| 1. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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A content analysis of environmentally sustainable logistics - A complexity outlook
- 2010
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Ingår i: Ptoceedings of the 22nd Annual NOFOMA Conference : Logistics and Supply Chain Management in a Globalised Economy - Logistics and Supply Chain Management in a Globalised Economy.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose of this paper The purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making logistics environmentally sustainable with a complexity theoretical perspective. Design/methodology/approach The research is explorative and based on a cross-sectional design focusing on different entities of supply chains. The study set out with a systematic review and content analysis of articles in top-ranking related journals from logistics, transportation, sustainability and environmental areas. Findings The findings show that there is a great gap between the sustainable logistics challenges, and the models and frameworks for approaching and handle these. While the vast majority of models and solutions are based on reductionistic principles and simplified views on reality, the results indicate that obstacles in developing logistics in an environmental-friendly way are both complicated and complex as it involves paradoxes, contradictions and system-wide effects. Research limitations/implications (if applicable) Sustainability in this article is mainly related to environmental issues. Analysis of complex interactions between complex environmental pillar with complex social and economic pillars could provide opportunities for future research. Practical implications (if applicable) The offered results in this paper provides a systematic structure for classifying issues related to logistics sustainability, something that will be beneficial for managers and policy-makers when approaching sustainable logistics challenges. What is original/value of paper Identification, classification and analysis of current problems and challenges of environmental sustainability of logistics are new. This paper also presents a thorough summary of previous approaches and studies of sustainable logistics.
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| 2. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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Developing environmentally sustainable logistics : exploring themes and challenges from a logistics service providers' perspective
- 2016
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Ingår i: Transportation Research Part D. - : Elsevier. - 1361-9209 .- 1879-2340. ; 46, s. 273-283
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this paper is to explore themes and challenges in developing environmentally sustainable logistical activities. The approach is explorative with a cross sectional design that takes advantage of ten case studies out of selected logistics service providers (LSPs) operating primarily in the Scandinavian countries The findings illustrate the major themes by analyzing current and future activities in developing environmentally sustainable logistical activities. In addition, four categories of challenges are identified: customer priorities, managerial complexity, network imbalance, and technological and legislative uncertainties. It is concluded that there is a great need for a holistic perspective where LSPs and product owners together analyze and design future logistical setups The suggested holistic and integrative model, building on a three-dimensional concurrent engineering framework, provides new opportunities for research. Further research is needed to improve the interrelationship between LSPs and their customers in the development of sustainable logistical solutions This paper puts forward recommendations for the sustainable development of logistics by combining the results from the case studies with a review of related literature. This will be beneficial for managers and policy makers when they approach sustainable logistical challenges. The emergence and synthesis of themes and challenges are critical for a sustainable society. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
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| 3. |
- Abbasi, Maisam
(författare)
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Exploring Themes and Challenges in Developing Sustainable Supply Chains - A Complexity Theory Perspective
- 2014
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- To develop sustainable supply chains in a way that their negative environmental and social effects are minimized, shortand long-term targets should be set. The transformation of supply chains towards these targets calls for the development of innovative strategies and the need to continuously identify, classify, and tackle the challenges that can hinder the execution of such strategies. To develop innovative strategies, the patterns of current trends and themes need to be learned and the missing ones need to be identified. The purpose of this research was to explore themes and challenges in developing sustainable supply chain activities from theoretical and empirical perspectives. Six research studies (RS) were designed and carried out. Two explored the patterns of the themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally and socially sustainable in general (RS1, RS2). One explored freight transport (RS3), one, urban freight distribution (RS4), and one, logistical services (RS5) in particular. RS6 explored a complexity theory perspective (CTP) on managing, governing, and developing sustainable supply chains activities. A CTP was chosen because of its applicability and ability to provide an understanding of the complex phenomena that sustainable development and supply chains represent. During and after the design of each research study, data were collected from a variety of sources and then analyzed by different researchers on some occasions and by different methods. Thus, the research design, data collection, and data analysis were mixed and overlapping, because they were not completely sequentially carried out. The aim of the analysis was to generate knowledge by (re)organizing and categorizing the data collected, by exploring the meaning of the data (i.e., generating information), and identifying their patterns of associations. After assessing the quality of the synthesized knowledge, the results were communicated to several target groups through several communication channels. In RS1, five major themes and challenges were identified in making supply chains environmentally sustainable. RS5 led to a deeper understanding of the insights of logistics service providers (LSPs) about the challenges identified in RS1. RS2 led to the identification of five major themes and eight major challenges in making supply chains socially sustainable. In the context of freight transport in RS3, fifteen major themes and five major challenges emerged. In the context of urban freight distribution in RS4, these numbers were eight major themes and seven major challenges. However, the results (i.e., the generated knowledge) about the themes and challenges were subjective: They were influenced by my interpretation of what had been said, observed, or scientifically written. The results were also relative (related to what had been said, observed, or scientifically written), and influenced by the different methods for collection and analysis of data. By combining the thirty-three identified themes in the research studies and classifying them based on their similarities and overlap, four central themes in making supply chains sustainable emerged out: sustainability in goods and services, sustainability in resources, sustainability in corporation, and sustainability in management and/or governance. Similarly, by combining the twenty-four identified challenges in the research studies and classifying them based on their similarities and overlap, five central challenges in making supply chains sustainable emerged out: shifting the values, difficulties of operationalization, dealing with complexity, difficulties of corporate governance, and SMEs difficulties. Taking a CTP was beneficial in understanding the complexity involved in the central themes of making supply chains sustainable. It also led to further propositions for tackling the challenges.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Abbasi, Maisam
(författare)
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Themes and challenges in developing sustainable supply chains
- 2012
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Sustainable development is one of the greatest global challenges facing human beings in the 21st century. In order to tackle sustainability related problems, several global, European, and national targets for 2050 have been set. The transition of supply chains activities towards sustainability targets calls for designing new strategies and continuously identifying and tackling the challenges that can hinder the operationalization of such strategies. The purpose of this research was to explore and classify themes and challenges in developing sustainable supply chains activities in general, and freight transport and urban distribution in particular. Three research questions were defined followed by defining the scientific assumptions and research strategies. Three research studies were then designed and carried out to find trustworthy and authentic answers to the corresponding research questions. However, research design, data collection, and data analysis were mixed and overlapping as they were not completely sequentially carried out. Data were collected by triangulation of different research methods, namely, literature review, content analysis, and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of the data was guided by principles of content analysis, discourse analysis, analytic induction, and grounded theory. Synthesis of the analyzed data resulted in the emergence of categories of themes and challenges, the development of hypotheses, and further discussion. In total, five categories of themes were identified for making supply chains environmentally sustainable, fifteen for making freight transport sustainable, and eight for making urban freight distribution sustainable. Five categories of challenges were identified for making supply chains environmentally sustainable, five for making freight transport sustainable, and seven for making urban freight distribution sustainable. All the themes and challenges were then synthesized to determine the patterns of their association. Five major themes in developing sustainable supply chains emerged, namely, increasing sustainability awareness, closing the loop of supply chains, making supply chains energy-efficient, making supply chains environmentally responsible, and managerial issues. Five major challenges in developing sustainable supply chains emerged, namely, change of behavior, costs, implementation, corporate governance, and antagonistic effects and paradoxical conflicts. As the nature of supply chains and the challenges identified in developing them sustainably is complex, a complexity theory perspective was considered beneficial for dealing with them. Such a perspective can enable us to: take a more holistic view of available sustainability-oriented strategies and activities; analyze the antagonistic effects of strategies and activities on each other; recognize conflicts of a paradoxical character that exist in supply chains; analyze the changes influencing and influenced by the strategies and activities; appreciate enough diversity and freedom among the sub-systems rather than too much simplification of them; design and redesign the transition paths for different types of supply chains. A complexity theory perspective can also be beneficial when governing a transformative transition of supply chains towards sustainability targets. Lessons are suggested in the discussion chapter that may help policy and decision makers in designing the future strategies and in tackling the challenges. The themes identified can be beneficial for increasing the absorptive capacity of industries, practitioners, and policy makers while they design innovative strategies for transitions towards sustainability targets. The identified challenges can also be beneficial for reducing the inertia and uncertainties against operationalization of sustainable development in practice.
