Purpose Contingency studies within logistics and supply chain management have shown a need for longitudinal studies on fit. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the logistics strategy from a process of establishing fit perspective.

Design/methodology/approach A large Swedish building contractor's logistics strategy process was analysed using a longitudinal single-case study for a period of 11 years (2008–2019).

Findings The case study reveals three main constraints to logistics strategy implementation: a dominant purchasing organisation, a lack of incentives and diverging top-management priorities. This suggests that logistics strategy fit is not a conscious choice determined by contextual factors.

Research limitations/implications Establishing fit is a continuous cycle of regaining fit between the logistics context and logistics strategy components. Fit can be achieved by a change to the logistics context or to logistics strategy components.

Practical implications Logistics managers may need to opt for satisfactory fit in view of the costs incurred by changing strategy versus the benefits to be gained from a higher degree of fit.

Originality/value This paper adopts a longitudinal case design to study the fit between the logistics context and strategy, adding to the body of knowledge on organisational design and strategy in logistics and supply chain management.

Purpose This paper aims to study the effects of different weather conditions on typical concrete work tasks productivity. Weather is one important factor that has a negative impact on construction productivity. Knowledge about how weather affects construction works is therefore important for the construction industry, e.g. during planning and execution of construction projects. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey method is used involving means to perform pairwise comparisons of different weather factors according to the analytical hierarchical process (AHP). The survey also contains means to enable assessment of the loss in productivity for typical work tasks exposed to different weather types. The survey targets practitioners involved in Swedish concrete construction projects, and the results are compared with previous research findings. Findings The survey covers responses from 232 practitioners with long experience of concrete construction. The pairwise comparisons reveal that practitioners rank precipitation as the most important followed by wind and temperature. The loss in productivity varies significantly (from 0 to 100%) depending on the type of work and the type of weather factor considered. The results partly confirm findings reported in previous research but also reveal a more complex relationship between weather and productivity indicating several underlying influencing factors such as type of work, type of weather (e.g. rain or snow) and the intensity of each weather factor. Originality/value This paper presents new data about how 232 practitioners assess the effects of weather on construction productivity involving novel means to perform objective rankings such as the AHP methodology.

Performance management systems (PMS) are essential instruments for the evidence-based management of on-site production within the industrialized housebuilding (IHB) sector. The information required for more evidence-based decision-making is determined by the business strategies and should be reflected in the design of the PMS. The aim of this study is to clarify, report on and analyze the influence which different strategic orientations have on the PMS. For this purpose, a multiple case study was conducted within the IHB sector of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The findings revealed those business strategies which led companies to develop specific features within their PMS and showed which specific indicators are relevant for managing on-site performance. In addition, the findings identify weaknesses in performance measurement but also best practice examples. Based on the findings, a differentiated approach towards the ongoing refinement of PMS is suggested, allowing management to be more focussed on strategic objectives.

On-site activities are typically performed when the end-product is immovable once it has been assembled and/or due to weight and space constraints in the production and transportation system. It is primarily a customer order driven type of production with a high level of customization. However, some customer order driven and/or customization activities can, or should, be performed off-site, but these aspects are typically treated in isolation of each other. There is therefore a need to make a combined assessment of on-site activities, customer order driven production, and customization activities. The purpose of this paper is thus to develop a typology that provides a holistic view of on-site activities in relation to customer order driven and customization activities. A flow-based three-dimensional typology is developed to assess combinations of three dimensions: flow driver, flow differentiation, and flow location. The property of each dimension is determined using decoupling points. The typology represents how on-site activities impact the feasibility of customer order driven and customization activities. “On-site” is defined as pursuing activities at the site where the final delivery is made. The findings show that forecast driven activities are risky to perform on-site and these should instead be performed before delivery to the site (off-site). The typology is applied to three case companies to illustrate its applicability to building construction. Future studies should extend the typology application to other types of construction and ETO industries to enable benchmarking of site-based production to other contexts with similar challenges related to on-site/off-site production.

The purpose is to investigate the use of digital tools to mitigate risks and increase worker safety at construction sites. Construction is one of the most dangerous industries to work in with relatively high numbers of injuries and fatalities. At the same time there is an ongoing trend of digitalization of construction, and digital technologies, including, i.e., electronic tools, systems, devices, embedded sensors, that generate, store, or process data, are introduced to the construction sites, also for safety applications. Based on five case studies, this study investigates the use of digital technologies for improving site safety. All cases are a part of a larger project where digital technologies, including sensors, edge cameras and computers, object recognition, AI, cloud computing, etc., are tested in a “real environment”, on-going construction projects. The analysis focuses on three areas: the technical feasibility, user acceptance, and the possibility to scale-up and commercialise the digital technologies. The results show that the construction context puts extra demand on development when it comes to technical feasibility, whereas the user acceptance is generally good. The main challenge is, however, to show commercial benefits and scale-up the technology for broader implementation in the industry.

