| 1. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Assessing the Sustainability of Food Retail Business: The Case of Konsum Värmland, Sweden
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Service Science and Management. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 1940-9893 .- 1940-9907. ; 5, s. 373-385
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- It is public concern that the impacts of food retail business activities need to be recognized and addressed properly. The main objective of this study was to assess the sustainable business management of a cooperative food retail business in Sweden, known as Konsum Värmland (KV). The necessary data and information on history and status of KV, and its practical activities concerning the implementation of sustainable development principles as well as the motivation and challenges encountered during the implementation were gathered via reviewing different documents, research papers and press releases; interviewing decision makers and other personnel in KV and other researchers who have investi- gated KV. The implementation of sustainability initiatives was analyzed in depth mainly based on triple bottom line sustainability theory. The findings indicate that KV has incorporated the sustainability issues into its mission and values. It practically has been implementing sustainability programs in environmental, social and economic dimensions. It pro- vides environmentally friendly and quality food products using its main brands names for local products. The major drives for KV to implement sustainability initiatives are leadership and employees' commitment, organizational core values, and members' and consumers' awareness. On the other hand, the major challenges to such sustainability initia- tives are high price of greener products, high logistics cost and emission due to long winter time, the seasonality of local product, and high cost of large scale investment.
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| 2. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Box-Scheme Based Delivery System of Locally Produced Organic Food: Evaluation of Logistics Performance
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Service Science and Management. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 1940-9893 .- 1940-9907. ; 4, s. 357-367
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The local food systems such as fruit and vegetable box-schemes are gaining new profitable niche markets as the demand for local food is increasing. This paper presents the study made on box-scheme based local food supply system in Sweden, the Roslagslådan network, in which three distributors of locally produced organic food (LPOF) were the main actors. The objective of the study was to investigate the Roslagslådan LPOF supply network and evaluate its logistics performance. The study was based on literature review, interview, field measurement and route simulation and optimisation (in terms of route distance and driving time) analysis. The geographic information system (GIS) software was used to map the locations of the distributing companies and their delivery points (customer locations) while Route LogiX software was used for the simulation and optimisation analyses of routes for collection and distribution of LPOF, mainly vegetables and herb-based products. From the quantified information, the three companies distributed, on average about 134 boxes of LPOF to about 116 delivery points, once in two weeks period mainly during August-October. The distribution via Roslagslådan network was supplemented with other means of selling: on farm sale, open market sales and selling via supermarket. The route optimisation analysis resulted in significant savings in route distance and delivery time. The savings in distance were up to 76%, 23% and 32% for Company-1, Company-2 and Company-3 respectively while the corresponding savings in delivery time were up to 75%, 10% and 16%. This reduction in distance and time led to positive improvement toward the environmental and economical issues enhancing the sustainability of local food systems
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| 3. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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GIS-Based Analysis of Integrated Food Distribution Network in Local Food Supply Chain
- 2013
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Ingår i: International Journal of Business and Management. - : Canadian Center of Science and Education. - 1833-3850 .- 1833-8119. ; 8, s. 13-34
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Local food producers need to integrate within networks of suppliers, distributor, customers and communityrepresentatives in order to increase their competitiveness. The main objective of this study was to evaluate theperformance of an integrated food distribution network (IFDN) in Sweden. Location and route analyses wereconducted using data of 11 producers, 149 customers and one distribution centre (DC). Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) tools and location analysis techniques were utilized. Route analyses were done considering onenon-integrated distribution system (scenario1) and three different integrated distributions systems (scenarios 2, 3and 4). The results of location analysis indicated that the existing DC is located at best position. When comparedto Scenario1, best improvements were gained in scenario3 i.e. up to 64% in number of routes, 53% in number ofvisits, 74% in transport distance and 63% in transport time. As a consequence, the emissions emanated fromvehicles were reduced. The analyses gave insights into main implications of IFDN such as implication forlogistics efficiency; implication for food and service quality; and implication for environmental sustainability oflocal food supply chain.
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| 4. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated logistics network for the supply chain of locally produced food, Part I: Location and route optimization analyses
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Service Science and Management. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 1940-9893 .- 1940-9907. ; 4, s. 174-183
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Due to a growing interest in locally produced food (LPF), there is a tendency of promoting local food systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the existing flow of LPF from producers to consumers and develop a coordinated and efficient distribution system for producers in Halland region, Sweden. An integrated logistics network (ILN) embracing producers, retailers, a collection centre (CC) and a distribution centre (DC) was proposed. Data collection, location analysis and route optimisation analysis were conducted. Geographic information system (GIS) and Route LogiX software were utilised for the analyses. Four scenarios of food distribution were identified and analyzed. When compared to the existing system, the best scenario improved transport distance, time and number of routes up to 93%, 92% and 87% respectively. The distribution of LPF was integrated into large scale food distribution channel (LSFDC) and this could increase the sustainability of local food system
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| 5. |
- Bosona, Techane, et al.
