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Gatenholm G, Halldórsson Á. Responding to discontinuities in product-based service supply chains in the COVID-19 pandemic: Towards transilience. Eur Manag J 2022; 41:S0263-2373(22)00031-7. [PMID: 36540421 PMCID: PMC9756647 DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose In this study, we identify and characterise how organisations have responded, in ways ranging from restoration to radical change, to discontinuities in their product-based service (PBS) supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Following a theoretical approach that integrates transilience and panarchy theory as a response strategy in PBS supply chains, our qualitative study involved collecting data through 19 semi-structured interviews at six manufacturing firms during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., March to August 2020) and triangulating the findings with the secondary data and that from an industry workshop. Following an inductive approach, we performed thematic data analysis in Nvivo software package. Findings The findings suggest characterising discontinuities in PBS supply chains as unmanageable external supply-side, demand-side or interactional discontinuities or other manageable deliberate or forced organisational discontinuities. Following that characterisation, we developed a conceptual framework combing both resilience and transformation into new service opportunities. Research limitations/implications We gained insights into the first-response abilities and ways of coping among manufacturing firms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though our findings capture a contemporary, eye-of-the-storm perspective on future directions, a longitudinal study on the pandemic could further validate and extend the modes of response that complement mitigation with the ability to accelerate change or innovation of internal process or external service offerings. Originality/value Combining current literature with lessons learned from the firms' immediate responses, this paper's overview and characterisation of discontinuities following the COVID-19 outbreak in PBS supply chains demonstrate how manufacturing firms can foster transilience. As such, it integrates product-based supply chain discontinuities into the domain of service-based supply chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Gatenholm
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics, Division of Service Management and Logistics, Sweden
| | - Árni Halldórsson
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Technology Management and Economics, Division of Service Management and Logistics, Sweden
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Wehner J, Taghavi Nejad Deilami N, Altuntas Vural C, Halldórsson Á. Logistics service providers' energy efficiency initiatives for environmental sustainability. IJLM 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/ijlm-10-2019-0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThis paper discusses logistics service providers' (LSPs’) energy efficiency initiatives for sustainable development, both from an evolutionary perspective and based on a framework consisting of actions, processes (i.e. at the operations interface) and services (i.e. at the customer interface).Design/methodology/approachFollowing a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with sustainability managers at LSPs and the data were analysed via inductive coding. Based on the results and the literature, the authors developed a maturity model for LSPs' transitions to environmental sustainability.FindingsLSPs' sustainable development occurs via operational processes, services at the customer interface, and actions that support those processes and services. Energy efficiency efforts are characterised by process depth that helps LSPs to align with their customers' energy efficiency improvement processes. While services related to energy efficiency connect LSPs and their customers, actions in support vary depending on the logistics activities in which LSPs participate.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed to test and verify the maturity model and to clarify the interdependency of its three dimensions.Practical implicationsBy categorising energy efficiency initiatives and proposing a maturity model for LSPs' sustainable development via energy efficiency, the authors have developed a tool for logistics actors to assess their progress towards improved sustainability.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature by providing a three-pillar framework to understand the sustainability transitions of LSPs through energy efficiency. Developing a maturity model using this framework also contributes to the literature with an approach to assess sustainability advancement in the logistics industry.
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Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify requirements and tradeoffs on logistics services for enhanced circularity of materials and resources.Design/methodology/approachBased on multiple case study design and abductive reasoning, the study investigates 13 different product categories. The data were analyzed based on theoretical, a priori codes from the literature review. Inductive, emerging codes were added to the coding scheme during the analysis.FindingsRequirements of logistics services to support slowing of resource flows are categorized with respect to initiator, location of the service, single or multiple actors, and transportation of parts, products and people. Moreover, the study identifies new logistics tradeoffs: material and people, knowledge and people, and information and knowledge. Transportation of product, people and parts can be reduced by increasing local knowledge and improve information sharing.Research limitations/implicationsThis review contributes to the understanding of the relationship between logistics services and enhancement of circularity by highlighting requirements on logistics services in the aftermarket supply chain that support slowing of resource flows. To enhance circularity, logistics services must extend the traditional material information flow with the flow of people and knowledge, respectively.Practical implicationsThe categorization provides practitioners and researchers with an overview of requirements and tradeoffs on logistics services to enhance circularity of a particular circular cycle. The implications will provide an opportunity to address environmental impact of transportation and improve the utilization of scarce materials.Social implicationsVariety of tradeoffs in logistics services can enhance slowing and hence circularity of scarce materials.Originality/valueFirst, the authors illustrate how traditional tradeoffs in logistics such as flow of materials, resources and people need to be addressed to enhance circularity through slowing. Second, the authors identify two new tradeoffs in logistics services: knowledge flow and degree of customer involvement.
