Arni Halldorsson

Complementary theories to supply chain management

Purpose – The paper seeks to discuss and develop SCM as a scientific discipline using different theories from non-logistics areas to explain interorganizational phenomena. It also attempts to establish a frame of reference that allows us to mitigate the gap between the current SCM research and practice and the theoretical explanations of how to structure and manage supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces three different perspectives that together will contribute to a broader understanding of SCM in practice: an economic perspective; a socio-economic perspective; and a strategic perspective. The theoretical framework is applied to two important research topics within SCM: third party logistics (TPL); and new product development (NPD). Findings – There is no such thing as “a unified theory of SCM”. Depending on the concrete situation, one can choose one theory as the dominant explanatory theory, and then complement it with one or several of the other theoretical perspectives. Research limitations/implications – The way the four theories complement one another is explored on a conceptual basis, but further research into this direction may explore more deeply how these alleged complementarities occur in practice, and how managers mould their decisions by these ideas. Practical implications – The four theories can provide normative support to important management decisions in supply chains, such as outsourcing, safeguards against opportunism, and alignment of incentives. Originality/value – The main contribution is that one cannot rely on one theoretical explanation when analyzing phenomena in SCM. It is neccessary to consider several theories and how they may complement one another in order to provide a more comprehensive view of SCM.

Developing logistics competencies through third party logistics relationships

This paper considers third party logistics (TPL) from a resource and competence perspective. New competencies are developed in the relationship between the shipper and the TPL provider. A typology of TPL relationships is developed going from market exchanges to joint logistics solutions. Here, the article will concentrate on the highest level – joint logistics solutions. The theoretical grounding of competence development will be outlined. Two case examples will illustrate the learning process in TPL arrangements. Finally, the article will discuss managerial implications and implications for future research in TPL.

Logistics knowledge creation: reflections on content, processes and context

Outlines possible ways to question “what logistics knowledge is” and “how it comes about”, as a means to improve the craftsmanship in logistics research. The logistics knowledge‐creation activity is examined with respect to its content, context and processes. A framework distinguishing three levels of abstraction (philosophy of science, methodology and theory, and practice) is presented and discussed. This framework highlights some key issues to be considered when research in logistics and supply‐chain management is to be carried out. The implications of the paper should be considered as complementary to increased rigor and borrowing theories from other disciplines as a means to enrich the logistics discipline.

The sustainable agenda and energy efficiency

Purpose – This double special issue called for logistics solutions and supply chains in times of climate change. The purpose of this editorial is to investigate the current and future implications of climate change, and in particular, energy efficiency for logistics and supply chain management (SCM).Design/methodology/approach – Against the backdrop of climate change, a conceptual framework is constructed that reflects on the immediate and tangible effects of a sustainable agenda on logistics and SCM.Findings – Energy efficiency has been largely neglected in logistics and SCM. At the same time, considering energy efficiency requires considerable rethinking on the operational level (from transportation emissions to the cold chain) as well as even the conceptual level. The energy agenda needs a further development of logistics theory and practice.Originality/value – The editorial highlights the challenges of sustainability and energy in the context of logistics and SCM pertaining to their novelty, importanc...

Supply chain management on the crossroad to sustainability: a blessing or a curse?

The implications of environmental sustainability and social responsibility transcend the actual ownership of the particular product; up-stream the supply chain to consider behaviour of suppliers, and down-stream to consider the impact of the product-in-use, and ultimately, its disposal. These concerns are frequently conceptualised as an extension to current theoretical approaches and practices in supply chain management (SCM). This paper raises the question of how SCM is actually addressing these issues. In particular, it is argued that SCM can be seen as amongst the causes of the problem rather than a viable solution. To clarify this challenge, three generic strategies are developed as a response: (1) enhancing the use of current SCM approaches, (2) aligning SCM with social and environmental concerns and (3) rejecting SCM in its current fashion to address environmental and social concerns and suggesting a replacement strategy.

Dynamics of relationship governance in TPL arrangements – a dyadic perspective

Purpose – To improve the understanding of the inter‐organizational dynamics of the dyadic relationships between a buyer and provider of logistics services (TPL dyads).Design/methodology/approach – Analyzes the preparation, implementation, and operation of a particular case of third party logistics (TPL) arrangements. Based on a single case study of a dyadic relationship, the paper confronts the static view of the transaction cost approach and the agency theory on “governance structures” and “contracts” by showing how “relationship governance” emerges and develops over time.Findings – TPL dyads are subject to both controllable and non‐controllable forces of change, which may not always have a positive effect on the logistics performance or the relationship itself. Inter‐organizational dynamics not only relate to learning, competence development, or adaptation, as suggested by other studies, but also to how the dyadic relationships are governed. As the dyad accumulates experience over time, changes will occ...

