Dissertations / Theses: 'Supply chain challenges'

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Chung, Sooduck, and Michael Farrey. "Biofuel supply chain challenges and analysis." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/60830.

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Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2010.
Cataloged from student submitted PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 78-86).
Liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel are traditionally derived from petroleum. Since petroleum has the potential to be exhausted, there is interest in large scale production of fuels from renewable sources. Currently, ethanol and bio diesel are liquid fuels that are mainly derived from field crops. This paper examines the supply chain challenges and issues that exist for bringing biofuel production up to scale. One major challenge that exists is how to transport the feedstock from a farm to a refinery in the most cost efficient manner. One way to improve transportation efficiency of feedstock is to increase the energy density of the feedstock. However, increasing the density of a feedstock comes with a cost. We use switchgrass as a case study and examine the tradeoff between higher transportation costs in transporting a less energy dense feedstock to processing a feedstock to increase its energy density. We show that creating ethanol from switchgrass in the United States is not competitive in price to gasoline without government subsidies, but as the supply chain matures, efficiencies gained will narrow the gap.
by Sooduck Chung [and] Michael Farrey.
M.Eng.in Logistics

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Mahroof, Kamran, Amizan Omar, and B. Kucukaltan. "Sustainable Food Supply Chains: Overcoming the Challenges with Digital Technologies." Emerald Publishing, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/18585.

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Yes
The purpose of this paper is to offer a consolidative approach in exploring the potential contribution of digital technologies in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for the sustainable performance of food supply chain business, through the circular economy concepts. As a single case study, this qualitative, interpretivist research was based on one of the largest food producers in the United Kingdom. The research utilises semi-structured interviews and applies thematic analysis to offer rich insights into SSCM challenges and their relationship with the business performance, through ten in-depth interviews. Findings derived from thematic analysis of the interview transcripts suggest four main critical success factors underpinning SSCM practices and businesses performance – i.e. business continuity, waste reduction, performance measurement approach, and organisational learning, which could use the help of digital technologies to improve. This led to seven propositions to be addressed in the future research. This research offers real, practical insights into SSCM challenges, within the context of food supply chain and explores the potential of digital technologies in overcoming them. Accordingly, the primary contribution of this work is grounded in the identification of critical success factors in SSCM for Food Supply Chains (FSC). Hence, this work contributes further to the literature on SSCM, as well as circular economy, by providing a study of a business in the context of the highly pertinent and valuable food industry.

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Asree, Susita. "Challenges in the Global Supply Chain: Exploitation versus Exploration Strategy." Toledo, Ohio : University of Toledo, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=toledo1271874448.

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Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of Toledo, 2010.
Typescript. "Submitted to the Graduate Faculty as partial fulfillment of the requirements for The Doctor of Philosophy in Manufacturing Management and Engineering." "A dissertation entitled"--at head of title. Title from title page of PDF document. Bibliography: p. 158-180.

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Lefofana, Kabelo. "The importance of biomass and its supply chain: Challenges facing forest fuel biomass supply chains in South Africa." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/79599.

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Globally organisations are faced with the increasing problem and focus on seeking to produce energy using processes that are less harmful to the environment, ensuring reduced environmental pollution that will result in a sustainable healthy environment for the future. Energy produced from non-renewable matter like fossil fuels, for example, has been shown to increase environmental pollution compared to energy produced from renewable matter like biomass. Therefore, many countries are developing national energy strategies or policies that target the reduction of the high dependency on energy produced from fossil fuel and moving towards renewable energy that is produced from biomass which is bioenergy. This study explores the challenges of how a sustainable forest fuel biomass supply chain can be established in South Africa, to supply the required volumes of forest fuel biomass to multifuel biomass boiler organisations to produce bioenergy. This research study used a qualitative, exploratory and inductive research methods to gain insights into how this forest fuel biomass supply chain can be established. The data was collected through 12 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with farmers, biomass boiler operational stuff and forestry management personnel. The interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed to answer the research questions. The study confirmed that transparency and openness through the forest fuel biomass supply chain was imperative as it has been identified through the review of the literature, and risk management needed to be incorporated when establishing the supply chain. A framework is presented that would help with the establishment of the forest fuel biomass supply chain.
Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2020.
pt2021
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
MBA
Unrestricted

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Lindner, Christoph. "Supply Chain Performance Measurement : A research of occuring problems and challenges." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, Centre of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-9285.

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Mac, Cawley Alejandro F. "The international wine supply chain: challenges from bottling to the glass." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/52213.

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Wine companies face two important challenges in their supply chain: the international shipping temperatures and their effect on the perceived quality of the wine and the optimization of the bottling schedule. The wine maker takes special care in producing the best quality product, which is then shipped to the importer/distributor or consumer, generally in non-refrigerated containers at the mercy of the prevailing environmental conditions. The contributions of this work is that it is the first to measure, for a significant period of time, the temperatures along the international wine supply chain and to link them to the specific supply chain processes. This is also the first work that analyzes the effect of shipping temperature on the perceived quality of the product by those who make the purchase decision for importers, restaurants and supermarkets. Results indicate that the wine is very likely to have been exposed to extreme temperatures during shipping. For white wines, tasters are able to detect differences in wines which have been exposed to shipping temperatures and show a preference towards them. For red wines, they are unable to detect differences. Our contribution to the second challenge was the development of a model that produces solutions for the wine bottling lot sizing and scheduling problem with sequence dependent setup times, in an adequate time-frame, which can be implemented by large wineries. We have developed a model and algorithm that produces fast, good and robust solutions for the winery lot sizing and scheduling problem with sequence dependent setup times. We implemented an effective decomposition algorithm that uses the structure of the problem, that can be applied to other families of sequence dependent scheduling and lot sizing problem. Results indicate that the model achieves reductions of 30\% in the total plan costs.

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Casagni, Arianna. "Food waste along the supply chain. An analysis of nowadays food supply chain challenges in the italian and english contexts." Master's thesis, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, 2013. http://amslaurea.unibo.it/5493/.

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Scopo. Lo scopo di questo studio è esaminare il problema degli sprechi nelle moderne food supply chain, così da consentire una piena comprensione delle principali cause di inefficienza sistemica nell’industria alimentare e individuare potenziali opportunità di miglioramento. Approccio e Metodologia. Per raggiungere gli obiettivi prefissati la presente trattazione si propone di implementare una ricerca empirica basata sull’analisi di due realtà industriali operanti nel settore alimentare. Nello specifico verranno studiate due aziende integrate rispettivamente nel contesto economico italiano e in quello inglese e operanti a due stadi diversi e complementari della filiera alimentare, quello della produzione e quello della distribuzione. Questo studio incrociato consentirà, auspicabilmente, di portare alla luce quegli elementi chiave necessari per una lettura chiara ed esaustiva delle maggiori sfide che le moderne supply chain si trovano a dover affrontare, in una prospettiva di minimizzazione degli sprechi e di accrescimento del valore per il consumatore. Risultati. I risultati che si prevede di ottenere dall’implementazione di questo studio sono fondamentalmente quattro: 1.Piena comprensione del concetto di spreco nell’industria alimentare. 2.Identificazione dei principali fattori chiave che dovrebbero essere attentamente monitorati con lo scopo di conseguire un’efficace riduzione degli sprechi lungo la filiera alimentare. 3.Analisi critica di quelle che sono le più utilizzate pratiche manageriali e operative nelle moderne aziende alimentari. 4.Individuazione dei potenziali sviluppi che potrebbero essere implementati attraverso l’utilizzo delle più recenti ICT in termini di efficienza della supply chain. Valore della Ricerca. Seppure mediante un’analisi prevalentemente di tipo qualitativo, questa trattazione si prefigge di fornire un contributo nell’ambito del food supply chain management che, data la rilevanza del problema relativo agli sprechi, risulta oggi più attuale che mai. L’originalità di questo studio risiede principalmente nelle fonti dei dati che ne hanno costituito le fondamenta: da un lato la ricerca teorica sviluppata nel Regno Unito, dove lo studio della supply chain è ormai da decenni approfondito nelle più importanti Università; dall’altro la ricerca empirica sviluppata sia presso una delle più importanti e moderne aziende alimentari italiane, che presso uno dei più famosi logistics service provider a livello mondiale.

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Abushoke, Abdalla, and Khanum Aisha. "External Requirements and Internal Enablers in the Responsive Supply Chain Management : A Case Study of Nike’s Responsive Supply Chain." Thesis, Internationella Handelshögskolan, Jönköping University, IHH, Centre of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CeLS), 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-48801.

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Background: Responsive Supply Chain (RSC) has been in the middle of attention nowadays, companies invest massively in their supply chains to adapt to dynamic changes in the market. Examples of prominent changes are technological advances and digitalization happening across various supply chain channels. Almost all businesses and managers are now challenged to build a RSC that better copes with these changes. Therefore, it is essential to explore the external requirements in the market that push business towards adopting a RSC strategy. Along with external requirements, internal enablers are also defining how efficiently supply chain are capable of implementing such a strategy. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the external requirements of a responsive supply chain strategy. Furthermore, it will investigate the internal enablers necessarily to efficiently respond to those external requirements, and finally explore the challenges managers encounter while implementing a RSC model. Method: A qualitative method has been performed through a single case study analysis. Semi-structured interviews with different managerial levels are conducted to collect data from Nike, as a main research case. A content analysis method has been used to develop an adaptive model in order to fulfil our research purpose. Conclusion: Our analysis showed that consumer behavior and social media played a significant role as external requirements. Change management is a key internal enabler for Nike to adapt their current set-up to further develop their responsive strategy. Information technology, resistance to change and trends in the market are amongst the key challenges while building a RSC model.

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Willner, Daniel, and Stavros Zafeiridis. "Challenges and the use of performance measurements in humanitarian supply chains." Thesis, Internationella Handelshögskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, IHH, Centre of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-21767.

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The field of humanitarian logistics and supply chain management is increasingly the subject of research. Even though there has been some research in the field in the past, the necessity for more research related to the measurement of the effectiveness of humanitarian supply chains is required. Humanitarian supply chain management deals not only with natural disasters but also with man-made disasters. Thus, different types of disasters create different challenges for humanitarian aid. Moreover, the different stages of the disasters require different courses of action. The lack of extended research in the field of humanitarian supply chain and logistics, the increase of the impact of disasters as well as the differences between the commercial and the humanitarian supply chains, make it clear that the sector should find ways to improve its efficiency. Tools and metrics can be used to measure and improve the efficiency of the supply chains. According to literature there are no sophisticated measures of effectiveness for humanitarian logi stics and supply chains. The purpose of this thesis is to identify the main challenges in humanitarian supply chains and what is the role of performance measurements in humanitarian operations. Moreover, the thesis aims to identify an appropriate model for measuring and thus, enhancing performance in the humanitarian supply chains. The research strategy chosen for this study is a holistic multiple case study. The empirical data is collected through interviews. For this research in total 3 organisations’ representatives and 2 volunteers were interviewed. The collected data have been analysed by combining theories and previous studies in the literature. The main findings from analysing the empirical data revealed that, depending on the disaster phase, humanitarian organisations face different challenges in their supply chains. By implementing appropriate performance measurements, the humanitarian organisations can limit the impact of the challenges in the supply chain operations, gain more relevant and precise information regarding the humanitarian operations, and enhance supply chain coordination among different stakeholders. As an outcome, by implementing appropriate performance measurement systems, the humanitarian organisations can overcome some of these challenges in their supply chains, and therefore enhance the overall supply chain performance.

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Nguegan, Nguegan Catherine Angelique. "Perceptions of supply chain professionals on the relationship between supply chain challenges and business performance in the food industry in Gauteng province." Thesis, Vaal University of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10352/361.

