Analysis of the supply chain is necessary to improve performance. For this reason, supply chain management (SCM) has received a lot of attention recently and supply chain design (SCD) is a concept that forms an integral part of the adoption and implementation of SCM. Effective SCD contributes towards better supply chain integration (SCI) which, in turn, contributes towards improved supply chain performance. The focus of this study is on the analysis of SCD practices. Designing the supply chain structure is a complex and demanding undertaking that needs to be aligned with the needs of the supply chain’s end customers, because their needs ultimately have to be satisfied. This study proposes a conceptual framework that has been developed from literature to assist organisations in the analysis of their SCD practices, with the aim of improving supply chain performance. The conceptual framework was exploratively tested by means of empirical research to determine whether it can be used as an assessment tool to assess the SCD practices of organisations. The study concluded that the conceptual framework that was developed in this study can be used as an assessment tool with which organisations can analyse their SCD practices. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management)

現今，許多公司與他們的供應商夥伴建立跨組織資訊系統交換資訊、給予對方更快速的回應，以在快速變遷的環境之下維持競爭力。此篇研究進行文獻探討之後，分別從流程觀點還有動態能力觀點這兩個研究理論的基礎之下建立了研究架構，來衡量跨組織資訊系統的績效。我們的研究架構提出，一間公司有兩個重要的動態能力，分別是供應鏈的整合能力還有協調能力，在資訊科技的投資上還有公司績效之間扮演相當重要的角色。 / 我們在台灣的PC產業中發行問卷來衡量此研究架構，利用線性回歸來驗證假設。實驗結果支持了論文中的兩個假設：(1)跨組織資訊系統正向影響動態能力，(2)供應鏈的整合能力在跨組織資訊系統投資還有公司績效中間扮演重要的中介角色。 / Nowadays, firms usually develop inter-organizational systems (IOS) with their suppliers to exchange information and give each other faster responses to sustain their competency under a fast-changing environment. This study reviewed past literature and developed a research framework to evaluate IOS performance based upon two theoretical perspectives: process view and dynamic capabilities. This framework proposed that firms’ dynamic capabilities-- supply chain integration capability and supply chain coordination capability might be an important mediator between IOS investment and firm performance. / A general survey is conducted in Taiwan PC industry to validate the research model. A linear regression is used to testify the hypotheses. The results support our two hypotheses: (1) IOS investment is positively related to the dynamic capabilities, which also have obvious impact on firm performance; (2) supply chain integration is an important mediator between IOS investments and firm performance, and on the other hand, firm performance is partially mediated by supply chain coordination.

Ce mémoire propose une hypothèse alternative pour expliquer les facteurs à l’origine du boom du soja brésilien. En utilisant une approche combinant la théorie de l’organisation et l’économie politique institutionnelle, ce mémoire propose de comparer les modèles d’organisation de la chaîne de valeur soja des États du Mato Grosso et du Paraná. Dans un premier temps, cette recherche est guidée par un souci de documenter les rouages propres à chaque mode d’organisation et de catégoriser ces derniers comme des systèmes à part entière et cohérents. Ainsi, le mode de coordination du Mato Grosso (intégration de la chaîne de valeur) peut être qualifié de modèle hybride se rapprochant davantage du pôle hiérarchie tandis que le mode d’organisation du Paraná (coopérative agroindustrielle) peut être qualifié de mode hybride gravitant davantage vers le pôle marché. La nature des risques est identifiée comme principal déterminant du degré de centralisation de la gouvernance au sein de ces modèles. L’argument soutient que chaque mode de coordination est performant car il est adapté aux conditions locales de production et permet de mitiger les risques propres à chaque région de façon à encourager les échanges économiques. Dans un deuxième temps, cette recherche serait incomplète sans une analyse des facteurs politiques et historiques ayant influencé la trajectoire de développement de chaque région. Ainsi, chaque étude de cas présente un récit détaillé de l’évolution des politiques agraires et des institutions depuis les années 1960, soit le moment où la culture commerciale du soja a commencé à gagner en importance au Brésil. Analyser le changement institutionnel depuis 1960 est primordial pour comprendre comment se sont consolidées les règles du jeu qui sous-tendent aujourd’hui chaque mode de coordination. / This dissertation proposes an alternative argument for explaining the Brazilian soybean boom. Drawing on the theory of organization and on institutional political economy, this research compares the organization of the value chain in the states of Mato Grosso and Paraná. Firstly, this research attempts to detail the internal workings of each mode of organization in order to conceptualize the latter as integral and coherent systems. As a result, Mato Grosso’s coordination mode (supply-chain integration) may be described as a hybrid organizational