Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to identify Swedish foundries’ challenges regarding circularity and sustainability demands and explore how SME foundries can be more sustainable and circular.

Method: The research approach used in this study is an exploratory multiple-case study. The research questions are answered by using qualitative data through interviews and observations as data collection methods.

Findings: The study’s findings present many challenges for Swedish foundries. The main challenges identified are fluctuations in demand, Just-in-Time, extra transports, and the availability of suitable supply chain partners.

The challenge of demand fluctuations for SME foundries resulted in a recommendation on how SMEs can face the challenge. The recommendation aims to reallocate capacity by warehousing, followed by increasing communication in the supply chain. The study concludes that Swedish foundries are far from achieving circular supply chains but strive for sustainable foundries.

Practical Implications: Organizations could use this thesis as a point of reference to compare and reflect on their foundry operations. Since SMEs are targeted for facing challenges in the industry, practical implications could provide a recommendation for organizations and managers in the foundry industry to collaborate more efficiently with OEMs.

Theoretical Implications: This study contributes to the existing knowledge with a new perspective as the challenges connected to sustainability and circularity have been a gap for academia in the foundry industry.

Delimitations: This thesis delimitates within the supply chain of one SME and two OEMs in the Swedish foundry industry. The SME’s role in the supply chain is a supplier of casted components, while the OEMs are both a producer of castings and a customer of components. The areas within the supply chain studied are castings, materials, logistics, production, and sustainability & circularity.

The purpose of this study is to improve the production flow in a mixed-model assembly line. This has been achieved by first identifying the problems in a mixed-model assembly line and proposing the solutions that can be applied to the problems. In addition, the purpose will be fulfilled with the help of the existing studies and by answering the research questions.

Purpose – This research is investigating the Swedish banks transitioning to cashless bank offices. The investigation is carried out to fully understand the reasons behind the transition and what impacts it brought upon the stakeholders affected by it. The purpose of this is to analyze the transition for social and economic effects so that it can be concluded whether the transition was a move towards sustainable banking. 

Method – The researchers carried out a case study at one of the biggest banks in Sweden. The empirical data for the research was collected through qualitative interviews and a survey with the bank’s employees as participants. 

Findings – Several reasons for the transition to cashless banking were found. Both positive and negative effects brought up on stakeholders were also illuminated from the transition. The transition could not be deemed entirely as a move towards sustainable banking due to negative effects on stakeholders. However, it provides important information about the negative impacts and the stakeholders affected. 

Implications – No clear answers can be provided due to many interrelated factors that are surrounding the transition, further studies need to be made to which are more focused on each the role of each and one of these factors. 

Limitations – The case study is carried out in the Swedish banking sector, therefore, is geographically limited to Sweden as the transition might be different in different societies. The research is investigating the social and economic impacts brought by the cashless transition. Thus, the findings do not provide data regarding environmental impacts.

Syfte – Studien avser att undersöka hur inkorporering av logistik i byggprojektering kan effektivisera materialhanteringen i byggproduktion som bedrivs av SME. För att uppnå syftet kommer frågeställningarna nedan besvaras:Hur uppstår slöserier vid materialhantering i byggproduktion?Hur kan inkorporering av logistik i byggprojektering minimera slöserier i byggproduktion?

Metod – För att uppnå studiens syfte har en fallstudie genomförts på ett specifikt byggprojekt där byggentreprenören är ett SME. Datainsamlingen har skett genom en fallstudie där datainsamlingstekniker som intervjuer, observationer och dokumentstudier har använts. Den insamlade empirin har analyserats mot studiens referensram för att uppfylla studiens syfte.

Resultat – Inledningsvis identifierades icke värdeskapande aktiviteter i byggproduktionens materialhantering. De slöserier som identifierades är väntan, lager, överarbete, rörelse, omarbete samt medarbetarnas outnyttjade kreativitet. Utifrån framtagen empiri, litteratur och diskussion mellan författarna har logistikverktyg tagits fram för att hantera de aktiviteter som inte skapar värde. I studien framkom det att det finns ett bristande logistiktänk i byggprojekt som bedrivs av SME. Det visades vara bristfällig planering av hur material bör hanteras, vilket författarna anser har en negativ påverkan på effektiviteten i byggproduktion. De framtagna logistikverktygen kan skapa möjlighet till effektivare byggproduktion, där effekten anses bli större om de implementeras under byggprojektering.

Implikationer – Genom att undersöka hur slöserier uppstår kan de förebyggas med föreslagna logistikverktyg under byggprojektering och därmed skapa en effektivare byggproduktion för SME. De teoretiska implikationerna hjälper till att överbygga det forskningsgap som finns kring hur logistik bör inkorporeras i byggprojektering för att effektivisera materialhanteringen, specifikt för SME.

Metoddiskussion – Studien som genomförts var av enfallsdesign då fallstudien har utförts på ett specifikt byggprojekt. För att ge en ökad grund för diskussion hade fler byggprojekt kunnat studeras inom fallstudien. Detta för att styrka det resultat som framkommit.

Nyckelord – Byggprojekt, logistik, materialhantering, Lean Construction, SME

This paper presents a decision-support system for reshoring decision-making based on fuzzy logic. The construction and functionality of the decision-support system is briefly outlined and evaluated in a highcost environment contemplating six specific decision criteria, namely cost, quality, time, flexibility, innovation and sustainability. A major challenge with fuzzy logic solutions has to do with the construction of the fuzzy inference rules. In the relocation domain, the fuzzy inference rules represent the knowledge and competence of relocation experts and they are usually created manually by the same experts. One obstacle is that the complexity of the fuzzy inference rules increases with the number of decision criteria. To overcome this complexity issue, this paper presents a solution whereby the fuzzy inference rules are automatically generated by applying one hundred reshoring scenarios as input data. The reshoring decision recommendations produced by the fuzzy logic decision-support system are demonstrated to be close to those of human reshoring domain experts.

Reshoring can be regarded as offshoring in reverse. While offshoring mainly has been driven by cost aspects, reshoring considers multiple aspects, such as higher quality demands, faster product delivery and product mass-customization. Where to locate manufacturing is usually a purely manual activity that relies on relocation experts, hence, an automated decision-support system would be extremely useful. This paper presents a decision-support system for reshoring decision-making building a fuzzy inference system. The construction and functionality of the fuzzy inference system is briefly outlined and evaluated within a high-cost environment considering six specific reshoring decision criteria, namely cost, quality, time, flexibility, innovation and sustainability. A challenge in fuzzy logic relates to the construction of the so called fuzzy inference rules. In the relocation domain, fuzzy inference rules represent the knowledge and competence of relocation experts and are usually generated manually by the same experts. This paper presents a solution where fuzzy inference rules are automatically generated applying one hundred reshoring scenarios as input data. Another important aspect in fuzzy logic relates to the membership functions. These are mostly manually defined but, in this paper, a semi-Automatic approach is presented. The reshoring decision recommendations produced by the semi-Automatically configured fuzzy inference system are shown to be as accurate as those of a manually configured fuzzy inference system. 

This paper presents a decision-support system for reshoring decision-making based on fuzzy logic. The construction and functionality of the decision-support system are described, and the functionality is evaluated in a high cost environment exemplified through a Swedish context. Ten different reshoring scenarios, provided by Swedish reshoring experts, are entered into the decision-support system and the decision recommendations provided by the system are presented. The confidence that can be put on the recommendations is demonstrated by comparing them with those of the reshoring experts. The positive results obtained indicate that fuzzy logic is both feasible and that the quality of the results are sufficiently good for reshoring decision-making.

