| 1. |
- Gutiérrez Chiriboga, Jorge, 1973-
(författare)
-
Roadblocks to Implement Electric Freight Transports : Challenges for Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers and Hauliers
- 2024
-
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The freight transport industry is crucial for the global economy and a key element of all supply chains and logistics systems. The demand for freight is expected to more than double over the next three decades. Freight transport’s externalities and negative impact on the environment have been highlighted in previous research and reports. At the same time, the latest IPCC (2023) report highlights the urgency to dramatically cut emissions to mitigate the effects on climate change caused by human actions, which also relates to freight transport, which in essence is a result of the design and management of supply chains. A way of reducing GHG emissions from logistics operations is to implement a variety of environmentally friendly strategies, processes, and activities designed to minimize the environmental impact of such operations. Switching to vehicles powered by zero-emission and non-pollutant technology is one of the proposed strategies to reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations. Electromobility is foreseen to become one of the main pathways to decarbonize supply chains and logistics operations. However, the transition to electromobility entails that many actors in the supply chain are affected. Two important actors in the transition are the Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers (CVMs), as technology providers, and the hauliers, as technology adopters. The implementation of Heavy-duty Battery Electric Vehicles (HBEVs) in rod freight transport entails that, as technology providers, and the hauliers, as technology adopters, are exposed to a range of challenges The purpose of the thesis is to describe and explain the challenges of implementing BEVs among Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers (CVMs) and Hauliers. This thesis targets the intersection of electromobility and supply chain management and aims to contribute to the body of research on green logistics by investigating managerial and business-related aspects of the implementation of HBEVs in road freight transports and to shed light on the subject to practitioners outside academia. The research has been performed through literature reviews and case studies. The case studies include interviews, document studies and observations from two commercial vehicle manufacturers (of which one is a main case and one is a reference case), and eight haulier companies. The research reveals that the challenges for both CVMs and hauliers relate to Technology, Finance, Market, Organization and Policy. Further, the challenges take different shape depending on the actor’s perspective, for example, a technology-related challenge for the CVMs such as battery capacity, translates to a technology-related challenge for the hauliers in terms of limited range. Finally, the challenges can be interrelated and might have a reinforcing effect in many cases, which inhibits, even further, the transition to electrified freight transports. For instance, challenges related to technology have a direct impact on operations and finance. The limited range of HBEVs – a technology challenge – results in a less flexible freight vehicle, that requires a more careful planning from the hauliers’ side – operational challenge. The loss of operational flexibility entails that it’s more difficult for the hauliers to accept unplanned transport assignments from transport buyers, which has a direct impact on the haulier’s earning capacity – a financial challenge.
|
|
| 2. |
- Huge-Brodin, Maria, 1966-
(författare)
-
Reverse Logistics Systems : an Interorganisational Perspective, Focusing on Paper Recycling
- 1997
-
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose of the study is to describe and analyse reverse logistics systems. The study is a qualitative case study, and the main case comprise three actors: a supplier of recycled paper; their customer, the paper mill, and the transport provider linking the customer and supplier. Reference cases are recycling electronics and recycling cars.The relationships between the actors were studied focusing on the logistics interfaces between them. Issues of interest were adaptations and co-operation, investments and costs, time horizon of the relationship, power distribution, and driving forces for making adaptations.The findings on these issues do not differ from theory on forward flows. An alternative mode!, partly different from existing models describing reverse logistics systems, is presented. It is built on the conclusion that the part of a reverse logistics system, which starts when the recycled goods are collected and sorted/disassembled, is not different from forward logistics systems.