mode bearing resemblances with hierarchical organization whereas Paraná’s hybrid mode (agro industrial cooperative) tilts towards market organization. We identify the nature of risks as the primary determinant of the degree of governance centralization within each model. As a result, it is argued that each model is coherent and efficient because it serves the purpose of mitigating risks in a way that is responsive and adapted to local production imperatives. Such consideration is of upmost importance given that risk mitigation may encourage transactions and hence, induce economic growth. Secondly, such a research endeavour would be incomplete without a detailed analysis of the political and historical factors that influenced the development trajectory of each region. In order to take those variables into account, the case studies trace the history of the agrarian policies and institutions that shaped the economic landscape of each region starting from the 1960s, this is, when the production of soybeans started gaining importance in Brazil. Analyzing institutional change, it is argued, is critical for understanding the rules of the game that underpin the actual modes of coordination in each region.

Abstrakt Examensarbete. Civilekonomprogrammet, Logistik, Linnéuniversitetet, 4FE05E, Våren 2011. Författare: Alexander Avander och Erik Robertsson Handledare: Peter Berling   Titel: Batch size policy Thule Vehicle Solutions - A case study in Hillerstorp   Bakgrund: Företaget har för närvarande ingen tydlig batch policy och detta är ett område som uppmärksammats som ett område med potentiella förbättringsmöjligheter. Ett projekt har inletts där två flöden (en hög omsättare och en låg) skall kartläggas och generera ett förslag till en tvärfunktionell batch policy.   Syfte: Syftet med projektet är att med hjälp utav en ”current state map” föreslå en ny, kostnadseffektiv och tvärfunktionell batch policy samt jämföra detta med nuvarande policy för att påvisa potentiella förbättringsmöjligheter.     Metod: Projektet använder ett kvalitativt arbetssätt för att påvisa effekter utav batch storlekar. Data hämtas från det undersökta företaget och från tidigare forskningar inom området som samlats genom universitetets resurser.   Slutsatser: Företaget bör kunna eliminera ett flertal lager i sitt flöde som uppstått på grund av en batch policy där hela pallar föredras. En batch policy, där en storlek används till ett komponentlager och därefter en annan storlek som är en jämn del utav den första till slutlagret, har föreslagits som en tvärfunktionell batch policy. Detta förslag är testat i fyra versioner där samtliga var funna mer kostnadseffektiva än nuvarande policy. Att använda mindre batchstorlekar i den föreslagna policyn sänkte lagernivåer och ledtider. Dock var nuvarande, större batchstorleken mer optimal då lagerhållningskostnaderna är låga i förhållande till omställningskostnader.   Sökord: Batch size, batch size costs, cross functional, inventory control, lean management, production flow, supply chain integration, transportation costs, value stream mapping. / Abstract   Master Degree Project. Business Administration and Economics Programme, Linnaeus University, Logistics, 4FE05E, Spring 2011. Authors: Alexander Avander and Erik Robertsson Supervisor: Peter Berling   Title: Batch size policy Thule Vehicle Solutions - A case study in Hillerstorp   Background: The Company has currently no clear batch size policy and batch sizes are an area that has been recognized with potential earnings within the company. A project to map two flows (a high volume and a low volume) and suggest a new cross functional batch size policy has been initiated.   Purpose: The purpose of this project is to, with the help of a current state map, propose a new cost effective and cross functional batch size policy for the business unit car accessories and compare this to the present batch size policy to show possible earnings.     Method: This project uses a qualitative approach to show the effect of batch sizes with data supplied from the Thule Sweden AB and researched through the Linnaeus University’s recourses.    Findings: Thule Vehicle Solutions should be able to remove several inventories that have been caused by a batch size policy where whole pallets are preferred. A batch size policy where one batch size is used to the semi-finished inventory and another size, part of first batch size, from that inventory until the finished-goods inventory has been suggested as a cross functional batch size policy. This suggestion has been tested and in four different versions was found more cost effective than the current policy. Using smaller batch sizes in the suggested batch size policy decreased inventory levels and lead times. However, the current, larger batch size was more optimal as the holding costs are low and the set up costs are high.   Key words: Batch size, batch size costs, cross functional, inventory control, lean management, production flow, supply chain integration, transportation costs, value stream mapping.

