| 1. |
- Andersson, Roy, et al.
(författare)
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Lean implementation in the geriatric care sector in Sweden
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage (IJSSCA). - : InderScience Publishers. - 1479-2494 .- 1479-2753. ; 9:1, s. 56-71
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The aim of this research is to examine how lean has been implemented in the geriatric care sector in a municipality in Sweden. The research focuses on implementation experiences and challenges encountered. The research method used is a case study using interviews and observations for data collection. The findings indicate that there are many advantages of lean in the geriatric care sector, such as better communication, organisation and workflow. The lean implementation worked as an eye-opener and created a situation, where the employees realised a great deal of waste in the daily operations. In addition, lean tools helped to reduce the waste. The findings also indicate that there are some challenges of lean in the geriatric care sector, such as the difficulty to create long-lasting lean commitment. A lack of follow-ups, decreasing interest from senior management and lack of a holistic view were the main issues in the case organisation.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Roy, et al.
(författare)
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Lean Six Sigma strategy in telecom manufacturing
- 2014
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Ingår i: Industrial management & data systems. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0263-5577 .- 1758-5783. ; 114:6, s. 904-921
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Lean Six Sigma strategy ensures flexible, robust, and efficient processes. However, to make them more agile in order to sustain in today’s highly competitive environment, something more is required. This could include staff training, strengthening company culture and collaborating with key partners in the supply chain.
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| 3. |
- Ascic, Ivana, et al.
(författare)
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An Evaluation of Critical Capabilities and Improvement Areas for Competitive Manufacturing in a Developed-Country Environment
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 14:11
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research evaluates the critical capabilities and improvement areas for competitive manufacturing in a developed-country environment. A multiple-case-study approach is applied, consisting of three manufacturing firms located in Sweden. The case study combines both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of the critical capabilities found in the extant literature. The research reveals fifteen critical capabilities and sixteen improvement areas for competitive manufacturing in a developed-country environment. The results show that the firms develop capabilities in a cumulative manner, starting with cost and quality, continuing with time and flexibility, and finally trying to improve innovation and sustainability. To develop competitive manufacturing operations in developed counties, it is therefore vital to improve capabilities related to time, flexibility, innovation, or sustainability. Irrespective of the targeted capabilities, they must contribute to cost-efficient operations and high quality must always be maintained. The efforts to develop capabilities related to innovation and sustainability may be expensive in the short term, however they can provide better cumulative results and competitiveness in the long term.
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| 4. |
- Claesson, Frida, et al.
(författare)
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Supply Chain Planning in Automotive Sector : Swedish Case Study
- 2011
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Ingår i: Conradi Research Review. - : Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. - 1459-0980. ; 6:2, s. 33-54
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research aims to enhance the current level of knowledge from supply chain planning (SCP) by analyzing the importance of collaboration, information exchange and a supporting information system in its successful execution. These are examined through a case study from international manufacturing company, which operates in automotive industry with its global manufacturing network. Research reveals that collaboration is a complex and important issue of SCP, and occurs simultaneously in vertical and horizontal dimensions. It is important to select strategic partners and to develop a structured work processes and routines. The main objective of collaboration is to determine common goals and objectives and to facilitate the exchange of information; these together drive the performance of a supply chain higher. A sufficient information system supporting the SCP is vital to facilitate collaboration, and information exchange between the different supply chain participants. However, currently in the case company quite many phases of SCP are completed without appropriate and integrated information systems and the process itself contains several manual phases.
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| 5. |
- Elias, Marcelo, et al.
(författare)
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Shedding Light on the Brazilian Amazon Biotrade : A Study on Sustainable Development in Native Communities
- 2022
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 14:19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Amazon is a biodiversity hotspot. Around 90% of its territory is inhabited by native communities, who spontaneously organize themselves into groups of extractivists and small producers, relying on biodiversity as their primary means of sustenance. This paper aims to discuss how the biotrade of Amazonian biodiversity goods affects native communities with respect to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Based on a sample of 178 native extractivists in four communities, we concluded that biotrade enabled native communities to market their products by adapting to existing conditions, considering the difficulties and the expectations of traditional residents, and contributed to the three dimensions of sustainable development.
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| 6. |
- Eriksson, David, et al.
(författare)
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Creating value through wholesaler and retailer interface
- 2013
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Ingår i: Industrial management & data systems. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0263-5577 .- 1758-5783. ; 113:8, s. 1169-1188
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In the premium price range, retailer collaboration and showroom decoration as wellas information dissemination play an important role in the consumer sector, particularly in furnituresales. The purpose of this research is to report findings from Swedish wholesaler and its process toimprove sales of order driven furniture business.
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| 7. |
- Eriksson, D., et al.
(författare)
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Linking moral disengagement to supply chain practices
- 2013
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Ingår i: World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR). - : Inderscience Publishers. - 1749-4729 .- 1749-4737. ; 4:2/3, s. 207-225
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The purpose of this paper is to identify if and how supply chain practices are linked to moral disengagement techniques and thus might cause moral decoupling (MD). The research uses a literature review and multiple case study approach to investigate this issue. The literature review links moral disengagement to supply chain practices, while the case study observes the existence of the practices, and in what supply chain configurations those practices might arise. Identified configurations that might cause MD are suppliers and external partners responsible for upstream activities, division of tasks, aggregation of materials, auction-like settings, long supply chains, production in low-cost countries, production where people are not considered as equals, and configurations made to reduce costs.
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| 8. |
- Eriksson, D., et al.
