The dynamic, interactive and complex nature of global supply chains provides a tremendous challenge for supply and logistics executives. The development of global supply chains has become a critical success factor not least for Nordic companies, and should be seen as important in gaining entry into emerging markets such as China and East Asia. Many companies have experienced problems in shifting their supply chain abroad into low cost regions, and supply chains often end up with high total landed costs. This chapter reports on the findings from a case study at IKEA and their global supply chain development. The research aims to better understand the challenges supply chain managers face in global supply chain development.

The number of organizations involved in relief work in general and humanitarian logistics specifically is large and increasing, creating new complexity. Our purpose here is to contribute to the development of theoretical models on coordination in the field of humanitarian logistics.  The study is based on two case studies, one showing the initial stages of the development of the Cluster System in humanitarian relief, the other the post-election crisis in Kenya.  The original cases were restructured according to our theoretical framework and analysed accordingly using coordination dimensions as the core structure. We find that the start-up of operations is skewed by the need for a clear disaster declaration for the Cluster System.  Coordination in itself is seen as controversial, but many aspects that are normally called coordination are not.  Clarity of roles is often missing in the setting, but a certain flexibility is inherently necessary since roles have to adapt to the presence of other actors.  Locally accessible resources will govern the role of the organisations over the phases.  At the same time unclear or excessively wide roles mean much higher demands on coordination.

In this paper we ask how an extended service model is developed over time in the relationship between buyer and seller in the trucking industry.  Extended service models following a service-dominant logic rather than a product-dominant logic are becoming increasingly important in many industries.  Here we report on the initial stages of a large study on the use and development of extended service models in the Swedish market for trucks.  We see considerable promise in studying the development of the concept over time in the interaction between customer and provider. 

Drawing on an in‐depth case study of the Volvo automobile company’s strategy in the early 1990s, before the Ford takeover in 1999, this paper demonstrates how policies designed to reduce inventory costs and slim the distribution pipeline can affect a business’ network of suppliers and distributors in unexpected ways. It also shows how the implementation of cost reducing reengineering projects naturally lead to sub‐optimization and a need to consider higher‐level processes. In the Volvo illustration a manufacturer’s reengineering of its distribution chain evolved into a complete recasting of its order fulfillment process, and an adoption of a process management structure. The paper traces the effects on the network of distributors and dealers and shows how Volvo’s new structure curtails the distribution role of foreign sales subsidiaries and shifts their tasks towards market analysis, demand forecasting and customer service in foreign markets. It also shows how a process management perspective impacts a firm’s value chain, marketing function and organizational structure. In the end, the case demonstrates how a division can cut costs and still become more customer‐oriented – and become a more valuable asset for a diversified corporation.

The dynamic, interactive and complex nature of global supply chains provides a tremendous challenge for supply and logistics executives. The development of global supply chains has become a critical success factor not least for Nordic companies, and should be seen as important in gaining entry into emerging markets such as China and East Asia. Many companies have experienced problems in shifting their supply chain abroad into low cost regions, and supply chains often end up with high total landed costs. This paper reports on the findings from a case study at IKEA and their global supply chain development. The research aims to better understand the challenges supply chain managers face in global supply chain development.

This research aims at contributing to the literature on global sourcing and particularly to the literature on global sourcing development over time. Using case study materials on the home furnishing retailer IKEA, this research constitutes a picture of the sourcing landscape of IKEA from the 1950s onward. The case of IKEA's global sourcing development over time is discussed over three dimensions: sourcing market development (where?), sourcing scope development (what?), and sourcing mode development (how?). The results of the study imply that modelling the linkages between the dimensions and the overarching operational principles of the firm provides a more comprehensive view on how, and why, global sourcing development evolves over time.

The paper explores how international sourcing in retail operations in the case of IKEA of Sweden have evolved over time. The internationalization process of IKEA has been subject for quite a lot of scholarly attention over the years. In contrast to most other studies on the internationalization process of IKEA, this study has its focus on the development of international sourcing. International retail sourcing development in the case of IKEA is discussed over three themes concerning international retail sourcing development at IKEA; sourcing market development (where?), sourcing scope development (what?), and sourcing strategy development (how?). The paper identifies three distinct characteristics of IKEA’s sourcing operations can be identified. The paper suggests that although IKEA’s overarching goals and characteristics of sourcing operations have been consistent, the sourcing operations have still undergone significant change. The paper also suggests that the scope, the strategy selection and the market development aspects of retail sourcing development are highly interrelated.

