Project and Conference Reports - Genombrottet, LTH, Jan 31, 2013
Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education,... more Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education, popularized by the introduction of problem based learning. As a result, management of small groups of people has become an important skill for teachers. The objective of our study is to investigate why conflicts arise in student groups at our home faculty and how they are managed by teachers. We have conducted an exploratory interdepartmental interview study on teachers’ views on this matter, interviewing ten university teachers of various seniority level. Our results show that conflicts is a recurring part of group work, most commonly caused by different levels of ambition among the involved students. We also conclude that teachers prefer to work proactively against conflicts and stress the student responsibility. Finally, we show that teachers at our faculty tend to avoid the more drastic conflict resolution strategies suggested by previous research. The outcome of our study could be used as input to future guidelines on conflict management in student groups at the faculty.
Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education,... more Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education, popularized by the introduction of problem based learning. As a result, management of small groups of people has become an important skill for teachers. The objective of our study is to investigate why conflicts arise in student groups at our home faculty and how they are managed by teachers. We have conducted an exploratory interdepartmental interview study on teachers’ views on this matter, interviewing ten university teachers of various seniority level. Our results show that conflicts is a recurring part of group work, most commonly caused by different levels of ambition among the involved students. We also conclude that teachers prefer to work proactively against conflicts and stress the student responsibility. Finally, we show that teachers at our faculty tend to avoid the more drastic conflict resolution strategies suggested by previous research. The outcome of our study could be used as input to future guidelines on conflict management in student groups at the faculty.
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Dec 20, 2019
Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing... more Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach-A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings-The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications-The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The findings also suggest that a successful transformation requires increased collaboration with upstream and downstream partners. Conceptual models are developed to illustrate strategies and development paths in omni-channel warehousing, and suggestions for future research are summarized in a research agenda. A research limitation is the focus on Swedish retailers in three sectors (fashion, consumer electronics and DIY/construction material). Future studies can include additional sectors, extend the geographical scope and explore cross-regional differences. Practical implications-As one of the few deeper case studies on omni-channel warehousing, practitioners will find new configurations described and analyzed here. Along with conceptual models, a synthesis of challenges and potential solutions are presented to support retailers' practical analysis and decision making. Originality/value-This is one of the first multiple case studies that go deeper into omni-channel warehouse configuration, which is of increasing importance to both scholars and practitioners in the field.
Retail companies increasingly shift to an omni-channelstrategy, allowingconsumers tointeract thro... more Retail companies increasingly shift to an omni-channelstrategy, allowingconsumers tointeract through a single seamless interface of integrated channels. Thisomni-channeltrend put pressure onlogistics and,particularly, warehousing activities, which need tocombinefulfilment ofretail store-replenishment and web-based consumer orders in an effective and efficient way. This explorative study discussestrends and challenges related to omni-channelwarehousing, based on data from 19 Swedish retailers. Differences between retailers perceiving themselves as high performers and low performers are illustrated. The study also highlightscurrent practice versusretailers’ predictions of development over the next fiveyears.
The International Journal of Logistics Management, Jun 22, 2022
Purpose-To meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibi... more Purpose-To meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibility, and variation in delivery and return options, retailers have turned their attention to warehousing and are making big investments in technology. Currently, technology providers are pushing for smart warehousing, a new and under-researched phenomenon. This study aims to conceptualize the term and examine pathways toward implementing smart warehousing. Design/methodology/approach-An exploratory survey was administered to 50 leading Swedish retailers in varying segments. A two-tailed t-test for equality of means was used to detect significant differences between current and future states. Findings-The study found that future smart warehouses will be automated, autonomous, digital, and connected, but that retailers will follow different paths along this journey, driven by contextual trends, e.g. sales growth, wider product assortment, shorter lead-time offerings, and integration of brick-and-mortar and online stores. Interestingly, the study revealed that many of the retailers that aim to create smart warehouses in five years are not the retailers with the most developed technology today. Research limitations/implications-The paper operationalizes smart warehousing in two dimensions: degree of automation and degree of digitalization and connectivity of information platforms. Based on the findings, 16 theoretical propositions are put forth that, based on contextual factors, explain different pathways for retailers to implement smart warehousing. Practical implications-The empirical insights and theoretical discussions provide practically useful guidance, including outlined trends, for selecting and benchmarking automation and complementary technologies in warehouse operations. Originality/value-This paper conceptualizes and operationalizes smart warehousingan original approach. It is also one of the first to investigate the technological transformation in retail warehousing empirically, explaining how and why retailers choose different pathways toward smart warehousing.
The unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains ar... more The unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains around the world. Many international humanitarian organizations have had to ensure the continuity of their already complex development programs, while addressing their supply chain disruptions linked to the pandemic. Process modularity has frequently been advocated as a strategy to mitigate such disruptions, although empirical evidence regarding its impact on supply chain responsiveness and what moderates this impact is scarce. This exploratory research uses supply chain data analysis, qualitative content analysis, interviews, and a three-round Delphi study to investigate how Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières; MSF) and its 151 missions employed process modularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our results show that despite severe disruptions, process modularity-based on a modular architecture, interfaces, and standards-has helped MSF maintain supply chain responsiveness. Specifically, it (1) enabled time-consuming, nonessential tasks to be skipped, (2) relieved internal and external bottlenecks, and (3) facilitated better allocation and prioritization. Our analyses also put forward eight moderators, structured in three dimensions (visibility, alignment, and resource orchestration), which can affect the impact of process modularity on supply chain responsiveness. We extend the literature on supply chain responsiveness and process modularity by presenting extensive empirical results suggesting that process modularity improves responsiveness in crisis situations, how it does so, and what moderates this impact. Our study thereby highlights the potential of this strategy and provides operationally relevant insights that could help organizations to implement or to review and redesign their process modularity. K E Y W O R D S Covid-19 pandemic, humanitarian supply chain, moderators, process modularity, supply chain responsiveness 1 INTRODUCTION The world is currently responding to what has been described by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as "the greatest test since the Second World War" (United Nations, 2020). The unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 pandemic is presenting a challenge for health product supply Accepted by Pr. Martin K. Starr, after three revisions This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
PurposeTo meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flex... more PurposeTo meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibility, and variation in delivery and return options, retailers have turned their attention to warehousing and are making big investments in technology. Currently, technology providers are pushing for smart warehousing, a new and under-researched phenomenon. This study aims to conceptualize the term and examine pathways toward implementing smart warehousing.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory survey was administered to 50 leading Swedish retailers in varying segments. A two-tailed t-test for equality of means was used to detect significant differences between current and future states.FindingsThe study found that future smart warehouses will be automated, autonomous, digital, and connected, but that retailers will follow different paths along this journey, driven by contextual trends, e.g. sales growth, wider product assortment, shorter lead-time offerings, and integration of bric...
The unprecedented scale of the Covid‐19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains ar... more The unprecedented scale of the Covid‐19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains around the world. Many international humanitarian organizations have had to ensure the continuity of their already complex development programs, while addressing their supply chain disruptions linked to the pandemic. Process modularity has frequently been advocated as a strategy to mitigate such disruptions, although empirical evidence regarding its impact on supply chain responsiveness and what moderates this impact is scarce. This exploratory research uses supply chain data analysis, qualitative content analysis, interviews, and a three‐round Delphi study to investigate how Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières; MSF) and its 151 missions employed process modularity during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Our results show that despite severe disruptions, process modularity—based on a modular architecture, interfaces, and standards—has helped MSF maintain supply chain responsiveness. Spe...
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 2019
Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing... more Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The finding...