Ett samtal om motivation och vuxnas lärande med Helene Ahl, professor i företagsekonomi vid Encell och Högskolan för lärande och kommunikation. Helene har skrivit boken 'Motivation och vuxnas lärande - En kunskapsöversikt och problematisering', på uppdrag av dåvarande Myndigheten för skolutveckling. Nu går hon igenom området igen, utifrån var vi står idag, och slår hål på allmänt vedertagna sanningar om motivation. Intervjuar gör Karin Havemose, universitetslektor i arbetsorganisation vid Jönköpings tekniska högskola.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to identify improvement opportunities in a SME’s semi-automated process to create the right pre-requirements if a fully automated process is implemented in production. The purpose was addressed through two research questions:

• Where can waste occur in a semi-automated process?
• What are the expected challenges with implementing a fully automated process?

Method – A single case study has been conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods in the form of interviews, observation, and document study. Empirical data were collected at a case company within the surface treatment industry and further analyzed in comparison to the theoretical framework to answer the research questions and fulfill the purpose.

Results – The findings of the study revealed seven out of Lean’s 7+1 wastes. Furthermore, several expected challenges associated with implementing a fully automated process were identified which aligned with the theoretical framework. Therefore, SMEs should first map out the current situation and approach the decision to implement automated solutions from a holistic perspective. Thereafter, improvement opportunities should be distinguished before proceeding with a fully automated process. Lastly, SMEs must investigate and plan how to overcome expected challenges within the implementation.

Implications – The case study did contribute to an additional challenge to theory, pertaining to the implementation of a fully automated process in the surface treatment industry within SMEs. Additionally, the study supports existing theory as well as increases the knowledge about the expected risks with adopting automation. Moreover, an implication of the study is that practitioners need to be aware of the possible negative outcomes of automation by considering the entire value stream.

Delimitations – The study was carried out in a case company within the surface treatment industry and limited to one of the main industrial processes that the company has. The case study focuses only on analyzing the current state of the process and its operational aspects, therefore excludes the future state and any potential changes that the company might face.

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system is exposed to multiple environmental stresses such as bird droppings, soiling, and cast shadows during its operation, leading to the formation of hotspots. Traditional PV panels are equipped with a bypass diode to prevent system failure in the presence of such stresses. However, the failure of the bypass diode can lead to system failure and accelerated aging. In contrast, solar roof tiles (SRTs), due to their unique series-parallel configuration, are prone to hotspot creation and system failure, even in the absence of bypass diodes. This paper provides a critical analysis of SRTs, focusing on their technical benefits and potential for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Using a Simulink model, the performance of a 1.5 kW SRT system is compared with a traditional PV system under various environmental conditions, including standard testing conditions and scenarios where cells are completely or partially shaded. The study concluded that in a 1.5 kW system, SRTs experienced an energy loss of 1.73 %, while the traditional PV system created infinite resistance to the flow of current. This resulted in no energy production when a single panel in both systems was exposed to environmental stress in the event of bypass diode failure. Moreover, findings demonstrate that SRTs can significantly contribute to a sustainable society by promoting affordable and clean energy access by generating 1871.72 kWh of clean energy annually. In addition, SRTs advance climate action by mitigating 335.7 kgCO2 equivalent GHG emissions through green energy production, even when taking system and aging losses into account.

The transition from linear economy to circular economy (CE) has gained mainstream status in recent times, not only at product and process levels, but also at component level. In order to adopt the CE as common practice, there is a need to reimagine the product end-of-life (EoL) phase to include assessment of individual component health status. Implementation of EoL strategies on products designed based on wear and tear, robustness, and safety concerns is, however, complex. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of designing for CE by applying a visual health-based analysis (VHA) at the component level at the EoL stage. The application of this diagnostic tool is exemplified in a case at a large Swedish outdoor power product manufacturer by analyzing components for reuse, remanufacture, refurbishment, recycling, and recovery strategies. The VHA results in the calculation of a CE potential at the component-product level based on individual component's cost, complexity, health, and diagnostic approach. This study presents a diagnostic tool for practitioners to understand circularity at the component-level in the effort to identify EoL strategies. Furthermore, in supporting the CE principle of maximizing resource recovery, the study potentially contributes to the EU's CE action plan and the UN-SDGs 8, 9, 12, and 13.

Background

Considering resource limitations and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the assessment of product health at the component level presents an opportunity to better strategize end-of-life (EoL) options by adopting circular thinking. The assessment of remaining useful life at the individual component level during the EoL stage facilitates the reuse of healthy components and recycling. Additionally, realizes the resource recovery objective of the circular economy (CE) while moving up in the waste hierarchy.

Purpose

To develop a diagnostic tool to realize the potential of reuse and recycling at the component level at EoL stage, designed for complex tasks. 

Approach (see poster full text)

Outcomes

Through reusing the healthy components directly, the possible reduction involves:  

• Additional GHG emission of recycling stage (transportation, melting, forging etc.).
• Additional resources utilization i.e. electricity, water etc.

Through recycling the unhealthy components, the possible reduction involves:  

• Additional GHG emission of component production through virgin material (transportation, raw material purification, melting, forging etc.).
• Use of landfills

It increases resource efficiency, GHG mitigation potential, reduces landfills and contributes to UN’s Climate Action goal (SDG 13).

Future work

Development of an artificial intelligence (AI) aided individual component health assessment tool to assist industry-level operation economically.  

Cradle to cradle assessment to calculate the resource recovery, GHG mitigation, and financial benefits attractive to industries, specifically high complexity products. 

Transportation disruptions can be damaging to a supply chain because goods may not arrive on time and this jeopardises the service level to the customers. While supply chain disruptions have gained significant attention from scholars, little has been done to explore these disruptions in the context of transportation. The study described in this paper aims to address disruptions occurring in the transportation of goods from a plant to a distribution centre. We modelled this real case to obtain insights on the effectiveness of different strategies to mitigate transportation disruptions. We evaluated four mitigation strategies and compared the outcomes in terms of service level and total costs: (1) the risk acceptance strategy, (2) the redundant stock strategy, (3) the flexible route strategy, and (4) the redundant-flexibility strategy. The results suggest that the best strategy differs depending on the budget that managers are willing to deploy to improve the service level. The simulation experiments and the use of the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) would be instrumental in helping decision makers in selecting the best disruption mitigation strategies where the best option would likely be different under varying circumstances. 

