Cost considerations are critical within logistics and supply chain management. Since total cost analysis (TCA) is complex and implies many challenges, a systemised procedure for performing TCA is important to reach a good result. However, while literature in the supply chain management (SCM) field suggests what to include in a TCA, it does not provide explicit guidance on how to perform a TCA. The purpose of this paper is therefore to propose a framework for performing TCA in an SCM context. An initial framework was developed based on TCA literature. It was refined in two steps: First, through focus group discussions with academic scholars; and thereafter, through case studies in the retail sector. A 12-step framework for performing TCA is proposed, and challenges related to the steps are discussed. Although the framework is presented as a sequential process, iteration back and forth between the steps is recommended. While existing models for TCA in SCM focus on which cost elements to include, this framework suggests how to perform TCA in a systemised way with regard to complexity and challenges. Researchers can use the framework to support the TCA process and bring transparency to the results and how these are presented. The framework can also be helpful for practitioners conducting TCAs for decision-making, and for logistics and SCM scholars teaching TCA.

E-commerce presents a fantastic opportunity for consumers to receive product deliveries anytime, anyhow and anywhere. However, a major challenge for all logistics systems is that of environmental sustainability, and for e-commerce, the distribution of products to consumers constitutes one of the largest environmental challenges. This chapter focusses on green distribution alternatives for consumers, and thereby provides an overview of how e-commerce can become more environmentally sustainable through offering such alternatives. The chapter starts by pointing to two major trends behind the greening of e-commerce: the growth of e-commerce itself and the increasing societal and corporate concern for environmental sustainability. Building on a series of studies of e-commerce development on the Swedish market, the perspectives of consumers, retailers and logistics service providers paint a broad picture of e-commerce delivery. Finally, today’s as well as potential future challenges for sustainable e-commerce deliveries are discussed.

Purpose: Among a multitude of initiatives that can contribute to decarbonize freight transport (McKinnon, 2018), electrification has surficed as a main strategy (Li et al, 2022). The transition towards electrification has commenced, but in particular for long-haul transportation it is slow. Obstacles to the transition include the price of the new technology, lack of infrastructure and lack of policy incentives. In addition, the technology is new to all actors. This new-ness, together with the acknowledged complexity of the transition to electrified freight proposes learning challenges for all involved actors, for example vehicle manufacturers, haulier firms, logistics service providers and shippers. The necessary knowledge to navigate and operate the freight transport system cannot reside in one single orchestrator of the supply chain, but must be shared among actors, which in turn highlight the need for interaction with the purpose to share knowledge and experiences, and to jointly build new knowledge. 

This paper aims to address how learning among actors in the supply chain can contribute to accelerate the electrification of freight transport.

Design / Methodology / Approach: This conceotual paper presents a framework for describing and analysing learning between actors in a supply chain. The framework takes a stance in a model for organisational learning (Crossan, Lane & White, 1999) adapted to the context of inter-organisational learning. This model will be adapted to the context of electrification of freight based on findings from a range of ongoing research projects into electrification of freight transport. 

Findings: The paper presents a model for describing and analysing learning between organisations in a supply chain. The model is conceptual and is intended to be used for analysing multi-actor learning processes in the context of electrification of freight.

Practical implications: The results of the paper include suggestions for how learning between actors in supply chains can increase, by which the transition towards electrification of freight can be accelerated.

Relevance / Contribution: Supply chain collaboration has only scaresly been analysed with a learning perspective. The application of learning as mechanisms for supply chain integration in a context of ongoing transition suggests that the results are both novel and relevant.

Purpose

Supply Chain Management (SCM) has for the past decades been a central concept for logistics research. The importance of effectively managing supply chains has further increased by global supply chain complexity, shifts in customer demands and needs, a focus on sustainability, and mitigation strategies and responses to supply chain disruptions.Integration and collaboration in the supply chain and having a customer focus are two central characteristics of SCM. By truly understanding customers, i.e. having a customer orientation, combined with supply chain integration capabilities, the full potential of supply chain management could be released. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to suggest a conceptual framework by identifying the dimensions of customer orientation and exploring the relation between customer orientation and integration in supply chains.

Research Approach

The paper builds on a systematic literature review. Combinations of the keywords customer orientation, supply chain, logistics, integration, and collaboration were used. The initial search identified 518 potential articles. Exclusion criterias limited the sample to 107 articles, being read in full. The final 28 applicable articles were analysed in order to define dimensions of customer orientation, as well as their relations to supply chain integration.

