Syfte – Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur miljöstyrning kan utformas av tillverkande företag i sina globala leverantörskedjor. För att uppfylla syftet togs två frågeställningar fram: [1] Hur används miljöstyrning i globala leverantörskedjor inom tillverkningsindustrin? [2] Vilka faktorer bör tas i beaktning vid utformning av miljöstyrning i globala leverantörskedjor inom tillverkningsindustrin? Metod – Studien är en fallstudie och består av kvalitativ datainsamling i form av intervjuer och dokumentstudier. Användandet av flera datainsamlingsmetoder bidrar till en ökad validitet av insamlade data. Resultatet av den insamlade data jämfördes sedan med teorier inom området för att möjliggöra svar på frågeställningarna och ett uppfyllande av syftet. Resultat – Miljöstyrning kan användas på flera olika sätt för att påverka leverantören. Det är vanligt att företag förbjuder användningen av vissa material eller ämnen i sina produkter genom hela leverantörskedjan. Det har däremot visat sig svårare för företag att påverka sina leverantörers förhållande till miljöaspekterna. Miljöstyrning kan användas för att hjälpa leverantörer komma igång med hållbarhetsarbete genom nära samarbete. Miljöstyrning kan också användas för att styra leverantörerna att välja mer utsläppsvänliga produktionsmetoder, använda mer hållbara material eller öka vikten av att hållbarhetsarbete genom hela leverantörskedjan. Implikationer – Studien har fokuserat på hur företag kan använda miljöstyrning i sitt arbete för hållbarhet genom sina leverantörskedjor. Studiens resultat har framhävt aspekter som bör beaktas av företag vid användning av miljöstyrning av globala leverantörskedjor. I studien framkommer också skillnader runt om i världen som kan påverka miljöstyrningen. Resultatet kan användas som vägledning och understöd till företag som arbetar eller vill arbeta med miljöstyrning genom sina globala leverantörskedjor. Begränsningar – Studien baseras på ett fall vilket kan försämra generaliserbarheten. Empirin som samlas in kommer från fallföretaget och deras leverantörer vilket begränsar tillämpningen på andra företag eller verksamheter. Insamlade data kommer från ett fåtal leverantörer vilket begränsar bredden av studien och kan påverka tillämpligheten. Då resultatet utav studien kopplas till annan teori kan en fallstudie baserat på ett fall fortfarande vara representativt. / Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how environmental management can be designed by manufacturing companies in their global supply chains. To fulfill the purpose, two issues were raised: [1] How is environmental management used in global supply chains within the manufacturing industry? [2] What factors should be considered when designing environmental management in global supply chains in the manufacturing industry? Method – The study is a case study and consists of qualitative data collection in the form of interviews and document studies. The use of several data collection methods contributes to an increased validity of collected data. The results of the collected data were then compared with theories in the field to enable answers to the questions and a fulfillment of the purpose. Findings – Environmental management can be used in several different ways to influence the supplier. It is common for companies to prohibit the use of certain materials or substances in their products throughout the supply chain. On the other hand, it was proven more difficult for companies to influence their suppliers' relationship to environmental aspects. Environmental governance can be used to help suppliers get started with sustainability work through close collaboration. Environmental governance can also be used to guide suppliers to choose more emission-friendly production methods, use more sustainable materials or increase the importance of sustainability work throughout the supply chain. Implications – The study has focused on how companies can use environmental management in their work for sustainability through their supply chains. The results of the study have highlighted aspects that should be considered by companies when using environmental management of global supply chains. The study also reveals differences around the world that can affect environmental management. The results can be used as guidance and support for companies that work or want to work with environmental management through their global supply chains. Limitations – The study is based on one case, which may impair generalizability. The experience gathered comes from the case company and their suppliers, which limits the application to other companies or operations. Collected data comes from a few suppliers, which limits the breadth of the study and may affect applicability. By comparing the case study with previous theories, a single case study is still representative.