The purpose of the study is to “Investigate customer requirements linked to sustainability, costand delivery and create an understanding of how class sales companies can design and developtheir direction in accordance with the requirements of the customer target groups.” Thepurpose of the study was broken down into the following three questions:• What importance do sustainability, price and delivery have for the customer target group highschool classes when choosing a class sales company?• What is the importance of sustainability, price and delivery for the customer target grouppaying customers when choosing a class sales company?• How can class sales companies prioritize based on the factors of sustainability, price anddelivery to achieve customer satisfaction?MethodThe study is a case study that was conducted using the data collection methods quantitativesurvey and qualitative interview. Based on the results of the survey, an interview guide wascreated to collect qualitative data through in-depth interviews.ResultsThe result indicates that priorities differ between the two target groups. The class target groupprioritizes a high profit margin to generate money for the class, which differs from the customertarget group that values sustainability.ImplicationsTo fulfill customer satisfaction within the two customer target groups, class sales companiesshould have a diversified strategy by finding the balance between cost efficiency andsustainability.LimitationsA limitation in the survey is the number of respondents in the survey, which means thatgeneralizability is not met to an arbitrary level. This was compensated with in-depth interviewstogether with the quantitative material. Another limitation was the lack of support fromprincipals and school management to help us with the data collection, which resulted in thesurvey members being responsible for the data collection themselves.KeywordCustomer satisfaction, Class sales, market analysis, sustainability, delivery, high school classes,profit margin

The photovoltaic (PV) systems' inherent ability to transform solar light directly into electrical energy has contributed to their increasing popularity. However, malfunctions can reduce system dependability. Therefore, rapid hotspot identification is critical for efficient, dependable, and risk-free PV operation. This work presents a method for determining the most optimal hybrid features using the infrared (IR) images of PV panels for hotspot and fault detection. The information at the global (texture, HoG, and color histograms) and local (local binary pattern, SURF, and KAZE) levels were extracted from the IR images of PV panels using a uniform window size of 8 x 8. A binary improved Harris hawks optimization (b-IHHO) optimal feature selection strategy was used to get the optimal feature subset for model training using PV IR images. The IR images of PV were acquired to test the presented framework. The findings suggested that the proposed framework can classify the IR images of solar panels with an accuracy of 98.41% with lesser feature vector size into three classes (normal, hotspot, and defective). Furthermore, the findings were also compared with the latest literature. The presented technique plays a vital role in carbon-free cities and is simple to adopt for PV system inspection.

Purpose – To analyze the impact on total cost by inventory control methods under the influence of seasonal demand. The purpose will be answered with following research questions:

1. What inventory control methods can be used when there is seasonal demand?

2. What is the impact of inventory control methods on total cost under the influence of seasonal

   demand?

Method – The study was conducted as a case study and the empirical data was collected through interviews and document study. Both of these contributed to the basis for the analysis and for the calculations in the test of the study. Literature study was conducted and included theories for inventory control methods to answer the first research question, as well as formulas for the methods used to answer the second research question.

Findings – It appears from the study, the inventory control methods that can be used when there is seasonal demand and during current planning environment is periodic ordering system and cycle service method. These have been tested further in the study. Seasonal index was considered an important method since it dimensions demand which to a high degree regulate the inventory levels and thereby the result of the inventory control methods. Further the study compares none theoretical inventory control methods and theoretical inventory control methods impact on total cost. It is shown that carrying costs, as a part of total cost, can be reduced by 25% during the peak season and 62% during off-season. This without changing the deliverability. Alternatively, the deliverability can be increased by 10% by using inventory control methods without increasing the total cost of the inventory.

Implications – The theoretical contribution of the study is that it has increased the knowledge concerning inventory control methods when there is seasonal demand, and the possible results they might bring. The empirical contribution of the study is that companies can use the study as an indication of the economic benefits and motivation for implementing theoretical inventory control methods.

Limitations – The tested inventory control methods did not alter the ordering cost, which to a high degree can have an impact on the total cost. The study also shows a possible impact on the inventory control during the current planning environment. If the planning environment changes, the result of the study can be different.

AbstractPurpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate how improvement work with the help of benchmarking can develop and improve small and medium-sized logistics service companies. To achieve the purpose, two questions were used to help:

1. What critical business and working methods do logistics service companies use? 

2. How can logistics services companies use benchmarking to develop the critical business and working methods?

Method – A qualitative interview study was used as a method. The interviews intend to gather deeper knowledge from the interviewees who work in SMEs and offer logistics services. A qualitative method in this regard refers to describing the interviewees' ambiguity in words, experiences, and perceptions. A pilot study was also used to gather knowledge about the companies, then be able to create the questions before the interview. Furthermore, data werecollected using documents and interviews in combination with a literature review.

Findings – The study shows that with the help of benchmarking, SMEs can develop and improve their logistics services in one way or another. The results of the study also show how benchmarking SMEs can produce their framework and use it as a guideline. Therefore, theconclusions of this study are presented in the form of own framework with guidelines that hopefully can contribute with development for SMEs that offer logistics services.

Implications – The result of this study shows and clarify the benefits that benchmarking work in logistics services can mean for SMEs. Based on practical examples, the study can also highlight how benchmarking can contribute to different organizations' improvement efforts. Furthermore, it is also mapped out which critical areas of solutions and measures SMEs can weigh in their improvement work. However, this study cannot shed light on the fact that all five of these critical areas are useful for all SMEs. As theories regarding the problems in the logistics industry have been general challenges in five specific main areas. That is, if an SME is at a completely different stage of development, the framework cannot contribute specifically to their situation if it is outside these five areas.

Limitations – The study focuses only on SMEs that perform logistics services whose dutiesstrive to provide good delivery service, as well as offer logistics-related services within the material flow. And that the improvement work should be based on a benchmarking model.

Keywords – Logistics service management, Logistics, Benchmark, SME

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the drivers and barriers to conducting

an environmental analysis of transport processes in an SME.

Method– The research method used in this study is a single-case study. The research approach for this study is an abductive approach. One data collection method was used for data collection, which was interviews.

Findings – This study identified internal and external drivers and barriers to conducting an environmental analysis of transportation processes. Some findings of this study confirm the findings from the previous studies. Also, some findings of this study extend the findings from the previous studies.

Implications– The answers to the research questions of this study will increase awareness and help SMEs to increase their understanding of the drivers and barriers when it comes to adopting sustainability and conducting an environmental analysis of transportation processes.

Limitations– The limitation of this study are large logistics companies are not considered and will not be included in this study, this study does not delve into environmental analyses relating to warehouse operations or energy consumption, it does not investigate how SMEs gather and analyze the data necessary for conducting an environmental analysis. Also, this study is not focused on how to conduct an environmental analysis and the actual tools itself. Moreover, the study is limited to Swedish SMEs which may have some branches inside of Europe.

Keywords – Barriers, Driving factors, Environmental Sustainability, Green Logistics, SMEs, Transportation

Changeability and reconfigurability are some of the most important sources of competitiveness in today's manufacturing industry. However, the development and implementation of reconfigurable manufacturing systems still appear to be challenged and limited in industry. Therefore, it is increasingly relevant for engineers and professionals in the manufacturing industry to build knowledge and competences in reconfigurability. This paper presents preliminary insights and learnings from developing and running a problem-based learning (PBL) course in reconfigurable manufacturing for continuing engineering education (CEE). Presented insights cover both observed benefits and learnings for professionals participating in the course, as well as important learnings on how to best transfer knowledge from research to practice.

Objective: The aim was to translate the findings of the QUASER study into a reflective, dialogic guide to help senior hospital leaders develop an organization wide QI strategy.

Design: The QUASER study involved in depth ethnographic research into QI work and practices in two hospitals in each of five European countries. Three translational stakeholder workshops were held to review research findings and advise on the design of the Guide. An extended iterative process involving researchers from each participant country was then used to populate the Guide.

Setting: The research was carried out in two hospitals in each of five European countries.

Participants: In total, 389 interviews with healthcare practitioners and 803 hours of observations.

Intervention: None.

Main outcome measure: None.

Results: The QUASER Hospital Guide was designed for leadership teams to diagnose their organization’s strengths and weaknesses in the eight QI challenges. The Guide supports organizational dialogue about QI challenges, enables leaders to share perspectives, and helps teams to develop solutions to their situated problems. The Guide includes extensive examples of QI strategies drawn from the data and is published online and on paper.