|
|
| 3. |
- Navarro, Priscilla, 1989-
(författare)
-
THE STRATEGIC ROLE OF PROCESS MANAGEMENT IN SMEs
- 2023
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Literature indicates a greater use of process management in large companies than in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are a major contributor to the global economy, and just like large companies, SMEs face challenges such as a need to respond promptly and effectively to their business environment, despite having limited resources. Practitioners and researchers within process management refer to a trade-off between the operative support that process management provides and the strategic ability of organisations to be flexible in response to their environment and customer requests. The strategic role of process management has not been highlighted in depth in the literature. Hence, the use of process management and its strategic role in SMEs is a research gap which needs to be investigated. This research should include approaches to process management that support the fulfilment of strategic goals without compromising flexibility. The purpose of this dissertation is to enhance the understanding of the strategic role of process management in SMEs. To address this purpose, two research questions were designed. The first research question explores how the fundamentals of process management contribute to the understanding of the strategic role of process management. The second research question explores and analyses the conditions of SMEs and suggests how process management could be adapted to be used in SMEs. This dissertation includes a longitudinal study, with an action research approach, conducted at two companies. This approach provided a deep understanding of the companies and a strong connection between research and managerial usefulness. The results of the dissertation suggest a need for a contingent approach to process management where the activities that lead to competitive advantage are identified. This identification, together with a connection to the strategic goals of the organisations can then be the basis for determining the need for process development of the organisation. In this way, process management efforts can be focused on processes that lead the organisations to gain competitive advantage. Hence, with the connection to competitive advantage, the strategic goals of the organisations and the continuous improvement principle of process management enhance the understanding of the strategic role of process management. The contribution of this dissertation is primarily in the field of process management, by providing results and analyses that support its strategic relevancy in general and specifically for SMEs. A dynamic capabilities lens has been used to enhance the connection between competitive advantage and the strategic role of process management. This dissertation also contributes to research into dynamic capabilities, by providing concrete examples of the interpretation of dynamic capabilities and a connection between dynamic capabilities and a managerial approach such as process management. The context of this dissertation includes environmental sustainability as a societal need to be addressed by the road freight transport (RFT) business sector, constituted mostly by SMEs. RFT companies, in particular SMEs, have limited resources and simultaneously need to be responsive to various and challenging customer demands. The use of this context enabled the inclusion of examples and analysis with a managerial contribution for, but not limited to, RFTs.
|
|
| 4. |
- Oskarsson, Björn, 1964-
(författare)
-
Total Cost Analysis in Logistics : Practical Execution, Learning, and Teaching in Higher Education
- 2019
-
Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Cost is considered a crucial factor in much decision-making in private and public organisations. Therefore, the ability to calculate total estimated costs for different alternatives is important. However, such total cost analysis is a challenging task. Providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for total cost analysis is therefore relevant in several disciplines within higher education.Within logistics management, total cost analysis is for decades by several scholars regarded as a ‘cornerstone’, a fundamental part of the discipline. However, except for describing the basic steps and presumptions, the literature does not give much support concerning how to conduct such analyses, or which the difficulties associated with total cost analysis are. This blank space in literature is not limited to the logistics discipline, it stretches throughout many disciplines. Neither does literature cover how to teach to support students’ learning of total cost analysis.Hence, to address the lack of research, the purpose of this thesis was formulated as follows: To contribute to the understanding of conducting, learning, and teaching total cost analysis.Three research questions were shaped to address each part of the purpose: conducting, learning and teaching.RQ1 What challenges are connected to the process of conducting total cost analysis?RQ2 What thresholds are there for learning how to conduct total cost analysis?RQ3 How can total cost learning be supported by suitable educational methods?The research questions are connected to each other in the sense that the challenges of conducting total cost analysis (RQ1) indicate within which areas total cost learning is difficult, and thereby where thresholds are to be investigated (RQ2). Further, knowledge about the learning thresholds is needed to discuss suitable educational activities (RQ3).The research was conducted by a combination of literature reviews and multiple case studies at four Higher Education Institutions, where both teachers and students were approached. The findings for RQ1 were developed in an abductive procedure walking back and forth between literature and cases. A twelve-step process for total cost analysis was defined, and specific challenges associated for each of these steps. Regarding learning thresholds (RQ2), perceived difficulties with learning total cost analysis were identified in the case studies. These difficulties were then analysed against threshold characteristics available in literature. This resulted in the identification of four total cost learning thresholds. Literature on constructivist-based teaching was used to suggest teaching methods to support learning (RQ3). These types of activities proved to match the ones most appreciated by teachers and students in the studied cases. The twelve-step process provides a more structured and holistic view of total cost analysis than previously available in the logistics literature. The description of challenges with conducting total cost analysis is novel, not only within logistics, but also generally, why this is a major contribution from this research. Aspects regarding teaching and learning connected to logistics, and to total cost analysis, are very sparsely addressed in literature, which makes the findings concerning learning thresholds and teaching methods valuable.The findings are believed to be useful for different stakeholders. First and foremost, teachers can use the findings for designing programs, courses, and course modules which cover the important aspects of total cost analysis with help from educational activities supporting the students’ learning. Second, for organisations where total cost analyses are conducted, the suggested process with its steps and associated challenges can be used to achieve better total cost analyses, and in turn more substantiated decisions. In the longer perspective, better education on total cost analysis at Higher Education Institutions will further strengthen the total cost competence in organisations, thereby improving the total cost-related decision making.Total cost analysis is not unique for the logistics discipline. Although focus in the study has been on Higher Education Institutions providing logistics courses, the findings are to a high extent believed to be relevant also for other disciplines dealing with total cost analysis.