Third-party logistics (TPL) arrangements are becoming a regular occurrence in urban construction projects. The industry is, however, still apprehensive regarding the effects that TPL arrangements bring. The purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the effects that can be realised when employing a logistics arrangement in construction, including possible benefits, concerns, and effects on cost elements. The purpose is fulfilled through a case study of a large construction project in Sweden that has employed a TPL arrangement. Results show that there are positive effects to achieve in terms of logistics performance and project performance, but that the main challenge to achieve these effects is to include all supply chain actors to reach a higher level of SCM maturity. This inclusion can be achieved through a better dialogue amongst supply chain actors to create an understanding for why TPL is employed and why policies and regulations needs to be followed.

Previous research indicates that the success of logistics solutions in building projects depends on how they are organized in accordance with the logistics context, which is determined by building contractors’ competitive priorities, product characteristics, and production process choices. Taking a configurations approach, the purpose of this paper is to describe the fit between the logistics context and the organizing of logistics at a strategic level. A conceptual research framework is derived from literature postulating an influence of the logistics context on the organizing of logistics. The framework is applied to four cases by the means of strategic profiling, which provides a snapshot of the fit in the cases’ logistics configurations. The findings indicate that the type of production process influences the degree to which logistics decisions should be made centrally and that the degree of standardization and pre-engineering influence the degree to which logistics processes should be formalized. The main contributions are the identification of logistics configuration variables and the description of the fit between building contractors’ logistics context and the organizing of logistics. For managerial practice, a logistics configuration profiling template was developed that can be used as a tool in the logistic strategy process.

Measuring the performance of construction site processes is an essential for the continuous improvement in building production efficiency. However, little is known about how this is done by industrialized housebuilding (IHB) companies. The purpose of this paper was to extend the body of knowledge of IHB to on-site performance measurement and management (PMM), thereby identifying reference practices and potential areas for improvement in order to prepare the field for the further development of significant performance management systems (PMS). A multiple case study by means of semi-structured interviews with company managers of eight companies within the IHB sector from three Central European countries has been conducted. The results show that the companies, to a greater or lesser extent, collect data on: customer satisfaction, environmental protection and CO2 emissions, operating efficiency, productivity, quality and work safety. The data can be used to perform performance measurements that provide feedback on these criteria. Reference practices of performance measurements and their benefit are identified. Digital tools are increasingly being used for data collection on construction sites, although paper-based tools such as site and working time reports are still in use. The findings establish a basis for the further development of PMS within the IHB sector.

Suppliers and transport service providers are key parties in the construction supply chain, and their respective roles when employing a construction logistics setup based on third-party logistics are investigated. The use of construction logistics setups is an ongoing trend for large and complex construction projects and previous research has mainly focussed on the downstream actors. The purpose is to explore how suppliers and transport service providers in the construction supply chain are affected by the use of dedicated and project-specific construction logistics setups outsourced to third-party logistics providers in construction projects. The upstream actors attitudes towards and experienced effects from construction logistics setups operated by a third-party logistics provider, as well as their level of supply chain management maturity are studied in an explorative case study of a large construction project. Results show positive attitudes and that suppliers and transport service providers actively address supply chain management issues, whereas actual effects of the construction logistics setup on upstream actors, in this case, are inconclusive. Yet, the analysis indicates that a third-party logistics provider can assume the role of a systems integrator in the construction supply chain, balancing, and possibly, integrating the supply chain with the construction site.

Purpose The use of third-party logistics (TPL) setups in construction has increased but is still a new phenomenon. The purpose was to increase understanding of how structural and management dimensions are related in CLSs by describing how CTPL setups are used. Design/methodology/approach Ten dimensions to describe and structure CLSs were identified from the literature and used to structure a cross-case analysis of 13 Swedish CLSs. Findings The main findings are: (1) there are three typical initiators of CLSs: municipalities, developers and contractors; (2) CLSs are drivers for service differentiation and modularization among TPL providers as construction specific services are required; (3) CLSs play a new role in construction by coordinating logistics activities between the construction project and the vicinity of the site. Research limitations/implications The study is based on 13 cases in the Swedish construction context. Additional studies of CLSs in other countries are needed. Practical implications The ten dimensions can be used as a guide in designing a CLS and in determining the order of design decisions. The identification and structuring of CTPL services also exemplify the variety of service offerings. Originality/value This is one of the first cross-case analyses of CLSs enabling the characterization of CTPL setups. This study identifies how different services included in the setup relate to the roles of SCM and logistics in construction.