Background: These days in uncertain circumstances and economic downturn, innovation is very important for organizations. This applies also on Dutch franchise retail organizations (DFRO’s) and its suppliers, which are in focus in this thesis. The authors argue that shop employees working in the physical shops are a valuable source of innovation and can function as a pass-through of consumer information to the management of a DFRO and its suppliers.The main question is, if and how DFRO’s and its supplier use shop employees as a source of innovation? Purpose: To describe and explore the involvement of shop employees in the innovation process of Dutch franchise retail organizations and its suppliers; and to find out possible advantages and disadvantages of shop employees’ involvement in the innovation processes, and directions of innovation in which shop employees are involved. Method: This thesis is written from a social constructivism perspective with the use of a deductive approach. A holistic multiple case-study of eight Dutch franchise retail organizations was applied by using qualitative method. To collect the empirical data 23 semi-structured interviews with shop employees were conducted in combination with several observations. The collected empirical data was analyzed by using cross-case synthesis method. The research quality is based upon trustworthiness and authenticity. Results and conclusions: The highest degree of involvement of the shop employees in the innovation process by both management and suppliers takes place in the last three stages of the innovation process, which are validation, commercialization and evaluation, in offer- and support-related directions of innovations. In other words, the shop employees are more involved in the innovation process in their own working environment rather than in the decision-making level. The results of the study show that shop employees are willing to be more involved in the innovation process and see more advantages than disadvantages for management, suppliers and themselves. Suggestions for future research: Since this thesis gives interesting results, the future research could be done to strengthen and expand those. The authors suggest to increase the amount of researched DFRO’s; to research multiple shop locations of the same DFRO; to take the position, responsibilities and working period of the shop employees more into consideration. Also the authors see a necessity of future research to confirm the mentioned possible disadvantages and advantages of shop employees’ involvement out of a different perspective.