(författare)
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Supply chain configuration and moral disengagement
- 2013
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Ingår i: International Journal of procurement management. - : Inderscience. - 1753-8432 .- 1753-8440. ; 6:6, s. 718-736
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research shows that supply chain configuration may facilitate or restrict opportunities of moral disengagement. It is proposed that a moral decoupling point is a point through which materials, information, and money may be transferred, while acting as a roadblock for moral responsibility. Decoupling points allow researchers to understand how moral responsibility is connected with supply chain configuration. By mapping and removing moral decoupling points managers can structure their supply chains to increase moral responsibility of employees and better fulfil ethical guidelines. Empirical material is two-fold in this study. Firstly we investigate media reports of four cases, where Swedish companies' moral is questioned. This is complemented with three real-life case studies from three global Swedish led textile companies.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Hedenstierna, Philip, et al.
(författare)
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An Integrative Approach To Inventory Control
- 2009
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Ingår i: Rapid Modelling for Increasing Competitiveness. - London : Springer London. - 9781848827479 - 9781848827486 ; , s. 105-118
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Inventory control systems consist of three types of methods: forecasting, safety stock sizing and order timing and sizing. These are all part of the interpretation of a planning environment to generate replenishment orders, and may consequently affect the performance of a system. It is therefore essential to integrate these aspects into a complete inventory control process, to be able to evaluate different methods for certain environments as well as for predicting the overall performance of a system. In this research a framework of an integrated inventory control process has been developed, covering all relations from planning environment to performance measures. Based on this framework a simulation model has been constructed; the objective is to show how integrated inventory control systems perform in comparison to theoretical predictions as well as to show the benefits of using an integrated inventory control process when evaluating the appropriateness of inventory control solutions. Results indicate that only simple applications (for instance without forecasts or seasonality) correspond to theoretical cost and service level calculations, while more complex models (forecasts and changing demand patterns) show the need for tight synchronization between forecasts and reordering methods. As the framework describes all relations that affect performance, it simplifies the construction of simulation models and makes them accurate. Another benefit of the framework is that it may be used to transfer simulation models to real-world applications, or vice versa, without loss of functionality.
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| 11. |
- Hedenstierna, Philip, et al.
(författare)
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Design of a Framework for Inventory Control - Evaluation of Forecasting and Inventory Control Systems
- 2009
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Ingår i: Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing 2009 (FAIM 2009). - Middlesbrough, UK : Curran Associates, Inc.. - 9780956230331 - 9781615676279 ; , s. 573-580
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Managing inventories so that overall costs are kept low, while service levels are maintained is the central issue of inventory control, which only regulates two things: the size and the timing of orders. This is typically executed through a planning method, such as the reorder point system or, less frequently, the periodic order quantity system. These take into account a forecast, supposed to gauge the average future demand, and a predetermined safety stock, buffering against forecast errors and demand uncertainty. Pure demand also influences the system, as transactions affect the inventory level. It is crucial to understand how a complete system of demand, forecasts, safety stock calculations and planning methods work together to measure service level and overall cost of the system. This paper outlines a framework for the unambiguous representation of the relations between methods that interpret environmental parameters to plan orders. A number of simulations based on the framework are run to show, how the integration of the inventory control functions may affect the overall performance of the system. The usefullness of the framework lies in its ability to make a system duplicable (i.e. to transfer an inventory control system to a simulation model, or vice versa). Not only is this property important for creating simulation models that exactly depict the system being analysed, it also enables the study of a complete system for order planning, as opposed to optimising individual methods. Studying an inclusive system allow the same metrics to be used to evaluate changes to any method in the system. Another benefit of this approach is that the system's metrics directly reflect changes in the environment. Simulations based on this framework are precise and substantially easier to evaluate than models not adhering to any standard.
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| 12. |
- Hedenstierna, Philip, et al.
(författare)
-
Integrative purchasing and inventory control at sawnwood retailer - case study
- 2011
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Ingår i: International Journal of procurement management. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1753-8432 .- 1753-8440. ; 4:2, s. 139-155
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purchasing order methods and inventory control are vital elements in fulfilling customer orders and building internal performance; this is particularly the case in retailing operations. In this manuscript, we develop different scenarios for various order methods for a wood retailer, where the performance of the different methods is evaluated through simulation, whereupon the fit between environments and methods is compared. Our results indicate that only simple environments follow analytical cost and service level calculations, while increasing complexity increases the synchronisation need between forecasts and reordering methods. In our research we also compare different ordering methods, and find that while the reorder point method is the most robust solution from the retailer’s perspective, it could lead to distortion within entire wood supply chain.
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| 13. |
- Hedenstierna, Philip, et al.
(författare)
-
Integrative purchasing and inventory control at wood retailer : Case study
- 2011
-
Ingår i: International Journal of procurement management. - 1753-8432 .- 1753-8440. ; 4:2, s. 139-155
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purchasing order methods and inventory control are vital elements in fulfilling customer orders and building internal performance; this is particularly the case in retailing operations. In this manuscript, we develop different scenarios for various order methods for a wood retailer, where the performance of the different methods is evaluated through simulation, whereupon the fit between environments and methods is compared. Our results indicate that only simple environments follow analytical cost and service level calculations, while increasing complexity increases the synchronisation need between forecasts and reordering methods. In our research we also compare different ordering methods, and find that while the reorder point method is the most robust solution from the retailer's perspective, it could lead to distortion within entire wood supply chain.
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| 14. |
- Hernant, Mikael, et al.
