Mika Immonen

Evolution of technology perceptions over time

Purpose – As the information society further develops, electronic services are created and physical distribution networks become sparse, it is important to analyse the determinants that inhibit or facilitate the ability to use these services. By focusing on the perceived behavioural control of computers, the purpose of this paper is to analyse how perceived physical restrictions, computer anxiety and ease of use influence the perceptions of control. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examined older consumers (aged 60-79) in two cross-sectional studies conducted through mail surveys in 2004 and 2012. Randomized samples (n=1,000 in 2004 and n=3,000 in 2012) were drawn from the Finnish Population Register. The empirical research utilized structural equation modelling through multi-group analysis to explore the differences in the interrelationships between physical restrictions, computer anxiety, perceived ease of use and perceived behavioural control. Findings – The results indicate that perceived beh...

Supplier relationships in regulated industries: longitudinal study on energy distribution

The article attempts to analyse the transformation of procurement management with Finnish electricity distribution network operators regarding the maintenance and construction of distribution networks. We aim to provide insights into their portfolio frameworks the dynamics of which are illustrated using a longitudinal case-based study. The case study is based on archival analysis and interviews. The article demonstrates how the competitive changes through regulation, supply market evolution and supply decisions are interlinked. The appropriateness of: 1) the strategic value of functions; 2) transaction risks; 3) the performance view of portfolio models is evaluated from a theoretical viewpoint. Our findings suggest that supply management changes along with relationship management on high strategic value, comparative performance and the transaction costs of externalised activities. Indeed, the study shows that procurement management becomes less sensitive to portfolio attributes if specialised service providers are able to build attractive offerings.

Mapping future services: a case on emerging smart energy metering business

Recent regulatory amendments and other major trends in the electricity distribution business will change the business logics of the sector. The forces that drive restructuring can be put into three general categories. Those are: 1) a requirement for a more functional marketplace for energy; 2) combating climate change; 3) requirements for the security of energy supply. In this paper, we re-develop the business concept innovation process for applying it to smart energy metering services. Furthermore, we introduce how value flow based business system modelling can be linked with a market emergence model. The main argument of this paper is that including the customer needs in the innovation process and creating a business system based on value flows are the key elements of creating new business models in e-services. Indeed, bundling the roadmaps of intelligent home systems to correspond to converging customer needs is a crucial question for opening the service markets.

Outcomes of public health reform – service availability in rural areas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on the availability and demanded locations of health care services in a rural context. The authors analyse subjective experiences because mobility and other individual factors influence the availability of public services. Design/methodology/approach – Results from a mail survey in southeastern Finland are presented. Data collection was conducted using a random sample of 3,000 people from age 60 to 90 years. A total of 1,121 valid responses were received. Findings – The acceptable distance to service sites depends on learned behaviour where differences exist between suburban and rural residents. The authors found that service networks can be sparser in rural areas if the service sites are located in the daily activity space of the residents and travel burdens caused by distance and time are adequately solved. However, continuous downscaling of the provision may lead to the loss of health benefits which is harmful for individuals and expensive for society. Re...

Strategic management of forest industry transformation

One attractive opportunity for the forest industry is intelligent packaging which is based on the integration of ICT into the capabilities of a manufacturing firm. These new solutions are potential sources of value but unfortunately the industry strategies centering on manufacturing hinder the creation of value for the customer. Generally, the mindset should be changed from a goods-dominant logic to service-dominant logic in value creation. The transformation requires the identification of alternative business model structures and fitting the business models in different contexts. This study was conducted using qualitative research methods. We demonstrate a method for conducting a value offering to a service provision network using a business mapping framework. The main contribution is the construction of business model elements for an intelligent packaging concept in the elderly care. In this, only the intelligent package is a direct contribution of the forest industry. The majority of the resource providers and their resources are based on ICT products and services.