PurposeProduction on the construction site usually takes place through the cooperation of several companies working together in assembling building components and fulfilling craft works. The goal of involved companies is the successful completion of their own contribution to generate a positive contribution margin. Good coordination and collaboration within the supply chain (SC) is necessary to minimise inefficiencies and to systematically improve on-site processes. Measuring and evaluating performance within the construction SC and sharing data and information will thus be an important basis for improvement activities. The purpose of this research is to investigate how performance measurement and management (PMM) collaboration is organised between industrialised housebuilding (IHB) companies and their subcontractors.Research approachA multiple case study was conducted within the IHB sector. Data collection was conducted through qualitative interviews and the data was analysed with thematic coding and content analysis.Findings and OriginalityIn the area of quality, data on defects and non-conformities is exchanged between companies in all SCs via construction site reports. However, none of the IHB companies use these data to systematically measure performance indicators. The data on defects and non-conformities are applied to assess the quality of execution of the trades on site. This data is used from those IHB companies which produce highly customised buildings, with the aim of evaluating the performance of its subcontractors. Qualitative feedback has been identified as the predominant information used for improving quality attributes. In the area of productivity, the predominant indicator shared within the SC is the fulfilment of a given schedule. The identification of inefficiencies at interfaces between SC partners is currently not considered. Especially in this area, there is a need to improve PMM in order to increase the productivity and profitability of the companies involved within the IHB SC.Research ImpactThe main contribution of this paper is that it analyses the current state of collaboration within IHB SCs in the area of PMM of on-site production. In addition, best practice approaches are described.Practical ImpactManagers can use the findings to identify weaknesses within areas of their responsibility of IHB SC’s.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous industries when it comes to safety andsituations involving collisions between vehicles and workers are often fatal. Site activities are carriedout simultaneously by skilled workers and machine operators, which makes communication betweenthese groups crucial. Based on a single case study, the aims of this paper are to investigate: (i)problems related to communication on construction sites and (ii) the usefulness of Bluetooth headsettechnology to improve communication. In the first research phase, three semi-structured interviewsrevealed problems related to communication. Respondents identified improvement areas such assound isolation in vehicles, making it difficult to hear, and problems with using sign language whenit is dark or too sunny. Working together with the same person on a regular basis improvescommunication as well as safety and productivity, and interviewees suggested that inexperiencedpersonnel should be mixed in groups with more experienced personnel, which can help them to avoidinjuries and learn safer practices. In the second research phase, Bluetooth headsets were introducedto improve communication between different groups. Data was collected through five rounds of miniquestionnaires with construction site personnel. Feedback from each survey was used to improve theusefulness of the Bluetooth headsets. Analysing patterns from respondents’ suggestions, showed thatthey first complained about the fit and comfort of the headsets, followed by noise isolation,frequency and other additional functions of the headsets. The possibility to add warning signalsenhance the usefulness of Bluetooth headsets, e.g. by increasing the situational awareness andreducing cognitive load of construction workers, making workers more productive while also helpingto avoid injuries.

The construction workflow of in-situ concrete frames in multi-storey residential buildings is highly complex and dynamic. Discrete-event simulation (DES) offers capabilities to model and analyse such complexity. Although DES has successfully been used by researchers in a wide range of construction-related applications there are not many examples demonstrating how different simulation outputs (time, cost, queue waiting time, resource usage) could be used in an integrated and systematic way to facilitate in-depth analysis of construction workflow. This report presents a simulation model of concrete framework construction and demonstrates how it can be used for systematic analysis of a production setup using multiple performance indicators such as construction time, cost, resource utilization, and workflow waiting times. It was found that the proposed model can describe the complexity in construction workflow and support systematic analyses. Multiple simulation measures were also found valuable, e.g. in order to identify and remove bottlenecks. This research has been financially supported by the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning (Boverket), the Swedish construction industry's organization for research and development (SBUF), and Cementa AB. Several concrete manufacturers and contractor companies are also kindly acknowledged for their involvement and collaboration during this research project. The authors would also thank Jonas Enhörning at Duke Systems AB for technical support related to ExtendSim.

The purpose of this research is to explore logistics strategies in construction. There are very few studies on logistics and SCM practices in construction, especially when it comes to the long-term strategic work of construction companies. Therefore, this research takes a contractors perspective and addresses logistics strategy based on the empirical examination of two case companies in the construction industry. The main focus is the contents of the strategy and possible components of the logistics strategy are identified through a literature review. Also the process of the strategy is treated through exploring logistics strategy in two case companies exemplifying two strategic approaches to construction logistics. However, the approaches differ, implying a spectrum that at one end responds in a standardized manner to a pre-determined design solution and at the other reveals a re-configurable modular approach. The main contributions of this study lie in exploring logistics strategy in construction and providing examples of how construction companies work with logistics strategies, adding empirical knowledge to the field of construction logistics.

The purpose of this research is to study the impact of temperature, precipitation, and wind speed on in situ concrete wall operations, and its combined resulting effect on project duration. The research presented is anchored in the learnings gained through a literature review on weather effects on construction operations, an analysis of weather data with high resolution, and two field studies of in situ concrete wall operations. These learnings are implemented in a discrete event simulation (DES) model for the analysis of weather impact on project duration. The simulation results show that (1) weather greatly impacts project duration and has to be accounted for when planning operations; (2) there are huge differences between weather seasons that could affect the timing of project start-up; and (3) the height of buildings and threshold values for different types of cranes have to be accounted for when planning lifting operations. The main contribution of this paper lies both in the methods, in which high-resolution weather data can be incorporated in DES models to analyze project duration, and in the actual results of the simulation runs, showing to what level weather variables have to be incorporated in the planning of concrete wall construction.