Findings and Originality

The overall findings of the paper is a conceptual framework for how customer orientation is related to supply chain integration. The analysis revealed a set of three customer orientation dimensions: (i) The prerequisites for customer orientation, in terms of strategy and culture; (ii) The means of understanding the customer, in terms of generation and dissemination of information; and (iii) The actions based on having a customer understanding, in terms of responsive and proactive actions. Each dimension relates to supply chain integration in a bi-directional way. Independent of its starting point, a synergetic interplay between customer orientation and integration is proposed.

Research Impact

This research takes a holistic view on the use of the concept of customer orientation in SCM and supply chain integration literature. While SCM research has predominantly concerned customer service-oriented measures and aims, this study builds a more thorough framework, especially addressing the important relations between customer orientation and integration in supply chain management.

Practical Impact

The results from the paper can provide supply chain managers with a deeper understanding of customer orientation and provide guidance to how supply chain integration can be approached and supported by this understanding. In the light of recent supply chain challenges, this is of utmost importance for supply chain managers.

Logistics networks need to conform to arising market trends and public requirements for greening freight transport through a series of Green Logistics Practices (GLPs). This study sets out to explore the use of fossil-free fuels as a GLP and possible influence on business strategy and system design. A literature review was conducted which concluded that literature about the use of fossil-free fuels is limited. An explorative interview study was conducted to further explore the use of biomethane among actors in logistics networks. Customers increasingly request green freight transport typically accepting moderately higher prices for green transport. Development of green logistics services is predominately driven by corporate stakeholders and internal initiatives, while public regulation appeared to have a weak influence. The study revealed new insights into how GLPs can relate to each other.

Inom ramen för det VINNOVA-finansierade projektet ”Hållbar distribution i e-handeln: Hur kan klimatsmarta leveransalternativ underlättas” (HELSMART) har syftet varit att ta fram kunskap om hur e-handlare kan utforma och presentera klimatsmarta leveransalternativ till konsumenter för att minimera klimatpåverkan från e-handelsdistributionen, och på så sätt bidra till ett fossilfritt samhälle. I denna rapport presenteras resultaten från projektet, som pågått under 2020-2023 och som varit ett samarbete mellan Linköpings Universitet och Stockholms Universitet. 

Projektet har kombinerat olika datainsamlingsmetoder, vilket gett möjlighet att förstå utmaningen med hållbara e-handelsleveranser ur olika perspektiv. Metoderna inkluderar dels en genomgång av e-handlares hemsidor, dels fallstudier och intervjuer med e-handlare, logistikföretag och transportplattformsföretag, och dels konsumentdata från faktiska köp före och efter introduktionen av ”miljömärkning” av leveranser. Sammantaget har det här projektet följt utvecklingen av miljömässigt hållbar e-handelsdistribution i en svensk kontext under de senaste nästan fyra åren. 

Resultaten visar att det finns en enorm komplexitet kopplat till miljömässigt hållbara leveransalternativ. För att belysa denna komplexitet så presenteras i rapporten en process som beskriver tre steg för att kunna utforma och presentera klimatsmarta leveransalternativ till konsumenter. Dessa innefattar: 

1. Identifiera miljömässigt hållbara leveransalternativ, 
2. Erbjuda miljömässigt hållbara leveransalternativ till konsumenter, och 
3. Vägleda konsumenters val av miljömässigt hållbara leveransalternativ. 

Genomgång av de tre stegen leder sedan fram till en avslutande diskussion där fyra centrala budskap lyfts. För det första är det inte självklart vad som menas med miljömässigt hållbar leverans. Här finns t.ex. oklarheter i vad man är ute efter att minimera när man vill uppnå miljömässigt hållbara leveranser, och om och hur det går att jämföra olika logistikföretags utsläpp på ett rättvisande sätt. För det andra så befinner sig e-handlarna inte i ett vakuum utan är beroende av andra aktörer, vilket gör att de slutgiltiga utsläppen beror på beslut från en mängd olika och starkt skilda beslutsfattare. För det tredje så skapar externa märkningar transparens, samtidigt som de riskerar att skapa förvirring. För samtidigt som externa märkningar har sina fördelar, så kan de också leda till att för många typer av miljömässigt hållbara leveransalternativ kommuniceras parallellt. För det fjärde så visar resultaten att hållbara leveransalternativ är viktiga för konsumenter, men inte lika viktigt som allt annat. Men genom att placera det miljömässigt hållbara leveransalternativet högst upp i checkouten och markera det som förvalt, så ökar sannolikheten för att konsumenter ska välja detta alternativ. Små knuffar på tillräckligt många kan på sikt ha enormt stor effekt på totala utsläpp.