This study explores the process of global sourcing through a case of the Swedish furnishing retailer IKEA from an interaction perspective. With a point of departure in the streams of existing research on global sourcing and the internationalization process of firms through networks, a research question is proposed concerning supply network interactions as an influence in the global sourcing process. The study uses an in-depth qualitative case study methodology, focusing on IKEA and its development of a supply network for the PAX wardrobe system during the years 2003–2009. The findings draw on 29 interviews in Sweden and China, ranging from interviews with the supply management function of IKEA to interviews with Swedish and Chinese suppliers and sub-suppliers. The findings show that the global sourcing process is influenced by interactions and network effects between supply network actors. In particular, we find that relationships between suppliers were identified and set up by IKEA, but cascaded into deeper interactions amongst suppliers at different supply network tiers. Our study contributes to global sourcing research in indicating the importance of interaction amongst supply network actors, showing how the global sourcing strategy of one actor may significantly influence the sourcing strategies of other actors. Global sourcing decisions therefore need to be understood and coordinated across global supply networks.

Third-party logistics providers (TPLs) and their connections with customers have been described in different ways in the literature.  In this article we consider three important aspects TPLs interactions with their customers.

First, TPLs can be usefully analyzed in terms of the different economies that they achieve, and how they can coordinate differing demands from their customers to achieve efficiency.  The second aspect of TPL interaction with customers is the relation between one TPL and a specific customer, with the TPL providing services of superior quality or low cost.  The third aspect of TPL interaction with customers is the relation between the customers themselves.  We know from previous studies that TPL firms have few customers and deep relationships in most cases (Andersson, 1997).  The consequences for the buyer of the TPL losing or gaining a big customer can then influence the economies of scale and scope extensively. 

The IMP literature has a great deal to say about interaction between industrial actors and we propose to connect this study to IMP writings on interaction and network effects rather than just the effects between a TPL and single customer.  The position of a service provider such as a TPL can usefully be studied by considering IMP dimensions of actors, activities and resources (Håkansson & Snehota, 1995).

We report on the initial interviews of a study to explore the relations between TPLs and their buyers, with particular focus on how coordination of services is handled.  Initial results show that the points from the interviews really touch upon two levels.  There is one level to do with the physical network and logistics operations, and another which deals with the actors and the way they interact.  We suggest that the Johansson & Matsson (1992) model of the network and production system can explain how these two levels interact and propose to employ it more extensively.

Third-party logistics providers can create economies of scale and scope through activity coordination and specialization.  The size and type of customers and not least the way the TPL works with these is highly important in allowing the TPL to create scale and scope.  The issue of TPL relations with other customers is not however part of purchasing criteria as presented in the literature, presenting a significant and for the firms dangerous gap which needs to be closed.  We review the literature and report on the initial steps of a study to address this gap.

Purpose of this paper

The number of organisations involved in   relief work in general and humanitarian logistics specifically is large and   increasing, creating new complexity. In this paper we analyse different types   of coordination in two case studies.    This has implications along many dimensions, including the roles of   participants, long and short term development and coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on two case studies,   one showing the initial stages of the development of the cluster system in   humanitarian relief, the other the post-election crisis in Kenya.  The original cases were restructured   according to our theoretical framework and analysed accordingly.  In total the cases are based on 39   semi-structured interviews.

Findings

We find that the start-up of operations   is skewed by the need for a clear disaster declaration for the cluster   system.  The different roles of the   organisations and differing formal requirements create significant problems   before and after cluster activation and de-activation.  Individual organisations take on many roles   in the cluster system and beyond it, both in terms of vertical and horizontal   coordination. 

Research limitations/implications

The two cases have slightly different   foci with the Kenya case relating to a specific emergency whereas the cluster   system describes the system itself based on development in several   emergencies.

Practical implications

It may be necessary to treat different   groupings of organisations differently, ideally restricting access based on   the role of the organisation and the stage of the disaster.  Participating organisations are of widely   different types and the same way of coordinating all of these may not be   appropriate.