(författare)
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Managing retail chain profitability based on local competitive conditions : Preliminary analysis
- 2007
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Ingår i: International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0959-0552 .- 1758-6690. ; 35:11, s. 912-935
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Abstract:Purpose – The purpose of this study is to describe the determinants of profitability in terms of the strategic profitability model (the Du Pont model), depicting the “route” to high profitability in grocery retail stores located in market areas possessing dissimilar competitive conditions. Design/methodology/approach – Different physical characteristics (e.g. store formats) have traditionally been used as control criteria, but it is argued in this paper that management principles in retail chains should be based on different clusters of stores, formed from local competitive conditions. The paper proposes a clustering method based on five indicators of local competition. The research results are derived from local competitive conditions and the performance of 168 supermarkets, located in Sweden, and controlled by one retail chain. Findings – The paper identifies four clusters of local markets labeled monopoly, fleet market, venue, and duopoly, based on local competitive conditions. The findings show that the “route” to profitability significantly differs between the clusters. In monopoly the route to high profitability goes through high-gross margin, while in fleet market the key figures are low cost, large number of shoppers per week, and high productivity. Venue and duopoly both gain from high-average transactions per shopper. Practical implications – Supermarkets under different competitive conditions have different critical success factors and would probably be better managed, supported and evaluated on a different basis, i.e. retail chains need to adjust their approach to their supermarkets depending on local competitive conditions. Originality/value – Based on the findings the paper proposes unique management strategies for different clusters of local markets to further enhance current strength areas.
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| 15. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Agent-based decision support for maintenance service provider
- 2010
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Ingår i: International Journal of Services Sciences. - : Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. - 1753-1446 .- 1753-1454. ; 3:2/3, s. 194-215
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Operations performed by a maintenance service provider (MSP) can include the entire maintenance function or select activities; these need to be well-balanced in terms of utilisation rate of own resources, maintenance cost incurred and the uptime of the customers’ production systems. MSPs face challenges due to the task of planning several non-associated plants and with a frequent lack of reliable information. In this research work, an agent-based decision support system of service-related maintenance has been developed. Research shows that this approach can improve the understanding of the problem domain and also generate a basis for decision-making and structural changes.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Agent-based decision support in maintenance service operations
- 2009
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 16th International Annual EurOMA Conference.
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this research an agent-based decision support system for service related maintenancehas been developed, the maintenance planning is complex including corrective andpreventive tasks of several non-associated plants. This type of problem is well suited formodeling and implementation using Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS).The simulation model enables decision-makers to iteratively set parameters, runsimulations and evaluate results. Research shows that this approach can improve theunderstanding of the problem domain and also generate a basis for decision-making.
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| 18. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Agent Based Decision Support in Manufacturing Supply Chain
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Agent and Multi-Agent Systems: Technologies and Applications. - Berlin, Heidelberg : Springer Berlin/Heidelberg. - 3642016642 - 9783642016646 - 9783642016653 ; , s. 677-686
-
Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Supply Chain Management (SCM) is becoming increasingly complex and an intensified competition in the end-markets has started to create a situation where co-operation requirements between companies in a Supply Chain (SC) are increasing. The old mechanistic operations management solutions are becoming obsolete and advanced decision support is increasingly needed to realize efficient and effective management of complex SCs. The objective of this research is to contribute to the understanding of how Agent Based Modeling (ABM) can advance decision making and to discuss why ABM should be regarded as method to realize Information Fusion (IF). In this research work an agent based model of SCM has been implemented in a simulation platform to provide an approach for evaluation of decision and management alternatives. Research shows that this kind of decision support system is based on IF, since it collects and fuses information from different sources into a situation image that provides effective support for human decision making
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| 19. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Competitive priorities and capabilities: High-cost country case survey
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing. - : Emerald. - 2398-5364 .- 2398-5372. ; 16:3, s. 641-660
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PurposeGlobalization and the importance of emerging markets have increased the pressure of high-cost manufacturing locations to sustain operations. However, there are still some countries in which manufacturing is prospering despite high costs (like Germany, Sweden and Switzerland). This study examines seven competitive priorities through 24 different capabilities, using a case survey of four manufacturing companies located in Sweden. This study aims to develop a contemporary understanding from vital priorities and capabilities.Design/methodology/approachA case survey was conducted in four different-sized manufacturing companies in Sweden during the autumn of 2018. In total, the survey attracted 89 responses. Respondents were mainly middle managers and other management team members.FindingsIn general, companies assess the importance of manufacturing capabilities higher than performance and improvement. The authors’ analysis shows that quality priority through product and process capabilities is ranked highest in terms of importance, performance and improvement. In addition, delivery capability shows a similarity with quality. At the other end, being lowest ranked are typically different flexibility and advertising capabilities. This study demonstrates with correlation analysis that most often capabilities have a positive correlation in terms of their importance, performance and improvement needs. Some capabilities show potential correlations across importance, performance and improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to one high-cost environment and to four companies within that environment. Further research should examine the impact of the pandemic era on manufacturing priorities and capabilities.Originality/valueIn general, case surveys have relatively rarely been used in management studies. This research offers an alternative and deeper perspective from high-cost country manufacturing, as the responses are from numerous persons in management positions.
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| 20. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Differentiated Supply Chains Strategies Based on Customer Insights
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing (FAIM 2008), Skövde, 30/6-2/7, 2008..
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Supply chains satisfy customers by striving for delivering the right products to the right place at the right time, atthe right quality and at the right quantity within an increasingly faster pace and lower cost. One implication thatcan be made from this is that the nature of markets is the point of departure in both supply chain design andoperations. Given that organizations usually offer a wide range of products and services with different supplyand demand characteristics, one could argue that organizations conduct business in various types of noncoherentbusiness environments. There has been a recognition that ‘one-size-fits-all’ supply chain strategies onlysatisfies a limited number of business environments, and that it is increasingly necessary to develop severaldifferentiated supply chain strategies to satisfy all major business environments in a better way. This paperemploys a descriptive case study approach to illustrate how a case company develops differentiated supplychains based on customer insights. Case study findings reveal that one efficient way to develop differentiatedsupply chain strategies is to combine different supply and delivery methods into supply chain solutions. Bycombining relatively few supply and delivery methods it is possible to develop several differentiated supply chainstrategies.