Construction Logistics has recently emerged as an important consideration forIndustrialized House Building (IHB). Previous research has demonstrated that construction logistics improves IHB through: the clarification of interfaces along the supply chain; increased supply chain efficiency; more productive construction sites; the transfer of value-adding activities from site to the supply chain; and the integration of site and supply chain. IHB research has commonly focused on buildings as product, their technical design and production, as well as the processof these activities. IHB companies seek the integration ofthese two aspects. However, there is growing realization of the value ofintegrating the supply chainthrough a focus on logistics. This paper argues that in order to achieve atripartiteintegrationof product, process, and logistics,thatfirst an overarching company-level logistics strategy is required.Astrategic perspectiveenables a separation of high-level logistics decisions from those that are operational in nature, in the same way that product platforms have assisted IHB. This separation iscritical in overcoming the peculiarities of construction. This authorsidentifydesign-thinkingas a powerful tool to assist in the future implementation of logistics strategy in order todrive the creation of contextually specificlogisticssolutions.Two company case studies from Sweden revealtwo distinct forms of logistics strategy.Thesecase studies, through comparative analysis, show how logistics strategies for IHB might emerge asdesign-led ‘logistics platforms’thatutilize theprinciples of standardization, modularity, and re-usability in order to achieve the flexibility demanded byconstruction. This paper proposes that a focus onIHBlogistics strategyas a platform be implemented to allow effective integration of construction’ssupply chain. The result of this approach is a re-usable,continually improving platform forconstruction logistics that can co-ordinate differing product and process approaches.

In this paper, we developed a theoretical and experimental framework for the mapping of obstacles using WiFi, based on a small number of wireless channel samples. This is very challenging due to the numerous channel coefficients to be estimated over the time-varying channel and the channel estimation of a wireless signal transmission to be considered for compressive sampling. In a typical communication system, the signal is sampled at least twice at the highest frequency contained in the signal. However, this limits efficient ways to compress the signal, as it places a huge burden on sampling the entire signal while only a small number of the transform coefficients are needed to represent the signal. To tackle this problem, we will focused on a mathematical optimization problem for the most efficient compressed sensing method called $\ell_1$-norm, known as Basis Pursuit. Before optimizing the problem, the noise was removed from the signal, namely, multipath fading. Our experimental results show the improved performance in the number of iterations for obtaining a framework for the mapping of obstacles.

High wastage rates and unsatisfactory performance gains affect on-site working for industrialised housebuilding (IHB) production. Rarely used performance management systems (PMS) are often quoted as one obstacle to support systematic productivity and efficiency improvements. To prepare the field for the development of an informative PMS a multiple case study is carried out, in order to show the potential on applied performance management systems. The three cases show diversified application of performance management (PM), ranging from various performance indicators used for management decisions to almost ignoring generated measures. Different approaches in developing PMS for the identified corporate strategies are analysed.

Purpose – This study aims to identify and categorise common on-site problems from a supply chain management (SCM) perspective and to trace the origin of these problems in the construction project process, the supply chain or in the intersection between these processes. This allows for identification of how on-site problems affect SCM in construction projects and how they can be mitigated.

Design/methodology/approach – A literature review in combination with semi-structured interviews was used to identify on-site problems. This enabled triangulation and strengthened both construct validity and internal validity.

Findings – On-site problems can be categorised in one of the four following categories: material flows, internal communication, external communication or complexity. The first category has its origin in the supply chain, the second in the construction project process, the third in the supply chain-construction process intersection on site and the fourth in the construction project as a whole. The findings conclude that on-site problems often originate from construction companies’ lack of supply chain orientation.

Research limitations/implications – It is suggested that supply chain planning (SCP) can facilitate on-site problem mitigation in construction project management. This extends the body of knowledge of SCP in construction project management and supports the development of effective on-site construction project management.

Practical implications – The results show that SCP can aid construction project management in handling on-site problems earlier in the project process.

Originality/value – The main value lies in extending the body of knowledge in construction project management research by applying an SCM perspective and by introducing SCP to support more effective construction project management

Third-party logistics (TPL) solutions are becoming a regular occurrence in urban construction projects. The industry is, however, still apprehensive regarding the benefits and costs of TPL solutions. The purpose of this study is therefore to investigate TPL benefits, costs, and what is needed in terms of supply chain management (SCM) maturity to realize these effects. This is done through an explorative case study at a large building project employing an in-house TPL solution. Results show that benefits can be realized, but that they come at a cost and that the main challenge is to reach a higher level of SCM maturity.