While recent technological advancements have enabled improved performance in warehouse operations... more While recent technological advancements have enabled improved performance in warehouse operations, companies still struggle with eliminating errors such as incorrect/damaged items or the wrong quantity sent to customers. Such errors result in inefficient resource use, costly returns handling, and customer dissatisfaction. Despite the importance of errors, current knowledge of the underlying causes is limited. This paper addresses the gap by investigating error causes through a relatively new technology -intelligent video analysis (IVA), an additional tool for analysing warehouse operations. A multiple case study involving companies that have implemented IVA in their outbound warehouse operations (i.e. order picking, packing, and sorting) was conducted. This study is the first to investigate implementations of IVA, offering novel empirical insights into error root causes. It shows how many errors reported by customers are actually not made by humans in outbound warehouse operations but are attributable to faulty customer claims, inbound warehouse operation errors, and malfunctioning technology. This study offers interesting insights into the interaction of various technical, organisational, and human factors, thereby contributing to the literature on sociotechnical systems and the human-centric Industry 5.0. Finally, the study outlines a way forward for managers to address and further reduce errors occurring in warehouse operations.
Purpose Purpose of this study is to explore the development pattern of inter-firm resource portfo... more Purpose Purpose of this study is to explore the development pattern of inter-firm resource portfolios and mechanisms that influence the alignment of resource portfolios between a logistics service provider and one of its customers. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative empirical research methodology based on case-study design. Critical realism perspective is used with abductive logic of analysis. Data for study has been gathered through semi-structured interviews from two Finnish companies. Findings Study finds that various resources from both parties are mutually combined to form resource portfolios. Pattern of such portfolio development shows that existing resources are combined between both parties before investing in new resource-base. Further, aligning resources through coordination, adaptation and integration of resources is one of the ways to achieve inter-firm alignment from LSP’s perspective. Research limitations Data was gathered using single LSP with limited respondents...
Project and Conference Reports - Genombrottet, LTH, Jan 31, 2013
Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education,... more Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education, popularized by the introduction of problem based learning. As a result, management of small groups of people has become an important skill for teachers. The objective of our study is to investigate why conflicts arise in student groups at our home faculty and how they are managed by teachers. We have conducted an exploratory interdepartmental interview study on teachers’ views on this matter, interviewing ten university teachers of various seniority level. Our results show that conflicts is a recurring part of group work, most commonly caused by different levels of ambition among the involved students. We also conclude that teachers prefer to work proactively against conflicts and stress the student responsibility. Finally, we show that teachers at our faculty tend to avoid the more drastic conflict resolution strategies suggested by previous research. The outcome of our study could be used as input to future guidelines on conflict management in student groups at the faculty.
Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education,... more Abstract—Students working in groups is a commonly used method of instruction in higher education, popularized by the introduction of problem based learning. As a result, management of small groups of people has become an important skill for teachers. The objective of our study is to investigate why conflicts arise in student groups at our home faculty and how they are managed by teachers. We have conducted an exploratory interdepartmental interview study on teachers’ views on this matter, interviewing ten university teachers of various seniority level. Our results show that conflicts is a recurring part of group work, most commonly caused by different levels of ambition among the involved students. We also conclude that teachers prefer to work proactively against conflicts and stress the student responsibility. Finally, we show that teachers at our faculty tend to avoid the more drastic conflict resolution strategies suggested by previous research. The outcome of our study could be used as input to future guidelines on conflict management in student groups at the faculty.
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Dec 20, 2019
Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing... more Purpose-The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach-A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings-The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications-The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The findings also suggest that a successful transformation requires increased collaboration with upstream and downstream partners. Conceptual models are developed to illustrate strategies and development paths in omni-channel warehousing, and suggestions for future research are summarized in a research agenda. A research limitation is the focus on Swedish retailers in three sectors (fashion, consumer electronics and DIY/construction material). Future studies can include additional sectors, extend the geographical scope and explore cross-regional differences. Practical implications-As one of the few deeper case studies on omni-channel warehousing, practitioners will find new configurations described and analyzed here. Along with conceptual models, a synthesis of challenges and potential solutions are presented to support retailers' practical analysis and decision making. Originality/value-This is one of the first multiple case studies that go deeper into omni-channel warehouse configuration, which is of increasing importance to both scholars and practitioners in the field.
