Marianne Jahre

Supply chain integration and performance : a review of the evidence

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse papers studying the link between supply chain integration (SCI) and performance, and to discuss reported empirical evidence relating to this fundamental question for logistics and supply chain management. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic analysis of 38 papers published in nine important journals in logistics, supply chain and operations management during the period 2000-2006 is offered. Using a multidimensional framework to sort and classify selected papers, structured results are provided for the purpose of contributing to discussion of the topic. Findings – More SCI does not always improve performance. Definitions and measures of SCI and performance are diverse to the extent that a conclusion such as “the more (SCI) the better (the performance) cannot be drawn”. On the contrary more empirical research, with use of clear definitions and good measures, are needed. The conclusions drawn from the analytical literature review provide a basis from which further research can be developed, both in respect of research approaches, definitions of main concepts and the choice of theoretical basis. Research limitations/implications – Additional journals could be included. The framework could be more detailed. More details on SCI and performance measures, as well as the items used in the papers, could be provided and discussed. Practical implications – Results encourage researchers and practitioners to be more cautious concerning SCI and its impact on performance and to have a more conscious and differentiated view of SCI. Originality/value – Through a rigorous analysis of prevailing research, the paper questions a common assumption in business logistics and SCM. Propositions for further research are suggested.

Supply chain integration improves performance: the Emperor's new suit?

Purpose – In the literature authors state that there is a positive relation between supply chain integration (SCI) and performance. They claim that this relation is widely discussed and supported empirically. Other authors, however, suggest that integration might be more difficult in practice than in theory, that it should be differentiated and that it is more rhetoric than reality. As integration has been core of logistics and supply chain management since the 1980s, the purpose of this paper is to investigate these somewhat contradictory statements and analyse prior studies regarding definitions and measures of integration and performance as well as the reported empirical evidence on their relation. Design/methodology/approach – Based on an extensive and systematic review of integration articles within four highly ranked academic journals in logistics, supply chain and operations management, this paper presents and discusses the results of prior empirical studies on relations between integration and performance. Findings – The analysis of the relevant articles indicates that empirical evidence cannot permit to clearly conclude and that integration as well as performance is defined, operationalised and measured in different and often limited ways. This might be a problem and the paper concludes with a provoking question of whether SCI might be the Emperors’ New Suit of business. Originality/value – The paper’s departure point is a controversial hypothesis: the contribution of SCI is not as obvious as logistics and supply chain researchers usually think. The rigorous selection and analysis of previous studies contributes with systematic knowledge within an important question.

Coordination in humanitarian logistics through clusters

Purpose – In the field of humanitarianism, cluster thinking has been suggested as a solution to the lack of coordinated disaster response. Clusters for diverse functions, including sheltering, logi ...

Supply chain integration: the role of logistics service providers

Purpose – Considering the importance of supply chain integration (SCI) in literature and the increasing outsourcing of logistics, this paper aims to study the role of logistics service providers (LSPs) in supporting SCI and clients’ performance. Design/methodology/approach – This research is based on a two-step approach: a literature review on supply chain integration (SCI) and performance regarding how LSPs are taken into account; and an analysis of web sites of LSPs concerning how they communicate their role and whether they themselves consider they have a role in improving the SCI and performance of their clients. Results are then discussed in view of some major works on third party logistics. Findings – Some surprising conclusions are drawn. Among the analysed articles very few take LSPs into consideration. The web site analysis shows LSPs varying in their communication. Some do not consider SCI as part of their job, others balance between being pure “resource providers” and taking the riskier role of “supply chain designers”. The analysis of the roles LSPs can play in supply chains enriches the understanding of the SCI phenomenon. Research limitations/implications – In this paper SCI performance papers are analysed. A review of papers on LSPs could be another relevant starting point. The web site analysis concerns LSPs’ communication. Further research could complement with the shippers’ perspectives. Practical implications – Results suggest different dimensions to structure LSPs’ strategies vis-a` -vis clients’ SCI and performance. Originality/value – The main contributions of this paper are questioning and analysing what role LSPs play in SCI and performance, and expanding the framework for SCI studies.