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M.Tech (Logistics: Faculty of Management Sciences) Vaal University of Technology
Effective supply chain management is largely contributing to the success of many companies around the world. From publicly owned companies to sole proprietorships, supply chain management is crucial in facilitating the effectiveness of all operations. In the food processing industry, supply chain management is regarded as important capital for both inbound and outbound logistical activities. However, implementation of supply chain management initiatives presents several challenges that hinder the effectiveness of the operations of most companies. The aim of this study was to investigate supply chain management challenges facing the food processing industry in South Africa and the effects of these challenges on business performance. Through a review of literature, seven challenges are identified, namely, human resources management, technology, facilities, supplier relationship management, customer relationship management, regulatory factors, logistics and transportation. A nine-section questionnaire was then developed using adapted measurement scales and distributed to 303 supply management professionals in food processing companies in Gauteng province. Respondents were selected using the non-probability convenience sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (Version 23.0). After testing for validity and reliability, descriptive statistics were applied in testing perceptions of respondents towards the seven supply chain management challenges and business performance. Pearson correlations were used to test for the strength and direction of associations between supply chain management challenges and business performance. Regression analysis is applied in testing whether supply chain management predicted business performance. Application of Pearson correlations revealed negative associations between all seven supply chain management challenges and business performance. This implies that business performance decreases as the intensity of the challenges increases. Regression analysis indicated that, apart from regulatory factors, six of the supply chain management challenges predict business performance. Technology emerged as the strongest predictor of business performance. The study concludes by suggesting recommendations for limiting the impact of the identified challenges on business performance.

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Farheen, Rubaiya, and Zahid Al Nayeem. "Challenges in Supply Chain due to the Pandemic: A study on shoe industry of Bangladesh." Thesis, Högskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för ekonomi, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-35121.

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Aim This study has investigated the supply chain of shoe industry in Bangladesh those who does business internationally. The study concentrates on the supply chain of our selected industries and what are the difficulties they have faced during the time of pandemic. We have also discussed about the difficulties faced in general times but those has been mentioned to gain a better understanding and diversity of the difficulties faced during the time of pandemic. Method The study has been done by using qualitative approach and Inductive method. Four shoe manufacturing organization were selected and among them twelve staff members has been interrogated in order to generate the primary data. The secondary data has been collected from the published literatures and the considered theories are based on the concept of supply chain process. Result and Conclusion The study has been formulated on a platform where supply chain is influenced by supply chain process and the difficulties that we have discussed in regards to the process affects the whole supply chain and these difficulties has been classified into three areas for the purpose of our study. Our investigation regarding the supply chain difficulties in time of pandemic, also projects similar scenario and those difficulties has been also classified according to the three areas. As result of fact the pandemic affected the intensity of the difficulties but it does not arise any kind of new area of difficulties. Though we did not find any diversity in terms of the categorised areas but it has increased the severity of the difficulties among the factors. The most effected factors have been indicated by the end of the study and projected with the help of a framework. Contribution There have been many studies in regards to the supply chain and its challenges. There were also studies were environmental uncertainties were discussed and few recent studies also contributed towards the present situation of (COVID-19). Adding to those studies we have examined the situation further on challenges of supply chain process in shoe manufacturing industries of Bangladesh as this is a very rare area of investigation. In addition to these researchers, other studies discussed challenges in different forms. We have try to synchronize these scattered challenges into particular and precise areas, according to their category of activities. Previously the challenges were discussed with a general view and we have tried to discuss by relating them to the pandemic situation which can add more diversity to the previous researches done on the same situation. The study also contributes to the literature of supply chain in regards to the pandemic situation that the whole world is going through. It investigates the challenges faced due to the pandemic situation and these can contribute to develop managerial aspects of risk management in such diverse situation in future. Future research suggestions This study mainly focuses on the effects of (COVID-19) on the supply chain process and how this pandemic situation all around the world has effected the shoe manufacturers of Bangladesh in terms of maintaining their operations in supply chain process. Similar kind of further research can be conducted in relation to other industries or even service industries. From managerial aspect new studies can be formulated in order to develop strategies that could manage this kind of pandemic situations more efficiently.

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Shimada, Tomoaki. "Potential benefits and emerging challenges of B2B e-procurement systems in a supply chain." online access from Digital Dissertation Consortium, 2005. http://libweb.cityu.edu.hk/cgi-bin/er/db/ddcdiss.pl?3195924.

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R, Rajesh, and Kundu Chanchal Kumar. "Analysis of Challenges in Existing Textile Retail Business for Implementing Sustainable Resilient Supply Chain." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Textilhögskolan, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-20148.

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The global retail business is extremely dynamic and this brings new issues in front of us and deserves responsibilities to address those issues. The Textile Retail Business is also experiencing this change as the whole retail textile supply chain has already become globalized with the time especially in terms of sourcing of raw materials and production as well. This phenomenon has raised the questions of threats regarding sustainability and resiliency of the supply chain. Today‘s retailers are working closely with these topics in a competition basis to achieve competitive advantages in their supply chain. This dissertation aims to sketch out the possible latent challenges for which the companies prefer to work with a scattered supply chain in terms of different geographical location as it involves lot of time, transportation and risks too and it additionally disputes the total environmental and resilient approach of the supply chain and moreover to validate the inter-relation between ecological sustainability and resiliency of the supply chain. Based on the case study on two companies having different sizes but similar values towards environment which are also located in different geographical region, we have tried to find out the answers. Companies build up supply chain firstly evaluating flexibility and resiliency of their own supply chain only by considering the technology availability, quality and pricing involved with the product and then they want to be sustainable and resilient by addressing other issues. The main challenges for the companies to alter their position are the product specific characteristics, availability of know-how and the suitable process cost involved with product. It has proposed for the companies who are working with numerous supply chains located in different geographical location to do some adjustments among their nearby suppliers for a typical product on experimental basis especially providing technological and logistics support to their suppliers to attain more concrete approach towards their values that they believe.
Program: Magisterutbildning i Applied Textile Management

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Kumar, Kundu Chanchal, and Rajesh R. "ANALYSIS OF CHALLENGES IN EXISTING TEXTILE RETAIL BUSINESS FOR IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE RESILIENT SUPPLY CHAIN." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Textilhögskolan, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-20188.

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ABSTRACTThe global retail business is always changing and this change brings new issues in front of us and deserves responsibilities to address these issues. The Textile Retail Business is also experiencing this change as the whole retail textile supply chain has already become globalized with the time especially in terms of sourcing of raw materials and production as well. This phenomenon has raised the questions of threats regarding sustainability and resiliency of the supply chain. Today’s retailers are working closely with these topics in a competition basis to achieve competitive advantages in their supply chain. This dissertation aims to sketch out the possible latent challenges for which the companies prefer to work with a scattered supply chain in terms of different geographical location as it involves lot of time, transportation and business risks. Additionally this scattered supply chain disputes the environmental and resilient approach of the total chain. Moreover, we try to shed light to validate the inter-relation between ecological sustainability and resiliency of the supply chain. Based on the case study on two companies having different sizes but similar values towards environment which are also located in different geographical region, we have tried to find out the answers. Companies build up supply chain firstly evaluating flexibility and resiliency of their own supply chain only by considering the technology availability, quality and pricing involved with the product and then they want to be sustainable and resilient by addressing other issues. The main challenges for the companies to alter their position are the product specific characteristics, availability of knowhow and the suitable process cost involved with product. It has proposed for the companies who are working with numerous supply chains located in different geographical location to do some adjustments among their nearby suppliers for a typical product on experimental basis especially providing technological and logistics support to their suppliers.
Program: Magisterutbildning i Applied Textile Management

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Jain, Sheenam. "Big data management using artificial intelligence in the apparel supply chain : opportunities and challenges." Thesis, Lille 1, 2020. http://www.theses.fr/2020LIL1I051.

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L’industrie de l'habillement a bénéficié, au cours de la dernière décennie, de l'application de big data et de l'intelligence artificielle pour résoudre divers problèmes commerciaux. Face à la concurrence accrue sur le marché et aux attentes des clients en matière de personnalisation, ces industriels sont en permanence à la recherche des moyens d'améliorer leurs stratégies commerciales afin d'accroître leur rapidité et leur rentabilité. A cet égard, les solutions de gestion de big data offrent aux enseignes de la distribution textile la possibilité d'explorer leur chaîne d'approvisionnement et d'identifier les ressources de données importantes. Ces ressources précieuses, rares et inimitables permettent de créer des stratégies axées sur les données (data-driven) et d'établir des capacités dynamiques à maintenir dans un environnement commercial incertain. Grâce à ces stratégies data-driven, les enseignes de prêt-à-porter sont en mesure de confectionner des vêtements de façon intelligente afin de fournir à leurs clients un article adapté à leurs besoins et, par conséquent, d'adopter des pratiques de consommation et de production durables.Dans ce contexte, la thèse étudie les avantages de l'utilisation de big data et de l'intelligence artificielle (IA) dans les entreprises de l'habillement, afin d'améliorer leurs opérations commerciales tout en recherchant des opportunités de gestion de big data à l'aide de solutions d'IA. Dans un premier temps, cette thèse identifie et classifie les techniques d'IA qui peuvent être utilisées à différents stades de la chaîne d'approvisionnement pour améliorer les opérations commerciales existantes. Dans un deuxième temps, des données relatives aux produits sont présentées afin de créer un modèle de classification et des règles de conception susceptibles de fournir des recommandations personnalisées ou une personnalisation permettant une meilleure expérience d'achat pour le client. Dans un troisième et dernier temps, la thèse s'appuie sur les évidences de l'industrie de l'habillement et la littérature existante pour suggérer des propositions qui peuvent guider les responsables dans le développement de stratégies data-driven pour améliorer la satisfaction du client par des services personnalisés. Enfin, cette thèse montre l'efficacité des solutions analytiques basées sur les données pour maintenir un avantage concurrentiel grâce aux données et aux connaissances déjà présentes dans une chaîne d'approvisionnement de l'habillement. Plus précisément, cette thèse contribue au domaine textile en identifiant des opportunités spécifiques de gestion de big data à l'aide de solutions d'intelligence artificielle. Ces opportunités peuvent être une source de référence pour d'autres travaux de recherche dans le domaine de la technologie et de la gestion
Over the past decade, the apparel industry has seen several applications of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in dealing with various business problems. With the increase in competition and customer demands for the personalization of products and services which can enhance their brand experience and satisfaction, supply-chain managers in apparel firms are constantly looking for ways to improve their business strategies so as to bring speed and cost efficiency to their organizations. The big data management solutions presented in this thesis highlight opportunities for apparel firms to look into their supply chains and identify big data resources that may be valuable, rare, and inimitable, and to use them to create data-driven strategies and establish dynamic capabilities to sustain their businesses in an uncertain business environment. With the help of these data-driven strategies, apparel firms can produce garments smartly to provide customers with a product that closer meets their needs, and as such drive sustainable consumption and production practices.In this context, this thesis aims to investigate whether apparel firms can improve their business operations by employing big data and AI, and in so doing, seek big data management opportunities using AI solutions. Firstly, the thesis identifies and classifies AI techniques that can be used at various stages of the supply chain to improve existing business operations. Secondly, the thesis presents product-related data to create a classification model and design rules that can create opportunities for providing personalized recommendations or customization, enabling better shopping experiences for customers. Thirdly, this thesis draws from the evidence in the industry and existing literature to make suggestions that may guide managers in developing data-driven strategies for improving customer satisfaction through personalized services. Finally, this thesis shows the effectiveness of data-driven analytical solutions in sustaining competitive advantage via the data and knowledge already present within the apparel supply chain. More importantly, this thesis also contributes to the field by identifying specific opportunities with big data management using AI solutions. These opportunities can be a starting point for other research in the field of technology and management

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Lukas, Katharine D. "The Supply Chain Of Fair Trade Coffee: Challenges, Opportunities & The Future Inside A Troubled Industry." ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2015. http://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/441.