Retail companies increasingly shift to an omni-channelstrategy, allowingconsumers tointeract thro... more Retail companies increasingly shift to an omni-channelstrategy, allowingconsumers tointeract through a single seamless interface of integrated channels. Thisomni-channeltrend put pressure onlogistics and,particularly, warehousing activities, which need tocombinefulfilment ofretail store-replenishment and web-based consumer orders in an effective and efficient way. This explorative study discussestrends and challenges related to omni-channelwarehousing, based on data from 19 Swedish retailers. Differences between retailers perceiving themselves as high performers and low performers are illustrated. The study also highlightscurrent practice versusretailers’ predictions of development over the next fiveyears.
The International Journal of Logistics Management, Jun 22, 2022
Purpose-To meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibi... more Purpose-To meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibility, and variation in delivery and return options, retailers have turned their attention to warehousing and are making big investments in technology. Currently, technology providers are pushing for smart warehousing, a new and under-researched phenomenon. This study aims to conceptualize the term and examine pathways toward implementing smart warehousing. Design/methodology/approach-An exploratory survey was administered to 50 leading Swedish retailers in varying segments. A two-tailed t-test for equality of means was used to detect significant differences between current and future states. Findings-The study found that future smart warehouses will be automated, autonomous, digital, and connected, but that retailers will follow different paths along this journey, driven by contextual trends, e.g. sales growth, wider product assortment, shorter lead-time offerings, and integration of brick-and-mortar and online stores. Interestingly, the study revealed that many of the retailers that aim to create smart warehouses in five years are not the retailers with the most developed technology today. Research limitations/implications-The paper operationalizes smart warehousing in two dimensions: degree of automation and degree of digitalization and connectivity of information platforms. Based on the findings, 16 theoretical propositions are put forth that, based on contextual factors, explain different pathways for retailers to implement smart warehousing. Practical implications-The empirical insights and theoretical discussions provide practically useful guidance, including outlined trends, for selecting and benchmarking automation and complementary technologies in warehouse operations. Originality/value-This paper conceptualizes and operationalizes smart warehousingan original approach. It is also one of the first to investigate the technological transformation in retail warehousing empirically, explaining how and why retailers choose different pathways toward smart warehousing.
The unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains ar... more The unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains around the world. Many international humanitarian organizations have had to ensure the continuity of their already complex development programs, while addressing their supply chain disruptions linked to the pandemic. Process modularity has frequently been advocated as a strategy to mitigate such disruptions, although empirical evidence regarding its impact on supply chain responsiveness and what moderates this impact is scarce. This exploratory research uses supply chain data analysis, qualitative content analysis, interviews, and a three-round Delphi study to investigate how Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières; MSF) and its 151 missions employed process modularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our results show that despite severe disruptions, process modularity-based on a modular architecture, interfaces, and standards-has helped MSF maintain supply chain responsiveness. Specifically, it (1) enabled time-consuming, nonessential tasks to be skipped, (2) relieved internal and external bottlenecks, and (3) facilitated better allocation and prioritization. Our analyses also put forward eight moderators, structured in three dimensions (visibility, alignment, and resource orchestration), which can affect the impact of process modularity on supply chain responsiveness. We extend the literature on supply chain responsiveness and process modularity by presenting extensive empirical results suggesting that process modularity improves responsiveness in crisis situations, how it does so, and what moderates this impact. Our study thereby highlights the potential of this strategy and provides operationally relevant insights that could help organizations to implement or to review and redesign their process modularity. K E Y W O R D S Covid-19 pandemic, humanitarian supply chain, moderators, process modularity, supply chain responsiveness 1 INTRODUCTION The world is currently responding to what has been described by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as "the greatest test since the Second World War" (United Nations, 2020). The unprecedented scale of the Covid-19 pandemic is presenting a challenge for health product supply Accepted by Pr. Martin K. Starr, after three revisions This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
PurposeTo meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flex... more PurposeTo meet customers' expectations on shorter lead times, high product availability, flexibility, and variation in delivery and return options, retailers have turned their attention to warehousing and are making big investments in technology. Currently, technology providers are pushing for smart warehousing, a new and under-researched phenomenon. This study aims to conceptualize the term and examine pathways toward implementing smart warehousing.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory survey was administered to 50 leading Swedish retailers in varying segments. A two-tailed t-test for equality of means was used to detect significant differences between current and future states.FindingsThe study found that future smart warehouses will be automated, autonomous, digital, and connected, but that retailers will follow different paths along this journey, driven by contextual trends, e.g. sales growth, wider product assortment, shorter lead-time offerings, and integration of bric...