Interdependence in supply chains and projects in construction

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to inquire into the management of construction supply chains by directing attention toward the different types of interdependencies that exist in such chains and in construction projects.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is developed as part of two ongoing research projects on supply chain management (SCM) in construction. A case study approach is used for illustrating the production and subsequent delivery and installation of plasterboards to a specific construction project. This description reveals extensive coordination among a number of companies and features interesting examples of the consequences of the interdependencies identified.Findings – The paper concludes that the strong emphasis on coordination of sequential interdependence within individual supply chains does not fit with the complex interdependencies present in and among supply chains and projects in construction. In addition to sequential interdependence it describes and illustrates pooled interde...

Household waste collection as a reverse channel

Of great concern today is how to collect and recycle post‐consumer waste efficiently. Reports the results of a study of 47 collection schemes for household waste which examined their logistical characteristics. An extensive literature review revealed that much recycling research suffers from a lack of theory. Discusses why and how logistics theory can contribute to the understanding of what is happening in reverse distribution channels. Suggests a number of propositions on relationships between logistical characteristics and performance. Of particular interest is whether separation of waste is to take place at the source by the consumer or in a central processing facility. Suggests that postponing separation to a separation facility can enhance performance by reducing cost and increasing service.

Theory development in humanitarian logistics: a framework and three cases

Purpose: There is a need for theory development within the field of humanitarian logistics to understand logistics needs in different stages of a crisis and how to meet these. This paper aims to di ...

Supply chain management – back to the future?

Purpose – Distribution arrangements are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic in business as well as in consumer markets. The purpose of the present paper is to explore and discuss the theoretical frameworks available to interpret these distribution arrangements, to uncover how they are interrelated and to suggest extensions.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of extant research is undertaken, starting with the literature on supply chain management (SCM). It turns out that prior to the launch of the SCM concept in the early 1980s, two separate research streams coexisted which both pertain to aspects of distribution. These two research streams are described and traced back to a common root.Findings – It is suggested that SCM may be regarded as an attempt to unite the two separate research streams known as business logistics and marketing channels, respectively. These two approaches have focused on different aspects of distribution arrangements, but both are preoccupied with managerial challenges fac...

Packages and physical distribution

This paper addresses the question of trade‐offs in supply chains by exploring the roles of packaging in distribution networks. Taking a starting point in the logistical role of packaging and the potential trade‐offs with its marketing and environmental roles, the paper illustrates some difficulties with integrated systems. The paper discusses the concept of packaging as an integrated system and presents a case study of a transport package, a roll‐rack, for distribution of fresh milk. The analysis shows that although it fulfils well all its three roles for milk, the roll‐racks efficiency is decreasing as continuously larger volumes of products for which it was not designed, are distributed through the network. Because it is so integrated in the milk‐chain and adaptations have developed between the roll‐rack and other resources such as vehicles, terminals and display facilities in the stores, it is difficult to use for other products. As similar adaptations have developed within the other package/product chains, it is also difficult to replace other transport packages with the roll‐rack. The paper contributes to the understanding of use and development of logistics resources, trade‐offs between adaptation and adaptability, integration and standardisation.

Does the Current Constraints in Funding Promote Failure in Humanitarian Supply Chains

Traditionally, most funding is made available when a disaster occurs. Disaster response is the implementation of what humanitarian actors did (or didn’t do) in preparedness for any intervention. Based on a case study of a logistics change in the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Society, this paper discusses how more funding of preparedness can radically improve the speed and quality of response. Findings contribute to our understanding of how changes in funding can improve and support faster recovery due to increased preparedness in disaster- prone areas. Illustrating how postponement/speculation logistics strategies are applied to flows of material, information, and human resources, it is concluded that associated changes of financial flows are required. Donors and NGOs must think of more ‘speculative’, long-term, and unearmarked funding with particular attention to risk sharing, cost recovery, and measurements. This paper contributes to further understanding of postponement/speculation in project-based settings (temporary supply networks), how funding and logistics (payment and materials flows) are related, as well as the present funding models′ implications for efficiency and effectiveness in humanitarian aid. These are all areas that have been underresearched.