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| 21. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
-
Editorial
- 2012
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Ingår i: International Journal of Manufacturing Research. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1750-0591. ; 7:2, s. 99-100
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 22. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Editorial
- 2013
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Ingår i: World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR). - : InderScience Publishers. - 1749-4729 .- 1749-4737. ; 4:2/3, s. 97-98
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 23. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Editorial
- 2013
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Ingår i: World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR). - : Inderscience. - 1749-4729 .- 1749-4737. ; 4:2/3, s. 97-98
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 24. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Editorial
- 2012
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Ingår i: International Journal of Manufacturing Research. - : InderScience. - 1750-0591. ; 7:2, s. 99-100
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)
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| 25. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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ERP Training through Traditional and Intensive Course Formats
- 2009
-
Ingår i: Networked Logistics and Production at South-East Finland, St Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast. - : Lappeenranta University of Technology. - 9789522147257 - 9522147257 ; , s. 145-166
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Bokkapitel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Nowadays Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have a important role in the performance improvement and control of a company and its entire supply chain. Therefore, this system is a vital part of a company’s competitiveness and new approaches for learning are needed to be developed in order to provide knowledge and skills in faster and more efficient manner for employees. Our aim in this manuscript is it to show, how ERP systems could be incorporated in the logistics courses of a university. This environment provides good platform to test new course formats, since most of the university students do not have any previous experience with these systems.In this research the structure and contents regarding ERP system usage in certain courses in the logistics curriculum at a Swedish University are being presented. Essentially, a traditional approach, where computer sessions are incorporated in ordinary courses are compared to a new intensive and flexible course format entirely dedicated to ERP systems. Additionally, the two utilized approaches are analyzed through student evaluations based on courses arranged during year 2008.Research shows that both of the approaches offer good opportunities; the students appreciated the traditional approach, since it allowed them to receive both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, while they felt the intensive to be beneficial in developing practical side further. Consequently, the best alternative could be to utilize both of these formats. Still, this research shows that skilled responsible lecturer, among intensive course setting, is quite possibly one route for faster learning and higher productivity oflecturing.
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| 26. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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In-transit distribution strategy : solution for European factory competitiveness?
- 2011
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Ingår i: Industrial management & data systems. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0263-5577 .- 1758-5783. ; 111:1-2, s. 20-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – Research work describes in-transit distribution strategy by determining and analyzing key principles of it as well as by illustrating its application in practice. Emphasis on in-transit distribution strategy is to turn transportation pipeline as a mobile inventory holding place, and actively dispatching goods to a destination, where there is a predicted demand before any customer orders are actually received. The use of this strategy is supported by current trade flows: emerging market trade has increased considerably, but simultaneously Swedish export prices, for example, have significantly decreased. The paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approach – In-transit strategy is examined through a multiple case study from industrial companies having main factory operations in Sweden as well as using a system dynamics simulation model, and Monte Carlo analysis. These are supported by the second hand data of trade flows between Sweden, and India and China.Findings – In order to be successful with in-transit strategy, the case studies show that excellent planning, working closely with customers, first-class market knowledge, and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that is able to support the process sufficiently are required. Other highlighted requirements of this strategy are low variation in demand, and predictable distribution lead-time. Simulation study of one hypothetical product group verified case study findings, but the authors find it interesting that manufacturing output variance especially is very sensitive regarding to the overall results. If variation increases, then in-transit strategy is not able to deliver for customers with the necessary accuracy. Also increasing average customer demand, and longer transportation delays lead to undesired outcomes (e.g. too much inventory or out of stock situations).Research limitations/implications – The case study and second hand analysis is limited to one country, and further evidence is needed from other European, and possibly North American companies, to verify these findings.Originality/value – There has been a rather limited amount of research works completed from the use of in-transit strategy, even if increased trade activity and lower price of exported items is that of the old west in their exports to emerging markets, and continues to be so in the future (was even strong to China during credit crunch year 2009). Our research is seminal in terms of a developed system dynamics simulation model.
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| 27. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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In-Transit Distribution Strategy : Hope for European Factories?
- 2010
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Ingår i: Rapid Modelling and Quick Response. - London : Springer London. - 9781849965248 - 9781849965255 ; , s. 249-261
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this research the in-transit distribution strategy is investigated by determining and analyzing key principles of the strategy. It is examined through a multiple case study and simulation. This research reveals that the in-transit distribution strategy is about considering goods that are being transported as a mobile inventory and actively dispatching goods to a destination, where there is a predicted demand before any customer orders are received. It can give major competitive advantages by offering rather short lead-times for customers without having to store products locally. This, in turn, gives lower warehousing costs, lower tied-up capital, a less interrupted manufacturing, and steady as well as continous production volumes. It is a workable solution for European manufactures competing in distant market. To be successful with this strategy, it takes good planning, working closely with customers, first-class market kowledge, and a supporting enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Other highlighted requirements are low variation in demand and predictable distribution lead-time. Simulation study of one hypothetical product group verified case study findings, but we find it interesting that especially manufacturing output variance is very sensitive regarding the overall results. Also increasing average customer demand results in undesired outcomes.
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| 28. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Information fusion in maintenance planning
- 2007
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Ingår i: Proceedings of Swedish Production Symposium. - Göteborg, Sweden.