Purpose 

Implementation of fossil free fuels in the supply chain requires the involvement of multiple actors, each of which have different drivers and barriers undergoing the switch. The aim of this research is to begin to explore these drivers and barriers additionally how they relate to each other across the different actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study was performed, interviewing multiple representatives from each actor. The drivers and barriers from the respective actors were compared across the actors in the network 

Findings

The study is ongoing however some findings may be suggested. Among others, some drivers and barriers identified were customer demands, available infrastructure, and financial costs. 

Research limitations/implications

While there are multiple possible fossil-free fuels to be used in the future, this research looked deeper into the implantation of biomethane. Future research conducted could investigate the drivers and barriers of other fossil-free alternatives. 

Practical implications

Understanding the impact from drivers and barriers for each actor in the network during the initial implementation of a fossil free fuel will allow further organizations to properly prepare for the switch. 

Original/value

Little research on fossil free fuel use has been completed from the perspective of certain actors, namely the haulier and forwarder. Studying these previously understated actors help in moving forward towards a more comprehensive understanding of the network. 

Purpose: One ambition of organizations is to create and provide value to its stakeholders. As more and more customers are demanding environmentally sustainable freight transport, it is becoming a valuable service for a freight forwarder to provide. Some companies experience better success in offering this service to customers than others despite operating in the same infrastructure and regulatory circumstances. The aim of this paper is to describe different business practices utilized by the freight forwarder when providing value to its stakeholder by offering fossil-free transport. 

Research Approach: The research was conducted through a series of interviews including five actors representing the focal actor – freight forwarder – and its primary stakeholders. The analysis takes stance in stakeholder theory, which was used as a framework for understanding relationships, influence, and interactions with the freight forwarder as the focal organization.  

Findings and Originality: Analysis is ongoing, however preliminary findings can be shared. Four overarching business practices were identified: collaboration, pricing, workplace culture and pursuit of a circular economy. Primary stakeholders were identified as well as secondary, and their influence on the focal actor and its business practices is described. Once the analysis is completed results and discussion on value provision (if any exist) through these four business practices will be available. These findings reveal how a shift of technology – in this case the energy source – may shape future sustainable freight transport with consideration to multiple actors and their business practices.

Research Impact: This paper plans to build upon previously written stakeholder theory literature and its theory development. Additionally, the paper will explain the role of business practices and the subsequent stakeholder value development via offering fossil-free freight transport, which historically has been an overlooked topic within sustainable logistics.

Practical Impact: This paper allows organizations with various roles in freight transport to gain deeper knowledge of how to implement and provide fossil-free freight transport to their customers and stakeholders and which business practices may aid them in their endeavors. Furthermore, the paper’s results will provide guidance for how to understand the business environment particularly for freight forwarders.

Purpose of the paper: To explore the relations between the process management methodology (PM) and the Dynamic Capabilities theory (DC) by identifying synergies, conflicts, and missing relations between them.Methodology: The paper is based on a systematic and two narrative literature reviews with a snowballing approach.Main Findings: In this paper we identify two types of relations between these two concepts: conceptual, in terms of principles and their definitions; and for support. Moreover, we identify conflicts for companies to strive for exploration and exploitation simultaneously, which might be required for some of the synergies between the concepts. In terms of support synergies, certain preconditions were found for the synergy to occur.Practical implications: A better understanding of the synergies between PM and DC and the identification of preconditions that enable the support of PM for DC and vice versa.Originality/value: PM and DC have been researched since the 80s. However, their relation under-researched and it might have potential for enhancing the flexibility of the methodology, allowing companies to rapidly adapt to changes and innovation.

Construction transport have a severe environmental impact. To address the environmental problems requires that the complexity of construction, including the many different actors and their goals, is captured. The purpose of this article is to propose a new conceptual model for construction logistics systems, with the aim of advancing the transition to more environmentally friendly construction transport. The conceptual model was developed based on different theoretical frameworks, and also improved based on practitioner's workshops. The conceptual model is based on five interconnected layers of activities: urban land use; construction; construction supply chain; transport; and infrastructure and three subsystems. The model indicates on what layers different actors in the subsystems act and how different actors can influence the environmental performance of construction logistics systems by their decisions. In relation to similar multi-layer models, construction logistics also need to embrace municipal actors. For example, the traffic planning may offer available infrastructure to improve fill rates and energy efficiency, but fill rate is the direct result of the suppliers decisions, which is indirectly affected by the main contractor's schedule. In particular, modal split is influenced by a range of decisions by different actors, complicating the selection of a more environmentally friendly transport mode.