What is original/value of paper

There is a strong need for more academic   empirical research in the field.    Combining these two case studies for comparison allows us to learn new   lessons about how different approaches to coordination have worked in practice.

The number of organisations involved in relief work in general and humanitarian logistics specifically is large and increasing, creating new complexity. In this paper we analyse different types of coordination and roles in two case studies of the humanitarian cluster system based on its initial development and the Kenyan Post-election crisis. The different and unclear roles of the organisations create significant problems before and after cluster activation and deactivation. Individual organisations take on many roles in the cluster system and beyond it in terms of coordination. The clarity of the roles affects the need for and ease of coordination. We suggest a simple basic categorisation of roles as a starting point for developing this concept in the field of humanitarian logistics and connect this to coordination.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the needs of the supply-chain (SC) network when coping with permanent and temporary demands, this paper analyzes the Swedish emergency preparedness SC network. This network comprises planning procedures and resources, as well as numerous organizations and other participants in civil society that take part in the system to cope with threats and ongoing crises. Planning constitutes a critical infrastructure because the system must develop the ability to shift SC functions from permanent to temporary networks in ongoing crises and war.

Design/methodology/approach – A research study is performed based on data gathered by three qualitative methods concerning the SC network of emergency preparedness planning.

Findings – This study demonstrates the relevance of a wide empirical field challenging several theoretical perspectives of the SC network in preparedness planning and the shift to ongoing crises. Further research targeting key capabilities is needed to further improve understanding of the challenges for developed countries in managing potential threats and crises.

Originality/value – Actors taking part in the preparedness system have found it challenging to coordinate. Due, in part, to the lack of a common threat profile, key capabilities remain outside preparedness planning, e.g., military, commercial and voluntary actors as well as unclear and inconsistent regulations. Thus, building the SC network demonstrates the need to target the military, the voluntary and commercial sectors and their ability to develop the networks in preparedness planning. In a reformed system, all actors must strengthen civil defense in an all-hazard approach, which in planning encompasses the entire threat scale, demonstrating key functions and the ability to shift to temporary networks responding to ongoing crises, including war.

Voluntary networks are actors in civil society and central to the emergency preparedness efficiency of developed countries’. This study focuses on the voluntary defense networks in Sweden, a unique set of networks that contribute to the efficiency of emergency preparedness. Through interviews with experts in Swedish civil and military fields and their associated voluntary defense networks, as well as secondary data, we examined the coordination of these voluntary defense networks in practice. Although voluntary network coordination is highly associated with efficiency, in practice, most voluntary networks are not well coordinated. This study confirms that civil and military practitioners in developed countries, struggling with the coordination of voluntary networks are not isolated in their struggle; inattentive practices are indeed the norm. This article also establishes a course that civil and military practitioners can follow to improve emergency response efficiency.

The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding and explore the challenges and conflicts in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) through empirical examples from the heavy vehicle industry in Sweden and China. An exploratory study of the case company’s supply chains in two countries is conducted for this paper. The major components of the empirical data are interviews with the company´s representatives and its downstream supply chain members in Sweden and China, as well as workshops with the logistics industry’s representatives in China. The findings show that the firms perceive the challenges on the regulatory and organisational levels. The conflicts can be found between several stakeholder groups, the main focus seems to be on environmental and economic aspects. Life-cycle solution for the vehicles’ utilisation is valuable but there are challenges to employing it, especially in the Chinese context. The results show that intensified international collaboration on environment and traffic safety can help tackle challenges and ease the conflicts in sustainable supply chain management.

This article investigates the performance-based logistics (PBL) theory and explores the potential of introducing the PBL service model to Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains. A multiple case study approach is used to explore this research question. Four case firms are selected for this study. The analyses have identified several major risks and influencing factors that hinder the application of the PBL model to Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains. However, with PBL's strength to bring sustainability benefits, an extended assessment analysis of the risks and influencing factors is conducted, and the counter-risk strategies are explored. This study has shown there is a high opportunity for PBL development in Taiwan if the obstacles can be dealt collaboratively in the heavy vehicle supply chains. The research findings provide valuable insights into Taiwan's heavy vehicle supply chains and similar emerging Asian economies relying mainly on international heavy vehicle suppliers.