Introduction: The focus of this thesis is set on how green innovation can be facilitated through supplier relationships. Early supplier integration (ESI) can be defined as a collaboration between a purchasing firm and its supplier at an early stage of the product conceptualization and green innovation can be defined as the implementation of several management activities aimed at reducing environmental impact. Throughout the years researchers have examined the advantages and impact of green innovation, however, how manufacturing companies can manage early supplier integration to foster green innovation has not been explicitly studied. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore how early supplier integration can foster green innovation between manufacturer and supplier. Furthermore, this research proposes a conceptual model that addresses how early supplier integration can foster green innovation. Research Questions: Which are the current corporate practices for green innovation related to supplier relationships? What are the main prerequisites for green innovation in ESI? How can manufacturers manage their early supplier integration to foster green innovation?  Methodology: Based on the purpose and research questions in this thesis the authors deemed a qualitative research approach to be the most applicable research design. To gather in-depth data for the thesis, semi-structured interviews were chosen as the most appropriate data collection method. Respondents that were included based on their extensive knowledge regarding internal green integration, supplier selection, early supplier integration, co-development, and green innovation. Conclusion: This study provides knowledge regarding how early supplier integration can foster green innovation between manufacturer and supplier. It can be concluded that in order for early supplier integration to actively foster green innovation it is necessary to consider a holistic perspective by adapting four chronological concepts that are managed in the order: internal green integration, supplier selection, early supplier integration, and co-development.

Bakgrund: I maj 2017 beslutades det att EU-reglering 2017/821 om konfliktmineraler kommer träda i kraft den 1a januari 2021. Regleringen kräver att företag inom EU kan försäkra sig om att tenn, volfram, tantal och guld (3TG) endast importeras från ansvarsfulla och konfliktfria källor. Inom litteraturen presenteras en problematik kring försörjningskedjors komplexitet och svårigheterna att spåra konfliktmineraler. Studien avser därför att skapa ökad förståelse för leverantörshantering avseende konfliktmineraler och praktiska implikationer för bolag som önskar ökad förståelse inför införandet av EU-reglering 2017/821.  Syfte: Syftet är att skapa ökad förståelse för hur företag strategiskt arbetar mot hållbarhet genom leverantörshantering avseende konfliktmineraler, samt vilka möjligheter respektive utmaningar som kan uppstå under detta förändringsarbete. Metod: Studien har ett realistiskt perspektiv samt ett induktivt angreppssätt med abduktiva inslag. Kvalitativ data har inhämtats genom sex semistrukturerade intervjuer med representanter från Atlas Copcos inköpsfunktioner, från två affärsområden, som arbetar med alternativt är bekanta med Atlas Copcos upprättade process för leverantörshantering avseende konfliktmineraler. Slutsats: Studieförfattarna finner att strategiskt arbete mot hållbarhet genom leverantörshantering avseende konfliktmineraler kan delas upp i tre övergripande områden; identifiering av prioriterade intressenter, utveckling av förändringsarbetesstrategier samt strategiska partnerskaps bidrag till synlighet inom leverantörskedjan. Dessa tre aspekter bidrar tillsammans till identifieringen och arbetet med möjligheter respektive utmaningar inför fortsatt hållbarhetsarbete med leverantörshantering avseende konfliktmineraler, vilket kan sammanfattas genom fortsatt utveckling av intern dialog samt värdet av att arbeta med Supplier Relationship Management. Kunskapsbidrag: Studiens teoretiska kunskapsbidrag är att skapa ökad förståelse för hur drivkrafter för implementering av hållbarhetsarbete, förändringsarbete samt arbete med försörjningskedjan kan bearbetas inom kontexten för leverantörshantering vid hållbarhetsarbete, samt hur dessa aspekter inverkar på varandra. / Problem discussion: In May 2017, it was determined that EU-regulation 2017/821 will enter into force the 1st of January 2021. The regulation requires that companies within the EU are able to assure that tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold (3TG) merely is imported from responsible and conflict free sources. Within literature, issues regarding supply chain complexity and difficulties with tracking conflict minerals are presented. This study therefore aims to create increased understanding for supplier management regarding conflict minerals and practical implications for other companies that aim for increased understanding before the introduction of EU-regulation 2017/821. Aim: The aim is to create increased understanding for how companies strategically work towards sustainability through supplier management regarding conflict minerals, and which opportunities respective challenges that may occur during the process of change. Method: This study has a realistic perspective and an inductive approach with abductive features. Qualitative data has been obtained through six semi structured interviews with representatives from Atlas Copco’s sourcing functions, from two business areas, who work with or are familiar with Atlas Copco’s constructed process for supplier management regarding conflict minerals. Results: The authors of this study find that strategic work towards sustainability regarding conflict minerals can be divided into three overall subjects; the identification of prioritized stakeholders, development of change management strategies and strategic partnerships contribution to visibility within the upstream part of the supply chain. These three aspects contribute to the identification and work with possibilities and challenges regarding continued sustainability efforts with supplier management concerning conflict minerals, which can be summarized through continued development of internal communication and the value of working with supplier relationship management. Science contributions: The study’s theoretical science contribution is to create increased understanding for how drivers for implementation of sustainability efforts, change management and work with the supply chain can be processed within the context of supplier management concerning sustainability work, and how these aspects affect each other.