Purpose

This paper aims to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring performance of production systems for residential building from a production strategy perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review is done to identify suitable competitive priorities and to provide grounds for developing KPIs to measure them. The KPIs are evaluated and validated through interviews with industry experts from five case companies producing multifamily residences. Furthermore, two of the case companies are used to illustrate how the KPIs can be employed for analysing different production systems from a manufacturing strategy perspective.

Findings

Defined, and empirically validated, KPIs for measuring the competitive priorities quality, cost (level and dependability), delivery (speed and dependability) and flexibility (volume and mix) of different production systems.

Research limitations/implications

To further validate the KPIs, more empirical tests need to be done and further research also needs to address mix flexibility, which better needs to account for product range to provide a trustworthy KPI.

Practical implications

The defined KPIs can be used to evaluate and monitor the performance of different production systems’ ability to meet market demands, hence focusing on the link between the market and the firm’s production function. The KPIs can also be used to track a production systems’ ability to perform over time.

Originality/value

Most research that evaluate and compare production systems for residential building is based on qualitative estimations of manufacturing outputs. There is a lack of quantitative KPIs to measure performance at a strategic level. This research does this, identifying what to measure, but also how to measure four competitive priorities through 14 defined KPIs.

Supply chain planning (SCP) can be a facilitator for involving supply chain members in improving operations. Lack of integrating supply chain members has been argued to cause a lack of communication and low productivity. The  purpose is to develop an organisation and process for SCP in construction, which is done via a focus group study with participants from key supply chain  members. The contributions include a suggestion of how to organise SCP in construction, containing inputs, outcomes, process descriptions, meetings, etc. The main outcome of the SCP process is a balanced material delivery schedule, updated regularly, integrating supply chain members.

The construction supply chain is of temporary nature and complex, with many interactions between multiple actors in different construction projects. This challenging context typically leads to relatively higher costs and lower productivity, compared to other industries. Supply chain management (SCM) has been put forward as a mean to better handle this challenging context. As a part of SCM initiatives some construction industry stakeholders have turned to third-party logistics (TPL) providers, especially in large construction projects. The use of TPL providers is a new, and under-investigated, phenomenon in the construction industry. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore the use of a TPL provider in a large construction project and to analyse its resulting effects. Driving forces and possible concerns for implementing TPL are identified and the possibility for TPL to be a facilitator for implementing SCM in construction is investigated. The research is based on a literature review and an explorative case study of a large hospital project in Sweden, where the client and the main contractor have initiated the use of a TPL provider to coordinate sourcing and materials handling activities on site. The results show positive effects on establishing an effective interface between the construction site and the supply chain. The results also show that a TPL solution facilitates an increase in productive work at the construction site itself, a reduction of costs and an increased utilisation of site assets. On the downside, the study also shows a lack of SCM knowledge amongst the involved actors in the project, hindering them to reap the full potential of TPL.

The construction supply chain is of temporary nature and complex, with many interactions between multiple actors in different construction projects. This challenging context typically leads to relatively higher costs and lower productivity, compared to other industries. Supply chain management (SCM) has been put forward as a mean to better handle this challenging context. As a part of SCM initiatives some construction industry stakeholders have turned to third-party logistics (TPL) providers, especially in large construction projects. The use of TPL providers is a new, and under-investigated, phenomenon in the construction industry. The main purpose of this study is thus to explore the use of a TPL provider in a large construction project and to analyse its resulting effects. Driving forces and possible concerns for implementing TPL are identified and the possibility for TPL to be a facilitator for implementing SCM in construction is investigated. The research is based on a literature review and an explorative case study of a large hospital project in Sweden, where the client and the main contractor have initiated the use of a TPL provider to coordinate sourcing and materials handling activities on site. The results show positive effects on establishing an effective interface between the construction site and the supply chain. The results also show that a TPL solution facilitates an increase in productive work at the construction site itself, a reduction of costs and an increased utilisation of site assets. On the downside, the study also shows a lack of SCM knowledge amongst the involved actors in the project, hindering them to reap the full potential of TPL.

The potential benefits of using off-site production in residential construction have been highlighted in many studies, but the full potential of off-site production approaches is not always realized. This shortfall can be explained by the mismatch between market requirements and the output offered by the production system, in other words, a mismatch between the degree of product standardization and the design of the production system. This mismatch could be resolved through a classification matrix that aids decision makers in matching market requirements and the degree of product standardization with the degree of off-site production and production system design. This paper describes the development of a classification matrix that guides the decision-making process during the designing of new or re-designing of existing production systems in residential construction. An important aspect of the development was balancing the trade-off between productivity and flexibility so that products can be produced competitively. The merits of the classification matrix are exemplified by five case companies with different approaches to industrialization and off-site production.

