32:9, s. 396-413
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a framework of strategies to achieving customer order flexibility in and related to the order-to-delivery (OTD) process. The purpose is also to investigate how companies prioritize various strategies to achieve customer order flexibility.Design/methodology/approach: Based on a literature review, pre-tests and conceptual reasoning, a conceptual framework of strategies related to the order-to-delivery process was developed. The strategies were linked to the order quantity and delivery lead-time flexibility dimensions. This structure resulted in six groups covering enabling as well as remedial strategies. An empirical interview study of ten customer–supplier relationships was conducted.Findings: The interviews identified additional strategies, thereby expanding the framework. The enabling strategies with the highest median values were “have continuous contact with the customer's purchaser” and “use safety stock of raw materials/semi-finished products”. The remedial strategy with the highest median was “re-plan/re-prioritize the order backlog”. In the delivery sub-process, it was more common to apply remedial strategies for delivery lead-time than for order quantities.Research limitations/implications: The developed framework is a contribution to the literature on operational flexibility in and related to the OTD process. It complements existing knowledge by taking a supplier perspective.Practical implications: Suppliers can use the framework as a tool to understand and systematically achieve better customer order flexibility in and related to the OTD process. Customers can use the framework as a checklist for supplier evaluation and supplier development.Originality/value: Few identified studies include empirical data on customer order flexibility.
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| 2. |
- Sundin, Erik, 1974-, et al.
(författare)
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Product design for product/service systems : Design experiences from Swedish industry
- 2009
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 20:5, s. 723-753
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elucidate how Swedish industry has adapted theirproducts for product/service systems (PSS).Design/methodology/approach – Three case study companies that manufacture forklift trucks,soil compactors and household appliances are studied. Interviews with company staff are conducted aswell as product analyses in laboratorial environment. The theory is based mainly on previous PSS,design and remanufacturing research.Findings – A key factor when developing products for PSS is to design the product from a life-cycleperspective, considering all the product’s life-cycle phases, namely manufacturing, use, maintenanceand end-of-life treatment. Many of the design improvements deal with the accessibility of parts andcomponents during maintenance and remanufacturing operations, and several of them could reducethe need and cost for maintenance, repair and remanufacturing.Research limitations/implications – Uncovering any additional product requirements needed fora successful PSS not addressed in this paper. For example, it could be interesting to explore whichproduct data could be collected during use in order to improve the products’ different life stages.Practical implications – The findings in this paper illustrate and describe many industrialimplications for engineering designers to consider when developing PSS.Originality/value – The novelty of this paper is aimed for designers to study how they can adapttheir future products used in PSS in a more beneficial way than in traditional product design. Thepaper shows ideas and general guidelines to follow which have been scarcely published.
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| 3. |
- Kans, Mirka
(författare)
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IT Practices within Maintenance from a Systems Perspective : Study of IT Utilisation within Firms in Sweden
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 24:5, s. 768-791
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The aim with this paper is to describe current IT practices within maintenance in Swedish industry, and to outline the future possible developments. Design/methodology/approach – The study is performed as a web-based questionnaire survey consisting of 71 participants. A systems perspective is applied for capturing the most relevant aspects of IT utilisation. Findings – The IT practices are characterised by high use of business-specific IT solutions, low use of company-wide IT solutions, low IT intensity and the client-server architecture is dominating. The purchase decision and ownership of IT is to high extent tied to the maintenance function. Moreover, IT systems are apprehended as beneficial and connected to real needs. The findings imply a decentralised IT governance form and a mainly vertical (functional) IT support. Research limitations/implications – The socio-technical approach suggested in this paper helps us to identify which areas to study, and also shows the tight interrelationship between different factors, layers and systems. Practical implications – The study results could be used for benchmarking purposes or to highlight state-of-the-art of IT utilisation in maintenance, and thereby set the topic on the corporate agenda. Originality/value – Studies describing IT utilisation within maintenance in the form of case studies and surveys exist, but they mainly focus on one aspect. This study approached the problem from a socio-technical perspective, covering several aspects connected to IT utilisation.
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| 4. |
- Ahlskog, Mats, 1970-, et al.