The aim of this thesis is to evaluate sustainable procurement practices of companies in the Czech Republic. The thesis is divided in two parts. The first part focuses on theoretical background of sustainable procurement and its implementation in the company. The second part of the thesis elaborates on implementations of the theory outlined in the first part. Based on a survey, the author analyses sustainable procurement practices of large companies in the Czech Republic.

La presente tesis se centra en analizar las herramientas de ingeniería industrial que permitan incrementar el nivel de servicio interno en el proceso de abastecimiento logístico en una empresa del sector minero y con el entorno económico de los últimos 10 años. La hipótesis plantea la implementación de un sistema de control de inventarios y de la gestión de relación con los proveedores. El trabajo está compuesto de cuatro capítulos. En el primero se analizó el marco teórico y los casos de éxito. En el segundo, se abordaron temas como: antecedentes y procesos generales y logísticos de la organización, definición del problema y sus causas, el impacto económico y el planteamiento del objetivo general y específico. Por su parte, el tercer capítulo se dividió en dos etapas: la primera correspondiente al diseño de la metodología y en la segunda etapa el desarrollo de la propuesta. Finalmente, en el cuarto capítulo, se incluyó el presupuesto de recursos, el análisis financiero de riesgos y la elaboración del flujo de caja respectivo; asimismo, se validó la propuesta por medio de la simulación con el software ProModel. Por lo expuesto, se concluye que, con la correcta elección del sistema de inventarios y una adecuada gestión de relación con los proveedores, se podrá incrementar el nivel de servicio interno en el proceso de abastecimiento logístico, con lo cual se logrará cumplir con un óptimo nivel de atención de repuestos de alta rotación, así como el cumplimiento en las entregas a tiempo para las compras con prioridad normal. / The present thesis focuses on analyzing industrial engineering tools that allow increasing the level of internal service in the logistics supply process in a company in the mining sector and with the economic environment of the last 10 years. he hypothesis raises the implementation of an inventory control system and supplier relationship management. The following work is made up of four chapters. In the first, the theoretical framework and success cases were analyzed. In the second, topics such as: background and general and logistical processes of the organization, definition of the problem and its causes, the economic impact and the approach of the general and specific objective were addressed. Consequently, the third chapter was divided into two stages: the first corresponding to the design of the methodology and the second to the development of the proposal. Nevertheless, in the fourth chapter, the resource budget, the financial risk analysis and the preparation of the respective cash flow were included; Likewise, the proposal was validated through simulation with the Promodel software. Based on the foregoing, it is concluded that, with the correct selection of the inventory system and proper relationship management with suppliers, the level of internal service in the logistics supply process may be increased, thereby achieving optimum compliance level of attention of high rotation spare parts, as well as the fulfillment in the deliveries in time for the purchases with a normal priority. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

Abstract Purpose – The purpose of the study is to identify key-factors for the development of reverse logistics in a distribution central. The study should contribute to cover the knowledge gap that is the problem area: development of reverse logistics in a distribution central. This, since former research primarily deal with the problem area: development of reverse logistics between costumer and focal firm. The purpose of the study has been broken down into two research questions. The first one deals with which forces that affect the development of reverse logistics in a distribution central. Further, important factors for the development of reverse logistics in a distribution central will be identified. Method – The method for the study is an one case study since only one process will be studied. Also, to be able to obtain more profound knowledge within the problem area. The chosen business case is named Ikea distribution central and is located on the industrial area Torsvik. The company is active on the furniture market. The literature collection has been done through four different methods which are: recommendations of search words, recommendations of articles, database searches and snowball sampling. Further, the data collection has been made through interviews, document studies and observations. Finally, the internal validity of the study is high under the circumstance that theories regarding the development of reverse logistics based on B2C is considered to be applicable on the problem area which is based in B2B. Further, the external validity of the study is considered to be low since only one business case was studied. Although, the theory and empiricism of the study has been analysed which in turn strengthens the external validity. Findings – With the collected theories and empiricism as background the authors has produced a basis on which key-factors that are important for the development of reverse logistics in a distribution