嵌入式電腦產業的產品生命週期平均較長，需求量不高，需要品質穩定與長期供貨， 在供應鏈的管理策略上，會與一般消費性電子產業有些許不同，而本研究的探討案例為自有品牌專案，運用到了電子商務與線上社群等新興的資訊整合方法，相信對於供應鏈管理的意涵上有其值得探討之處。 本研究探討供應鏈整合對於供應鏈績效之影響，在文獻探討中，供應鏈整合的構面分為與供應商、與客戶以及內部整合部分，結合文獻中提到的供應鏈管理， 並連結到SCOR模型中的績效評估指標，帶出本研究將探討的供應鏈整合作法。 本研究以質化之個案訪談法，以嵌入式電腦公司之自有品牌產品線為研究對象，探討在專案管理面向裡， 供應鏈整合對於供應鏈績效之正向影響。本研究發現在專案管理中，除了在研究架構裡提到的供應鏈整合，在實務上各功能單位所引導之供應鏈整合，對於績效有正向的影響 。 研究最後針對三個不同的供應鏈整合構面，整理專案管理中的供應鏈整合作法中，於SCOR績效指標之直接與間接之影響，並且針對結論提供相應之建議，期盼在實務中的供應鏈整合與管理有所助益。 / Because of the characteristics of long product life cycle of embedded industry, it requires stable quality performance and long-term supply, this will differentiate the supply chain strategy from consumer electronics industry. As this study focus on a private brand project of the company, it has applied some knowledge sharing methodologies such as e-commerce and online communities, it would be worth to explore and implications of supply chain management. This study examines the impact of supply chain integration on supply chain performance. In the literature review, the facets of supply chain integration are divided into three aspects: suppliers, customers, and internal integration combined with the supply chain management mentioned in the literature and linked to the performance evaluation indicators in the SCOR model. The above review brings out the supply chain integration method which will be discussed in this study. This study uses a qualitative case interview method to investigate the embedded brand company's own brand product line, and explores the positive effect of supply chain integration on the supply chain performance in project management scope. This study finds that in the project management, in addition to the supply chain integration mentioned in the research framework, the supply chain integration in practice guided by each functional unit has a positive impact on performance. In the conclusion, the study focused on three different supply chain integration facets, collated the direct and indirect impacts of SCOR performance indicators in the supply chain integration method, and providing the corresponding suggestion in the conclusions.

La théorie des ressources et compétences est appliquée à de multiples champs et terrains, dont le management des chaînes logistiques. La thèse s'interroge sur la nature des ressources et compétences logistiques aux mains des prestataires de services logistiques (PSL), et à la manière dont elles sont mobilisées dans le cadre d'une manoeuvre d'intégration de la chaîne logistique entre industriel et PSL pour améliorer la performance logistique perçue par l'industriel. Le cadre conceptuel développé dans la thèse s'appuie par conséquent à la fois sur la théorie des ressources et compétences et sur l'analyse approfondie des processus d'intégration de la chaîne logistique. Nous nous fondons sur une revue extensive de la littérature, et nous construisons un modèle s'appuyant sur cinq propositions de recherche relatives à la relation entre intégration de la chaîne logistique et performance logistique perçue, en y associant par ailleurs la capacité d'innovation dont peut faire preuve le PSL. Le terrain est constitué d'une enquête conduite par questionnaire auprès de 139 industriels du secteur alimentaire au Vietnam. Les principaux résultats de la recherche peuvent être résumés en deux points. D'une part, l'intégration des ressources et compétences logistiques entre l'industriel et son PSL impacte fortement sur la performance logistique perçue par l'industriel. D'autre part, la capacité d'innovation constitue pour le PSL une ressource de première importance, qui peut avoir une influence significative sur la performance logistique perçue par l'industriel. / Resource and competence theory is applied to multiple fields and countries. It seems pertinent to infer a possible use to the management of supply chains to better understand the operation. This is the goal of this thesis by questioning the nature of resources and logistic expertise in the hands of logistics service providers (LSP), and how they are mobilized as part of a maneuver integration of the supply chain between industrial and PSL to improve logistics performance perceived by the industry. The conceptual framework developed in the thesis is based therefore on both the resource and competence theory and in-depth analysis of the supply chain integration process. By relying on an extensive literature review, we build a model based on five research proposals relating to the relationship between supply chain integration and perceived logistics performance, which also involves the innovation capacity that can demonstrate LSP. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Vietnam with the participation of 139 food actors. The main results of the research can be summarized in two points. On the one hand, the integration of resources and logistics expertise between industrial and LSP impacts heavily on logistics performance perceived by the industrial. On the other hand, the innovation capacity constitutes for the LSP an important resource, which can have a significant impact on logistics performance perceived by the industrial.