Citizens’ perceived value of locally-provided services

Purpose – Ageing and population movement from rural regions to regional centres have raised new questions regarding the value of locally available services. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of individuals’ functioning status, housing arrangements and social context on services value. The authors approach the topic with the following research question: how do the personal capabilities and social spheres of rural residents influence demand for local services? Design/methodology/approach – Results are based on a postal survey conducted in southeast Finland. Data were collected using a random sample of 3,000 people from age 60 to 90 years in rural areas surrounding a regional centre. A total of 1,121 valid responses were received. Findings – The influence of individuals’ mobility on value depended on the travel distance between services and living arrangements. The authors find that subjective norms and social interactions influenced attitudes; meanwhile, the government indirectly influen...

Future medical supply: challenges for business concept formation

Using a pharmaceutical supply network as a case example, this paper describes the challenges for business concept formation. The motivation for the study comes from our earlier studies, which have pointed out the need for change in the pharmaceutical value network. The current structure of the value network is too rigid by legislation and too costly if the share of elder citizens and their needs for medical assistance turn out as projected in the industrialised western countries. Even current resources, the workforce in particular, cannot fulfil the growing needs for elderly care in the future if the system is kept as it is, when it does not even respond well to todays individual customer needs. The business concept formation into individual business models needs more thorough research as also the currently available frameworks lack the dynamism for further planning.

Self-service technologies in health-care: Exploring drivers for adoption

Abstract Self-service technologies (SSTs) have gained in popularity in healthcare due to the expected improvement of service quality. Loss of direct contact, however, poses a challenge when customers must assume more responsibilities to produce satisfactory outcomes. We studied compare the adoption of various SSTs at the system level and observed customers’ perspectives, focusing on pragmatic reasoning, role readiness and expected accessibility to services. We distributed a cross-sectional survey to a sample of 4851 adults (aged 20–45 years) and received 1009 responses for a response rate of 22.5%. Logistic regression modelling was selected as the analysis method. We found that the maturity, purpose and voluntariness of using SSTs influenced adoption. We did not find an influence from general health attitudes on the adoption of SSTs. However, we found influences of awareness of technology, self-efficacy and facilitating conditions, which varied depending on the SST. Based on the findings, the expected benefits were clearly associated with particular types of SSTs. We show that services’ concept value is distinct from the utility of SSTs. More research on the role of perceived economic value in digitalised services is needed. Finally, service providers should adapt reasoning for each SST involved in the general concept.

Developing customer-oriented service bundles: the case of Finnish public healthcare

Governments worldwide are addressing the challenge of ageing. The elderly will have a more worthwhile and independent life when they can live at home for as long as possible; a situation which would also decrease the costs of public healthcare. Therefore, service offerings should be modified on the basis of changing needs, and governments should offer genuine solutions that make it possible for the elderly to live at home. What must be understood is that the elderly require a variety of different services, which go beyond healthcare. In this quantitative and explanatory study, we formulated customer-oriented service bundles that would satisfy the needs of public healthcare customers, and therefore provide them with value.

Real-Time Monitoring System for Efficiency and Cost Analysis of Forest Energy Biomass Transportation

The purpose of the study was to determine the efficiency and costs of energy biomass transportations, when using a conventional monitoring system linked with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. In the study, truck-specific transportation monitoring was carried out with the help of a real-time web-based monitoring system. Both smart phones and reader gates were used for data transfer into the system with a wireless Internet connection. The experiments were carried out along the forest chip transportation from the forest roadside storages to the power plant by using either traditional solid-frame trucks or a truck with interchangeable containers. All the delivery containers were mounted with RFID tags. Afterwards, the statistics of the loads and the delivery performance ratio of the transportations were analysed. Additionally, the cost structures for the alternative truck and trailer combination were analysed and their unit costs were determined. Also, the functionality and the reliability of the real-time monitoring system were examined as a part of the demanding roadside chipping chain. The total number of the loads was 68 during the follow-up period. The container truck system was found to be as cost-efficient as the solid-frame truck systems. This paper demonstrates that RFID enables the tracking of the trucks on a real-time basis through the delivery chain, and that the data can be used to analyse the vehicle-specific time usage and the unit costs of deliveries. KeywoRdS Biomass, Efficiency, Monitoring, Radio Frequency Identification, RFID, Transportation Real-Time Monitoring System for efficiency and Cost Analysis of Forest energy Biomass Transportation Jarno Föhr, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland Kalle Karttunen, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland Mika Immonen, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland Tapio Ranta, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Lappeenranta, Finland