The clothing sector is currently characterised by frequent assortment rotation in stores, a quick response product development and a focus on minimising end-of-campaign stock levels. This paper is based on a case study carried out at a value brand retailer, with a purpose to show how the company increased competitiveness in a market requiring more responsiveness. The case presented shows that the establishment of an adequate supply strategy for differentiated product segments, the introduction of mini-collections, the redesign of business processes (especially the new product development and the order fulfilment processes) and the redesign of the supply chain, lead to a sales increase and purchasing savings. Moreover, the study treats how a value brand retailer, facing different supply chain challenges compared with the leading brands, balance global and local production, lean and agile manufacturing and how it is possible to abandon the traditional two-campaign paradigm in favour of more rapid replenishment.

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Suppliers and transport providers are key parties in the construction supply chain, and their respective roles when employing third-party logistics (3PL) is investigated. The purpose is to analyze how they are affected by the 3PL solution in terms of their attitudes towards the use of 3PL, the experienced defects from the 3PL solution, and their level of supply chain management (SCM) maturity. This is done by a literature review and an explorative case study at a large construction project employing a 3PL solution. Results show a positive attitude and that they actively address SCM issues, whereas actual effects are inconclusive.

This research focuses on performance measurement in construction and on defining quantitative metrics for typical manufacturing outputs (e.g. cost, delivery, quality and flexibility performance) within a production strategy framework. The metrics can be used to evaluate how different production systems perform in different areas of competition. A literature review is used to define both what manufacturing outputs that are relevant to measure and also how to measure those manufacturing outputs. The manufacturing outputs quality, cost (level and dependability), delivery (speed and dependability) and flexibility (volume, mix and expansion) are identified as important to measure when evaluating different production systems for production of multifamily residences, and key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined for each manufacturing output. The defined KPIs are derived from the literature review but also validated empirically through case studies. The main result of this research is a performance measurement system that can be used when evaluating different production systems in the construction industry.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of 3PL providers in large construction projects, and to identify main drivers and barriers, as well as the resulting effects, when implementing SCM by the use of 3PL providers. This is done by the means of a literature review and an explorative case study, the latter being a large hospital construction project. The results show positive performance effects in terms of increased productivity, resources utilization, and delivery performance, but also that there are challenges when it comes to organizational setting, policy adherence and supply chain coordination.

Purpose

Advanced Planning   and Scheduling (APS) systems are argued to provide a number of positive   effects when implemented in manufacturing firms, e.g. in terms of planning   performance, cost performance, supply chain visibility. The purpose of this   paper is to analyse the effects from implementing and using APS systems for   supply chain planning, in terms of both experienced benefits and problems,   and type of planning context.

Design/methodology/approach

Our research is   based on a multiple case study, where 5 manufacturing firms that recently   have implemented APS systems to support tactical planning processes (e.g.   sales and operations planning and multi-site master planning), have been   studied. Case data (interviews, meetings, performance data, etc.) have been   collected during four years. Pattern matching and logical models are used in   the cross-case analysis.

Findings

The results show   differences in APS effects depending on what type of implementation focus and   APS use that have been employed. Results also show that the supply chain   context (organisation, individuals, technology) affects the APS effects.

Practical   implications

These results can   be used on the one hand in further research to establish a typology of   different ways to implement and use APS systems, and on the other by managers   in choosing the right APS approach depending on what effects that they are   striving for.

Original/value

There are few   accounts in academic research on the practical use of APS systems and their   effects on the planning process and performance. This research provides such   results.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the prerequisites and effects of centralised supply chain planning at IKEA, and to explore how the planning process, planning system, and planning organization make up a centralised planning approach.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a longitudinal case study of IKEA's implementation of global supply chain planning. The literature review generated a framework which identifies prerequisites for, approaches to, and the effects of and obstacles to centralised supply chain planning. This framework was used to analyse IKEA's supply chain planning before and after the implementation. Finally, the authors reflected upon the learning from IKEA and refined the framework.

Findings – A number of prerequisites for centralised supply chain planning were identified: functional products, vertical integration, a dominating organization possessing the power and competence to enforce the implementation, and the use of one planning domain possessing all critical planning information. The direct effects of centralised supply chain planning were related to supply chain integration, standardisation, specialisation, and learning effects. Implementing centralised supply chain planning in an appropriate planning context led to several operational performance improvements. Obstacles were mainly related to human and organizational, as well as to software and data issues.

Research limitations/implications – This is a first approach towards development of a framework of how to design, use and benefit from centralised supply chain planning. The developed conceptual model, which is refined through the case study, offers some generalizability in researching centralised supply chain planning.

Practical implications – The findings show that centralised supply chain planning is a necessity for a large and growing, global supply chain striving for low-cost production and efficiency.

Originality/value – IKEA is a unique case with its supply chain characteristics and recently implemented planning concept.