|
|
| 5. |
- Fredriksson, Anna, 1979-, et al.
(författare)
-
Slutrapport Fossilfri Bygglogistik
- 2022
-
Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Byggtransporter står för en betydande andel av CO2-utsläppen i byggprojekt (ca 10%) och en bättre logistik leder till lägre utsläpp, mindre trängseleffekter och lägre kostnader. Projektet Fossilfri Bygglogistik, finansierat av Trafikverket genom Triple F, har 2019-2021 studerat potentialen i att minska utsläppen från byggtransporter med förbättrad logistik baserat på ett systemsynsätt. Projektet har varit ett samarbete mellan Linköpings universitet, VTI, Logistikia, Energifabriken, Renall, Almroths, SanktKors, Stångåstaden, Hyresbostäder, Peab, NCC, RagnSells, PreZero, Lambertsson och Byggföretagen.Projektet har utgått från tre frågeställningar:• Vad är potentialerna med samordnad bygglogistik och vad krävs för att hämta hem dessa?• Vilka metoder/lösningar är användbara för att nå målet om fossilfrihet?• Vad är rollfördelningen mellan aktörer. som är delaktiga i ett bygglogistiksystem, och behöver den förändras för att uppnå fossilfrihetProjektet har tre huvudsakliga resultat:1) Utvärdering av piloter såsom nyttan av bygglogistiklösningar i olika projekt och för olika aktörer, mätetal för byggtransporter och möjliga data för att följa upp, samt effekterna av en HVO-tank på site.2) Potentialerna i att arbeta med en fossilfri bygglogistik utifrån ett systemperspektiv där inte bara enskilda byggen studeras utan även större bygglogistiksystem samt hur man kan beräkna CO2 emissionerna från bygglogistiken för den samlade byggvolymen i en stad.3) En beskrivning av hur aktörerna i bygglogistiksystemet och hur de påverkar olika åtgärder för att minska utsläppen genom sina respektive roller har också identifierats.En av de viktigaste slutsatserna är att det idag saknas rätt förutsättningarna för att implementera en fossilfri bygglogistik i stor skala. Det saknas gemensamma målbilder för logistiken.
|
|
| 6. |
- Navarro, Priscilla, 1989-
(författare)
-
Exploring Process Management as a Means for Greening Road Freight Transport
- 2019
-
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Research has proven that we need to reduce our environmental impact. Sweden has set a goal to become fossil free by 2045. The increasing amount of transport and the need to reduce its environmental effects has put pressure on the companies of the road freight transport sector. Therefore, this business sector needs research actions to find tools that will assist in the greening of its services and operations. My research is a contribution to these efforts from a managerial point of view.Process management is a methodology taken from Total Quality Management (TQM) that has been used in several business sectors to improve business performance. Its process orientation and focus on customers allow companies to identify and satisfy the current and latent needs of their customers. Until now, TQM has targeted customer needs. However, it is experiencing a shift towards incorporating societal needs into the equation. Environmental sustainability is becoming a societal requirement for companies in all sectors. Hence, the purpose of my research is to explore the possibilities of using process management to support the greening of small and medium-sized companies within the road freight transport sector.The frame of reference for my study is based on three well-established domains in academia and their intersections. These domains are: process management, road freight transport and environmental sustainability. I have used qualitative methods for my research. Specifically, I performed a case study at two medium-sized Swedish companies within the road freight transport business sector. The data collection methods involved document studies, observations and interviews at each case company. The case study was performed using an action research approach, which involved setting up meetings, seminars and workshops with each case company. Additionally, joint workshops were performed, which allowed me to observe and obtain results from the interactions between the companies. The analysis is presented for each case separately and then for their interactions. The results are compared with the existing literature from the three domains.I based my research on three research questions. The first was intended to identify the principles and tools within process management that may be applied to road freight transport companies interested in implementing this methodology to enhance their environmental sustainability. I concluded that these principles were present in the companies and are needed for the implementation of process management. The tools included in this methodology can be associated with environmental initiatives performed by the companies in support of their greening.The second research question refers to the benefits and challenges that companies in this business sector may face when implementing process management methodology. I conclude that most of the expected benefits of process management were