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What started as a grassroots effort to aid tradespeople in developing nations, Fair Trade and similar certification models have, over the last sixty years, successfully established themselves as a viable alternative to conventional international trade; the ongoing growth of their market share and volume emphasize the increasing market demand for these alternatives. For coffee, Fair Trade's oldest and most established commodity, over two billion pounds was sold as certified in 2012 alone and the percentage of certified coffee continues to grow in share each year (Volcafe, 2012, Fair Trade USA 2012). As Fair Trade continues to grow, so does the variety of participants in the program and with this shift, Fair Trade is challenged to continuously evaluate how it can support both its producer base and the customers driving demand. This is, at its core, a challenge of maintaining its mission while appealing to new customers and channels. Fair Trade's expanding customer base, particularly with larger and more conventional businesses, has driven increased pressure for Fair Trade to prove and improve its impact and value. The research presented in this thesis explores Fair Trade's history, its current state and its future with a focus on impact and value creation. While Fair Trade is ultimately only a third party certification scheme with a mission singularly focused on improving producer livelihoods, its certification has inadvertently developed a global value chain network. This research focuses not on the mission, but on the supply chain of Fair Trade. This thesis reviews two existing bodies of literature; the first, the past and present of Fair Trade and its current challenges, the second sustainable supply chain management and supply chain governance. Following this review, we also explore the work of Keurig Green Mountain, the largest US procurer of Fair Trade coffee (Fair Trade USA, 2013). From here, we develop a conceptual model and framework by which to view the current supply chain actors within Fair Trade. Finally, through our research and a series of semi-structured interviews with key industry players, we explore the future of Fair Trade and the opportunities within the supply chain to optimize operations and explore the potential benefits. Based on the results of our qualitative research, our study seeks to highlight a gap in the existing literature of Fair Trade by exploring its opportunities from a business and supply chain management perspective.

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Hulthén, Hana. "On understanding of external and internal integration in supply chains : challenges and evaluation." Doctoral thesis, Lund University, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-64925.

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Benefits of implementing Supply Chain Integration (SCI) are acknowledged in existing integration literature. Integration extending beyond functional silos and firm boundaries is expected to provide value for customers in terms of higher quality, improved service level, and reduced costs.In addition, internal integration allows business functions to align around a single company goal. This type of integration promotes value creation while decreasing redundancies and costs. Yet, regardless of the significant advances in research and practice, many organizations still experience difficulties not only to integrate activities with supply chain partners, but they also struggle to integrate activities within an organization, for example, through implementation of a sales and operations planning (S&OP) process. To tackle these challenges, organizations may need to reconsider why and how they integrate both internally and externally. However, the previous integration research provides only limited guidelines for how to carry out such evaluations. Many organizations experience difficulties in addressing the complexity related to integration and evaluation of activities internally and with SC partners. The lack of concrete guidelines for evaluation of SCI in theory is seen as one of the reasons for the still sporadic examples of successful SCI in practice. Thus, the overall purpose of this research is to increase understanding of external and internal integration in supply chains. To address the purpose, three studies (1-3) have been conducted. The study 1 highlighted the current status and several SCI challenges in academic literature and in practice. One of the major challenges relates to the absence of a systematic comprehensive approach for evaluation of internal and external integration. To contribute to closing of this gap, study 2 was conducted to develop a context based framework for evaluation of external integration. Finally, the subsequent study 3 aimed to develop a framework for evaluation of the S&OP process. Concerning the SCI challenges, this research contributes to previous integration literature by confirming some existing challenges but also by identifying additional challenges. Related to challenges of external integration, a set of contextual factors are identified which were observed to challenge the establishment of an appropriate level of external integration with SC partners. As a result a misfit occurs between the contextual factors and applied level of external integration. Additionally, reasons for the misfits were identified and discussed. Associated with the challenges of S&OP process, this thesis adds to existing fragmented literature on the S&OP process evaluation challenges by synthesizing and extending the existing knowledge. A framework has been developed which is founded on two key areas of process performance – S&OP process effectiveness and efficiency, and on various maturity levels of the process. Although several challenges were found for each maturity level, some challenges were observed occurring across more levels. Moreover, in this research, a context based framework for evaluation of external integration is proposed. The framework extends the previous SCI frameworks. It is founded on contextual factors which were considered by the studied cases when integrating with their SC partners. Furthermore, the factors were observed to promote establishment of an appropriate level of external integration. Each level consists of identified external integration activities. The thesis further contributes to the S&OP performance research by addressing the lack of process oriented frameworks for evaluation of the process performance. The proposed framework of measuring the S&OP process performance considers the five major steps of the process and their outputs as well as the output of the entire process. To reflect the process performance measures, the framework structures and defines effectiveness and efficiency measures and their relation to the process performance. The framework also conforms to the majority of the criteria for designing of appropriate performance measures. Finally, the major results of the thesis are synthesized and a framework is suggested of external integration and its effect on S&OP process performance. The framework considers the identified contextual factors, appropriate levels of external integration, and the S&OP performance measures the integration can have effect on. The thesis also discusses, alongside with the theoretical contributions, how the developed frameworks can support managers in evaluating their supply chain integration practices. Additionally, several opportunities for future research are outlined.

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Chou, Cheng-Lung (Cheng-Lung John). "A proposed approach to assess supply chain risks to meet the new challenges in the Defense industry." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/73379.

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Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2012.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Page 68 is blank.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-66).
Department of Defense (DoD) had doubled its planned investments in new weapon systems from about $700 billion in 2001 to nearly $1.4 trillion in 2006. Despite the technical superiority of its weapon systems, DoD's weapon systems acquisition process had been plagued with cost increases, schedule delays, and performance shortfalls'. To address the maturity gaps, DoD mandated in 2008 that all prime contractors (including Raytheon) for new US government funded defense programs to evaluate/document technology and manufacturing readiness levels (T/MRL) of their supply base. There are 10 manufacturing & 9 technology readiness levels and specific levels need to be met for certain program milestones. DoD has released a set of questionnaires (Deskbooks), designed to evaluate the maturity levels of a supplier in areas such as engineering design, operation, manufacturing, and facility etc. The goal of this thesis is to develop an assessment method, using the Deskbooks as a reference, to address the core issues in the defense acquisition process. The thesis will also take a deep dive into Raytheon's supply chain management philosophy and analyze how Raytheon's strategic sourcing initiatives align with the new challenges in the defense industry.
by Cheng-Lung Chou.
S.M.
M.B.A.

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Mayer, Nunes Henrique Luiz, and Jing Ha. "Understanding Ericsson- China's Order Management Department Challenges: a Case Study." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, Centre of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-13038.

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Problem discussion: According to Coyle, Bardi, & Langley Jr., 2003, companies have always struggled in dealing properly with its outbound- to- customer logistics side, given the importance of such. In this case specifically, the investigation of the functions and processes employed by the Order Management department within Ericsson’s Chinese operations was the starting point for understanding what are the relevant problems existing; the reasons, probable impacts, possible opportunities for improvement as well as suggestions in doing so. Based on such premises, the authors have gone through these “challenges” to try to understand how in the case of Ericsson the company have or is dealing with such issues.

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to provide a general overview of the department’s existing processes, functions, detected problems and finally suggestions for improvements toward such problems.

Research Method: The Case Study approach was chosen by the authors given the characteristics of this study in pursuing the objectives stated, emphasized by the fact that the authors observed the current situation within an Ericsson’s department and the company’s perceptions. Coupled with this, the qualitative methods combined with a small portion of quantitative perspective have been used in order to provide the necessary research structure, followed by questionnaires and an interview as secondary data.

Conclusion: The conducted research was able to detect that within the department the two most relevant problems considering the employees’ and manager’s perspective is related consequently to the ERP system currently employed and inexperience by the department’s personnel in conducting their tasks. Further the authors point out suggestions for improving such issues.

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Röttger, Sophie, and Helena Fechner. "Exploring the Road to Readiness for a Circular Economy Implementation : A Case Study within the Manufacturing Industry." Thesis, Internationella Handelshögskolan, Jönköping University, IHH, Företagsekonomi, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-49959.

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Background: The circular economy model is an essential theme in sustainable development research and a promising chance for companies to combine environmental and economic benefits. Nevertheless, a CE implementation was not realised in most companies to date. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to understand what hinders companies from becoming more circular and what measures need to be taken to initiate a CE implementation. Method: An embedded single case study methodology serves to explore the process of initiating a CE implementation, based on a firm within the manufacturing industry. Conclusion: Our research reveals the necessity of a pre-implementation phase before the CE implementation. The readiness of a company can be evaluated through a scoresheet that assesses the status quo. This scoresheet helps to estimate a potential urgency to achieve CE readiness. A pre-implementation sheet provides insights for firms to understand measures that need to be taken to reach readiness.

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Kruger, Karen Lisa. "The challenges of the fruit supply chain following the deregulation of the South African fruit industry in 1997." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/51944.

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Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The implementation of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act of 1996 resulted in the deregulation of the South African fruit industry in October 1997. This led to independent decision-making regarding the marketing of export products by a host of deciduous fruit producers and exporters. No longer were the producers controlled by a monopoly. The deregulation challenged the inflexible single-channel fruit pooling marketing structure of the past and exposed domestic producers and exporters to the competitive global fruit market. By implication this translated into a need to become globally competitive in the interest of growing market share. The focus of this new marketing system is to give the producer the opportunity to export high quality fruit and earn an associated premium for his products, and to strengthen his brand and reputation through these efforts. The deregulation also provided the opportunity for independent fruit growers to influence the optimisation of the value chain, in the interest of lower costs and improved customer service. The market has since changed from supply (stock "push") to demand driven (stock "pull"). It is now imperative that the various producers and exporters provide an efficient supply chain in order to satisfy the end user demands. A consequence of this would be the increase in deciduous fruit quality as a determinant of decidU<;ms fruit demand. Market research was conducted to determine the impact that deregulation has had on South Africa's deciduous fruit industry and to establish the degree to which Portnet should transform to accommodate this changing and deregulated environment. In summary, deregulation has created many opportunities for South African fruit producers and exporters in the domestic and international markets. The only impediment is whether the new logistical structures will be able to reduce costs and improve profit margins, particularly now that economies of scale have been dissipated. Customer service may improve, but at what cost?
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die implementering van die Bemarkingswet van Landbouprodukte in 1996 het gelei tot die deregulering van die Suid-Afrikaanse vrugtebedryf in Oktober 1997. Die gevolg hiervan was die onafhanklike besluitneming ten opsigte van die bemarking van uitvoerprodukte deur 'n groep sagtevrugteprodusente en -uitvoerders. Die produsente is nie langer deur 'n monopolie beheer nie. Die deregulering het die onbuigbare een-kanaal vrugtebemarkingstruktuur van die verlede opsy geskuif en binnelandse produsente en uitvoerders die geleentheid gebied om deel te word van die kompeterende intemasionale vrugtemark. Dit het by implikasie aanleiding gegee tot 'n behoefte om intemasionaal mededingend te wees in die belang van 'n groeiende markaandeel. Die fokus van hierdie nuwe bemarkingstelsel is om die produsent die geleentheid te gee om hoe kwaliteit vrugte uit te voer en die meegaande hoe premie vir sy produkte te verdien, asook om sy handelsmerk en reputasie sodoende te vestig. Die deregulasie het ook die onafhanklike vrugteprodusente die geleentheid gegee om seggenskap in die optimisering van die waardeketting te kry wat tot laer koste en verbeterde klientediens gelei het. Sedertdien het die mark verander vanaf 'n aanbodmark na 'n vraaggedrewe mark. Dit is nou uiters belangrik dat die verskillende produsente en uitvoerders 'n effektiewe voorsieningsnetwerk skep om in die eindverbruikers se behoeftes te voorsien. Die gevolg sou 'n toename in die gehalte van sagtevrugte wees, wat weer belangrike determinant van die sagtevrugte vraag is. Marknavorsing is gedoen om die impak van die deregulasie op die Suid-Afrikaanse sagtevrugtebedryfvas te stel. Wat ook vasgestel moes word, was die mate waartoe Portnet moet transformeer om in die veranderde en gedereguleerde omgewing te funksioneer. Om op te som, deregulering het verskeie geleenthede vir Suid-Afrika se vrugteprodusente en uitvoerders in die binnelandse en intemasionale markte geskep. Die enigste vraag is of die nuwe logistieke strukture wel koste sal verminder en winsmarges sal verhoog, veral noudat skaalvoordele nie meer van toepassing is nie. Klientediens sal verbeter, maar teen watter koste?