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Industrial production service organisations, companies maintainingproduction machines and whole processes as well as factories, are in great demand ofproductivity and profitavility improvement. Usually performance in theseorganisations arises from high utilization of personnel, superior engineeringknowledge and purchasing expertise/power. However, small and medium sizedmaintenance service providers mostly differate themselves with two first mentioneditems. In this paper we will propose information fusion cockpit to be used in theSME maintenance organisation to enhance problem solving, demand visibility andresource need estimates – hopefully this will enhance the performance of a caseorganisation. As a key input variable to manage large amount of different customerswe identify incoming calls to trigger information collection from vast number ofdifferent databases – the integration of this incoming “demand” is the first step to betaken in the use of more advanced systems. We also speculate in this paper, howagent based artificial intelligence could be used in order to take full benefit frommore advanced system.
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| 29. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Integration and formalization of strategic product development and commercialization in a manufacturing company : A challenge for supply chain management
- 2008
-
Ingår i: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing. - Skövde : University of Skövde. - 9789163327575 ; , s. 532-539
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The last decades a new type of business environments has evolved characterized by rapid and volatile demand changes, short product life cycles, and high levels of customized products. The competitiveness of a business in these environments is mostly determined by its responsiveness. This is characterized by the ability to quickly scale up or down the production volume, the presence of an innovative and fast product development, and a quick incorporation of consumer requirements into the product development. This paper employs a descriptive case study approach to illustrate how product development and commercialization can be integrated into a product management flow to realize innovative and faster product development. Case study findings reveal that the case company has during a five year period increased the number of successful product introductions. Furthermore, the studied approach proves to be successful in this mature business environment where it is essential to develop products based on the consumer need and behaviour and to differentiate the product assortment. Based on our case study we also recognize that the product management flow does not concern supply chain management (SCM) to some extent in the case company – this indicates that further development is needed in SCM applications to support product life-cycle based managerial processes.
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| 30. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
-
Multi-agent-based supply chain management : a case study of requisites
- 2010
-
Ingår i: International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1470-9503 .- 1741-5225. ; 7:2/3, s. 184-206
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Supply Chains (SCs) are becoming increasingly complex, and intensified competition in the end markets has started to create a situation where cooperation requirements between companies are increasing, and old mechanistic operations management solutions are becoming obsolete. In this paper we analyse a real-life situation in Alpha’s manufacturing plant in Sweden, which serves northern European countries in consumer markets. Case study findings reveal that the product-mix flexibility requirements are high and lead-time requirements in manufacturing as well as purchasing take weeks or months, not days. Based on the empirical observations, we propose an agent system for this company and discuss different levels of decision making, operative responsibilities and decision time horizons.
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| 31. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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New Product Development in a Manufacturing Company - A Challenge for Supply Chain Management
- 2009
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Flexible Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing. - : Teesside University. - 9780956230331 ; , s. 1169-1177
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The last decades a new type of business environments has evolved characterized by rapid and volatile demand changes, short product life cycles, and high levels of customized products. The competitiveness of a business in these environments is mostly determined by its responsiveness. This is characterized by the ability to quickly scale up or down the production volume, the presence of an innovative and fast product development, and the quick incorporation of customer requirements into the product development. This paper employs a descriptive single case study approach to illustrate how product development is structured and executed in an international manufacturing company, seeking to realize an innovative, predictable, and efficient product development. The objective is to increase the understanding of how product development and product life-cycles are connected to Supply Chain Management (SCM). Case study findings reveal that the case company after implementing a strategic and structured Product Creation Process (PCP) has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of product development. Findings also reveal that the case company has not yet developed any linkages between product development and SCM. Still, the case company has become aware of this issue due to problems associated with the lack of integration between product development and SCM.
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| 32. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Role of Emerging Markets in Demand-Supply Chain Management
- 2010
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 15th annual Cambridge International Manufacturing Symposium. - Cambridge : University of Cambridge, Institute for Manufacturing. ; , s. 1-16
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research aims to enhance the current understanding and knowledge of the demand-supply chain management (DSCM) concept by determining its elements, benefits, and requirements, and by illustrating its occurrence in practice. In addition, it aims to shed light on the role of emerging markets in this management approach. We examine DSCM through thorough literature review, analyze second hand financial data from world-class actors, and provide single case study analysis from Swedish manufacturing company operating on an international basis in the appliance industry. This research has established that the main elements of DSCM include market orientation, coordination of the demand and supply processes, viewing the demand and supply processes as equally important, value creation in the demand and supply processes, differentiation in the demand and supply processes, innovativeness in the demand and supply processes, responsiveness in the demand and supply processes, and cost-efficiency in the demand and supply processes. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the main benefits of DSCM include enhanced competiveness, enhanced demand chain performance, and enhanced supply chain performance. Moreover, it has been shown that the main requirements of DSCM include organizational competences, company established principles, demand-supply chain collaboration, and information technology support. Research also shows that emerging markets are used significantly to lower costs in the sourcing and manufacturing parts of the supply chain. Based on case study DSCM approach with long implementation time and increased costs (of marketing and product development) will lead into situation, where emerging low cost producers in markets have even higher responsibility from brand supplies, so instead of component production larger entities are in their responsibility. However, this offshoring will occur only in limited extent – significant manufacturing activity of DSCM companies still remains near of most important markets, like Europe.