confirmed. Additionally, a new benefit was observed: reducing the environmental effect of their services can interest current customers and attract new customers to road freight transport companies. The challenges identified during the case study include: resistance to change, lack of knowledge and resource allocation limitations. I also confirmed that a stepwise implementation of process management increases the likelihood of the success of the methodology. Hence, underdeveloped management systems are also a challenge when this methodology is used in freight transport companies.The third and final research question involves the adaptations required for process management to enhance environmental sustainability in companies in this business sector. I refer to each of the challenges found and suggest certain requirements for the companies to apply this methodology. Clear communication from top management, the training of employees and the involvement of all employees are some of these requirements. Moreover, to incorporate the environmental aspects clearly, I suggest environmental efforts for each step in the implementation of process management. By including these efforts in the process maturity model, I conclude that road freight transport companies could use process management as a means of enhancing environmental sustainability.
|
|
| 7. |
- Sallnäs, Uni, 1981-, et al.
(författare)
-
Green distribution alternatives: actors, roles and responsibilities
- 2024. - 1
-
Ingår i: Environmentally Responsible Supply Chains in an Era of Digital Transformation. - Cheltenhamn : Edward Elgar Publishing. - 9781803920191 - 9781803920207 ; , s. 105-122
-
Bokkapitel (refereegranskat)abstract
- E-commerce presents a fantastic opportunity for consumers to receive product deliveries anytime, anyhow and anywhere. However, a major challenge for all logistics systems is that of environmental sustainability, and for e-commerce, the distribution of products to consumers constitutes one of the largest environmental challenges. This chapter focusses on green distribution alternatives for consumers, and thereby provides an overview of how e-commerce can become more environmentally sustainable through offering such alternatives. The chapter starts by pointing to two major trends behind the greening of e-commerce: the growth of e-commerce itself and the increasing societal and corporate concern for environmental sustainability. Building on a series of studies of e-commerce development on the Swedish market, the perspectives of consumers, retailers and logistics service providers paint a broad picture of e-commerce delivery. Finally, today’s as well as potential future challenges for sustainable e-commerce deliveries are discussed.
|
|
| 8. |
- Osman, Mary Catherine, 1993-
(författare)
-
Green Logistics Networks : Roles & Symbiotic Relationships
- 2023
-
Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Logistics actors such as the transport buyer, freight forwarder, and haulier are currently in a transition phase towards more sustainable practices typically referred to as Green Logistics Practices (GLPs). One of the more progressive GLPs is completion of freight transport using fossil-free fuels such as biomethane. Despite knowledge that fossil-free fuels are effective in reducing the amount of carbon emitted, logistics networks need to move faster in transitioning. This licentiate thesis looks at a successful implementation of biomethane in freight transport in Sweden with the purpose: understanding value creation in implementation of biomethane in freight transport from the point of view of the logistics actors. The research takes an abductive approach. The research is built upon a systematic literature review and literature study which lead to a series of interviews and eventually two different case studies of a regional and national network using biomethane. The systematic literature review and interview study of Paper 1 provided a knowledge base for understanding the status of GLP use and logistics actors’ roles. Paper 2, an embedded case study of the regional network, gives a better image of a network’s drivers and barriers in biomethane implementation including network dynamics. Paper 3 as a multiple case study including both the regional and national network allows for deeper understanding of a network’s dynamics, relationships and value propositions for value co-creation. Use of symbiotic relationships from biology inspired the analysis of the relationships between logistics actors and the value propositions which drives value co-creation. Building from the empirical data and analysis of both the individual papers and kappa, four value propositions were identified: communication, innovation, determination for success and perceived support. The analysis highlighted the weight of different value propositions may carry for the different actors in value creation. A constant finding through the analysis was the importance of communication in the relation in that the actor leading the communication tended to benefit more in value creation.
|
|