(författare)
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Knowledge integration in manufacturing technology development
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 28:8, s. 1035-1054
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze knowledge integration in manufacturing technology development projects required to build competitive advantages. Design/methodology/approach - A longitudinal case study has been conducted at a Swedish manufacturing company by following a manufacturing technology development project in real time during a two-year period. Findings - The results show that three different knowledge integration processes exist when developing unique manufacturing technology: processes for capturing, for joint learning, and for absorb learning. The findings of the current research suggest that the three knowledge integration processes are highly interrelated with each knowledge integration process affecting the other two. Research limitations/implications - The major limitation of the research is primarily associated with the single case, which limits generalizability outside the context that was studied. Practical implications - The findings are particularly relevant to manufacturing engineers working with the development of new manufacturing technologies. By using relevant knowledge integration processes and capabilities required to integrate the knowledge in manufacturing technology development projects, companies can improve design and organize the development of manufacturing technology. Originality/value - Previous research has merely noted that knowledge integration is required in the development of unique manufacturing technology, but without explaining how and in what way. This paper's contribution is the identification and analysis of three knowledge integration processes that contribute to the building of competitive advantages by developing unique manufacturing technology and new knowledge.
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| 5. |
- Asadi, Narges, et al.
(författare)
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Linking product design to flexibility in an assembly system : A case study
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 28:5, s. 610-630
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose - The recent shift towards accommodating flexibility in manufacturing companies and the complexity resulting from product variety highlight the significance of flexible assembly systems and designing products for them. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the requirements of a flexible assembly system for product design from the assembly system's standpoint. Design/methodology/approach - To fulfil the purpose of the paper, a literature review and a case study were performed. The case study was conducted with an interactive research approach in a global market leader company within the heavy vehicle manufacturing industry. Findings - The findings indicate that common assembly sequence, similar assembly interfaces, and common parts are the main requirements of a flexible assembly system for product design which reduce complexity and facilitate various flexibility dimensions. Accordingly, a model is proposed to broaden the understanding of these requirements from the assembly system's standpoint. Research limitations/implications - This study contributes to the overlapping research area of flexible assembly systems and product design. Practical implications - The proposed model is largely based on practical data and clarifies the role of product design in facilitating flexibility in an assembly system. It can be used by assembly managers, assembly engineers, and product designers. Originality/value - The key originality of this paper compared to the previous studies lies in presenting a novel assembly-oriented design model. The model enhances understanding of a flexible assembly system's requirements for product design with regard to reducing complexity and managing variation in a flexible assembly system. These requirements can be applied to product design across various product families within a company's product portfolio.
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| 6. |
- Berglund, Martina, et al.
(författare)
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Interactive research in production start-up—application and outcomes
- 2020
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 31:8, s. 1561-1581
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to reflect on interactive research as a means to create relevant knowledge in the domain of operations management in general and specifically in the context of production start-up. Design/methodology/approach: The reflection on the use of interactive research in production start-ups was based on a study of two completed interactive research projects. The lens for reflection was a framework including context, quality of relationship, quality of the research process itself and outcomes. Findings: The context was industrial manufacturing companies in Sweden, with different kind of challenges related to production start-ups, such as collaboration between involved functions and suppliers, competence development and work routines. Indicators of the quality of relationship between researchers and practitioners were initiated development activities and new collaboration between functions, within the company, between companies and in supply chains. The reflection of the quality of the research process itself was based on an interactive research process including four iterative steps with regular follow-ups allowing joint practitioner and researcher reflection on the progress. Identified outcomes included increased awareness and competence on how to deal with production start-ups, improvements of communication, work procedures and structures, better use of competences, increased cross-functional dialogue and cultural understanding. Practical implications: Implications for practitioners are the possibilities for knowledge creation through interactive collaboration in research projects enabling exchange between researchers from complementary fields and other companies dealing with production start-ups. Originality/value: The interactive research approach enables joint knowledge creation in a fast-changing context such as production start-ups as well as value-adding results both for practitioners in industry and for academia.
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| 7. |
- Brannemo, Anette
(författare)
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How does the industry work with sourcing decisions? : Case studies at two Swedish companies
- 2006
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 17:5, s. 547-560
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The objective of this paper is to present how two Swedish companies work, or plan to work, with sourcing decisions. The aim is furthermore to analyze if their decision process, or parts of it, can be used as a base for building a rightsourcing decision model. In this paper rightsourcing is defined as; “the process to actively apply in-and outsourcing strategically to be competitive now and in the future”.Design/methodology/approach – Since the business environment is dynamic and the global aspects are increasing, companies tend to focus on what they do best-their core competence. The concept of outsourcing has, therefore, been growing rapidly during the last decade. Many companies seem to have a vague understanding about the risks and benefits of outsourcing, except from a general idea that it will reduce cost. Many companies hence experience that sourcing decisions are complex and the need for a model supporting sourcing decision exist within many corporations. This is accomplished through a literature overview and a multiple case study.Findings – The results indicate that a model for sourcing decisions ought to include, or be based on, following aspects, e.g. the companies overall strategy, the companies core competence, both qualitative and quantitative data and risk analysis. The sourcing process also ought to be made with a process approach, avoiding functional sub-optimization. The results also indicated that financial evaluation and documentation of the decision is important.Research limitations/implications – The multiple case study was conducted in one mechanical company and one engineering company from Sweden. The fact that the study only included two studies could affect the possibility to generalize the result.Originality/value – This paper offers help to companies that consider sourcing decisions.