(författare)
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Potential for optimised food deliveries in and around Uppsala city, Sweden
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of Transport Geography. - : Elsevier BV. - 0966-6923. ; 19, s. 1456-1464
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Food products are among the most frequently delivered items to retail shops in city centres and also need special attention owing to their perishable nature and quality requirements. The main objective of this study was to map out the segments of food distribution systems and determine the constraints and possibilities in developing a co-ordinated and optimised food distribution system in and around Uppsala city, to promote efficiency and environmental sustainability. The study was conducted by arranging a series of seminars, carrying out field measurements, optimisation analysis and emission estimation. Data on eight companies that distribute food in and around Uppsala city, distribute were gathered and analysed. Different tools were used successfully i.e. Global Positioning System (GPS) for field measurement. RouteLogiX for route optimisation analysis and MODTRANS (a Matlab based package) for emission estimation. Optimising the individual routes reduced travel distance by 39% and time by 40% while total optimisation reduced the number of routes by 58%, the number of vehicles by 42%, and the total distance by 39%. Consequently, optimisation could reduce emissions generated by vehicles by 48%. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 6. |
- Fridén, Cecilia, et al.
(författare)
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Higher pain sensitivity and lower muscle strength in postmenonpausal women with early rheumatoid arthritis compared with age-matched healthy women--a pilot study.
- 2013
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Ingår i: Disability and Rehabilitation. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; 35:16, s. 1350-6
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine muscle strength and pain sensitivity in postmenopausal women with and without RA.METHODS: Ten women with and ten without early RA were recruited. All were postmenopausal, and did not use hormone replacement therapy. Measurements of isokinetic muscle strength in knee flexors/extensors, hand grip strength, timed standing, pressure pain thresholds (PPT), suprathreshold pressure pain, and segmental and plurisegmental endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms during muscle contraction were assessed.RESULTS: Participants with early RA were weaker in knee flexors, in hand grip strength and they needed more time for the timed standing. Women with early RA had higher sensitivity to threshold pain and suprathreshold pressure pain compared to women without RA. PPTs increased in the contracting muscle as well as in a distant resting muscle during static contractions in both groups.CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate differences in muscular strength between postmenopausal women with and without RA. Furthermore, women with RA had decreased PPT and hyperalgesia, but no dysfunction of segmental or plurisegmental pain inhibitory mechanisms during static exercise compared to healthy controls. The normal function of endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms despite chronic pain in women with RA might contribute to the good effects of physical activity previously reported.
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| 7. |
- Ljungberg, David, et al.
(författare)
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Lokal matlogistik : möjligheter till utveckling, effektivisering och integration med storskaliga logistikkedjor
- 2012
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Intresset för mat med en uttalad identitet är stort idag. Konsumenter vill veta var maten producerats och uppskattar mat med ursprung i till exempel den egna hembygden. Det finns också ett ökande utbud av lokala matprodukter i butiker och restaurangmenyer, på marknader och via andra försäljningskanaler. Det växande intresset för lokal mat gäller även andra aktörer i livsmedelskedjan, myndigheter och forskare. Många producenter stöter på problem som handlar om logistik och transporter. Det finns därför ett behov av att öka förståelsen för den lokala maten och dess försäljningskanaler och utveckla metoderna för att distribuera den till marknaden på ett sätt som är effektivt, hållbart och anpassat till de lokala producenternas förhållanden. Denna rapport diskuterar hur lokal mat och närliggande begrepp kan definieras, logistikens roll i form av utmaningar och möjligheter, presenterar fallstudier och analyser för att belysa olika lösningar i olika sammanhang, samt introducerar en konceptuell modell för producenternas strategiska logistikutveckling. Syftet med projektet var att utveckla kostnadseffektiva alternativa strategier för logistik och flödeskedjor hos småskaliga producenter och distributörer av lokal mat genom samordning och integration inom sektorn, samt genom att undersöka möjligheterna att integrera små- och storskaliga aktörer i livsmedelskedjan. Projektet baserades på en övergripande kartläggning och tre fallstudier med kompletterande analyser. Projektet har använt deltagande aktionsforskning som utgångspunkt, och fallstudierna har involverat slutanvändarna för att säkerställa att projektets resultat skall komma till användning. Den övergripande kartläggningen baserades på litteratur, intervjuer med nyckelpersoner inom handelssektorn och inom olika producentnätverk, samt en producentenkät. För varje fallstudie har sedan datainsamlingen kompletterats, genom intervjuer med de aktuella producenterna, insamling av dokumentation från transportföretag och beställare, samt egna observationer och mätningar. Med hjälp av programvaror och kartdatabaser för geografiska informationssystem och ruttoptimering, samt statistisk bearbetning, har den insamlade informationen från de studerade systemen analyserats. I en avslutande del av rapporten beskrivs hur erfarenheterna från de olika fallstudierna använts till att skapa en syntes i form av en konceptuell modell för strategisk analys av de småskaliga producenternas logistikfrågor, samt identifieras behov av fortsatt forskning och utveckling. Projektet har ökat kunskapen om logistiksystemen för lokalproducerad mat och skapat ny kunskap som är viktig för att utveckla dem. Studien har visat att logistiken ses som ett viktigt problemområde för många av producenterna. Fördelen med korta transporter väger inte upp de nackdelar som småskaliga flöden och geografisk spridning och variation bland producenterna innebär för logistiken och transporterna. Samordning, optimering och