The purpose is to develop a matrix for classifying production systems for construction with various degrees of industrialization. Previous attempts to classify industrialized production systems for construction focus on dimensions such as the design process, the product technology, or the supply chain structure, but none of them acknowledge the importance of how orders are actually won in the market and that different market segments have different requirements. Using production strategy theory as a base, a matrix is developed linking market requirements, via the product offering, to the design of the production system. The matrix positions typical production systems based on their respective degrees of product standardization and volumes relative to the degree of offsite production. Similar to production systems in manufacturing, production systems for construction also deliver manufacturing outputs at different levels, indicating that the choice of production system will affect the competitiveness of the company. The applicability of the matrix is exemplified through three case illustrations of concepts for industrialized building, and these show that the matrix can be used to analyse the production systems’ relative strengths and weaknesses. The matrix can also be used as a guide when developing new, or adjusting existing, production systems for industrialized building so that they will match market requirements and offer competitiveness.

The purpose is to validate a conceptually developed classificationmatrix for production systems in construction through a multiple case study. Bymapping five different cases producing multifamily houses along the dimensions product standardisation and production volumes and degree of off-site assembly, and compare their relativestrengths and weaknesses, it is possible to determine how the position in thematrix affects their competitiveness. The case study indicates that theclassification matrix is a useful tool to characterize construction productionsystems. Differences in competitiveness are exposed, and this can be used whendeveloping an already existing, or designing a new, production system.

The purpose is to analyse how supply chain planningin construction can be better coordinated, both concerning the supply chain assuch and concerning activities on-site. A literature review and a case studyidentify a number of problems that occur due to poor coordination. To mitigatethese problems it is suggested that a structured framework, like the SupplyChain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, can facilitate the implementation ofsupply chain management so as to enhance coordination and supply chainperformance in the construction industry. The use of a structured model isargued to improve the integration of subcontractors and suppliers in the maincontractor’s planning process. The focus is on the so called “Plan” process in theSCOR model, which is the process that is used to coordinate supply chainactivities in all parts of the supply chain, including site activities. Thefindings identify which parts of the SCOR Plan process that need to be adjustedto fit the construction industry and how it can facilitate the synchronisationbetween the main contractor and its subcontractors. The main contribution is thedevelopment of a model for mapping and managing the construction planning process,so as to enhance coordination and the performance of the construction supplychain.

In this paper we consider integrated planning of the supply chain at a multi-site pulp company. In addition to the traditional focus on pulp products, also energy aspects are considered, both in the form of raw material and as revenue generating products. The idea is that energy intense raw materials not only gives fibre to the pulp process but also generates an energy surplus that can be used in different ways to create additional value or revenues. The planning horizon is one year and monthly time periods are considered. Decisions included in the planning are; purchase and transportation of raw materials from harvest areas to pulp mills, production allocation by dividing the production among the pulp mills, energy mix by choosing the energy input at the pulp mills, and distribution of products from mills to customer. An MILP model for the entire supply chain is proposed. A number of different scenarios including real data from the case company are analyzed and evaluated. The aim of the study is thus to investigate the effects on profitability while taking energy issues into consideration.

It has been anticipated that energy management will gain increased interest amongst companies in a near future. Yet, even in energy-intensive companies, like process industries, energy management is seldom treated strategically. The purpose of this study is thus to investigate the necessary prerequisites for putting energy management on the strategic agenda in energy-intensive process industries. This is done by the means of a literature review and a case study, and the analysis is based on how energy management is treated from three perspectives; a strategic perspective, an energy system utilisation perspective, and an alternative revenue perspective. The case study shows, similar to other process industry companies, that the strategic importance of energy management, to a large extent, is neglected. The research also indicates necessary prerequisites, for each perspective, for highlighting the strategic importance of energy management for a typical company in the process industry sector.

This paper aims to classify different productionsystems for construction, based on operations strategy principles. Fourdifferent production systems have been identified through a literature reviewand mapped in a framework describing the degree of product standardization andvolumes and the degree of off-site production. Similar to production systems inmanufacturing, also production systems for construction deliver manufacturingoutputs at different levels, indicating that the choice of production systemwill affect the competitiveness of the company. Finally three cases aredescribed to exemplify the identified production systems and the framework.

The clothing sector is currently characterised by frequent assortmentrotation in stores, a quick response product development and a focus onminimizing end-of-campaign stock levels. The purpose of this paper is hence toshow, through a case study, how a value brand retailer increasedcompetitiveness in a market requiring more responsiveness. The solution restson the establishment of an adequate supply strategy for differentiated product segments,the introduction of mini-collections and the redesign of the new product developmentand order fulfilment processes (including supply chain redesign).

In this paper we consider integrated planning of the supply chain at a multi-site pulp company. In addition to the traditional focus on pulp products, also energy aspects are considered, both in the form of raw material and as revenue generating products. The idea is that energy intense raw materials not only gives fiber to the pulp process but also generates an energy surplus that can be used in different ways to create additional value or revenues. The planning horizon is one year and monthly time periods are considered. Decisions included in the planning are purchase and transportation of raw materials from harvest areas to pulp mills, production allocation by dividing the production among the pulp mills, energy mix by choosing the energy input at the pulp mills and distribution of products from mills to customer. An MILP model for the entire supply chain is proposed. A number of different scenarios including real data from the case company are analyzed and evaluated. The aim of the study is thus to investigate the effects on profitability while taking energy issues in consideration.