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| 6. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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Themes and challenges in making freight transport sustainable
- 2012
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making freight transport sustainable out of a logistics service providers’ perspective. The approach is explorative and the main method for data collection is interviews. The study has a cross sectional design which takes advantage of nine semi-structured interviews from selected logistics service providers operating in the Scandinavian countries. Our findings illustrate the major themes of sustainable freight transport, by analyses of current as well as future activities, in perspective of nine interviewed logistics service providers. In addition, the patterns of current and probable emerging challenges for developing sustainable freight transport were discovered. It is concluded that there is great need for a holistic perspective where logistics service providers and product owners together analyse and design future freight transport set-ups. The analysis of complex interactions among LSPs and other actors of supply chains provide several opportunities for future research. The results offered in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to sustainable freight transport; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy-makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges. Syntheses and discovery of themes and challenges of making freight transport sustainable are critical for a sustainable society. This paper combines the results from interviews with a thorough review of related articles and homepages. The study ends with research propositions contributing to the further advancement of supply chain sustainability and management.
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| 7. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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Themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable
- 2012
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Ingår i: Supply Chain Management. - : Emerald. - 1359-8546. ; 17:5, s. 517-530
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose - The purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable. Design/methodology/approach - The study began with a systematic review, and content analysis of articles in top-ranking related journals from logistics, transport, sustainability and environmental areas, and ended with research propositions contributing to the further advancement of supply chain management. Findings - The findings illustrate the major themes published in 18 journals concentrating on sustainable supply chains with special focus on environmental issues. From the systematic review five major areas of challenges for supply chain management are derived: costs, complexity, operationalisation, mindset and cultural changes, and uncertainties. From all of these areas synthesising discussions are provided and research propositions suggested. It is concluded that there is a great need for models and frameworks that consider the complexity involved, take holistic perspectives, and challenge the basic assumptions underlying most of the research published (i.e. reductionism, positivism and economic growth). Research limitations/implications - Sustainability in this article is mainly related to environmental issues. Analysis of complex interactions between environmental, social and economic aspects might provide opportunities for future research. Practical implications - The results presented in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to logistics sustainability; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy-makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges. Originality/value - This paper provides propositions for research based on the emergent outcome of challenges that can guide research, industry and policy-makers in future sustainability efforts.
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| 8. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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Themes and Challenges in Making Supply Chains Socially Sustainable
- 2014
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Ingår i: [Host publication title missing]. - 9788799743308 ; , s. 182-200
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose Purpose of this paper is to explore and classify pattern of the currently discussed themes and challenges in making supply chains socially sustainable. Design/methodology/approach The methodology was based on a systematic review of the existing literature in order to explore what major themes and challenges have been discussed as well as the significant gaps where opportunities for further research can be found. Findings In total five categories of themes were identified, namely goods/service-centric, humancentric, organization-centric, corporate-centric, and management/governance-centric. Challenges were classified into eight categories namely, inadequate and asymmetric knowledge, shifting the values, operationalization, subjectivity in evaluation, difficulties of SMEs, governance complexity,sustainability leakage, and sustainability washing. Research limitations/implications Focus of the paper is on social pillar of sustainable development in context of supply chains. A more holistic investigation of all the three pillars/ bottom lines of sustainable development (economic, environmental, and social) can be an opportunity for further research. Practical implications Taking a more holistic view of the pattern of currently discussed themes and challenges may be beneficial in increasing the absorptive capacity of industrial and business practitioners when they design and operationalize innovative strategies in developing sustainable supply chains. Originality/value This paper may increase awareness about the social responsibilities of supply chains actors and stakeholders. It may also guide managers, decision makers, and practitioners to better understand the difficulties, obstacles, or dilemmas that can hinder sustainable development of supply chains. The discussion section provides suggestions for tackling the challenges and a section that elaborates on opportunities for further research.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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Themes and challenges in making urban freight distribution sustainable
- 2012
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Ingår i: NOFOMA 2012 - Proceedings of the 24th Annual Nordic Logistics Research Network Conference. - 9789522492043 ; , s. 21-39
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract in UndeterminedPurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore and classify themes and challenges in making urban freight distribution sustainable.Design/methodology/approachThe study has a cross sectional design which started by a narrative literature review and analysis of a sample of related literature (like peer-reviewed articles and EU (European Union) documents). It ended with complementary discussion and recommendation for tackling the challenges.FindingsThe results of the study illustrate eight and seven emerged categories of themes and challenges, respectively. It is concluded that there is great need for a packet of mixed strategies as well as a more holistic perspective where all actors together analyse and design future set-ups and operation of urban freight distribution. Such a holistic view is essential in order to: understand how different actors of the chain look upon sustainable urban freight distribution, avoid sub-optimal policies/governing rules, and suggest close-to-reality solutions for tackling the challenges.Research limitations/implicationsFreight distribution in urban areas is the main focus of this article. In addition, the study is demarcated to eco/environmental aspect of sustainability although it is impossible to completely exclude its interaction with economic and social aspects.Practical implicationsThe results offered in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to sustainable urban freight distribution; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy-makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges.Originality/valueThis study provides a synthesized classification of themes and challenges which can guide researchers, industries, authorities, and policy-makers in future sustainability efforts.