Research methodologies in supply chain management: what do we know?

Investigates the methodology applied in supply chain management (SCM) research ublished in three academic journals from 1997 to 2004. The objective is to analyze and discuss by what research methods our current knowledge of SCM has been generated. 71 papers are identified as containing SCM. Empirical evidence is limited to approximately half of the articles, share of which is frequently generated by quantitative approaches. Conceptual work is weak on discussing fundamental assumptions of SCM (theory, methodology, philosophy of science). Theoretical foundations from a philosophy of science perspective are still unquestioned. Actor and level of analysis are primarily the manufacturing company and a supply chain perspective albeit the empirical evidence usually resides in the particular, focal company. Applications of non-logistics theories or concepts are not navigated by a more fundamental discussion of methodology.

Complementary Theories to Supply Chain Management Revisited: From Borrowing Theories to Theorizing

Purpose Supply chain management (SCM) suffers as well as benefits from a ‘conceptual slack’. The aim of this paper is to identify ways by which the theorizing of SCM takes place, with particular attention to complementary theories. Design/methodology/approach The nature of SCM is discussed, and the role and relevance of theorizing is addressed by using key characteristics of ‘academic scholarship’ based on a literature review of SCM and evaluation of application of theory and theory development. Findings The integrative and multi-layered nature of SCM sets the conditions for ‘theorizing SCM’ that can take place through various forms: theory application, new theoretical combinations, and sensitivity to managerial practice. It is pivotal that future research explore further the performative potential of SCM. Research limitations/implications Research with focus on theory development or using complementary theories to advancing understanding of SCM can benefit from the five building blocks of theorizing SCM proposed in the paper. Practical implications Theoretical principles in SCM are not only used to describe practical problems, but also used to ‘produce the world’; supply chains can be seen as organizational units that act or consummate an action that delivers a particular performance. Originality/value We portray SCM sensitivity to managerial challenges by moving from borrowing to a more bilateral view on theorizing of SCM, reflecting the nature of SCM.

Energy resources: trajectories for supply chain management

Purpose: The aim of this research paper is to explain how principles of supply chain management (SCM) provide important conditions for the production, accessibility and use of energy, from the point of origin to the point of consumption. Design/methodology/approach: The paper identifies three distinct trajectories in which the interplay between energy and SCM can release potential for research and practice. Findings: Energy resources are vital to power industrial processes in manufacturing and logistics, while their use is also a major contributor to carbon emissions. The integrative nature of SCM provides conditions for improvement in use and accessibility of energy, and can facilitate the transition in which fossil fuels are replaced with a system of supply and conversion of renewable energy. These opportunitiesare highlighted by developin a set of three trajectories, which range from a true supply chain perspective on the energy sector, to an up-stream and down-stream perspective, respectively. Research limitations/implications: The impact of energy resources on carbon emissions makes them important units of analysis in further SCM research. Future research must acknowledge the variety in the nature of energy resources, and provide frameworks that are able to address the particular features of these. Practical implications: Supply chain strategists must assess how energy use, efficiency, dependency and accessibility influence operations, both internally and externally in the supply chain. Logistics flows are powered by energy. As considerable portion of carbon emissions created by supply chain operations are energy related, energy must be seen as means towards achievement of environmental sustainability. Originality/value: This is a timely topic of a cross-disciplinary nature that has only been addressed to a limited extent by SCM so far. The topic is relevant to a large group of problem owners: Supply chain strategists of companies where energy use, -efficiency and dependency is an issue, and where operations processes have an impact on carbon emission; for the energy sector, that needs to sustain a steady supply of energy, and increase accessibility to renewable energy sources that can replace fossil fuel; for policy makers where energy dependency and security at a national level is an issue.

Supply chain configuration for biomass-to-energy: the case of torrefaction.

Purpose – One way of overcoming logistics barriers (poor transportation, handling and storage properties) towards increased utilisation of biomass is to introduce a pre‐treatment process such as torrefaction early in the biomass‐to‐energy supply chain. Torrefaction offers a range of potentially beneficial logistics properties but the actual benefits depend upon how the supply chain is configured to address various elements of customer demand. Hence, the aim of this paper is to develop a framework for torrefaction configuration in a supply chain perspective for different types of customers.Design/methodology/approach – Sophisticated pre‐treatment processes are yet to reach the commercialisation phase. Identification of possible supply chain configurations is in this paper done through a conceptual approach by bringing together knowledge from related research fields such as unrefined forest fuel, pellets and coal logistics with prescriptions for configuration derived from the subject area of supply chain ma...