Conclusion: The QUASER Hospital Guide is empirically based, draws on a dialogical approach to Organizational Development and complexity science and can facilitate hospital leadership teams to identify the best solutions for their organization.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to investigate opportunities for improvement in flows around region-based plastic waste management. To be able to answer the purpose of the study, the following two questions were formulated: 

• What factors should be considered when introducing circular plastic waste streams? 
• What is the responsibility of regional stakeholders in the introduction of circular plastic flows? 

Method – The study is of an inductive approach in the form of a qualitative case study with an analysis unit based on two different analysis levels. In the study, the analysis unit is plastic waste management, which is broken down into the regional and actor level. To answer the presented questions, empirical data was collected in the form of interviews, questionnaires, and a document study. The Gioia method was used to transform data from interviews and surveys into themes and common factors with theoretical foundations. The method also makes it easier for the reader to follow the chain of evidence from data to analysis. 

Findings – The results of the study show that today's plastic waste flows mainly follow a linear value flow and that the necessary flow must be changed towards a circular plastic waste flow. When introducing circular plastic waste streams, the following factors need to be considered for implementation to contribute to improvement: Design, Sorting, Transport and Economy. Furthermore, the study shows that the issue of liability is important for the possibility of claiming within the plastic waste flow and that today it is not clear who is responsible and when. This contributes to the fact that changes in plastic waste management must be clarified and that those responsible need to be named. The conclusions for the study and the result are that the problems surrounding plastic waste management need to be considered from a holistic perspective along the entire supply chain and that all actors involved must take their responsibility. 

Implications – The study resulted in theoretical and practical contributions based on new knowledge. The theoretical contribution that the study has made is plastic waste management based on a regional approach where the theory today mainly deals with a circular economy based on company cases and national level. Additional theoretical contributions were made through common problem areas that were presented based on four factors, design, sorting, transport, and economy. These factors together with the theory of circular economy contributed to a theoretical contribution based on a developed model of the linear flow, to a more circular and sustainable plastic waste flow. The practical contribution is in the form of an increased understanding of the regional actors in the problem and who carries the responsibility in the various parts of the flow. This study can be used to get other regions to improve and develop their plastic waste flow at a regional level that benefits all actors. 

Limitations – The current Covid-19 pandemic has affected the implementation of the study in the form of limited opportunities for visits to actors in the value chain. Another limitation is the geographical delimitation where the study only examines the flow based on a selected region, a study comprising several regions would have contributed to a more generalizable result. 

Keywords – Plastic waste, Circular economy, Sustainable plastic use, Plastic waste flow, Circular plastic flow 

Purpose – The purpose of the thesis is to explore potential enhancements for the material flow between the goods receiving and the assembly line. The purpose has been broken down to three research questions:

• What activities affect the material flow between the goods receiving and the assembly line?
• How does the activities affect the material flow between the goods receiving and the assembly line?
• How can the material flow between the goods receiving and the assembly line be more efficient?

Method – A pilot study was conducted to define a problem, which the purpose and research questions of the thesis was based on. A review of literature was carried out alongside a case study. Observations, document studies and interviews were the methods of choosing for the collection of data. To establish the theoretical framework a literature review was carried out. A comparison between the findings of the case study and theoretical framework answered the study’s research questions.

Findings – The study identified several problems with an immediate impact on the material flow. Non-value adding operations such as material handling and stock locations ties capital and requires resources. To correctly share information and to have a close cooperation between departments is considered as an important factor for the material flow’s efficiency. By using line back principle non-value adding operations can be pushed upstream in the supply chain to enable an implementation of just in sequence.

Implications – The studied area consists of already existing theories therefor no additional research has been contributed. However, a new aspect of already existing theory has enlightened the relationship between just in sequence and line back principle. Organizations can use the case study as a basis of discussion for a mapping and improvements of the material flow between the goods receiving and the assembly lines.

Limitations – The thesis ability to generalize can be questioned since it consists of only one case company. The material flow was constantly in motion which complicated the collection of data. Therefor the findings of the study can be affected by this.

Six Sigma is one of the most successful improvement strategies of the last 5 decades and has been implemented worldwide by organizations in different sectors and sizes. Despite the popularity, 60% of all Six Sigma initiatives are abandoned or end in failure. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to investigate what factors large manufacturing enterprises in Sweden need to prioritize to introduce Six Sigma successfully. The research was conducted as a holistic multiple-case study where qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with three companies. A thematic analysis was made to identify patterns between the companies about critical success factors associated with Six Sigma, Change Management, and Organizational culture. It was shown that Company 1 has introduced Six Sigma but has no defined plan on how to move forward with the initiative. Company 2 has fully introduced the method and is actively working with it, while Company 3 has failed with the introduction of Six Sigma. All identified factors were rated as either a success or a failure factor for each case company. The success factors differentiating Company 2 from the other case companies have been evaluated to be the most critical success factors. Top management commitment, Organizational support, Organizational culture, Communication, and Strategic plan have been identified as the most critical success factors that must be prioritized to introduce Six Sigma successfully. Furthermore, cultural factors such as communication between departments, supportive managers, and committed top management have been identified as important to introduce Six Sigma successfully. The results of this study can be applied to successfully introduce change initiatives in large manufacturing enterprises in Sweden. 

Syfte – Syftet med studien är att undersöka arbetet i ett tillverkande små till medelstora företag (SMF) utifrån ett organisatoriskt ambidexteritets (OA) perspektiv för att förstå hur SMF:s kan öka sin innovationsförmåga. För att uppnå syftet formulerades två frågeställningar: 1. Hur ter sig arbetet på olika nivåer i tillverkande SMF:s?

2. Hur kan arbetet på de olika nivåerna i tillverkande SMF:s jämföras?

Metod – För att besvara frågeställningarna utfördes en kvalitativ intervjustudie där teori och empiri analyserades genomgående. En litteraturstudie utfördes för att skapa grund för det ställda problemområdet. Därefter samlades data in i form av fyra olika intervjuer där varje intervju representerade en hierarkisk nivå. Den data som samlades in har analyserats genom mönsterjämförelse.

Resultat – Studien visar att organisationen lätt fastnar i utnyttjande av befintlig kunskap. Därmed behöver organisationen prioritera och involvera sina medarbetare i större utsträckning för att bli mer utforskande. Fortsättningsvis påvisar studien att utnyttjande av befintlig kunskap sker i högre utsträckning bland de lägre hierarkiska nivåerna medan utforskande efter ny kunskap uppstår mer bland de högre hierarkiska nivåerna. Vidare visar studien att det oplanerade arbete som uppstår inom organisationen inte påverkar organisationen negativt. Samt att det sker högre upp i de hierarkiska nivåerna inom organisationen. Det framkommer även att arbetet som sker på organisatorisk nivå präglar det hierarkiska ledet ner till individnivå.

Implikationer – Studien har inte bidragit till några nya teorier men däremot har ny kunskap framförts. Studiens resultat har bidragit till att de oplanerade arbete som sker i organisationer verkar ske på en högre hierarkisk nivå. Däremot verkar inte oplanerat arbete påverka organisationer i samma negativ bemärkelse som teorin hävdar. Utnyttjande av befintlig kunskap verkar även tillämpas i högra utsträckning i den nedre delen av de hierarkiska nivåerna och utforskande av ny kunskap tillämpas på de högre nivåerna. En empirisk implikation som studien bidragit med är att medarbetaren har visat sig vara en viktig resurs för att öka SMF:s innovationsförmåga samt att kommunikationen är viktig genom det hierarkiska ledet.