central. The key-factors that were identified as important and should be taken under consideration is: driving- and hindering forces for the development of reverse logistics in a distribution central, the primary causes of reverse logistics in a distribution central, return avoidance, gatekeeping, supplier relationship management and green logistics. Further, it was discovered that a big factor for a favourable development of reverse logistics in a distribution central was continuous training of the personal simultaneously as the development of the reverse logistics process. Implications – Through the analysis of the study it became clear that a big amount of hinders that can occur in association with the development of reverse logistics, comes as a result of the gap in understanding between the management and the operating core. With this as background the authors of the study recommends that whenever a process is developed, great importance should be added in developing the personal working in the process. Limitations – The limitations which lowers the internal validity and in turn the credibility of the study is that many of the theories used in the study is based on B2C. Another limitation is the choice of one case study since the research questions aimed at obtaining general conclusions. Keywords – Reverse logistics, Return management, Return avoidance, Gatekeeping, Supplier relationship management, Green logistics, Distribution central / Syfte – Syftet med studien är att identifiera nyckelfaktorer för utvecklingen av returlogistik på en distributionscentral. Studien skall bidra till att täcka det kunskapsgap som finns i problemområdet utveckling av returlogistik på en distributionscentral. Detta då tidigare forskning primärt behandlat problemområdet mellan kund och fokalfirma. Studiens syfte har brutits ned i två frågeställningar. Först vill studiens författare ta reda på vilka krafter som påverkar utvecklingen av returlogistik på en distributionscentral. Vidare skall viktiga faktorer för utvecklingen av returlogistik på en distributionscentral identifieras. Metod – Studiens valda metod är enfallsstudie då endast en process studeras, även för att kunna erhålla mer djupgående kunskap om det valda problemområdet. Studiens fallföretag är Ikea distributionscentral som är lokaliserade på industriområdet Torsvik utanför Jönköping och är verksamma inom möbelbranschen. Litteraturinsamlingen har genomförts med hjälp av fyra olika insamlingsmetoder: rekommendation av sökord, rekommendation av artikel, sökning i databaser och snowball sampling. Vidare har studiens insamlade data erhållits genom intervjuer, dokumentstudier samt observationer. Slutligen anses studiens interna validitet vara hög, under förutsättningen att teorier om utvecklingen av returlogistik baserade på B2C även anses vara applicerbara i B2B. Vidare anses den externa validiteten vara låg då endast ett företag har studerats. Dock har teorin och empirin analyserats för att nå generella resultat, vilket stärker den externa validiteten. Resultat – Med studiens insamlade teori och empiri som bakgrund har författarna tagit fram underlag för vilka nyckelfaktorer som är viktiga för utvecklingen av returlogistik på en distributionscentral. De nyckelfaktorer som identifierades som viktiga och bör tas i beaktande var: drivande- och hindrande krafter för utvecklingen av returlogistik på en distributionscentral, grundorsaker för returlogistik på en distributionscentral, return avoidance, gatekeeping, supplier relationship management och grön logistik. Vidare upptäcktes att en stor påverkande faktor för en gynnsam utveckling av returlogistik på en distributionscentral var kontinuerlig utbildning av personal i samband med utvecklingen av sin returlogistikprocess. Implikationer – I studiens analys framkom det att många av de hinder som kan uppstå i samband med utvecklingen av returlogistik handlar om det förståelsegap som finns mellan ledning och den operativa kärnan. Med detta som bakgrund rekommenderar studiens författare att ett företag måste lägga stor vikt på att se till att en utveckling sker både på process-nivå och personal-nivå. Begränsningar – Det som anses begränsa den interna validiteten och i sin tur studiens trovärdighet är att många av de teorier som har använts primärt är grundade i B2C. En ytterligare begränsning är valet av enfallsstudie, detta då forskningsfrågorna och syftet formulerades för att söka generella slutsatser. Nyckelord – Reverse logistics, Return management, Return avoidance, Gatekeeping, Supplier relationship management, Green logistics, Distributionscentral

Supply Chain Due Diligence (SCDD) is conducted by companies to minimise or even eliminate risks of being involved directly or indirectly in human rights violations. It is part of Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) requirement. Through their suppliers companies may be exposed to irresponsible business practices. Considering this, companies should be able to systematically formulate concise demand from their suppliers that they practice responsible business practices which respect human rights. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) as management tool commonly assist companies to direct suppliers methodically in achieving their financial goals. This research attempts to repurpose SRM concepts to enable companies to conduct SCDD methodically. Defining human rights requirements into practical supplier’s evaluation system is a challenging task. Possible criteria and their indicators are discussed. The structure and processes to implement SRM framework for SCDD purposes are also described.:1. INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM DESCRIPTION 2. INTENSIFICATION OF PURCHASING FUNCTION AND SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT FOR IMPROVED COOPERATION WITH SUPPLIERS 2.1. Procurement and Purchasing Function in Integrative Supply Chain Management 2.2. Supplier Relationship Management and Purchasing Function 2.2.1. Supplier Relationship Management Framework 2.2.2. Strategy Development 2.2.3. Supplier Observation 2.2.4. Supplier Selection 2.2.5. Classification of Suppliers and Performance Assessment 2.2.6. Cooperation and Collaborating with Suppliers 2.2.7. Development of Suppliers 2.2.8. Disturbance and Dissolution Management 3. RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPPLY CHAIN DUE DILIGENCE THROUGH IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING 3.1. Relation between Business and Human Rights 3.2. Human Rights Due Diligence for Companies 3.2.1. Basic Concept of Human Rights Due Diligence 3.2.2. Relating Human Rights Due Diligence to Common Commercial Due Diligence 3.2.3. Business Case for Human Rights Due Diligence from Legal and Other Perspectives 3.3. Human Rights Due Diligence with Focus on Impact Assessment 3.3.1. Approaches and Guidelines to Conduct Human Rights Impact Assessment 3.3.2. Relevance of Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) Approaches to Practical Implementation within Procurement Activities 3.4. Human Rights Reporting 3.5. Supply Chain Due Diligence Activities as Instrument to Conduct Human Rights Due Diligence 4. EVALUATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SUPPLIERS’ PROSPECTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS PERFORMANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION RISKS: DETERMINING CRITERIA AND THEIR INDICATORS 4.1. Performance Evaluation and Indicators Development 4.2. Rationalization in Grouping Human Rights Performance Criteria into Three groups of Criteria and Weighing/Scaling/Calculation System 4.3. Sourcing and Regulation 4.3.1. General Standards and Regulations 4.3.2. Specific Product Standards and Requirements 4.3.3. Supplier’s Code of Conduct and Industry Initiatives 4.4. Political and Social Circumstances 4.4.1. Political Condition in Country of Supplier 4.4.2. Risks of Corruption 4.4.3. Social Circumstance and Civil Society 4.5. Suppliers’ Internal Condition 4.5.1. Supplier’s Human Rights Policy 4.5.2. Supplier’s Human Rights Record and Reputation 4.5.3. Supplier’s Corporate Governance and Political Connections 4.6. General Remarks on Groups of Performance Criteria and Framework for Suppliers’ Classification 5. RESULTS INTERPRETATION OF SUPPLIERS’ CLASSIFICATION FOLLOWING EVALUATION OF SUPPLIERS’ PROSPECTIVE HUMAN RIGHTS PERFORMANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION RISK 5.1. 5.1.1. Understanding and Using the Assessment Framework 5.1.2. Determining Indicators’ Scaling Complexity, Weighing System and Cut-off Points 5.1.3. Interaction Model of the Framework in Determining Overall Performance and Classification of Suppliers 5.2. Suppliers with Low-Level of Prospective Human Rights Performance 5.3. Suppliers with Medium-Level of Prospective Human Rights Performance 5.4. Suppliers with High-Level of Prospective Human Rights Performance 6. INTRODUCING SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR SUPPLY CHAIN DUE DILIGENCE 6.1. Building the Supplier Relationship Management Framework for Supply Chain Due Diligence Framework: Laying Out the Foundation 6.2. Supply Chain Due Diligence Using an Approach of Supplier Relationship Management: How to Implement the Framework 6.2.1. Purchasing Strategy Development 6.2.2. Observation of Potential Suppliers 6.2.3. Suppliers Selection 6.2.4. Performance Assessment and Classification of Suppliers 6.2.5. Disturbance and Dissolution Management 6.2.6. Cooperation and Collaboration with Suppliers 6.2.7. Development of Suppliers 7. CONCLUSION REFERENCES

M. Tech. (Department of Logistics Management, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology. / The primary objective of this study was to investigate the supplier relationship management practices at Eskom. Currently, the challenges faced by the parastatal include diminished reserve margin, increased unplanned generation plant outages as well as coal supply and quality constraints coupled with ever-rising primary energy costs. It is, therefore, evident that as a national asset, Eskom cannot overcome the current challenges successfully without strong partnerships with key suppliers. A framework for supplier management containing four different elements was researched. The first element, which forms the basis for all supplier management operations, is the development of supplier management relationships. The framework also includes supplier collaborations and the various aspects of discovery, supplier pre-selection, and supplier selection, which relate to finding, qualifying, and choosing the best suppliers. Lastly, and also very important was the supplier development and localisation as well as the legislature thereof. A quantitative cross-company survey was conducted using a sample of 260 suppliers, who have been on the database for more than twelve (12) months and who responded to the business requests to update the data on the system. The findings of the study are largely supported by the literature. Finally, the study makes recommendations and highlights further research, managerial, and policy implications.