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| 33. |
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| 34. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Role of logistics outsourcing on supply chain strategy and management : Survey findings from Northern Europe
- 2010
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Ingår i: Strategic Outsourcing. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1753-8297 .- 1753-8300. ; 3:1, s. 46-61
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of logistics outsourcing in Northern Europe through survey research. Research work intends to shed more light on logistics outsourcing with other than case-based company examples.Design/methodology/approach – Survey was completed during late 2007 and early 2008 in Finland and Sweden for the largest companies in industrial and service sectors. Altogether 34 answers were received, and they were gained mostly from industrial and trading companies.Findings – The research results show that warehousing, IT, and customs brokerage outsourcing could have impact on some managerial and strategic aspects of supply chains (SC). Thus, none of the identified difference areas was found to be statistically significant. Potential impact areas of SC strategy and management are integrated IT systems of manufacturing and logistics, reverse logistics procedures, and re-engineering of logistics processes. However, research shows that in-house produced IT function, and potentially outsourced warehousing, have important roles in more international purchasing.Research limitations/implications – Altogether, the amount of responses in the survey was relatively low, but treating Finnish and Swedish companies as one group gives us some opportunity for statistical analysis. This grouping might be one limiting factors of our study, and especially in its generalization power; however, our earlier analysis with the data shows that these countries operate in a rather similar interest area. Another limiting factor of our research findings is the difference in respondent profiles – operating principles of logistics and trade companies are different as compared to manufacturing.Practical implications – Research shows that IT is potentially having an important role in both, international purchasing emphasis as well as on warehousing outsourcing activities. Contrary to the common view, this research gives some indication that in-house IT is valuable, and more integrated applications are needed for example, when warehousing is being outsourced.Originality/value – This is one of the seminal research works regarding North European outsourcing practices, and their affects on SC strategies and management. Both of the countries have an advanced industrial sector, which gives perspective for the readers world wide.
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| 35. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
-
Supply chain management in fashion and textile industry
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Services Sciences. - : Inderscience. - 1753-1446 .- 1753-1454. ; 1:2, s. 127-147
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In fashion and textile business, the demand changes rapidly due to fashion trends and a volatile market situation. This demand is unpredictable and could vary and change completely in a short time, creating high difficulties for supply chain. To create a leagil (lean and agile) supply chain is one observed way for a fashion and textile retailing company to optimise its performance and to remain competitive. One good example from such is fashion retailer Zara, which has adopted leagile approach and combined this with key success factors for fashion retailing. However, in this paper, we argue that the leagile approach is not a universal solution in the fashion and textile business. For some fashion and textile companies, the lean approach is more adequate. Case study findings and simulation results reveal that the lean and leagile approach could coexist as different strategy alternatives – simulation results favour leagile strategy, while five year profitability analysis shows lean apparel retailer H&M to have higher profitability than Zara.
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| 36. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Teaching ERP in logistics curriculum : a case experience from Sweden
- 2010
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Ingår i: International Journal of Business Information Systems. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1746-0972 .- 1746-0980. ; 6:3, s. 295-314
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The use of ERP systems in business is commonplace and often a requirement for rapid and efficient operations. The presence of ERP in higher education can be seen as a prerequisite for students to achieve necessary skills and knowledge, but how can the education be achieved in a better way? In this research, the use of ERP systems as a part of two courses of the logistics curriculum in higher education at a Swedish University are presented and analysed. The traditional approach of teaching logistics, where computer sessions are incorporated in ordinary courses, is being compared to a new intensive and flexible course format dedicated entirely to ERP education with a stronger focus on problem-oriented learning. The results show that both approaches offer opportunities, the traditional approach allows students to receive both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, while the intensive approach provides them with significant practical knowledge and skills. This research results leaves us arguing that the best combination is to utilise both approaches to establish the needed basis for curriculum.
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| 37. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Two sides of a token : coordinating demand and supply at furniture wholesaler
- 2012
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Ingår i: International Journal of Manufacturing Research. - : Inderscience Publishers. - 1750-0591 .- 1750-0605. ; 7:2, s. 101-122
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research work investigates the occurrence of Demand-Supply Chain Management (DSCM) components in a Swedish furniture wholesaler that sources most of its products from China. Three of the eight main components of DSCM were identified in the case company and one component was not fully applicable. The case shows possible caveats of being demand-driven and highlights the need to balance demand and supply sides simultaneously. During economic crisis years 2008-2009, business has experienced extraordinary decline in sales and profitability, while holding considerable amount of inventory at hand. In the long term, supply chain strategy relying on Chinese manufacturing could face increasing challenges in total costs owing to currency changes, transportation costs increase and environmental regulation.
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| 38. |
- Hilletofth, Per, et al.
(författare)
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Using Eurasian Landbridge in Logistics Operations : Building Knowledge through Case Studies
- 2007
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Ingår i: World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR). - : InderScience Publishers. - 1749-4729 .- 1749-4737. ; 1:2, s. 183-201
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This research concerns about the use of Eurasia as a landbridge for container traffic. We present case study findings concerning European-Asian transportation, and this reveals that the lead time advantage of landbridges (with respect of its costs) would be suitable for a manufacturer, but malfunctioning parts of harbours and railway transports hinder the potential of this alternative. Findings from demanding manufacturing logistics are further verified with a case study concerning a Finnish retailer having increasingly important presence in Russian markets. Retailer used to favour railways (~early part of Eurasian corridor) but has nowadays configured distribution operations to favour road transports.
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| 39. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
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A Supply Chain Perspective Reviewing Shoring Cases
- 2023
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Ingår i: Operations and Supply Chain Management. - : OSCM. - 1979-3561. ; 16:4, s. 524-534
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Shoring trend of supply chains has changed over the decades. In the initial stages it mostly concerned about offshoring, however, recently it has changed to reshoring. This study focuses on the mainstreams of shoring case studies from the supply chain perspective with a systematic literature review. We identified 22 supply chain shoring cases from the initial pool of thousands of supply chain case studies. Publishing activity was increasing until 2010, but thereafter it has been sporadic. It could be concluded that shoring always contains numerous risks. As failures were also reported, it is simply so that not too much weight should be placed on costs and locating only to one country. Based on research works, global sourcing will continue in the future, however, new locations and practices shall prevail. Single-sided reshoring supply chains back to developed economies is not the only answer due to costs and supply chain tensions.