Begränsningar – Den rådande pandemi covid-19 som påverkat samhället har begränsat metodvalen vilket sänker studiens trovärdighet. Ytterligare en begränsning är att studien har genomförts på en organisation vilket medför att ett bredare perspektiv hade kunnat åstadkommits om flera organisationer undersökts. 

Syfte - Företag behöver optimera sina försörjningskedjor för att vara konkurrenskraftiga och maximera sin lönsamhet, samtidigt som de möter kundkrav. Att uppnå en optimal leveransservicenivå är avgörande, där graden av centralisering spelar en nyckelroll. Vidare framgår att marknaden för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror utgör en komplicerad och volatil miljö, vilket ökar komplexiteten i beslutet kring centraliseringsgrad. Därmed är syftet med denna studie: Att belysa och skapa förståelse för vilken roll centraliseringsgrad har för leveransservicenivåer och kostnader för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror, samt sammanställa ett beslutstöd för att stödja företagsbeslut vid optimering av lagerstrukturer för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror. För att besvara studiens syfte har två frågeställningar formulerats:

[1] Vilka utmaningar medför snabbrörliga konsumentvarors karaktärsdrag för att uppnå hög leveransservice?

[2] Vilka faktorer bör beaktas vid övervägandet av centraliseringsgrad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror för ökad leveransservice?

Metod - Studien är en fallstudie, där en deduktiv ansats har antagits. Studien kombinerar både kvalitativ- och kvantitativ forskning. För att uppnå studiens syfte och kunna besvara frågeställningarna har datainsamlingsteknikerna varit intervju och dokumentstudie. De genomförda intervjuerna transkriberades, kodades samt analyserades med hjälp av Gioiametoden. Metoden ansågs passande för att kunna analysera den stora mängd data som samlats in genom de genomförda intervjuerna.

Resultat - Studiens resultat utgörs av flertalet utmaningar som snabbrörliga konsumentvaror medför. Dessutom identifieras faktorer som bör beaktas vid övervägandet av centraliseringsgrad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror för ökad leveransservice. I studien appliceras utmaningarna på respektive faktor som identifierats för att medvetandegöra och i förlängningen stödja ett företagsbeslut om centraliseringsgrad för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror för ökad leveransservice.

Implikationer - Studien tillför både praktiska och teoretiska implikationer. Denna studie bidrar med praktiska implikationer i form av kunskap om vilka faktorer som kan påverkas och hur företag inom sektorn för snabbrörliga konsumentvaror bör ta hänsyn till dem. Studien bidrar med teoretiska implikationer i form av ett sammanställande av teori, där snabbrörliga konsumentvaror, centraliseringsgrad, leveransservice, kundrelationer och kostnader kopplas samman.

Avgränsningar - Studien inkluderar processerna Order till leverans samt Distribution. Övriga processer i flödet kommer lämnas utanför studiens omfattning. Dessutom avgränsas studien till enbart distribution mellan företag, vilket benämns som businessto-business (B2B), och inkluderar inte distribution till slutkonsumenter. Rapporten behandlar inte beslut rörande lagrets övergripande utformning. Studien avser att fungera som ett beslutsstöd och berör därmed inte det faktiska beslutet eller en eventuell implementation.

Nyckelord - Business-to-business, centraliseringsgrad, distribution, faktorer, leveransservice, snabbrörliga konsumentvaror

This work addresses the process of opening enterprises (grant of license) in a municipality. The purpose is to perform the identification, analysis and redesign of the process of granting permits to private companies, then making a proposal for improvement. The chosen method was a case study, using a qualitative approach according to the BPM methodology to respond: how to improve and accelerate the grant of a license? As a result, the proposed model used the best practices for business registration to reduce the time to 70%, and using half of the involved sectors. The conclusion is that it is possible to reduce bureaucracy and increase the efficiency of public administration with the applied methodology. 

Purpose: Modern supply chains are at risk as a result of increasing disturbance. The use of Lean and Six Sigma’'s values, methods and tools can be one option to analyze, prevent and mitigate risks. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a combined Lean Six Sigma philosophy can support the awareness and management of supply-chain risk.

Design/methodology/approach: The methodology followed in the study is based on a literature review and multiple case study, performed by means of qualitative methods of data collection, such as observations on-site, face-to-face interviews and document analysis. Case selection includes the results of research conducted in seven large Swedish companies.

Findings: It has been indicated that Lean and Six Sigma values, methods and tools can be very effective in companies’ efforts to control the supply-chain risks and that they improve the companies’ ability to handle variability and risk management. Lean Six Sigma supports a risk-management culture in the focal companies, but they must involve customers and companies in the supply chain if they wish to create a risk-management culture in the entire supply chain. In order to do this, they can use the Six Sigma training structure, but they need to include more risk tools and methods developed for the supply chain management. It has also been indicated in the literature that if more people involve in 6S projects, the financial results will be better, and the innovation of processes will increase.

Research limitations/implications: These include suggestions for how the companies can use the Six sigma training structure to collaborate in the supply chain.

Practical implications: This study gives practical suggestions for how the companies in supply chain can collaborate and use the Six Sigma training structure for creating a more holistic view of supply chain, which also decrease risks in supply chain.

Originality/value: This study indicates that Lean Six Sigma supports risk awareness and management in the focal companies of the supply chains, which improves companies’ ability to handle variability and risk management. It has also been demonstrated that the companies should use the Six Sigma framework, especially training, as a foundation, and they should create common projects for better collaboration in the supply chain, which will decrease the risks in the entire supply chain.

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate whether a combined Lean Six Sigma (L6S) philosophy can help to improve agility on supply chain and companies. Individual organizations cannot get agility, until they invest in their supply chain’s agility. Agile Supply Chain is recognized as very difficult to achieve in practice, and use of Lean Six Sigma Philosophy can be one option to get it.

Design/methodology/approach: The research follows the cases study methodology. A theory background is used with the objective of know how the executives and academics see the concept of agility in supply chain (sc) and companies. Furthermore, multiple-case study has been performed, by means of qualitative methods of data collection, such as observations, document analysis and face-to-face interviews with different specialist. Pattern matching is used to compare the empirical result with the predictive one from literature.

Findings: This research demonstrate positively that L6S can help to improve to agility on supply chain and companies. The seven companies included in the study have integrated some tools and methods from both philosophies and all have aligned L6S with good results in agility concept. Also, shows that using L6S philosophy production speed will increase and responsiveness and flexibility will improve combined with a more robust process. It has been indicated that agility implies increased variation, where a Six Sigma approach is useful controlling and monitoring such variations. 

Originality/value: The research point out that a combined Lean Six Sigma philosophy develop the Agile Supply Chain and companies. Lean and Agility philosophies are closely related, and the Lean philosophy may be one stage into the development of agility. Although at the same time, they differ in many respects.

Purpose: Drawing on the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) model, the purpose of this study is to investigate mediating effects of controlled and uncontrolled communications of corporate brand perceptions on consumer satisfaction and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses on a sample of 271 Australian automobile consumers.

Findings: The authors find that while consumer satisfaction is indirectly influenced by corporate-level attributes via controlled and uncontrolled communication, the authors did not find an indirect effect between consumer benefits on consumer satisfaction via controlled and uncontrolled communication. By contrast, the authors find highly significant indirect effects – via controlled and uncontrolled communication as well as consumer satisfaction – for the relationship between, on the one hand, corporate-level attributes and consumer benefits and consumer brand loyalty on the other. Uncontrolled communication was significantly associated with consumer loyalty, a relevant finding that indicates an importance of tracking media coverage and maintaining favorable relationships with the media.

Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional method limits data collection to one point in time.

Practical implications: This study adds to a better understanding of how to leverage corporate brand through communications in ways that it positively resonates with consumers. A fine-grained analysis of corporate brand attributes and consumer-perceived benefits can aid managers in developing specific and more effective marketing strategies.

Originality/value: The overall thrust of this empirical study, which is to investigate how corporate brand perceptions influence short term (satisfaction) and long term (loyalty) via controlled and uncontrolled communications is original. This study comprehensively conceptualizes and operationalizes the corporate brand as a multidimensional construct consisting of corporate-level attributes and brand-level attributes such as perceived consumer benefits. To examine the hypothesized relationships between and among our constructs, the authors go beyond the commonly studied single mediator model and test a multiple mediator model instead.

Despite a growing demand worldwide, organic food remains a niche category, with consumers only purchasing it some of the time. This study examines the mediating effects of consumers’ perceived clarity of organic food-related communication, trust for, and perceived health benefits of organic foods in the relationship between controlled and uncontrolled communication stimuli and organic food purchases. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 1011 Australian organic food consumers using Structural Equation Modeling. We find that all mediators except perceived communication clarity perform as hypothesized, with the latter not mediating the relationship between uncontrolled communications and perceived health benefits of organic foods. The results suggest that marketers should ensure clarity in controlled organic food communications, signal health benefits of organic food and build consumer trust to generate organic purchases. 

Purpose: Previous research has found mixed evidence of an attitude–behavior gap in organic food consumption. However, the complex mechanisms underlying this gap warrant further investigation. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of word-of-mouth (WOM), trust, and involvement in the relationship between consumer organic food attitudes and conative loyalty. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as underlying framework for modeling our conceptualized arguments.

Design/methodology/approach: A moderation and moderated mediation analysis was performed on a cross-sectional sample of 1,011 Australian organic food consumers.

Findings: The results support the TPB-inspired moderated-mediation model. Specifically, the authors found moderated mediation effects of WOM, trust, and involvement on conative loyalty via attitudes toward organics.

Research limitations/implications: The cross-sectional research design and the focus solely on Australian consumers constitute limitations of this study.

Practical implications: The authors' findings imply that an analysis of the attitude–behavior gap should go beyond the testing of contingent consistency hypotheses and instead combine moderation and mediation mechanisms to better model consumer decision-making leading to conative loyalty. Practitioners would face a resource challenge when targeting low-trust, low-involvement, and low-WOM consumers as developing conative loyalty of these segments would require a longer-term approach through building favorable attitudes toward organic foods.

Originality/value: This study is one of the first to demonstrate the potential of examining the attitude–behavior gap in the organic food context through a moderated mediation lens in explaining the dynamics of conative loyalty.

Unquestionably the COVID-19 pandemic has helped to accelerate the transition from store-based to internet-based retailing. Consequently, this transaction has put more pressure and challenges on online retailers to provide the best variety of options to their customers regarding the last mile delivery while at the same time maintaining a sustainable way of delivery. This paper will examine the increased number of deliveries and their impact on the environment and how the e-tailers are responding to this situation. The problem will be tackled from the companies and the customers point of view.

Purpose:  the purpose of the study is to explore e-commerce last mile delivery practices in Sweden from an environmental perspective and examine how they meet consumer environmental requirements.

Method:  The researchers used a deductive approach to carry out the study. The empirical data was collected through quantitative survey and website observations.

Findings: the study showed the current situation of the last mile delivery practices for the SMEs e-tailers in Sweden. After conducting the analysis, both strengths and weaknesses aspects of the current situation have been identified regarding the sustainability of those practices.

The e-tailer promoted the Solitary C&C delivery option to the customer by providing it almost in all the companies and making it the cheapest option in comparison to the other delivery modes. The Solitary C&C is the eco-friendliest delivery mode in comparison to the home delivery. The velocity also played an important role in making the Solitary C&C more attractive because the velocity was almost the same for both and sometimes it is faster for C&C.

On the other hand, the e-tailers failed to communicate the sustainability of their delivery modes to their customers. The majority did not show or marked the eco-friendly delivery option and as a result they did not take advantage of the willingness of the customer to contribute to more eco-friendly deliveries that had been studied in many papers. Finally, the price differentiation of the delivery fee was not efficient enough in the favor of the Solitary C&C compared to HD. When the delivery fee existed, the price was almost the same for both is so many cases and this is something the e-tailer should take into consideration.

Implications: The paper contributed to the limited number of research on SMEs, especially in the last mile delivery field of study. The paper large scale quantitative study on SME firms in Sweden.  The large scale consists of 50 SME e-tailers located in Sweden and ranked in the top 100 SMEs in the e-commerce market.

The finding of the study will advise managers to design their last mile delivery practices more sustainably while maintaining their competitive advantages. 

Limitation: the study examined the Swedish e-tailers. Thus, it’s geographically limited to Sweden. Furthermore, the study only investigated the environmental aspects of the last mile delivery. 

Keywords: last mile delivery, e-commerce, Sustainability, Delivery mode, Velocity.

The paper seeks to identify patterns of leadership development in different organization contexts with the aim of contributing to improved understanding of how the context shapes the leadership development system (LDS).

Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on the initial phase of a 4-year collaborative research project on LDSs. Data was collected in the five collaborative partner organizations and based on four data sources: 1) company visits; 2) internal documentation; 3) external information (websites); and 4) company presentations at an on-line workshop.

Findings: The results show a strong focus on individual leader development, and at least partly, confirms the under-use of developmental assignments and relationships as shown in previous studies. All organizations outsource leadership development to different degrees. However, leadership development is not only structured through different methods, it is also dependent on the organization context in the form of leader forums and meetings. An identified pattern is that the smaller organizations are more dependent on external resources, and the larger organizations tailor company-wide programs for their unique needs together with external consultants. Furthermore, the LDS is believed to be an effective change agent in the adaptive process of transforming.

Originality: This study contributes to the research on leadership development by advancing the current understanding of how leadership development interacts with the context of the organization.

Practical implications: This study highlights the need for leaders and HR professionals to acknowledge contextual issues when choosing practices used for developing the leadership in the organization.

After decades of disarmament and cost-efficiency rationalizations, Swedish defense authorities face a new challenge in rapidly building new defense capabilities to deal with a changing threat. The traditional planning and governance approaches within and among authorities, however, are not designed for this new challenge. This report presents results from a study on the defense forces' redeployment to the Gotland island. It aims to provide policy makers with insights into how new defense capabilities can be built quickly in response to a political decision. The field research is based primarily on interview data and qualitative analysis. The rapid capability-building was made possible through cooperation among military and civilian organizations that complemented each other in the creation of societal value that no single actor themselves could produce. Instead, a socalled value system of these actors must be created, a process of five phases (i.e. envisioning, sense-making, experimenting, prototyping, and scaling and diffusion) driven by three critical resources: - Key persons with a mandate to lead - A task force, a group that co-operates during a limited time - Expertise on local conditions None of these resources is more important than the others-rather, it is the combination of them that creates the necessary dynamics for rapid capability growth. Furthermore, the time between the decision to redeploy and the actual redeployment was less than two years-an unusually short time, as defense authorities traditionally work with long planning cycles. The report shows that creating a value system is critical to enabling the rapid increase of defense capabilities. The fact that the goals of and implementation plan for the redeployment could not be defined in advance points to the importance of a process-oriented planning philosophy, because it enables actors in the emergent value system to benefit from the constantly evolving experience of redeployment on the ground. This insight is of general relevance to all decision-makers and authorities who deal with new societal challenges.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to explore how a warehouse for low-frequency food products can be made more efficient. To achieve this, the purpose has been broken down into two research questions: 1. What factors are considered in the storage of low-frequency food products? 2. How is an area for low-frequency food products made more efficient considering factors affecting inventory management?