This study investigates possible ways of managing commodity price volatility from a purchasing perspective and how the applicability of tools depends on company specific circumstances. Covid-19 has created large disruptions in global supply chains and led to increased price volatility for virtually all commodities. As these negative effects are believed to remain in the near future, and in preparation for future crises, research on managing commodity price volatility becomes important. The subject area also lacks empirical data, as stated by previous researchers, which this study provides. The research has been divided into the three sections: Covid-19 implications, aspects affecting the purchasing approach, and tools available for managing commodity price volatility. Data has been collected through interviews in a multi-case study, where five Swedish industrial companies have been investigated. The results show that the companies are actively managing commodity price volatility but lack background work of explicitly analyzing the exposure to risk from commodity price volatility and creating risk objectives accordingly. The most effective and commonly used tool was escalator clauses, which enables adjusting purchasing price as the commodity price fluctuates. Other common tools were switching supplier, staggering contracts, and passing price, but additional tools were also analyzed and discussed. The conclusion is that there does not exist a best practice for managing commodity price volatility and that the applicability of tools depends on company specific circumstances. / Den här studien har undersökt olika verktyg för att hantera volatila råmaterialspriser utifrån ett inköpsperspektiv. Covid-19 har orsakat stora störningar i försörjningskedjor globalt, vilket lett till ökad volatilitet på råmaterialsmarknaderna. Dessa negativa effekter väntas kvarstå inom en nära framtid, vilket i kombination med potentiella framtida kriser gör forskning på området relevant. Denna studie bidrar även med empirisk data till forskningsområdet, vilket tidigare forskare uttryckligen efterfrågat. Studien är uppdelad i delarna: följder av Covid-19, faktorer som påverkar inköpsstrategien och verktyg som kan användas för att hantera volatila råmaterialspriser. Datan har samlats in genom en flerfallsstudie, där fem svenska industriföretag har deltagit. Resultatet visar att företagen aktivt hanterar prisvolatiliteten, men att de saknar grundarbete i form av att konkretisera vilka råmaterial företagen är exponerade mot och utifrån detta skapa riskmål. Det mest effektiva och vanligast förekommande verktyget var materialklausuler, vilka möjliggör justering av produktpriset baserat på hur råmaterialspriserna fluktuerar. Andra verktyg som också användes av företagen i studien var att byta leverantör eller justera produktionsfördelningen, ha kontraktsperioderna omlott och att föra prisökningar vidare till kunden. Några ytterligare verktyg som användes i mindre utsträckning analyserades och diskuterades också. Studiens slutsats är att det inte finns något optimalt sätt att hantera volatila råmaterialspriser på, utan att verktygens lämplighet beror på varje företags specifika förutsättningar.

This diploma thesis named “The Proposal of the System of Regular Monitoring of the Suppliers’ Process Capability Indices” is divided into two sections. There is a theory about statistical process control with emphasized process capability analysis in the first section. The content of the second section is starting point, procedure and the outcome of the project I worked on in Robert Bosch Company, České Budějovice. The aim of the project is the improvement of input quality via the evaluation of suppliers based on their outcomes of SPC.