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| 8. |
- Bruch, Jessica, et al.
(författare)
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Design information for efficient equipment supplier/buyer integration
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - : Emerald. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 23:4, s. 484-502
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe the underlying design information and success factors for production equipment acquisition, in order to support the design of high-performance production systems. Design/methodology/approach - The research strategy employed was an in-depth case study of an industrialization project, together with a questionnaire of 25 equipment suppliers. Findings - The study provides the reader with an insight into the role of design information when acquiring production equipment by addressing questions such as: What type of information is used? How do equipment suppliers obtain information? What factors facilitate a smooth production system acquisition? Research limitations/implications - Limitations are primarily associated with the chosen research methodology, which requires further empirical studies to establish a generic value. Practical implications - The implications are that manufacturing companies have to transfer various types of design information with respect to the content and kind of information. More attention has to be placed on what information is transferred to ensure that equipment suppliers receive all the information needed to design and subsequently build the production equipment. To facilitate integration of equipment suppliers, manufacturing companies should appoint a contact person who can gather, understand and transform relevant design information. Originality/value - External integration of equipment suppliers in production system design by means of design information is an area that has been rarely addressed in academia and industry
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| 9. |
- Bruch, Jessica, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated portfolio planning of products and production systems
- 2014
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 25:2, s. 155-174
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of the research presented is to analyse and discuss critical challenges related A to the development of a production system portfolio. Design/methodology/approach: The study employs a longitudinal case study of an industrialization project at a global supplier in the automotive industry. Findings: This research makes two clear theoretical contributions. First, it extends the existing research on the manufacturing and R&D interface by proposing an innovative structure for production system development facilitating manufacturing companies in their efforts of being fast and cost-effective when introducing new products to the market. Second, this research identifies challenges related to the adoption of a production system portfolio and the necessary actions of a manufacturing company applying such a portfolio strategy. Research limitations/implications: The findings should be seen as a first attempt at assisting the development of a production system portfolio that matches the product portfolio. However, since the findings are based on only one case, the findings are to some extent context-specific and thus need to be complemented by more research. Practical implications: The research unveils challenges related to production system development and provides managers with a better understanding of some of the implications of the adoption of a portfolio strategy. Originality/value: This empirical study is among the first to explore the implications of a production system portfolio strategy. It advances the understanding towards a fully integrated product and production system development.
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| 10. |
- Carlsson, Linnea
(författare)
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Strategizing organizational capabilities for industrial digitalization : exploring managers’ technological frames
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. - 1741-038X .- 1758-7786. ; 34:9, s. 20-39
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – This study draws on technological frames to provide an understanding of organizational processes of strategizing by exploring how strategizing organizational capabilities for industrial digitalization could be understood through managers’ perceptions of digital technology applications. This study complements earlier research focused on industry outcomes by addressing technological frames to understand how strategizing organizational capabilities within industrial digitalization may provide insight into socio-cognitive aspects which may affect technology-induced organizational change.Design/methodology/approach – The single case study uses 14 in-depth interviews collected over two years (October 2020 to February 2022). The study follows an interpretative research design exploring managers’ perceptions of industrial digitalization through a digitalization project.Findings – The case study contributes to research by emphasizing socio-cognitive aspects through technological frames exploring how and why managers’ perceptions of industrial digitalization affect strategizing organizational capabilities. The study contributes to practice by bringing attention to the disparate views of industrial digitalization. By illustrating how socio-cognitive aspects shape organizational capabilities, this study offers managers valuable insight into the relationship between an organization’s capabilities, the individual and the shared structures affecting a digitalization project.Research limitations/implications – The case study is limited to Swedish manufacturing industries and is not aiming to be transferred or generalized to other industrial contexts or countries.Originality/value – This study recognizes that strategizing organizational capabilities depends on managers’ ability to illuminate the socio-cognitive aspects. Hence, the study contributes to practice by bringing attention to the disparate views among managers on the enhancement efforts made using digital technologies.
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