Method – The study is a case study, where data was collected using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data collection includes a survey, interviews, observations, and document studies to gain a deep understanding of the current warehouse management and the factors that influence its efficiency. This methodology enabled a detailed insight into both current challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Findings – The results showed that adjusting warehouse management based on pick frequency and the physical characteristics of products can lead to more efficient use of storage space. Specifically, the importance of placing low-frequency products in strategic locations to reduce waste is highlighted. These insights are strengthened by considering safety requirements and seasonal variations, which further contribute to the optimization of warehouse management.

Implications – The implications of the study emphasize the importance of companies implementing flexible and dynamic warehouse strategies that can be adapted to changing conditions. By applying the identified strategies, companies can not only make their storage more efficient for low-frequency products but also improve workplace safety and reduce operational costs.

Limitations – The study is limited to a specific case and therefore may have limited generalizability to other types of warehouse industries. The study only covers manual warehouse processes and does not consider automated warehouse management systems, which may be relevant in modern warehouse situations.

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study was to investigate the internal material flow to identify bottlenecks, areas for improvement and to propose possible improvements for a manufacturing company within the process industry.

Method – To achieve the purpose of the study , a case study with an abductive approach has been executed. Firstly, a feasibility study was conducted to create a broader picture of the topic and problem area. A literature review was carried out to identify previous knowledge in the field. Later empirical data was collected through interviews, observation and document studies.

Findings – The thesis conducted shows that the lean approach is applicable in identifying capacity problems within the manufacruring process industry. The research conducted shows that capacity is not evenly distributed throughout the production line. The research enabled the identification of bottlenecks in the internal material flow by observing the material flow of two products. Through the identified bottlenecks, suggestions for improvements to a future state has been presented. The improvements are related to the capacity differences found and the large amount of stop time in production. The presented suggestions are considering a lean approach and have a connection to sustainable development.

Implications – This study applies existing theories in the context of finding capacity problems in a producing company within the process industry with a successful result. The result of the report indicates how the capacity problems of material flow in the process industry can be solved. The lean tools used in the study can work as a foundation for other organisations when searching for capacity problems and highlighting problem areas in production.

Limitations – The main focus has been on the internal flow of material a manufacturing company in the process industry. The thesis applies lean tools in the internal material flow and is not considering the information flow, the financial flow or personnel.

Keywords – lean, bottleneck, value stream mapping, material flow, batch production, process industry, sustainability and capacity problem.

Purpose - Purpose of this study was to examine how a company can make their transport process of goods from the time they are purchased, until they reach a department store more efficient. The purpose has been broken down into three research questions

1. How is the transport of goods handled from the time they get purchased, to when it reaches the department store?

2. What challenges and opportunities for improvement can be identified in the process?

3. How can the opportunities for improvement be managed and applied in the process in an efficient way?

Method - The study was conducted in a qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews and observation, in order to answer the research questions. The interviews were both unstructured and semi-structured. However, all observations were unstructured.

Findings – This study has emphasized the importance of mapping the processes in a business. With help of the process mapping it was discovered that using an external company to handle the transport of goods has proven to be profitable from a variety of perspectives. According to the production manager, the TPL company has improved the work significantly from the flexibility and time perspective. The study shows how important it is to constantly develop the planning of transport when a company handles resale.

Implications - This study has not presented any new theory. It has interwoven the already existing theory with the collected empirical material.

Limitations - This study did not include all the departments that were part of the process. Getting interviews with all different departments regarding the process would have contributed to better broader in the study.

Purpose –Transport is considered a waste where internal transport specifically is considered a waste. To make a business's processes more effective, companies need to identify and reduce the waste that arises in the flow of internal transport. Therefore, the purpose of this study is:To investigate how internal transport should be handled for increased efficiency.The purpose has then been broken down into two research questions:

[1] What factors contribute to the need for internal transport?

[2] How can internal transport be made more efficient?

Method – The study is a case study and the data collection was carried out in two rounds, the first step was to collect data to map the current situation and the second step was to collect data to measure waste. The data collection methods used to answer the study's research questions were literature study, interviews, observations, frequency studies and document studies. The researchers considered that triangulation was an important part of data collection in order to ensure the validity of the collected data. Finally, the results from collected data were compared with theories in the field to be able to answer the study's purpose and research questions.

Findings – The results of the study demonstrates the importance of conducting a value flow analysis in order to be able to identify which factors contribute to the need for internal transport. With the help of a value flow map, the non-value-adding activities could be identified which in this case were lack of signaling systems, lack of communication and interaction between employees and lack of standardized working methods. Subsequently, suitable solution proposals were developed where automation and the three lean principles; standardized working method, kaizen and just-in-time were considered to be the methods that could make a company's internal transports more efficient based on identified problems.

Implications – Based on the results of the study, it is considered that today's companies need to work on identifying the problems surrounding the flow of internal transport. It appears that there are good opportunities for improvement regarding signal systems, communication and interaction as well as standardization. The study clarifies that investments in addressing these issues can make the flow of internal transport more efficient and generate a high level of profitability on the investments made in the area. Based on collected theory, it is demonstrated that making business processes more efficient is necessary to remain competitive in a market with constantly changing requirements.

Limitations – As the study is only based on one case, the generalizability of the survey results can be questioned. Furthermore, the limited time period is considered to have affected the breadth and size of the study. Access to more time could have resulted in longer data collection periods and thus more representative data as well as the inclusion of more cases to increase the generalizability of the study conclusions.

Abstract

Over the recent past, there has been an increasing interest both in the academic sector and the practical field on the relocation of manufacturing firms. The results of such decisions can be of a great impact on the firms’ growth and their competitiveness in the market. Therefore, it is key to understand the motives behind the decisions and the general impact of the relocation’s decisions of either offshoring or backshoring. 

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the relocation practices of Swedish manufacturing firms and to explore the motives urging the firms to follow such practices. Furthermore, investigate the post-relocation phase and find out the way in which offshoring/backshoring influence the factors.

Method: The study process was based on a deductive approach reviewing existing literature, which guided the authors to identify the key motives for offshoring and backshoring. Additionally, a quantitative survey was conducted to help collect necessary data. The survey was distributed through email to several Swedish manufacturing firms. 

Findings: Five motives of manufacturing relocation were investigated and understood from the perspective of Swedish manufacturing firms. Moreover, the degree to which the relocation decision helped fulfil those motives was explord. The study showed that Swedish firms follow a common pattern in terms of what motivates them to relocate. However, the post-relocation impact on the motives showed a slightly different pattern i.e. the main motives that urged firms to relocate were not fulfilled to a high degree after relocating the manufacturing. 

This contribution reviews key data on road traffic fatalities across Europe and seeks associative links between the afore-mentioned data and per capita income, new car sales and national cultural dimensions of European countries. The rate of population shift from poverty to affluence has been exponentially growing in many countries, with access to products and systems having increased. Understanding the association between cultural dimensions and road fatalities can point, at the European level, to the countries, where national dimensions of culture represent a predisposition for greater or less risk adversity and safe or unsafe road behaviors. This study may hence assist decision makers, nationally and at European level to tailor prevention campaigns and safety programs and measures to each national reality and culture. The regression model showed a single independent variable within the model of traffic fatalities per capita, which was power distance.