The unprecedented scale of the Covid‐19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains ar... more The unprecedented scale of the Covid‐19 pandemic has been a challenge for health supply chains around the world. Many international humanitarian organizations have had to ensure the continuity of their already complex development programs, while addressing their supply chain disruptions linked to the pandemic. Process modularity has frequently been advocated as a strategy to mitigate such disruptions, although empirical evidence regarding its impact on supply chain responsiveness and what moderates this impact is scarce. This exploratory research uses supply chain data analysis, qualitative content analysis, interviews, and a three‐round Delphi study to investigate how Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières; MSF) and its 151 missions employed process modularity during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Our results show that despite severe disruptions, process modularity—based on a modular architecture, interfaces, and standards—has helped MSF maintain supply chain responsiveness. Spe...
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 2019
Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing... more Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore warehouse configuration in omni-channel retailing. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study is conducted with six large omni-channel retailers from three different sectors. Findings The study shows an increase in the number, variation and frequency of flows passing through omni-channel warehouses. Along with an increased variety of stock keeping units (including singles vs multipacks), there is an increase in the complexity of planning and coordination of order fulfillment. Retailers test a mix of different solutions for storage and picking and partly shift focus to advanced sorting operations. The companies already have or plan to invest in substantial automation systems, which emphasize the importance of capturing and using accurate master data. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need to understand the interrelations and co-development of configuration elements in omni-channel warehousing. The finding...
While recent technological advancements have enabled improved performance in warehouse operations... more While recent technological advancements have enabled improved performance in warehouse operations, companies still struggle with eliminating errors such as incorrect/damaged items or the wrong quantity sent to customers. Such errors result in inefficient resource use, costly returns handling, and customer dissatisfaction. Despite the importance of errors, current knowledge of the underlying causes is limited. This paper addresses the gap by investigating error causes through a relatively new technology -intelligent video analysis (IVA), an additional tool for analysing warehouse operations. A multiple case study involving companies that have implemented IVA in their outbound warehouse operations (i.e. order picking, packing, and sorting) was conducted. This study is the first to investigate implementations of IVA, offering novel empirical insights into error root causes. It shows how many errors reported by customers are actually not made by humans in outbound warehouse operations but are attributable to faulty customer claims, inbound warehouse operation errors, and malfunctioning technology. This study offers interesting insights into the interaction of various technical, organisational, and human factors, thereby contributing to the literature on sociotechnical systems and the human-centric Industry 5.0. Finally, the study outlines a way forward for managers to address and further reduce errors occurring in warehouse operations.
Purpose Purpose of this study is to explore the development pattern of inter-firm resource portfo... more Purpose Purpose of this study is to explore the development pattern of inter-firm resource portfolios and mechanisms that influence the alignment of resource portfolios between a logistics service provider and one of its customers. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative empirical research methodology based on case-study design. Critical realism perspective is used with abductive logic of analysis. Data for study has been gathered through semi-structured interviews from two Finnish companies. Findings Study finds that various resources from both parties are mutually combined to form resource portfolios. Pattern of such portfolio development shows that existing resources are combined between both parties before investing in new resource-base. Further, aligning resources through coordination, adaptation and integration of resources is one of the ways to achieve inter-firm alignment from LSP’s perspective. Research limitations Data was gathered using single LSP with limited respondents...
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