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Déri, Edit. "Challenges of Environmental and SocialResponsibility in the Fashion Industry." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-202004.

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The purpose of the thesis is to reveal and address macro-environmental sustainability problems in thefashion industry. A qualitative research approach was used to reach the purpose. Throughout the empirics, theexisting literature was studied, and two case studies were carried out. The one about Hennes and Mauritz isbased on secondary data by using its sustainability report, and in the other case, primary data were obtainedabout Ekovaruhuset, an ecological fashion company, through a face-to-face interview. It was found that thefashion industry has a significant environmental impact and often violates the fair labour practices throughout itssupply chain. The root causes of the unsustainable operation are the labour-intensity, water and chemicalintensity throughout the fashion supply chain, and the lack of political and legal regulations in the producingcountries. These problems can be addressed by careful sourcing, and higher control over the cotton growers,fabric mills and suppliers. In addition, using and developing eco-friendly raw materials, like organic cotton, andfabrics reduce the environmental impact. It can be concluded that there is much room for sustainabledevelopment in the fashion industry, but there are corporate social and environmental responsibility endeavoursfrom both small and big companies.

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Al-Matani, Khalid. "The influence of entrepreneurial leadership on factors affecting SME growth in supply chains : the case of Oman." Thesis, Brunel University, 2018. http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/17158.

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This thesis explores in depth the factors influencing growth in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from a supply chain perspective and examines how entrepreneurship affects them in Omani SMEs. The study is undertaken in order to complement the scarce literature on SMEs related to supply chains and improve the understanding of what factors are crucial in determining growth in them. The research is focused on the role of entrepreneurial qualities and behaviours for the growth of SMEs in developing countries, as their economies are more dependent on smaller companies. The context of this research is within Oman, which represents a typical developing economy containing a large number of active SMEs. The main factors for SMEs growth are identified through a literature review of past and contemporary research studies on supply chain networks, SMEs, growth and entrepreneurship. The factors are divided into areas related to the positions of the company (market position of the firm, negotiating power, Supply chain relationships and firm's image), and to SMEs' value-adding capabilities (cost optimisation, and innovations). The review also reveals that the critical entrepreneurial traits are: managers' culture and motivations, strategic thinking, sense for opportunities, risk-taking, continuous learning, their leadership abilities and networking skills. Based on the literature review findings a conceptual framework is proposed. This research is exploratory and explanatory in nature and relies on a qualitative approach to find out how entrepreneurship relates to growth in SMEs. Primary data is collected from in-depth semi-structured interviews with managers in 25 Omani SMEs from various industrial and service sectors 10 representing different supply chain positions. The data is processed through content analysis using the factors identified from the literature review as initial themes. The findings affirm the importance of SMEs' supply chain positions and their value adding capabilities for growth. Furthermore, all elements of entrepreneurship are found to affect growth factors. Results show positive attitude and growth aspirations lead to more proactive market behaviour, while strategic thinking helps managers choose more sustainable market positions. Results indicate leadership improves company costs by increasing employees' motivation and productivity and also facilitates the implementation of innovations. Learning orientation is stated to be crucial for exploring new ideas for innovations, while a good sense for opportunity helps managers evaluate them and choose the right ones. Finally, risk-taking propensity emerges as instrumental in the actual undertaking of innovation projects as it is needed for initiating them.

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Chenga, Kaputo Melody. "Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP): A solution to institutional challenges in Zambia’s Medical Supply Chain or another technical solution?" Master's thesis, Faculty of Commerce, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/31518.

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Do technical solutions override or fast track institutional reforms? This study interrogates the extent to which Zambia’s newly introduced Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) is addressing the procurement challenges [for essential drugs and medical supplies] in the Ministry of Health (MoH). A brain child of the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), the e-GP is but one of the components of the wider procurement reform agenda. The e-GP was introduced with the intention of enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and Value for Money (VfM) in public procurement. Since 2016, ZPPA has been piloting the approach in selected Procurement Entities (PEs), a combination of sector ministries and state parastatals. Based on review of project documentation, publicly available data, and interviews from key stakeholders; the study explores and interrogates the contextual and institutional challenges characterising the e-GP design and pilot implementation phases, and the extent to which these realities impact the achievement of the intended outcomes. A fair amount of information from interviewees was provided under conditions of confidentiality, thus individuals are not often identified. It is perhaps too early to ascertain the extent to which the e-GP is realising the intended objectives. This is partly explained by the project’s slow start, occasioned by delayed procurement which had knock - on effects on the overall project’s pace. An interrogation of the history and political economy of Zambia suggests however that it is the opaque challenges bordering on the political economy which is the single most binding constraint to reforms; defining the process, the pace and outcomes. The design of the e-GP was generic and non-participatory. There is no evidence to suggest that the process had provided opportunity for PE’s to define and customize the problems that mattered for them to be addressed by the e-GP. Instead, the e-GP seems to have been sold to PEs as a best practice solution. Because of the deep incentive fabric at both organizational and individual levels, the project seems to have some traction. Effort of various actors does not appear to be supportive of each, often latently contradicting each other. Project progress is held constant by the relative ability of the ZPPA to push some strands of work within some pilot PEs. This relative ability of the ZPPA shields the low levels of acceptance and questionable authority within PEs and among actors. Progress on the e-GP appears like a façade of success; suggestive of isomorphic mimicry.

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Marshall, David A. "LEAN TRANSFORMATION: OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES, MANAGING PERFORMANCE, AND SUSTAINING SUCCESS." UKnowledge, 2014. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/marketing_etds/4.

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To remain competitive in a global market, many organizations are transforming their operations from traditional management approaches to the lean philosophy. The success of the Toyota Production System in the automotive industry serves as a benchmark that organizations continually seek to emulate in search of similar results. Despite the abundance of lean resources, many organizations struggle to attain successful lean transformation. To facilitate investigation of the failure mechanisms and critical success factors of lean transformation, this dissertation addresses the following research questions: (1) Why do transformations from traditional organizational philosophies to lean fail? (2) What are the critical factors for lean transformation success? (3) What is the role of an organization’s human resource performance management system during the lean transformation journey? This dissertation utilizes a multi-method, multi-essay format to examine the research questions. First, managers from organizations in various stages of lean transformation are interviewed to establish a foundational research framework. Subsequently, a theoretical model is empirically tested based on data gathered from a survey of industry professionals with expertise in lean transformation. Data analysis techniques employed for this dissertation include: Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, case descriptions, and case comparisons. Very few studies of lean transformation investigate behavioral influences and antecedents. This dissertation contributes to practitioners and researchers by offering a refined understanding of the role that human resource performance management can play in the overall lean transformation process. In an effort to characterize organizational outcomes resulting from lean transformation, this research introduces a new construct, Lean Transformation Success, to the literature.

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Mohanta, Debasis, and Ngo Lydienne Fenlai. "THE CHALLENGES OF GREENNESS ON FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION, THE CASE OF BRING LOGISTICS : Master's Thesis in International Logistics and supply Chain Management." Thesis, Jönköping University, Jönköping University, JIBS, Centre of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-12365.

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“The negative environmental impacts of transportation have gained wide recognition and are at the core of issues of sustainability, especially in urban areas” (Rodrigue, Slack & Comtois, 2001). Many prior researches have been carried out on negative impact of transportation on environment. To minimize and to mitigate environmental concerns, green logistics and green transportation has been introduced in recent time. Logistics companies are becoming more flexible and slowly started moving towards green implementation. Implementation of this new strategy has definite challenges for logistics companies. In order to understand environmental problems caused by freight transportation and its challenges associated with green implementation, the aspect of greenness and its challenges were examined especially on the case of Bring Logistics. In this thesis, various modes of transportation and their environmental problems were discussed, city traffic and its consequences, implementation challenges, use of models, etc

The purpose of this research is to understand environmental problems caused by freight transportation and organisational challenges of green implementation in logistics firms.

To fulfill the purpose of this work, a qualitative research method was used with an inductive approach chosen for methodology. Materials were collected both primary and secondary sources and three types of interview were conducted i.e. face-face interview, interview through email and by phone. Eight interviews were conducted involving seven personalities from Bring Logistics Jönköping, Sweden.

In conclusion, a logistical structural changes were implemented as a model in order for the company to be successful in their green implementation. The problems caused by freight transportation were noise, air pollution and climate change. The challenges of green implementation were identified as financial, employees inflexibility, distribution delay, taxation and fuel pricing.

The purpose of this research is to understand environmental problems caused by freight transportation and organisational challenges of green implementation in logistics firms.

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Swart, Daniel. "Enterprise resource planning (ERP) : a study of the key benefits and challenges of implementing ERP systems." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/19807.