integration kan ändå skapa möjligheter till att förbättra logistiken, vilket har demonstrerats i projektets fallstudier. En konceptuell modell för strategisk analys av logistiklösningar för producenter av lokal mat har utvecklats, som visar på att det finns behov av olika logistiklösningar för olika grupper av producenter, och att det måste finnas en stor flexibilitet i de lösningar som utvecklas. • Modellen använder två parametrar för att dela in producenterna i fyra grupper, med olika behov av stöd för strategisk logistikutveckling och val av försäljningskanaler: o avståndet till den huvudsakliga marknaden o verksamhetens omsättning • Samordning kan initieras med små medel baserat på personliga kontakter, men betydligt fler möjligheter skulle kunna identifieras genom en systematisk kartläggning. En analys av geografiska kluster bland producenterna visade på stora möjligheter till samordning, där det dessutom finns större logistikcentraler för livsmedel i närheten av de flesta av dessa kluster. • Optimering kräver programvara, planeringsresurser och kompetens, men kan vara en viktig möjlighet, med stor potential för transporteffektivisering. Det krävs dock att producentnätverk, handelsaktörer, myndigheter eller andra organisationer kan stötta producenterna. Optimeringsanalyserna visade på möjligheter att minska körsträckorna med upp till 78% om flera rutter kunde optimeras tillsammans och leveranstiderna kunde göras flexibla. • Integrerade logistiklösningar blir allt viktigare för att framgångsrikt utveckla även mindre företag inom livsmedelssektorn, vilket innebär både utmaningar och möjligheter. Personlig kommunikation är fortfarande mest ändamålsenlig för de allra minsta företagen, men för något större företag som vill expandera och leverera till livsmedelskedjorna är det nödvändigt med en fortsatt utveckling av kostnadseffektiva, användarvänliga system där marknadsföring, orderhantering och fakturering såväl som transportplanering kan integreras med elektronisk kommunikation.
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| 8. |
- Nordmark, Ingrid, et al.
(författare)
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Integrated Logistics Network for the Supply Chain of Locally Produced Food, Part II: Assessment of E-Trade, Economic Benefit and Environmental Impact
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Service Science and Management. - : Scientific Research Publishing, Inc.. - 1940-9893 .- 1940-9907. ; 5, s. 249-262
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In order to improve the logistics for locally produced food, and its integration with large-scale distribution systems, the conceptual idea of optimised and integrated logistics networks was analysed and demonstrated in a pilot project of local food producers in southern Sweden. The main objective of this paper was to assess the e-trade integrated logistics systems, economic benefits and environmental impact of integrated logistics systems, based on route optimisation analyses and producer data collected using questionnaires. The study revealed that the introduction of IT-systems for electronic trade had positive and negative economic effects. Internet-based cloud services designed for electronic business-to-business trading and coordinated transport with a common collection centre (CC) were important steps in the process of integration. The pilot project also showed the importance of a flexible organisation and a strong driving partner to con- tinue and develop collaboration. Route optimisation could reduce the route distances, decrease the environmental im- pact and provide economic benefits due to reduced working hours. The lowest estimated global warming potential from vehicle emissions was found when coordination was considered for collection to the CC and to and from the distribu- tion centre (DC). The lowest estimated potentials for acidification, eutrophication and human toxicity were found when integrated collections and deliveries took place during each route. To identify how the local food supply chains should be organised, more case studies of local food producers in different settings and under different conditions need to be carried out. With further case studies and surveys, more general patterns of variation and relations between variables may also be identified.
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| 9. |
- Nordmark, Ingrid
(författare)
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Optimisation and integration in local food distribution
- 2012
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Increased interest is being shown in local, regional and traditional food and confidence in such food is high among consumers. There is also more interest in the transparency of the food supply chain. Therefore places and modes of production and traceability as aspects of food quality have gained more and more importance in the recent decades. This necessitates the development of new knowledge of the specific logistics system to be able to identify successful approaches to improving the local food supply chain. Important questions may arise such as whether local and small-scale food producers can transport their goods more efficiently and how they can improve through cooperation and integration. The aim of this thesis was to study how cooperation, optimisation and integration in the supply chain for local and small-scale food producers can make distribution more efficient and to estimate the environmental impact from the transports. This work analyses, demonstrates and further develops distribution strategies for local and small-scale food producers and distributors, together with their environmental impacts. The work is based on three case studies in Sweden that have distribution systems on different scales. The distribution system in Paper I includes logistics with local food and transport companies in and around Uppsala. In Paper II, a group of small-scale producers in Halland was integrated into a bigger retail chain using an electronic trading system. In Paper III, a distribution system for municipal units in four municipalities in Dalarna was analysed. Data was collected by observations, questionnaires, interviews and from summaries of orders and public procurements. By mapping distribution networks, optimising routes and estimating emissions, possible improvements in the distribution system were ascertained. There is potential for local and small-scale food producers to improve their distribution and reduce their environmental impact. Cooperation, integration and route optimisation are strategies that are suitable for producers to adopt in order to make their transports more efficient.
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