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| 11. |
- Abbasi, Maisam, et al.
(författare)
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Who controls logistics emissions? Challenges in making fragmented supply chains environmentally sustainable from a logistics service provider's perspective
- 2014
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 26th Conference of the Nordic Logistics Research Network: NOFOMA 2014. - 9788799743308 ; , s. 201-218
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose The purpose of this article is to explore the environmental impact of Logistics Service Provider (LSP) activities in the light of increased customer attention and fragmentation of the industry. We try to answer the question, to what extent the LSPs can actually monitor the environmental impact of logistics activities in the supply chain? Design/methodology/approach The methodology of this paper is a literature review, a qualitative interview survey, and three case studies. A framework on sustainability challenges in supply chains derived from the literature is used to structure and analyze the findings. Findings Our findings reveal that despite ambitious environmental schemes communicated by several LSPs, LSPs exert very little control over the actual emissions created from their transport operations. Furthermore, it is clear from this study that any real interest in environmental solutions that impact the cost and time requirements from customers of logistics services are not yet a reality. Research limitations/implications This paper implies that LSP sustainability cannot be investigated in isolation if a company does not manage proprietary resources. Practical implications Our findings imply that environmental policies between different LSPs appear similar, but in practice differs, which stresses the importance of follow-up control by environmentally aware logistics service buyers. Originality/value This paper represents a novel approach as to how LSP environmental policies should be viewed.
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| 12. |
- Påhlsson, Henrik, et al.
(författare)
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Mot koldioxidsnåla godstransporter-tillväxtdynamiskt perspektiv på logistik och godstransporter fram till 2050 : Tillväxtdynamiskt perspektiv på logistik och godstransporter fram till 2050
- 2013
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Det är både tekniskt möjligt och ekonomiskt genomförbart att ställa om till ett CO 2-snålt samhälle2050. Men för att nå en sådan målsättning måste ett antal utmaningar och hinder övervinnas, vilketkan kräva både politisk styrning och institutionell förändring.Denna rapport fokuserar specifikt på samspelet mellan utvecklingen av godstransporter, logistik ochCO 2-utsläpp. Godstransporterna, som styrs och kontrolleras av varuägande företag och aktörer påtransportmarknaden, står för 10-16 % av Sveriges totala CO 2-utsläpp. Trenden för CO 2-utsläpp frångodstransporter är dessutom ökande. Enligt prognoser gjorda på traditionell basis förväntasgodstransporterna fortsätta stiga i takt med BNP så att de blir dubbelt så omfattande 2050. En sådanutveckling står i stark kontrast till de klimatpolitiska mål som Sverige och EU fastslagit som kräverdramatiska minskningar av utsläppen. Den svenska målsättningen för 2030 innebär att CO 2-utsläppenska minska till 20 % av nivån 1990. Det svenska slutmålet för år 2050 innebär nästan en fullständigreduktion av utsläpp av växthusgaser, ett mål som ser svårnått ut med utgångspunkt i prognoserna.
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