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Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2006.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main objective with this study was to analyse and evaluate the strategies employed by South African Breweries in the implementation of ERP systems with specific reference to the Strategic Enterprise Management (SEM) model. The study would have further identified the key success factors of implementing ERP systems and state the reasons for ERP system implementation failure. The combination of intense global compeution and powerful new information technologies has led to a rush toward ERP systems and intensified efforts to re-engineer organisational processes. Although most ERP systems are justified on the basis that they integrate disparate organisational systems or standardise organisational processes on best practice, most businesses find that the costs and risks are significantly more than benefits during the early stages following implementation of an ERP system. Some businesses have however been able to transform their supply chain processes as result of ERP implementation. Businesses must overcome daunting challenges fn order to generate value from ERP systems. ERP systems typically consist of modules, each with functionality relating to organisational functions, such as production, finance, human resources and logistics. Development and sales of ERP systems rapidly increased between 1992 and 1999 when most large corporations, which could typically make use of these systems, installed these systems. The market has recently slowed down and ERP software developers now face strong competition and are challenged to find new ways to differentiate products from those of competitors. New information systems have been developed to complement and even replace ERP systems such as Advanced Planning Systems (APS) and Supply Chain Management systems (SCM). The successful implementation of ERP systems are largely dependant on the way that a company approaches, considers and implements ERP systems. It is important to note that ERP systems implementations are not just another IT project or project implementation, but has a human element attached to the implementation process that is centric to the success of the implementation process. The study concluded that the top contributor for a successful ERP implementation is getting the employees and all persons in the process involved, on board and motivated by the process of implementation. Other important factors are a strong commitment from upper management as an implementation involves significant alterations to existing business practices, issues related to reengineering the business processes and integrating the other business applications to the ERP backbone. Upper and middle management plays a key role in managing the change that ERP brings into an organisation. It must be noted that once implemented, an ERP system is difficult and expensive to undo. In addition organisations may have to implement custom applications in addition to the ERP software as no single ERP solution can satisfy all the business needs. It is apparent that most ERP implementation successes are attributable to excellent planning, employee involvement and effective communication. Thus it is imlXlrtant for an organisation to have the above as top priorities in ERP implementation. Successful ERP implementation will be greatly enhanced if the employees are properly involved in the process and are given the necessary recognition and respect they deserve. Without dedicated employees to implement and apply the system, the organisation will be wasting its resources and capital on a system that will never be fully utilised. Although an ERP implementation effort can be completed by consultants, problems will arise if the proper employees are not available to sUPlXlrt the project. The trained employees who grow with the system and make the system expand and evolve with the company, will be true assets of the company and more than worth the investment.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doelwit van die studie was om die strategie toegepas deur Suid Afrikaanse Brouery tydens implementering van Ondememing Hulpbron Beplanning (OHS) stelsels te analiseer en evalueer met 'n spesiale fokus op die Strategiese Ondememing Bestuur (SOB) model. Die studie identifiseer ook die sleutel sukses faktore vir die implementering van aHS stelsels en bespreek die redes vir onsuksesvolle aHB stelsel impJementering. Die kombinasie van intense globale kompetisie en kragtige nuwe inligtingstelsels het aanleiding gegee tot 'n toename in aHB stelsels en het gelei tot hemude fokus op proses herstrukturering. Nieteenstaande die feit dat meeste aHB stelsels geregverdig kan word op grand van hulle integrasie van losstaande organisasie stelsels of standaardisasie van organisasie prosesse en beste praktyke, vind die meeste besighede dat die koste en risiko tydens die eerste fases na implementering betekenisvol meer is as die voordele. Sommige besighede was egter in staat om hulle verskaffingsketting prosesse te transformeer deur die implementering van aHB stelsels. Besighede moet egter oorweldigende uitdagings oorkom om waarde te genereer met aHB stelsels. aHB stelsels betaan tipies un verskeie modules, met elkeen funksionaliteite wat betrekking het op die besigheids funksies soos produksie, finansies, menslike hupbronne en logistiek. Die ontwikketing en verkope van aHB stelsels het drasUes toegeneem sedert 1992 tot 1999 toe meeste groot besighede wat kon gebruik maak van die stelsels, dit implementeer het. Die mark het onlangs afgeneem en aHB sagteware ontwikkelaars word nou gekonfronteer met strawwe kompetisie en moet nuwe maniere vind om hulle prod uk te onderskei van die kompetisie. Nuwe inligting stelsels is ontwikkel wat bestaande aHB stelsels komplimenteer en selts vervang soos byvoorbeeld Gevorderde Beplanning Stelsels (GBS) en Verskaffingketting Bestuur stelsels (VKB). Die suksesvolle implementering van aHB stelsels is grootHks afhanklik van die wyse waarop 'n besigheid OHB stelsels benader, oorweeg en implementeer. Dit is belangrik om in gedagte te hou dat OHB stelsel impfementering nie net nog 'n IT projek of projek implememtering is nie, maar dat daar 'n menslike element in die implementering proses betrokke is wat 'n kernfaktor in die sukses van die implementering is. Die studie het tot die slotsom gekom dat die hoof bydraende faktor tot suksesvolle implementering van OHB stelsels is om wer1<.nemers en aile relevante persone Ie betrek en te motiveer met die implementerings proses. Ander belangrike faktore sluit in onderneming van senior bestuur aangesien implementering bekenisvolle veranderinge aan bestaande praktyke behels asook die herontwerp van besigheids prosesse en integrasie van ander besigheids toepassings. Middel en senior bestuur het 'n integrale rol in die bestuur van verandering wat OHB stelsels in die firma teweeg bring. Dit is belangrik om kennis te neem dat OHB stelsels na implementering moeilik en teen hoe koste ongedaan gemaak kan word. Besighede mag selfs nodig he om addisionele toepassings te implementeer aangesien geen OHB sagteware stelsels aan aile besigheidsbehoeftes kan voldoen nie. Dit is duidelik dat die meeste OHB implementering suksesse toegeskryf kan word aan uitstekende beplanning, werknemer betrokkenheid en effektiewe kommunikasie. Dit is dus noodsaaklik vir die firma om begenoemde as die hoogste prioiriteite vir die implementering van OHB stelsels na te volg. Suksesvolle OHB stelsel implementering word grootliks bevorder indien die werknemers deeglik betrokke is in die proses, asook die nodige erkenning en respek ontvang. S~nder toegewyde werknemers om die stelsel Ie implementeer en toe te pas sal die organisasie hulpbronne en kapitaal vermors op 'n stelsel wat nooil ten volle benut sal word nie. AJhoewel OHB implementering gekomplimenteer kan word deur konsultante sal daar probleme ontstaan indien die toepaslike werknemers nie beskikbaar is om die projek te ondersteun nie. Die opgeleide werknemer wat saam met die stelsel groei en wat die stelsel help uitbrei en ontwikkel saam met die organisasie is 'n ware aanwins vir die firma en meer as die belegging werd

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Jones, DeLariah Katherlene. "The Challenges of Cultural Business Relationships Within Manufacturing." ScholarWorks, 2016. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2491.

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Manufacturing leaders seek strategies to improve cross-cultural business relationships because of the increasing demand for outsourcing, which requires strong partnerships among manufacturing supply chain members. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore successful strategies that manufacturing business leaders use to improve cross-cultural business relationships within their manufacturing supply chain. The targeted population included business leaders, fluent in English, within 1 company located at 2 different manufacturing sites in the Midwest region of the United States and the Northeast region of Mexico. The capability-based view theory was used to support knowledge sharing, trust, and strategic management. Methodological triangulation of the data from interviews, direct observations during site visits, and production documentation led to 4 themes. The 4 themes that emerged from thematic analysis were: information sharing, which was key to form a strong partnerships between the 2 manufacturing sites; the development of common business tools, which facilitates the development of common technical language that both sites understood and could translate into common expectations; training of business tools and processes, which expands knowledge sharing and best practices among the 2 sites; and understanding differences of people rather than culture. The implication for positive social change includes the potential to provide strategies to business leaders within various manufacturing industries on how to overcome the challenges of trust, information sharing, and resource management and provide successful cross-cultural business relationships and profitability.

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Demse, Habtesilase Ketema. "Challenges of Multimodal Transport Services:The Case of Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Service Enterprise : Ethiopia- Sweden-Denmark and UK trade routes operation." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring (MF), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-79286.

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Abstract Purpose: is to identify the challenges of multimodal transport service of ESLSE in the Europe trade routes operation from origin up to destination and to analyze the contribution of network partners to ESLSE solving these challenges. Design\Data collection\Approach: This thesis relied on qualitative research design in order to identify the key challenges of multimodal transport services and to show how the network partners contribute to solving these challenges. Moreover, to achieve the objective of the study, semi structure interviews were used, and the responses from 14 experts were analyzed. Theoretical framework: The theoretical base and concepts are used to determine the theoretical boundaries of the research. It provides an overview of the literature that exists in the challenges of multimodal transport services. The theoretical framework firstly encompassed the logistics performance and personnel, followed by the description of multimodal transport services, customs facilitation, ICT, infrastructure, network partner integration and port administration. Lastly, theoretical synthesis is developed that are identified from the theory to demonstrate the interrelationship between individual concepts. Findings: The findings of this study revealed that multimodal transport service was impacted by a number of challenges even if the network partners contributed some solutions. The results of the study showed that the lack of skilled logistics personnel; poor ICT system; lack of integration between network partners; lack of effective infrastructure; inadequate and ineffective capacity of trucks; material theft; corruption; security risk; lack of prompt response in the operation between network partners; monopoly of the operation by ESLSE; and lack of quality of transported cargo are the main challenges for multimodal transport services. Managerial implication: For managers of network partners, it is recommended that they should be aware that the challenge of multimodal transport service is the result of poor ICT systems; lack of integration between network partners; lack of effective infrastructure; lack of skilled logistic personnel; inadequate and ineffective capacity of trucks; material theft; corruption; security risk; lack of quality of transported cargo; and lack of prompt response in the operation between the network partners Hence, they should take action to solve the problems by integrating with shipping agents and steering committees such as customers office, transport minister, and maritime authority. Moreover, the shipping agents managers can use the results of the study to enhance their contribution in order to solve the challenges of multimodal transport services by communicating with the ESLSE. Limitations: The small sample size without adequately diverse geographical spread and sample of shipping agents and dry ports since the study is only limited to Europe trade routes and it did not take in to consideration other continents like Africa and Asia which could have given additional information on the topic. The sample of shipping agent and dry ports was limited with 3 out of 11 and 3 out of 7 respectively. Originality\Value: This thesis is one of the first to analyze the challenges of multimodal transport in the case of Ethiopia to Europe trade operation by interviewing both the ESLSE and shipping agents.

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Weidstam, Erik. "Sustainability passion in fashion : Challenges and Opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Swedish Apparel Brands when Working with Corporate Social Responsibility in their Global Supply Chain." Thesis, Stockholms universitet, Ekonomisk-historiska institutionen, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-108845.

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The overall economic development during the nineteenth and twentieth century has left us with an interconnected global society. However, the pollution does not adhere to the boundaries of nation-states. Therefore, the sustainability issue calls for holistic solutions on all levels of society, from individuals to states, large NGOs, and in particular the companies that produce the goods we consume. Corporate initiatives on this matter are usually referred to as Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR. Many large corporations have been under scrutiny from different stakeholders ever since the early 1990’s and it is no longer possible for them to neglect their responsibility for i.e. pollution or human rights. However, smaller actors do not receive as much attention as their larger competitors, due to lower stakeholder awareness. With this background, this master thesis aims at investigating how small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the apparel industry in Sweden perceive their opportunities and challenges when working with CSR in their global supply chain. Thus, the thesis hopes to help bridge a scientific gap, and also connects to Supply Chain Management, SCM. This was accomplished through a literature review that identified and categorized different aspects of the problem. Following this, a multiple-case study with eight different brands was carried out, interviewing representatives from the organizations. The results show, among other things, that for SMEs, top management and/or owner values and commitment are of significant importance. This is in line with the literature. On the other hand, aspects like difficulties with language and cultural barriers were not an issue, contrary to the current academic research on SMEs. This was said to be due to the organizations extensive implementation or use of social capital through long-lasting business relations, which is another characteristic of the SME sector identified by the literature. Existing industry initiatives and cooperation between brands can work, but external help to manage these projects is essential for their success. Available Environmental Management Systems (EMS) on the other hand are often considered too expensive, time-consuming or unknown to end-consumers to be implemented. On the contrary, harsher government regulation and enforcement, both in Sweden as well as in the production countries are advocated. This is particularly noticeable, since generally, private sector representatives tend to be against government regulations.
Mistra Future Fashion

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Svensson, Arvid, Frida Gustafsson, and Julien Guillaume. "Collaborative Supply Chain Performance Measurement Systems : A multiple case study on the OTD-process of manufacturing SMEs in the Swedish lighting industry." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för ekonomistyrning och logistik (ELO), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-85408.

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Title: Collaborative Supply Chain Performance Measurement Systems. A multiple case study on the OTD-process of manufacturing SMEs in the Swedish lighting industry. Authors: Arvid Svensson, Frida Gustafsson and Julien Guillaume. Background: Even though the multiple stated benefits of Supply Chain Performance Measurement Systems (SCPMS) to enhance the collaboration, there is a lack of research, especially regarding the presence among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME). Closely associated with the presence of a SCPMS are the challenges. Research on SCPMS and the accompanied challenges have been made in multiple fields and contexts. Yet, SCPMS in the Order to Delivery (OTD)-process between a SME lighting manufacturer and their key customers is missing. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate to what level collaboration regarding SCPMS is present in the OTD-process among the cases studied as well as explain this level of collaboration by studying the challenges of SCPMS. The aim is to contribute to existing literature with an explanatory model that highlights the challenges for a highly collaborative SCPMS with their key customers. This model should also give practical contributions to the case companies. Method: A multiple case study have been conducted. Qualitative data has been gathered through semi-structured interviews. Findings and Conclusion: The findings show that the level of collaboration in the SCPMS differs from no presence at all to an almost total high presence in the cases studied. The criteria that were found in previous literature for high collaboration in the SCPMS were overall similar to the practices found in the cases. Most of the challenges found in previous research were able to explain the difference in level of collaboration in the SCPMS. The two major challenges were lack of knowledge and lack of will. Lack of knowledge was present where the will to progress was clear, while also in one case, there was not even a will to progress. Overall, the company with low level and will to progress was most likely to perceive challenges, while the company with the highest level perceived the least challenges.