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Sanchez-Diaz I, Altuntas Vural C, Halldórsson Á. Assessing the inequalities in access to online delivery services and the way COVID-19 pandemic affects marginalization. Transp Policy (Oxf) 2021; 109:24-36. [PMID: 36570698 PMCID: PMC9759715 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of incorporating online home delivery services (OHDS) into the concept of accessibility and marginalization. The authors propose a method to quantify access to OHDS and assess levels of inequalities in access to OHDS using data from OHDS providers in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, as well as from transport operators delivering parcels. The Västra Götaland Region in the West coast of Sweden is used as a case study. The results show significant inequalities in access to OHDS. Moreover, there are segments of population under a compound marginalization during the COVID-19 pandemic due to (i) limited accessibility to OHDS services, (ii) high incidence of COVID-19 cases in their area that makes physical visits to a store a risk activity, and (iii) high vulnerability (e.g., high share of individuals older than 65). These results reveal a need for the public sector to prioritize innovations in services that target specific clusters of the population that are vulnerable and marginalized, but also shows the imminent risk for some of these segments during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Sanchez-Diaz
- Service Management and Logistics, Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Ceren Altuntas Vural
- Service Management and Logistics, Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Árni Halldórsson
- Service Management and Logistics, Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, Gothenburg, 41296, Sweden
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Gremyr I, Elg M, Eriksson E, Halldórsson Á, Smith F, Gustavsson S. Exploring power shifts as an enabler for a strengthened patient role in quality improvements: a Swedish survey study. BMJ Open Qual 2021; 10:bmjoq-2020-001185. [PMID: 33648954 PMCID: PMC7925245 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-001185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study examined the relationship between professionals’ perceptions of a strengthened role for the patient and of patient involvement in quality improvement (QI) and whether professionals’ experiences in improvement science were a moderator on such a relationship. Design From a predominantly close-ended, 44-item questionnaire, 4 questions specifically concerning professionals′ perception on patient involvement in QI were analysed. Setting Three Swedish regions. Participants 155 healthcare professionals who had previously participated in courses in improvement science. Results The covariate patient involvement was significantly related to a perceived strengthened patient role. There was also a significant interaction effect between degree of patient involvement and professionals’ experience in the area of improvement science on a strengthened patient role. The result shows that there is a relationship between the perceived level of patient involvement in improvements and professionals’ perceptions of a strengthened patient role. In this study, the covariate, perceived patient involvement, was significantly related to experiences of more equal relationships between patients and healthcare professionals. There was also a significant interaction effect between the degree of patient involvement and professionals’ experience in the area of improvement science, for a more equal relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. Conclusion Increased patient involvement in QI is a means of strengthening the patient role and supporting a more equal relation between patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, empirical evidence shows that the healthcare professionals’ experiences in the area of improvement science support a strengthened patient role and a more equal power relationship, but for this to happen, the mindset of professionals is key. Future research is needed to capture and investigate the experiences from patients and relatives about being involved in QI in healthcare, and to study the effects on quality in care processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Gremyr
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Elg
- Department of Management and Engineering, Linköpings Universitet, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Erik Eriksson
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Árni Halldórsson
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Frida Smith
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Goteborg, Sweden.,Department of Care Development, Regional Cancer Centre West, Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Gustavsson
- Hospital Administration Management, Skaraborg Hospital Skövde, Skovde, Sweden
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Birch-Jensen A, Gremyr I, Halldórsson Á. Absorptive capacity as enabler for service improvements − the role of customer satisfaction information usage. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14783363.2020.1761786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Birch-Jensen
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ida Gremyr
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Árni Halldórsson
- Department of Technology Management and Economics, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bäckstrand J, Halldórsson Á. Engaged Scholar(ship) in purchasing and supply management (PSM): Creative tension or squeezed in the middle? Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pursup.2019.100557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Halldórsson Á, Altuntas Vural C, Wehner J. Logistics service triad for household waste: consumers as co-producers of sustainability. IJPDLM 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/ijpdlm-02-2019-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the sustainability of waste supply chains regarding the energy efficiency of first-mile waste collection systems and quality of waste. Roles of actors in the waste service triad are considered, particularly focusing on households.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data are collected from respondents including municipality officers, waste service providers (WSPs) and households through brainstorming sessions, semi-structured interviews, site visits and a focus group. Secondary data are collected from official reports for validation.