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to investigate the conditions required for digitization of production in manufacturing companies. To investigate this, the purpose has been divided into three research questions and the investigation has been carried out on a case company in Småland. The aim is to contribute theoretically and empirically to research and development towards industry 4.0, which in turn forms the basis for the work with focus on digitization. Method – The authors have used several methods to answer the research questions. The methods used are literature study and a case study. The case study means that empirical data has been collected on a case company using observations, interviews and a document study. Since the study is only performed on a case company, the external validity can be considered low, however, the authors have analysed and compared collected empirical data with the theoretical framework, which strengthens the external validity. Since several different methods have been used, a triangulation of data has been possible, which increases the credibility of the study. The study has consisted of an inductive approach where the analysis is based on the empirical data.  

Findings – Based on theoretical framework, empirical data and the study's analysis, the authors have come up with a result that partially corresponds to the theory but differs in that individual processes can be digitized without all the theoretical requirements identified being fulfilled. This has resulted in a theoretical model that the authors have developed and named as the change model. The model describes three aspects that are interdependent to succeed with a change towards industry 4.0. The aspects are prerequisites, digitization and human resources, which are cyclically dependent on each other. Implications – The study's theoretical contribution is based on organizations' difficulties regarding how digitalization should be applied, where leaders in manufacturing companies are aware that digitization is an important success factor for developing companies, but only a small proportion have begun development. The model will help organizations and leaders understand which parts are important to consider when digitizing. The ArBe-model will help to develop an understanding of digital changes and is related to the empirical study. As the different aspects of the model are cyclically dependent on each other, organizations can choose to start a change in the aspect that is best suited for their organization. The model should be used as a tool to get started with digitization.  

Limitations – The study is limited to studying possible digitalization in production and does not consider any economic aspects or choice of computer system. Only data from observations had been desirable, but the authors used a document study to be able to use production data from different periods during the year and produce a more generalizable result.

Working life of today faces challenges. There is a fast pace in technical and organisational development and continual demands for increased performance. In order to manage the increasing complexity in work systems, there is a need to take a holistic view on operations. One such view is the systems concept of Humans, Technology and Organisation (HTO). The aim of this report is to describe the HTO concept, how it was developed, and how it can be used to develop work and work systems, understand humans at work, and understand contributing factors to organisational performance and individual well-being. The core of the HTO model is human work activity and how it is carried out within a work system consisting of humans, technology and the organisation. Focussing on human work activity generates knowledge about work conditions, needed competences and collective interaction, but also understanding about outcomes of the activities – the systems performance. H, the Humans in the work system, can be understood from different perspectives, for example as biological systems, information processing systems, individuals with unique personal traits and experiences, or as members of social groups. The H can thus in itself be regarded as a sub-system within HTO. In a similar way, T, Technology, includes several facets, such as tangible tools and machinery, intangible IT systems and software, and environmental characteristics that are technologically designed. The same applies for O, Organisation, consisting of both formal aspects (e.g. written work instructions and follow-up systems) and informal aspects (e.g. organisational culture and informal work practice). Applying HTO in practice generates several types of outcomes: 1) HTO to design products shows that it can be beneficial for productivity, quality and individual safety; 2) HTO to analyse and understand complex work may shed light on complex work in practice, the influences between the individual and the work system, and gaps between prescribed, standard work and how it is carried out in practice; 3) HTO to understand safety shows that it is achieved through systems thinking, thus technology needs to be designed to match human capabilities, and HTO barriers should be in place to prevent accidents; and 4) HTO to improve health and productivity may result in workplace redesign, increased individual well-being and business productivity. HTO has several uses, such as a theoretical framework, an analytical tool, and a method for a holistic view on human work, but also as a tool for visualisation and design. 

Purpose – The purpose of the study is to design a work process to increase inventory service levels by reducing the effects of significant and uncertain procurement lead times in combination with limited demand history and at the same time regarding inventory costs. To achieve the purpose and create a work process, the purpose is divided into three research questions:

[1] How can significant and uncertain procurement lead times be considered to achieve an increased service level?

[2] How can limited demand history be considered to achieve an increased service level?

[3] How can an item classification considering inventory costs, demand history and demand variation enable dimensioning of buffers to achieve an increased service level?

Method – The study was conducted as a case study of a company active in the electric vehicle industry. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques were used. Data collection methods that were considered relevant for studies were document studies, interviews, and observations.

Findings – The work process is developed from the three research questions. Significant and uncertain procurement lead times could be considered by examining a business supply chain through a value flow analysis. If the procurement lead time could be shortened, a future state proposition is recommended. If it could not be shortened, it was proposed to implement safety time. To consider a business limited demand history, different approaches were identified by examining the type of demand. In the event of derived demand, it was suggested to use forecasts. In the case of non-derived demand for small volumes or for new items, human judgment is recommended. For other non-derived demand, a combination of human judgment and forecasts is recommended. Safety stocks are recommended for all types of demand. The dimensioning of buffers depends on the class combination from the MUSIC 3D in the ABC-, XYZ- and cost-classification which provides a suggested action plan.

Implications – The study results in a work process that can be used for other businesses with significant and uncertain procurement lead times in combination with a limited demand history to increase the service level considering inventory costs. The work process provides guidance on which factors that should be considered to enable an increased service level.

Limitations – The study is limited to demonstrate that the work process can theoretically increase the service level. The study also does not make calculations for setting exact levels of safety stocks. The warehousing cost is in the case company considered as the purchase price of goods. The study is limited to being implemented in companies with warehousing operations. For further research, the work process could be tested at several companies.

Purpose – To investigate what the potential effect would be of changing the way of

working from the traditional way of working to the agile way of working. The study will also investigate success factors with the working methods and how the agile working method should be implemented. To achieve the purpose, two research questions have been formulated:

1. What success factors does a traditional way of working have compared to an agile way of working?

2. How should an agile working method be implemented?

Method – To be able to answer the study's research questions, a case study was performed and consists of a qualitative data collection. In the study, various data collection techniques were used to collect data. Interviews, document study and observations were used. Interviews were conducted with several respondents at the company, the collected empirical data was further compared with the existing theory. A mapping of the project management was carried out based on observations and the collected empirical data from the interviews. Furthermore, a document study was performed to increase the understanding of the business.

Findings – The study points out that the case company is not in need of a complete restructuring but would be positively influenced by implementing parts of the agile way of working. By eliminating processes that do not add value, it would increase efficiency. Factors such as the type of project and who will be involved are the basis for choosing a working method. Choosing a working method does not have to mean that parts from other working methods may not be used. Instead, a hybrid solution of the working methods is most beneficial for some businesses to achieve optimal efficiency.

Implications – The results of the study increase an understanding of Lean and aim to provide knowledge about being applied to project management and the different working methods. Using Lean, companies can reduce waste and find more efficient planning. The study can be used for improvement work in project management, there is an obviousness in which working method and project model that is used. The result further contributes with which factors that are important to consider when changing working method within project management. In the study, various factors have been identified in the various activities using Lean.

Limitations – The study is based about a case company, which affects the generalizability of the study, as project management varies between different businesses. Considering the limited resources and the size of the study, it also gives a limited result. If the study had been larger and included more resources, a more extensive data collection would have been possible and should have improved the study's results.

Keywords – Agile way of working, Implementation, Lean, Project management, Project model and Traditional way of working.