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Holmberg, Anna, and Rebecca Åquist. "Blockchain technology in food supply chains : A case study of the possibilities and challenges with an implementation of a blockchain technology supported framework for traceability." Thesis, Karlstads universitet, Fakulteten för hälsa, natur- och teknikvetenskap (from 2013), 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-68456.

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Throughout history, the food sector has been accountable for several crises, and as the market gets more global it is difficult to keep control of and trust the information. As a consequence to the food scandals, due to the information asymmetry, the customer awareness is increasing as well as initiatives such as certificates to address the problems. To be able to increase the transparency, the information infrastructure is constantly developing and most recently the technology of blockchain has gathered a lot of attention as a possible solution to the problems. A blockchain is an open, distributed and decentralized verification system for digital transactions where data about the transaction is stored safely in so called blocks which forms a chain in a network. In order to obtain food safety, it is necessary to have traceability systems that records and can provide product specific information. This study investigates the challenges and possibilities of a possible implementation of a traceability system supported by blockchain technology. This research is made by a case study, looking into a food supply chain for a package of milk, starting at the dairy manufacturer and ending at the retailer. By doing interviews and observations, a mapping of the case specific supply chain was made and a blockchain technology supported framework for traceability was suggested. From analyzing theoretical data and empirical findings the possibilities and challenges of a blockchain supported framework for traceability was discussed. The conclusion of the study is that the blockchain technology still is immature in the context of food supply chains and some of the biggest challenges are to develop a culture that promotes collaborations, information sharing and standardizations which are easy to adopt. However, blockchain technology has the possibility to offer secure and transparent traceability characteristics to a traceability system and a framework can lead to both cost and environmental savings in case of a product recall. Furthermore, to be willing to collaborate and to put time and effort into new implementations it is important to find the actual value of implementation for all stakeholders.
Livsmedelssektorn står ansvariga för flertalet skandaler, med en allt mer globaliserad marknad blir det än mer svårt att behålla kontrollen över information och lita på den. Som en konsekvens av skandalerna, till följd av informations-asymmetrin, har konsumenternas medvetenhet ökat såväl som initiativ så som certifieringar för att bemöta problemen. Informationsinfrastrukturer utvecklas ständigt för att kunna öka transparensen och blockkedjetekniken har den senaste tiden fått mycket uppmärksamhet för att kunna vara en möjlig lösning till problemen. En blockkedja är ett öppet, distribuerat och decentraliserat verifikationssystem för digitala transaktioner där data om transaktionen är säkert sparad i så kallade block som tillsammans bildar en kedja i ett nätverk. För att uppehålla livsmedelssäkerhet är det nödvändigt med spårbarhetssystem som registrerar och kan tillhandahålla produktspecifik information. Studien undersöker utmaningar och möjligheter för en möjlig implementering av ett blockkedjetekniksbaserat ramverk för spårbarhet. Studien är genomförd som en fallstudie genom att undersöka en livsmedelskedja för ett paket mjölk som avgränsats till att börja vid mejeriet och sluta i matbutiken. Genom att göra intervjuer och observationer gjordes en kartläggning av livsmedelskedjan och ett förslag på ett ramverk för spårbarhet supportat av blockkedjeteknik togs fram. Från analys av teoretiska data och empiriska upptäckter diskuterades möjligheterna och utmaningarna med ett blockkedjetekniksbaserat ramverk för spårbarhet. Slutsatsen av studien är att blockkedjetekniken fortfarande är en omogen teknik i kontexten av en livsmedelskedja och att några av de största utmaningarna ligger i att utveckla en kultur som uppmanar till samarbete, informationsdelning och standardiseringar som är enkla att implementera. Tekniken erbjuder däremot säkerhets- och transperensegenskaper till ett spårbarhetssystem och ett ramverk kan medföra både kostnads- och miljöbesparingar vid en produktåterkallelse. För att samarbeta och investera i tid och pengar för en implementation är det dessutom viktigt att hitta de faktiska värdena i implementeringen för alla intressenter.

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Shange, Nikiwe. "Analysis of the challenges and opportunities for smallholder farmer value chain integration in the Western Cape : a public and private sector organisation perspective." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/96179.

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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
Access to markets is an essential requirement for smallholder farmer development. The limited access to formal value chains for smallholder farmers in South Africa is a key challenge that is facing both public and private value chain actors. Despite the substantial investments by government, the performance of smallholder farmers in South Africa remains poor. Several studies have been done to understand the key challenges facing smallholder farmer value chain integration. This study takes a unique view by understanding the challenges and opportunities facing farmer integration from a public and private stakeholder perspective, specifically analysing the Western Cape. The study showed that the most influential constraints for smallholder farmer value chain integration are access to informal and formal markets, resources and infrastructure, and the functioning of local institutions. The study also showed that the key opportunities to improve value chain integrations are in improving the non-financial and financial support provided to smallholder farmers. The results of the study are in line with the value chain theory around integration of smaller producers.

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Tahara, Yumiko. "Conflict Minerals and Corporate Social Responsibilities in Sweden : How do Swedish companies respond to the conflict minerals issue and what are the challenges?" Thesis, Stockholms universitet, Stockholm Resilience Centre, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:su:diva-81331.

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This study focuses on one of the emerging issues in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), “conflict minerals”. The discussion of the “conflict minerals” issue is that the trade of “conflict minerals”, originating from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), helps to finance conflicts characterized by extreme violence including killing and rape, therefore, the downstream companies which indirectly buy these minerals should take actions (Global Witness, 2010).This study first seeks to provide an overview of the Swedish companies’ progress on the conflict minerals issue through desktop research, and later tries to find out the driving forces, the measures and the existing challenges related to the conflict minerals issue through case studies. In the case studies, interviews were carried out with Sony Ericsson and Atlas Copco. The results of the study show that most companies studied in the six industries have not addressed the conflict minerals issue while companies in the electronic industry has made the most progress on conflict minerals in Sweden. In the case studies, the results present that external pressure is one of the major driving forces for both companies, and Sony Ericsson have taken several measures which seem to be aligned with supply chain risk management approach and OECD DD Guidance. In addition, both companies have tried to integrate conflict mineral management into existing supply chain management. The challenges are different depending on the progress of the companies.The study contributes to providing a better understanding of the current situation surrounding the conflict minerals issue in Sweden and to elaborating examples of the measures and the existing challenges.

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Gunnebrink, Emma. "Remanufacturing towards a circular economy : the practitioners' perspective." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Akademin för textil, teknik och ekonomi, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-21997.

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The fashion industry has for several years been driven by fast cycles of cheap industrial mass production and unsustainable consumption. At the same time the burden on the environment has been significant. New business models to prevent the environmental impact have therefore been developed, and circular business models have gained interest. Remanufacturing as one of the central activities within circular business model is not a new concept for the fashion and apparel industry, but there is a lack of focus of how to prioritise and develop the concept. The focus of the study is to understand the relative importance of the challenges and the enabling conditions that influence the adoption of remanufacturing as transition towards a circular economy within the fashion and apparel industry. The purpose is also to show the practitioners’ perspective on a relatively new phenomenon within the fashion and apparel industry, which can clarify how to further prioritise and direct the development of the concept. Furthermore, it is also expected to identify and investigate what might be the main challenges and the enabling conditions within remanufacturing. This research is conducted through a mixed method with a deductive approach where knowledge about generic challenges and the enabling conditions within remanufacturing was collected from a systematic literature review, as a modification of a Delphi method. An utilisation of online questionnaires led to verify relative importance of challenges and the enabling conditions for an adoption of remanufacturing as a transition towards a circular economy within the fashion and apparel industry. The result from the online questionnaire was analysed through finding consensus among the collected data. The result shows that the most important perspective for an adoption of remanufacturing was related to business model-, costs- and consumer perspective. Specifically, the challenge with how to change the business model seemed to be essential, and the lack of financial benefits and influencing the consumer behaviour was received to be of great importance. Identified enablers were collaborations and communication. There was no agreement among the most important challenges and the enabling conditions. However, the operations- and core- perspective where considered important by many. Significant consensus was found between the practitioners and their opinion about what influences an adoption of remanufacturing as a transition towards a circular economy. The practitioners’ verification and opinions of challenges and the enabling conditions can serve as support for managers in an adoption of remanufacturing, and provide guidance regarding what is essential to consider for an transition towards a circular economy. This study highlights and identifies what motivates and makes the adoption of remanufacturing attractive, as a way to transition towards a circular economy, in particular it provides support and guidance regarding how strategies can be developed and where to focus further development.

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Fallgren, Karl, and Håkan Sundborg. "Future grocery : A study of the e-commerce grocery basket business in Sweden." Thesis, KTH, Entreprenörskap och Innovation, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-124596.

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The era of the Internet has become increasingly important in our daily life. Internet channels are rapidly growing into sophisticated businesses. This thesis purpose is therefore to conduct an initial study on a newly approaching e-commerce business, namely the grocery basket business. As there has not yet been much research in this field the overall aim is to contribute to the research in this business area. There are many who argue that in relation to the Internet and e-commerce fields there are two other important fields: business model and supply chain. A qualitative approach is used, based on triangulation methodology including a multiple case study and a survey. The cases are two different types of e-commerce companies: brick-and-clicks and pure-players. An empirical investigation covering twenty interviews and a questionnaire with one thousand respondents has been conducted. Findings supported by the interviews and the questionnaire reveal much knowledge about the grocery basket business. This are analyzed in relation to literature of business model and supply chain and according to the two cases of companies in the business. The study concludes that there is a great deal of challenges facing the grocery basket business in both fields of business model and supply chain. In both cases it is a challenge to retain customers, flexibility for customers, competition and supply chain development. Regarding brick-and-clicks a major challenge is to make their physical channel and online channel work together. Regarding pure-players a major challenge is their dependency of wholesalers. In addition, recommendations to these acknowledged challenges are benchmarking on other successful grocery companies and/or other successful e-commerce companies. Additional recommendation for pure-players is that they should cooperate with a brick-and-mortar company. Finally, the study shows some decent potential in the business to reduce emissions. This by providing eco-friendly products with pre planned recipes to fit with the products, and having fewer products in stock.

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Ekelöf, Gabriel, and Marcus Nordenståhl. "Utmaningar med ekologiskt ansvarstagande i stora företags leverantörskedjor : - En modellutvecklande studie." Thesis, Högskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för ekonomi, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-29226.