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| 40. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
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Cabotage and Sulphur Regulation Change : Cost Effects to Northern Europe
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Business and Systems Research. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1751-200X .- 1751-2018. ; 11:4, s. 417-428
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Change has been persistent in European Union regarding new directive and international agreements concerning logistics sector. Recently cabotage rules were implemented for road transports, and new demanding low sulphur levels applied at English Channel, North Sea and Baltic Sea for sea vessels. Our research concerns the implications to transportation costs of these changes in largest Estonian, Finnish and Swedish companies. Survey shows that cabotage regulation change has resulted in no change within road freight prices (some possibility for decline). In contrary, sulphur regulation has resulted in freight cost increases (up to 6 % higher than before). Interestingly respondents show some movement in the use of different routes to or from Central Europe.Using a longer hinterland transportation route through Baltics has some momentum to grow, while others are under of somewhat pressure. However, this noted change is not significant, and does not concern most the companies.
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| 41. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
Covid-19 pandemic : Early implications for north european manufacturing and logistics
- 2020
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Ingår i: Sustainability. - : MDPI. - 2071-1050. ; 12:20, s. 1-13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- From early 2020 onwards, the world has been going through an unprecedented wave of lockdowns, shutdowns, and preventive measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is evident that these have been harmful for tourism, passenger transport, and the service sector in general. However, less is known regarding the implications for manufacturing and logistics, which is the purpose of this research. We concentrate on reporting survey findings from Northern Europe, and mostly from Finland. Based on trade accounts, it is evident that Covid-19 has had significant impacts on Finnish import and export. However, in survey responses, companies report that they have mostly been able to serve customers in a good fashion, and the pandemic has increased transportation costs only moderately. Inventories might experience an increase due to the virus, however, in the longer term they will likely remain at the earlier levels (or slightly increase). Companies are mostly afraid of the effects of the second wave of the epidemic, and are also already thinking about the long-term issues with transportation modes used together with supply chain dependencies. For example, the Chinese and, in part, Russian, markets are increasingly being served by railways during the current decade. For some companies (especially small and medium-sized ones) and foreign trade markets, however, the epidemic era has been very harmful. Therefore, as a conclusion we argue that the pandemic is causing rather asymmetrical impacts on manufacturing and logistics.
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| 42. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
Deregulation of Railroads and future development scenarios in Europe
- 2007
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Ingår i: World Review of Intermodal Transportation Research (WRITR). - : InderScience. - 1749-4729 .- 1749-4737. ; 1:2, s. 146-169
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A decade ago, the European Union decided that railways should be privatised and deregulated (effective from 2007 onwards). Due to the recent enlargements of the EU and the risk of failures in the decision-making process, it is important to examine early adopters of deregulation policies. We analyse literature and use second-hand quantitative material to thoroughly review this process concerning three different countries (USA, UK and Sweden). In all three cases, the deregulation process has brought positive performance improvements in the long-term perspective, but in the short to medium term, there are a number of problems and warning examples, especially arising from UK case.
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| 43. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
Era of Uncertain Events: Swedish Foreign Trade in 2010-2023
- 2024
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sweden is one of the success stories of international trade in rapidly changing and challenged global markets experienced in recent decades. In this research work, we analyze trade change of 2010-2023 period. When it comes to imports, the role of Russia, United Kingdom (UK) and Denmark has declined, while the role of the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland show increase. For exports, a diminishing role of UK and Russia could be detected, while the role of the Unites States, Poland and China has increased. Our interpretation is that these trade changes are due to global macro-level political changes. Both Brexit (2016 onwards) and Russian invasion of Ukraine (2014 onwards) are having long-term effects. Before both UK and Russia held high importance; however, in the recent years, especially exports to USA have played an important role, and is providing growth and surplus. Despite declining importance, UK trade has remained in surplus, and could be characterized as a slower-moving market.
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| 44. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
Export based strategy or manufacturing establishment? : Speculating with Russian market
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1742-7967 .- 1742-7975. ; 4:2, s. 155-183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Among China and India, former Eastern European countries, and especially Russia has been identified as one of the most lucrative market, e.g. in retail sector. However, this market has experienced quite enormous changes during the last two decades, and manufacturing establishment is considered to contain numerous risks, especially functionality of supply chains (incoming flows and distribution) is one of the main reasons. Our longitudinal case study research confirms this, and shows how difficult it is to achieve comparable cost efficiency in Russia as compared to other factories inside of the same company, but operating in well-developed high-cost country. Due to this, and by the fact that foreign companies still favour export based strategies, we develop mathematical models to evaluate which foreign transit harbours would provide lowest distribution costs. Our research results show that only small number of seaports needs to be considered, if distribution costs are the only issue to be concerned.