Findings
Findings reveal tension between the energy efficiency of waste collection logistics and the quality of waste collected. Households are co-producers of logistic services providing important inputs in the form of sorting and moving waste and raw materials into new cycles of goods circulating in logistics systems. Other actors in the logistics service triad are the municipality as regulator and the WSP acting as a reverse-logistics service provider.
Practical implications
This study provides principles for policymakers and practitioners to evaluate the energy efficiency of waste management options, considering the quality of waste. Also, “logistics services” and “quality of waste” as concepts might provoke new thoughts on how to involve the consumer in resource recovery.
Originality/value
Few studies have focused on the end-consumer’s role in waste supply chains. By considering waste as a resource and the consumer as the supplier of this input, this study provides a new way to think about logistics services for waste collection.
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Tabaklar T, Halldórsson Á, Kovács G, Spens K. Borrowing theories in humanitarian supply chain management. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management 2015. [DOI: 10.1108/jhlscm-07-2015-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– Within the emerging research field of humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) the use of existing theoretical concepts and frameworks to provide explanation and understanding of the phenomena under scrutiny is not yet well understood. There is still a lack of research on which theoretical approaches are used in this field, and to what extent this emerging field “borrows” theories from other disciplines. The purpose of this paper is therefore to deepen the understanding of HSCM from a theoretical point of view by identifying and evaluating the use of theories in HSCM literature.
Design/methodology/approach
– A literature review is conducted based on academic journal articles included in a well-recognised and publicly available bibliography on HSCM articles (Tatham, 2015). A content analysis is applied to the articles in terms of level of theory, research methodology, disaster management stages, disaster types, and disaster name/region.
Findings
– A trend towards using more established, “middle- range” theories, is evident. However, the use of theoretical approaches is not evenly spread between the different phases of disaster relief. A strong emphasis on SCM as a background discipline is also mirrored in the choice of theories used, which indicates the solidification of humanitarian logistics as a primarily supply chain discipline. The lack of use of other theoretical perspectives and grand theories is, however, still evident, which provides an interesting research agenda for future research.
Research limitations/implications
– The use of the bibliography limits the generalisation of the findings although some trends are evident.
Originality/value
– This is a first review of theories used in HSCM. It provides an overview of the state of the art of HSCM research but contributes to the maturation of research in this field. The paper concludes with a research agenda.
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Svanberg M, Halldórsson Á. Supply chain configuration for biomass‐to‐energy: the case of torrefaction. Int J of Energy Sector Man 2013. [DOI: 10.1108/17506221311316489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Halldórsson Á, Kotzab H, Skjøtt-Larsen T. Supply chain management on the crossroad to sustainability: a blessing or a curse? Logist Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s12159-009-0012-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Halldórsson Á, Larson PD, Poist RF. Supply chain management: a comparison of Scandinavian and American perspectives. Int Jnl Phys Dist & Log Manage 2008. [DOI: 10.1108/09600030810861206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Halldórsson Á, Skjøtt‐Larsen T. Dynamics of relationship governance in TPL arrangements – a dyadic perspective. Int Jnl Phys Dist & Log Manage 2006. [DOI: 10.1108/09600030610684944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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