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Syfte: Utifrån idégrunderna från CSR är syftet att utveckla en samlad modell om de mest utmärkande utmaningarna med ekologiskt ansvarstagande inom leverantörskedjor, med fokus på implementering, granskning och kommunikation. Metod: Studien baseras på vetenskapsteori från hermeneutiken och socialkonstruktivismen. Forskningslitteratur har analyserats och olika aspekter har brutits ut till en teoretisk referensram. Studien utfördes med en kvalitativ ansats, där semistrukturerade intervjuer är ett specifikt metodval. Det empiriska materialet har genomgått en urvals- och insamlingsprocess. Vidare har materialet bearbetats och tematiserats i samspel med teorin. En abduktiv och iterativ process påverkade forskningsprocessen genom en växelverkan mellan teori och empiri. För att säkerställa studiens kvalité präglades utförandet av kvalitetskriterier. Metoden resulterade i en strukturering och kategorisering av utmaningar i företags styrning. Resultat & slutsats: Studiens resultat ges i en strukturerad och kategoriserad samlad modell över utmaningar. Detta genom en förankrad empirisk begreppsram som sammanställts med teoretiskt ramverk om utmaningar med ekologiskt ansvarstagande inom leverantörskedjor. Examensarbetets bidrag: Ett teoretiskt bidrag ges genom konceptualisering och en samlad teoretisk modell. Större kännedom om olika utmaningar presenteras för att underlätta hantering eller föreslå åtgärder för företag att styra hållbart. Detta görs genom nya strukturerade kategorier och en förankrad begreppsram från empirin. Förslag till fortsatt forskning: Baserat på studiens resultat föreslås att fortsatt forskning utvecklar modeller med samma utgångspunkter och grunder. Förhoppningsvis kan det uppnås genom förbättrad strukturering av implementering, granskning och kommunikation med ekologiskt ansvarstagande inom leverantörskedjor, samt genom nya eller befintliga utmaningar.
Aim: Based on concepts from CSR, the purpose is to develop a comprehensive model of the most distinctive challenges of ecological responsibility in supply chains, with a focus on implementation, auditing and communication. Method: The study is based on hermeneutic theory and social constructivism. The analysis of the scientific research has resulted in a theoretical frame of reference, where different key aspects are pointed out. The chosen method was a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. The empiric data has undergone an adaptation process and been systematized in relation to the theory. An abductive and iterative process influenced the research and working process through an interaction between the theory and the empirical data. To ensure the quality throughout the study, quality criteria were used. The method gave a structuring and categorization of challenges for corporate governance. Result & conclusions: The study's results are given in a model of challenges, through an established conceptual framework from empirical data. The theoretical framework presented challenges with ecological responsibility in supply chains. Contribution of the thesis: The study contributes theoretically with a conceptualization and a combined theoretical model. A greater knowledge of challenges is given to facilitate methods for sustainable management through new structured categories and conceptual framework from empirical data. Suggestions for future research: The study suggests that future research focus on developing models with the same starting points and bases. Through an improved structuring of implementation, auditing and communication with ecological responsibility in supply chains, and through new or existing challenges, this can hopefully be achieved.

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Verrollot, J. (Jordan). "Mature supply management as an enabler for rapid product development and product portfolio renewal." Doctoral thesis, Oulun yliopisto, 2018. http://urn.fi/urn:isbn:9789526218496.

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Abstract Bringing new products faster to the market is increasingly critical. To reach this goal, companies have been improving their product development practices and processes. Rapid product development (RaDe) is a type of incremental product development model, in which new sales items are created by redesigning existing products quickly and inexpensively. This study examines the RaDe challenges and enablers, particularly the ones from the perspective of supply management (SM) and product portfolio management (PPM). The main objective of this study is to recognise and describe the significance of mature SM for RaDe, resulting in successful and efficient product ramp-ups and portfolio renewal. The present study follows a qualitative research approach, which consists of reviewing the literature and analysing the relevant practices and current process settings of several companies representing diverse business areas and industry types. The principal results of this study involve acknowledging and describing the role of mature SM and organised PPM for effective RaDe implementation and product portfolio renewal. The study examines the mature SM from the perspective of 1) the definition of the SM objectives; 2) the alignment of the list of recommended products, buy-items and suppliers; 3) the creation of the product design guidelines, targets and metrics from the SM perspective; and 4) the establishment of the supply capability creation process. The main implications of the present study highlight the importance of the SM maturity that can support managers in RaDe related planning and implementation activities. The originality of the study resides in the emphasis of the SM significance in terms of different aspects that are beneficial to RaDe implementation and product portfolio renewal
Tiivistelmä Uusien tuotteiden tuominen markkinoille nopeasti on enenevissä määrin tärkeää yrityksille. Tämän saavuttamiseksi yritykset ovat pyrkineet parantamaan tuotekehitystoimintojaan ja -prosessejaan. Nopea tuotekehitys (RaDe) on malli inkrementaaliseen tuotekehitykseen, missä myyntinimikkeitä luodaan uudelleen suunnittelemalla jo olemassa olevia tuotteita nopeasti ja halvalla. Tämä tutkimus tarkastelee RaDe -haasteita ja mahdollistajia, erityisesti hankintatoimen johtamisen (SM) ja tuoteportfoliohallinnan (PPM) näkökulmasta. Tutkimuksen ensisijaisena tavoitteena on tunnistaa ja kuvata kypsän hankintatoimen johtamisen ja nopean tuotekehityksen merkittävyys niin onnistuneen kuin tehokkaan markkinoille tuonnin sekä tuoteportfolion uudistamisen mahdollistajana. Laadullinen tutkimus tarkastelee monipuolisia liiketoiminta-alueita ja teollisuusaloja, koostuen sekä kirjallisuuskatsauksesta että useiden eri yritysten niille relevanttien toimintojen ja prosessien analysoinnista. Keskeiset tutkimuksen tulokset osoittavat ja selittävät kypsän hankintatoimen johtamisen ja organisoidun tuoteportfoliohallinnan roolia nopean tuotekehityksen tehokkaassa toteutuksessa sekä tuoteportfolion uudistamisessa. Kypsää hankintatoimen johtamista tutkimus tarkastelee seuraavista perspektiiveistä: 1) hankintatoimen johtamisen tavoitteiden määritys, 2) suositeltujen tuote-, ostoartikkeli- ja toimittajalistojen linjaus, 3) tuotesuunnittelun ohjeistusten, tavoitteiden ja mittareiden luominen hankintatoimen johtamisen näkökulmasta, ja 4) hankintatoimen kyvykkyyden perustamisen luomisprosessi. Tutkimuksen merkittävimmät kontribuutiot organisaatioille korostavat sellaisen kypsän hankintatoimen johtamisen tärkeyttä, mikä tukee johtoa nopean tuotekehityksen suunnittelussa ja toteutuksessa. Uudenlaista näköalaa tutkimukseen tuottaa hankintatoimen johtamisen merkityksen tähdentyminen positioista, jotka ovat suotuisia nopean tuotekehityksen toteutukselle sekä tuoteportfolion uudistumiselle

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Ambrose, Kathleen L. "KEEPING IT ALL TOGETHER: THE CHALLENGE OF COMPLEXITY, REPUTATION, AND SUPPLY CHAIN CRISES." UKnowledge, 2018. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/comm_etds/68.

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Supply chains are developed to reduce business expenses and increase efficiency. However, a disruption in the supply chain, or a failure in one of the links, can expose organizations to crises that can severely impact short-term bottom line and long-term corporate reputation. This study examines the communication challenges inherent in supply chain crises using Samsung’s 2016 Galaxy Note 7 phone crisis as a case study. Results of this study show, in a supply chain crisis, stakeholders hold the organization responsible, regardless of where in the supply chain the break occurred. This study also examines the impact of complexity inherent to supply chain crises and the challenges organizations face during a crisis when organizational reputation is impacted by links in the supply chain outside the organization’s direct control.

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Dalmia, Niraj. "Case for sustainability in strategy and operations : overcoming the challenges of product design in creating competitive advantages in circular supply chains." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/90236.

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Thesis: S.M. in Management Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management, 2014.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 104-107).
The previous industrial revolutions coupled with long-established business models have created a lock-in towards a linear 'take-make-dispose' model of production and consumption - products are manufactured using non-renewable sources and raw materials, manufacturing wastes are discarded as unusable, product is sold through the supply chain often creating more disposal of wastes, the final product is used by the end consumer till a less than optimal end-of-life, and then disposed or incinerated as landfill. The effects are clear and unsustainable - rapid spikes in resource prices, dangerous price volatility in the economy, discomforting signs of resource exhaustion and a trend towards business uncertainty and disruptions that can derail economic and social growth. The need for an alternative business model is becoming paramount, compelling organizations to find solutions to advance resource performance by reusing, remanufacturing, refurbishing and recycling products and parts to restore non-renewable resources, essentially 'closing the loop'. The management thinking behind creating this circular or 'cradle-to-cradle' supply chain rather than a linear or 'cradle-to-grave' model addresses the various aspects of revamping a business model from product design to recycling methods. This thesis focuses on overcoming challenges of product design in achieving that end. The paper is structured around four chapters. Chapter I opens the paper with an analysis of the circular supply chain model as compared with the linear consumption model, its impact on sustainability and management practices, the emergence and necessity of closing the loops, and the progress so far and limitations of the model. The role of product design in creating circular supply chains, and the variables associated with the challenges are explored in Chapter II. Based on these variables we analyze two case studies to check how our findings apply to two important product life cycle strategies. We also analyze the impact of these strategies on competitiveness and sustainability to demonstrate the business case for circular supply chains. This allows us to demonstrate important links between these variables to highlight overarching criteria to satisfy effective product design in Chapter III.
by Niraj Dalmia.
S.M. in Management Studies

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Rexhaj, Betim. "Perishable Inventory Management Solutions and Challenges of Kosovo FFRs : Avoiding Product Expiration at Retails Shelves." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för ekonomistyrning och logistik (ELO), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-89496.

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Title: Perishable Inventory Management Solutions and Challenges of Kosovo FFRs. Avoiding Product Expiration at Retails ShelvesPurpose: In this thesis perishable inventory management solutions and challenges at Kosovo FFRs have been studied and identified. Hence, after identifying PIM solutions and challenges the research suggests ideas that will contribute to avoid the expiration of perishable products if selling them takes more time than their actual shelf life. This contributes to minimizing food waste in food supply chains and fresh food retailers. Methodology: Thesis consist of qualitative methods where multiple case studies in cooperation with Kosovo FFRs have been performed. Data collection methods included semi structured interviews, site visits and some financial data accessed from annual and government reports. Theory: Theoretical chapter has been developed from preexisting theory on perishable inventory management. Five phases of fresh food retailing inventory management have been developed and used as the basis for practical research. Moreover, part two of the theoretical chapter talks about the perishable inventory management challenges and is the basis for the second research question. Findings: The findings have shown that Kosovo FFRs use a mixture of PIM solutions with a focus on shelf life and replenishment solutions. The study also revealed that Kosovo FFRs are outdated regarding to product identification and software solutions, however, manage to perform somehow satisfactorily. Consequently, because of the lack of contemporary identification technologies Kosovo FFRs PIM challenges where found to be related to data accuracy and real time data access.

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Huber, Kristin Elisabeth [Verfasser], and Dirk Ulrich [Akademischer Betreuer] Gilbert. "The Political Role of Multinational Corporations in Global Supply Chains – Examining the Legitimacy, Challenges and Prospects of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives / Kristin Elisabeth Huber ; Betreuer: Dirk Ulrich Gilbert." Hamburg : Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg, 2020. http://d-nb.info/120967632X/34.

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Magalhães, Madalena Serra De. "Disaster relief management: supply chain challenges and recent progress." Master's thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10362/106936.

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This research starts by introducingthe topic ofdisaster relief management and underlines theimportance of logistics and supply chain in the humanitarian context. It thenfocuses on describingfour of the main chronic challenges hindering the humanitarian relief effectiveness and efficiency, by providing an overview of eachandthe recent solutions and progressesachieved in each of those areas. The former is supported by data on real disaster scenarios,and when possible, is inserted in the context of the relief upon the Mozambican cyclonesin 2019. Follows a compilation of themain results of such analysis, and recommendations to NGOs on how to further improve the performance of their relief operations.Concludes by presenting the shortcomings of the concern research and potential directions forfuture similar studies.

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Lu, Guanyi. "Being Proactive to Increasing Supply Chain Security Challenges: A Quantitative and Qualitative Approach." Thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/151210.