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| 45. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
From Northern Europe to Russia and Asia, and Vice Versa : Traffic Flow Analysis – Current Situation and Development trends
- 2006
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Industrial Logistics, ICIL '2006. - Kaunas : Technologija. - 9955250828 - 9789955250821 ; , s. 96-107
-
Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Large amounts of European manufacturers have enlarged their manufacturing networks to Asia, in most of the occasions to China and India. Also the growing demand in Asia as well as in Russia creates increasing need for cost efficient and lead time wise supply chain solutions. It depends on the used manufacturing and supply chain strategy, whether manufacturing units in a company's network use market focused (factory in particular region serves that market needs) or product group based (one manufacturing unit takes global delivery responsibility) control. In either case, manufacturers at the moment use "local sourcing" strategy to enhance supply chain control and responsiveness. However, this approach is incapable to use global sourcing opportunities, and utilize cheap raw materials and semi-finished items from Asia and Russia to be used in European manufacturing units. The constraints in this process are the transportation costs and delays; sea container transportation from Asia is cheap, but takes long time to be shipped to Europe (nearly two months), and correspondingly air transportation is expensive, and sets restrictions for the package size and weight. At the moment a third alternative also exist, where items are transported between Europe, Russia and Asia through Trans-Asian Railway network. This route provides moderate cost efficiency (as compared to air transportation) and lead time advantage (as compared to sea containers).In this paper we analyze the survey research results, which was targeted on the largest manufacturers and retailers in Finland and Sweden. Based on the survey analysis, we estimate how transportation modal split (between road, sea, railway and air) will evolve in the future, and how traffic flows develop between Europe, Russia, South-Korea, India, China, and Japan. We also present estimation from the future transportation costs development. In the analysis phase we also consider, how large volumes could be shifted to railway connection, and how wise customer picking could smoothen the transportation amounts from and to Russia/Asia. Also avenues for further research are being proposed based on our quantitative analysis.
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| 46. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
From Northern Europe to Russia and Asia, and vice versa : traffic flow analysis – current situation and development trends
- 2010
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Ingår i: International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management. - : InderScience Publishers. - 1742-7967 .- 1742-7975. ; 6:2, s. 205-217
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- European manufacturers have enlarged their manufacturing networks to Asia. Also, the growing demand in Asia as well as in Russia creates challenge for supply chain solutions. This research presents survey research results, targeted on the largest manufacturers and retailers in Finland and Sweden. We estimate how transportation modal split (road, sea, railway and air) will evolve in the future, and how traffic flows will develop between Europe, Russia, and Asian countries. We also present an estimation of the future transportation costs development. In the analysis phase, it is also considered how large volumes could be shifted to favour railway connection.
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| 47. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka
(författare)
-
In the Midst of the Coronavirus and Geopolitical Crises—Inventory Efficiency and Challenges Faced in Finland
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Journal of Risk and Financial Management. - Switzerland : MDPI. - 1911-8074. ; 16:1
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the world lived through loose monetary policy and low interest rates. These were further reinforced in 2020, and product-based demand increased throughout the world. Due to these, as well as the suddenly developing geopolitical crisis in Ukraine, inflation started to accelerate (both consumer and producer), and this was especially the case in Europe. Therefore, there is a need for descriptive analysis on how trade and manufacturing companies have reacted to the existing multifaced crisis. This research used data of Finnish publicly traded companies. On the basis of the results, inventories increased in the longer term, especially in 2021 and 2022 (the first half of the year). Content analysis revealed reasons for inventory build-up in 2021–2022, with these being the result of many different causes. In some cases, business expansion or decline was said to be the reason, while in others, it was availability issues faced and purchasing price increases experienced. Interestingly, Russia was directly mentioned as a reason by only a few companies.
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| 48. |
- Hilmola, Olli-Pekka, et al.
(författare)
-
Manufacturing strategy in SMEs and its performance implications
- 2015
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Ingår i: Industrial management & data systems. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 0263-5577 .- 1758-5783. ; 115:6, s. 1004-1021
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose– West European manufacturing has been going through challenging times after the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. Some countries (e.g. Sweden and Germany) have recovered from the crisis, while in others problems and job loss still persist. One of these problem countries is Finland. The purpose of this paper is to examine manufacturing strategy priorities and their performance implications in this country.Design/methodology/approach– During the spring of 2014, a web-based survey was conducted, targeting Finnish manufacturing companies. In this study we focus on small- and medium-sized (SMEs) companies and link survey responses to financial performance data, which is available in audited annual reports.Findings– Research results indicate that SME manufacturers in Finland put less emphasis in new product development, broadness of product line and after sales service, while showing high priority in delivery speed and punctuality. As the manufacturing strategy dimensions are connected to audited financial data, regression analyses reveal that superior quality is at central place for achieving higher revenues and profits. After sales service has a positive impact on revenues and new product development ability is connected to higher profits. Managing quality to meet specifications (minimum quality level), leads only into higher employment. Some evidence is shown in support of flexibility in terms of product changes having negative impact on revenue, while volume flexibility is connected to lower profits.Research limitations/implications– This research is limited to a single country, and is cross-sectional in nature. The primary data were combined with profit and loss statements in order to reduce common method bias.Practical implications– It is evident that SMEs may adapt their manufacturing strategy, with emphasis on superior quality together with properly managed after sales service and new product development activity. However, it is worrying that head count in manufacturing SMEs is not connected to same factors, as are revenue and profit. It is suggested that flexibility in labour contracts and other regulatory support measures are needed to support flexible manufacturing.Originality/value– Advanced economies and their remaining manufacturing companies have been receiving minor levels of interest in research. This is especially the case with SMEs, where this research tries to fill important research gap.
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| 49. |
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| 50. |
- Häkkinen, Lotta, et al.
(författare)
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Logistics integration in horizontal mergers and acquisitions
- 2004
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Ingår i: International Journal of Logistics Management. - : Emerald. - 0957-4093. ; 15:1, s. 27-42
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this article, we describe the integration of logistics after Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) of firms within the same industry and, same industry level (i.e. horizontal M&As). First, we present a review of the literature on M&As and conclude that operational issues, in general, and logistics issues, in particular, have received little attention. In parallel with the literature review, we conducted an exploratory survey of Swedish and Finnish manufacturers that had accomplished horizontal M&As during 1995‐2001. The aim of the survey was to find out how management perceives the importance of logistics issues in M&As and also, how difficult it is to realize synergies in logistics. Finally, we present a framework for further studies and the analysis of the interrelationship between logistics and M&As.
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