The supply chain design defines the operating basis of a supply chain and thereby naturally affects the strategic and financial performance of a company. Yet, companies often tend to neglect to include supply chain design in their strategic planning processes, partly due to the fact that there has been a lack of decision support system for these crucial decisions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to describe how advanced planning systems (APS), as a standard commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) decision support system, can be used to design and configure the most efficient supply chain structure. To illustrate this, the paper includes two case studies that have used APS to analyse and re-configure their respective supply chains. The cases show many similarities, but also differences in terms of modelling techniques and project management, impacting the results and usefulness of employing a standard APS for supply chain design.

Purpose: The main purpose is to describe and analyse the impact that  the implementation of an advanced planning system (APS) has on the tactical planning level at a steel processing company. This is done in terms of analysing changes in the tactical planning processes, effects on company performance, and how APS is used in a practical planning context.

Design/methodology/approach: This research is based on a longitudinal case study in the process industry. The case company, a highend steel producer, has been studied during several years using a combination of data sources: literature reviews, interviews, archival records, attending meetings, workshops and seminars, etc.

Findings: This case study points to the fact that implementing an APS and reorganizing the planning department and the planning processes are mutually dependent. The positive effects at the tactical planning level (in terms of service levels, fast and reliable order promises, more accurate forecasts) could not have been realized without the APS. On the other hand, APS could not have been effectively utilized without the organizational change.

Research limitations/implication: The results presented in this paper are based on a single-case study, but in the context of our literature review and other case studies the findings are still valid and an important step towards better understanding of the practical use of APS.

Practical implications: The process descriptions, lessons learnt and issues encountered in case studies like this should be helpful to practitioners on their way to implement APS, and companies seeking new ways to improve their planning can use this research to investigate the use of an advanced planning system.

Originality/value: Studies on the practical use of standard APS software are still scarce. As such this paper provides enhanced knowledge and understanding on the use of APS in an industry setting.

The purpose is to analyze the effects from Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems for supply chain planning, both in terms of experienced benefits and problems, and the impact of the planning context and implementation approach. The research is based on a multiple case study of five manufacturing firms. It is concluded that the APS implementation focus and APS use impact three effect types differently if applying a process or system focus and more positively if applying an APS lead, compared to lag, approach. It also shows that the organisation, individuals, technology impact the effects, no matter APS implementation focus.

This paper seeks to extend existing manufacturing system concepts and develop new structured knowledge about international manufacturing networks by analysing the networks, classifying the configurations and identifying the capabilities. The design and operation of international manufacturing networks is an increasingly important issue for transnational corporations faced with rapid changes in global market opportunity, competition and new managerial mechanisms. Four international manufacturing networks in mechanical and process industries are analysed and a number of conclusions drawn: first, a novel configuration map is proposed; second, key strategic capability parameters are identified; third, networking trends and their implications for configuration are discussed. Finally, the paper explores strengths and weaknesses of the particular methodology adopted in this research.

Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS) Systems have been around as standard systems for more than a decade. Still few cases on their practical use and implementation are found in academic research.

This session aims at providing cases on the practical use of standard APS systems, and on its functionality, in industry.

Previous research indicates a great potential within process industries regarding the use, distribution, and supply of energy, affecting manufacturing costs and revenues. The purpose of this study is thus to analyze, and to provide suggestions for improvements for, energy management in a process industry company. This will be done by mapping the energy flow and usage for a case company. The results of this study indicate that a strategic perspective on energy issues is necessary in order to reach the full potential of energy savings and for establishing an effective energy management system.

The overall purpose of this research is to map the maintenance management in three companies in the process industry sector and to analyse whether these companies apply a holistic perspective on their maintenance management. We have mapped our cases using the framework developed by Crespo Márquez et al. (2009) and our results show that even though maintenance is of utmost importance in the process industry, few companies have a strategic and holistic perspective on maintenance management.

Higher expectations on supply chain performance force organisations to reinvent themselves in order to cut costs and increase customer service, all to gain competitive advantage. Pursuing the best network of manufacturing, supply and distribution facilities relative to the marketplace is therefore on top of many managers most wanted list concerning supply chain management. Supply chain planners are thus in need of decision support to be able to establish feasible and sufficient plans. This article discusses how decision support through advanced planning systems (APS) can assist tactical supply chain planning. A case study is presented showing how APS can act as an enabler in adapting logistics and supply chain principles, as well as reducing costs through streamlining the supply chain. The purpose of this article is primarily to present findings from a case study regarding supply chain planning with the aid of a master planning APS module. The case study emphasises that APS in the scope of logistics management have several positive effects on supply chain performance.

The purpose of this study is to analyse customer segmentation and capable-to-promise functionality in a demand fulfilment process. This is done through a literature review and a case study, the case showing that the company has experienced good results from using an advanced planning system based on customer segmentation and capable-to-promise functionality.