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Supply chain security has become relevant to both practitioners and academics for years, yet the understanding of this topic is still incomplete. The literature produces relatively few explanatory and confirmatory studies, offers ambiguous definitions and terminology and the theoretical development is inconsistent. In this dissertation, I review relevant research streams and employ four in-depth case studies to conceptualize supply chain security (SCS). I also utilize the principles of human immunology to propose a taxonomy of supply chain security management (SCSM) mechanisms. Building on institutional theory and the taxonomy, I further examine the antecedents as well as the consequences of SCSM mechanisms via a large empirical data set collected during 2011-2013. The sample includes responses from 462 firms. Specifically, in my first model I draw on the institutional theory and posit that five institutional isomorphism pressures (i.e., government, customer, peer, normative, and performance pressure) impact four classes of SCSM mechanisms (i.e., prevention, detection, reaction, and restoration). In addition, shared SCS perception (SSP) and top management commitment (TMC) are hypothesized to moderate (strengthen) the relationships between institutional pressures and SCSM mechanisms. In my second model, I propose that the four classes of mechanisms explain five different supply chain performance dimensions (i.e., security performance, cost performance, supply chain responsiveness, supply chain resilience, and supply chain visibility). I also specify differential effects for both models; some effects are more salient than others. The results suggest that not all institutional pressures motivate the implementation of SCSM mechanisms. While normative pressure and performance pressure act as predominantly powerful predictors of SCSM mechanisms, other pressures appear to have negligible or even adverse effects. Surprisingly, data analysis suggests that coercive institutional pressures (i.e., government pressure and customer pressure) do not exhibit the strongest effects on SCSM mechanisms as the literature would suggest. As far as the moderation effect is concerned, the results illustrate that neither SSP nor TMC interact with all institutional pressures to affect the employment of SCSM mechanisms. In addition, TMC can even impede the implementation of reaction- and restoration-oriented SCSM mechanisms when interacting with government pressure. Regarding supply chain performance, the results demonstrate that SCSM mechanisms have strong effects on multiple supply chain performance measures. Further assessments reveal that the effect of SCSM mechanisms on supply chain security performance is stronger than its effects on other performance dimensions.

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Legodi, Lesetja Freddy. "Governance challenges in combating supply chain management corruption in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/23101.

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Research report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Public Policy in the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management at the University of Witwatersrand Degree of Confidentiality: A Date: March 2017
This dissertation is set out to investigate corruption-related challenges within the procurement and Supply Chain Management practices in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality that hinder good practices and the promotion of good governance and offers insight on how those challenges could be addressed. A research design adopted is descriptive case study through a qualitative method approach which was influenced by the nature of the research problems understudy, in order to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem, using in-depth interviews. The findings of the study or the identified challenges that are associated with procurement and SCM processes in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality are a lack of capacity (skilled), inconsistent Bid Committee processes, lack of appraisal systems, ineffective technologically advanced SCM systems (E-procurement), lack of SCM monitoring tools, and lack of training programs for personnel. The study was meant to investigate corruption-related challenges within the procurement and Supply Chain Management practices in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality that hinder good practices and the promotion of good governance, with the focus being on issues of accountability, rule of law, ethics and integrity, and transparency as principles of good governance and elements of anti-corruption measures in curbing corruption. The findings highlight the challenges that are likely to hinder good governance; and with a clear bigger picture of what the challenges are, then that would pave a way for what could to be done, especially in the procurement and Supply Chain Management Unit of the Municipality to abate corruption-related activities.
MT2017

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Carrêlo, Afonso Raimundo Curado Carrêlo. "(Meat)ings : operational and strategic challenges of a retailer meat supply chain." Master's thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/18783.

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This business case is based in a 2015 project of review and analysis of the whole supply chain of the Meat Department from the major retailer in Portugal, SonaeMC. The main drivers for the existence of this project were the huge entropy within the department and the towering perishable shrinkage. We follow Célia Fialho and a final year graduating student, through four meetings to pinpoint critical issues to propose strategic and operational solutions to solve the above-mentioned issues and to improve the supply chain. The case is targeting strategy and operations management students (and similar), introducing main concepts and topics related and to present a real retailer supply chain in a change situation.
Este caso de estudo é baseado num projecto, de 2015, de revisão e análise de todo o processo da cadeia de abastecimento do Departamento do Talho, do maior retalhista em Portugal, SonaeMC. Iniciou-se o mesmo, devido à existência de uma enorme entropia dentro do departamente e da crescente quebra intrínseca. Seguimos os passos de Célia Fialho e um estudante finalista, através de quarto reuniões para identificar problemas críticos e apresentar soluções operacionais e estratégicas para resolver os diversos problemas da cadeia. O público-alvo deste caso são estudantes de estratégia e gestão de operações (e similares), introduzindo conceitos e tópicos relacionados e apresentando um caso real de uma situação de mudança numa cadeia de abastecimento de retalho.

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Harms, Julia. "Sustainable supply chain management: potential and challenges of implementing blockchain technology in the food supply chain of small and medium-sized companies." Master's thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10071/21717.

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Sustainability in all areas of life is one of the greatest social challenges of our time. In the course of addressing these challenges, the United Nations has implemented 17 sustainable development goals. To achieve these, solutions are being pursued in the field of digitisation. Emerging technologies like, artificial intelligence, internet of things, robots and blockchain have one of the greatest potentials for changing the social and economic progress. The development towards a new kind of sustainable awareness and challenges in the food industry force companies to create and implement sustainable actions. Companies are faced with new requirements in their food supply chain in order not to lose their position in the market. As a potential solution, the link between blockchain technology and sustainability food supply chain of SME´s has been analysed. The enormous potentials are opposed by risks that have not been researched yet, especially for German SME's. Blockchain has a distributed ledger can open a significant advantage to the food supply chain, due to their trace- and track ability, but are still in an early stage of development. Their influence and significance on the food industry is constantly increasing and thus also on the supply chain management of companies. The aim of this thesis is to determine the importance of sustainable supply chain management of SME´s operating in the food sector with the help of the blockchain technology, and to evaluate the potentials and risks in the German food market.
A sustentabilidade é um dos maiores desafios sociais do nosso tempo, por isso a Organização das Nações Unidas implementou 17 objectivos de desenvolvimento sustentável. Soluções estão a ser exploradas no domínio da digitalização. A indústria 4.0, incluindo a inteligência artificial, a internet das coisas, os robôs e a cadeia de bloqueio podem mudar o progresso social e económico. O desenvolvimento no sentido de um novo tipo de consciência e desafios sustentáveis na indústria alimentar força empresas a criarem e implementarem ações sustentáveis. As empresas são confrontadas com novas exigências na sua cadeia de abastecimento alimentar, para não perderem a sua posição no mercado. Para atingir uma solução exequível, foi analisada a ligação entre a tecnologia Blockchain e a sustentabilidade da cadeia de abastecimento alimentar das PMEs. O enorme potencial desta solução é contrariado por riscos que ainda não explorados, especialmente para as PMEs alemãs. A tecnologia Blockchain como DL (distributed ledger) pode trazer uma vantagem significativa para a cadeia de abastecimento alimentar, devido à sua capacidade de rastreio e rastreabilidade, no entanto ainda se encontra numa fase inicial do seu desenvolvimento. A sua influência e importância na indústria alimentar está a aumentar e consequentemente na gestão da cadeia de abastecimento das empresas. O objectivo desta tese é determinar a importância da gestão sustentável da cadeia de abastecimento das PME's do sector alimentar que contam com a ajuda da tecnologia da cadeia de bloqueio, ao mesmo tempo que é avaliado o seu potencial e riscos no mercado alimentar alemão.

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Demisse, Belay Mengistu. "Challenges of supply chain management and their relationship with the competitive position of cement industries in Ethiopia." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6129.

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Cement Industry in Ethiopia is an emerging industry where only few pioneers were regulating the market. The complacent conditions have led them to be driven by transactional suppliers relationships, not that much customer focused, energy sources and environmental issues were not to the level required and information communications infrastructures and linkages were not that much developed. However, this oligopoly nature of the market is starting to vanish soon as a lot of national and multinational firms are appearing into the market. Accordingly, this report would identify the level of perception of organization on the general issues of supply chain management, mainly suppliers partnership, customer relationship, environmental issues and information communication; analyze their level of impacts and relationships on the competitive position of Cement Factories in Ethiopia.

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PERALDO, NINON, and 倪娜. "A Study of Environmental Impact and Challenges in Supply Chain Management by the European Union Garment Companies." Thesis, 2018. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/rnh8dc.

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碩士
靜宜大學
寰宇管理碩士學位學程
107
Apparel is known to be the second most polluting industry after petrol, companies’ supply chain processes being composed of numerous steps impacting the environment. These impacts are inducing several challenges for apparel companies regarding their supply chain management. After introducing the subject, the literature review analysing the current situation surrounding garment companies’ supply chain impacts, the influencing actors and their environmental impacts is developed. Then, we will mention the theorical management treatment options available for companies in order to address these impacts. In a third time we will expose the field study methodology, and in a fourth time, the conducted field study based on ten persons interviews allowing the hypothesis and research questions answers. Thus, a fifth chapter we will focus on discussing the results confronting them with the previous stated theories and gathered data. Finally, a conclusion will summarize the obtained findings. The results are the following: apparel companies are conscious that their supply chains are causing environmental impacts, even if this awareness is in reality biased. Their impacts are causing pollution, emissions, released, waste, destruction, … Companies are responding to these impacts by implementing measures and by globally incorporated sustainability in their strategies and goals. These measures being mainly about daily life acts, use of natural or organic raw material, local supply chain, transport solutions, waste management, … But, some weaknesses are identified, no real evolutions and re-design are archived, and all the adopted measures are not adapted to the identified impacts. Regarding these issues, apparels companies need to identify the right impacts, implemented corresponding measures and evaluate the results via Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Then, awareness and communication are also two essential elements that need to be developed. Finally, companies should deploy continuous improvements strategies toward sustainability.

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Chen, Po-Yu, and 陳柏諭. "Using the Supply Chain Perspective to Analyze Challenges of Oversea Production - Examples of Taiwanese Companies in Vietnam." Thesis, 2019. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/z86avv.

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碩士
國立政治大學
企業管理研究所(MBA學位學程)
107
Taiwanese Companies had shifted their production base to China in 1990s. In re-cent years, due to changes in international situation, changes in regulations and laws in China, and raising labor wage, Taiwanese companies gradually shifted their produ-ction base again to emerging Southeast Asian countries, especially in Vietnam. Because of communication technology and Internet progress in 21st century, it has lowered thresholds of internationalization for companies. However, how to build a stable and collaborate supply chain network becomes a key success factor of intern-ationalization. As a result, this research use SCOR model to analyze how Taiwanese companies in Vietnam to respond to internationalized production challenges., and sel-ected representative Taiwanese manufactures in Vietnam as research object. Accord-ing to data collection through literature study, depth interview, and online data colle-ction, this research inducted internationalized production challenges on the basis of ind-ustry features. Moreover, this research collected practical solutions to each challe-nges by cross-industry analysis to offer some suggestions for future investors, which could make them plan supply chain more effective toward internationalized producti-on barriers. In conclusion, this research confirms several findings as below, 1. Difference of familiar with environment could influence companies’ supply chain process configu-ration and cost structure. 2. Scope of plan process is too broad to analyze which is rel-ated to timing of decision-making. 3. Response to parts of internationalized producti-on challenges should be on management. 4. Size and resource abundance of company could influence response of challenges and its effectiveness. 5. Response to challeng-es on supply chain perspective might cause some problems else. 6. Company might raise its capital-labor ratio in low-wage countries because of environmental factors. 7. Investors should plan challenges by invested region features. 8. Risk is not the only factor to influence commitment of company. 9. High degree of vertical integration could be not only respond to challenges but also benefit to product variety.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Supply chain challenges'

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