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 Texto Tese Fábio Tescari Versão Final ABNT.pdf: 1056652 bytes, checksum: ff130f54e4a3d43007ba62d73e7d08ec (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-05-20 / Relationships among firms have been studied as a factor that pushes the limits for the value that is created by the firms individually, through the joint construction of benefits that could not occur if the relationship is not established. The total value created in a dyadic relationship, which is captured by the parties, is the relationship value. The benefits transcend the financial characteristics of the transaction. They can be converted into other aspects of the relationship, such as technical learning, service delivery, innovation and reputation. The shared and exchanged resources become sources of value creation. These resources stem from two different perspectives. First, from the resources that belong previously to each party, which I defined as intrinsic value. Second, from the resources that are jointly developed by the parties during the relationship, defined as relational value. In this context, this study aims to investigate the different characteristics of the parties that are sources of value creation in relationships, and to examine the factors influencing its capture by the parties. The study involved three steps. The first, a theoretical essay, aimed to explore the value dimensions in the relationship, regarding their definition and their sources. The following two steps focused on empirically testing the effect of these components of relationship value on value creation and capture. A cross-sectional survey and a multiple case study were performed. The theoretical perspectives that permeates the study is the Resource Based View, since it assumes that the firm resources generate economic value that transcends the limits of the firm and is captured by its customers and suppliers. The ontological approach is the critical realism, which allows a better understanding of empirically observed events. The results contribute to a better theoretical understanding of relationship, since the constructs of intrinsic value and relational value integrate different sources of benefits that may derive from relationships. The relationship between these constructs and their individual influence on value capture also bring a theoretical contribution to the study of buyer-supplier relationships. The main managerial contributions concern the fact that it is possible to capture value even if the relationship is not collaborative. Moreover, the results shed light on the need for firms to explore deeply how to extract more benefits from the other party and from the relationship itself, especially considering non-financial sources. / O relacionamento entre firmas vem sendo estudado como um fator que amplia os limites do valor criado pelas firmas individualmente, por meio da construção conjunta de benefícios que não poderia ocorrer caso o relacionamento não se estabelecesse. O valor total criado no nível da díade, que é capturado pelas partes, é o valor do relacionamento. Os benefícios obtidos transcendem as características financeiras da transação, podendo converter-se em outros aspectos da relação entre as firmas, tais como capacitação técnica, oferta de serviços, capacidade de inovação e reputação. Os recursos compartilhados e trocados entre as partes são fontes de criação de valor no relacionamento, mas originam-se de duas perspectivas diferentes. Eles podem pertencer previamente a uma delas, compondo um valor que é intrínseco, ou desenvolverem-se ao longo do relacionamento em si, resultando numa parcela de valor relacional. Neste contexto, este estudo propõe-se a investigar as diferentes características das partes que são fonte de criação de valor em um relacionamento, bem como analisar os aspectos que influenciam sua captura pelas partes. O estudo envolveu três etapas. A primeira, de cunho teórico, visou a explorar as dimensões do valor do relacionamento, no que se refere à sua definição e suas fontes. As duas etapas seguintes objetivaram testar empiricamente o efeito das fontes do valor do relacionamento na criação e captura de valor, por meio de uma survey transversal e um estudo de casos múltiplos. A perspectiva teórica que permeia o estudo é a Visão Baseada em Recursos, uma vez que ela pressupõe que os recursos das firmas produzem valor econômico que transcende os limites delas e é capturado por seus clientes e fornecedores. A abordagem ontológica é a do realismo crítico, a qual permite um melhor entendimento dos acontecimentos empiricamente observados. Os resultados contribuem para um melhor entendimento teórico sobre valor do relacionamento, uma vez que os construtos de valor intrínseco e valor relacional integram diferentes fontes de benefícios que podem advir de relacionamentos. A relação entre esses construtos e sua influência individual na captura de valor também trazem uma contribuição teórica ao estudo de relacionamentos comprador-fornecedor. As principais contribuições gerenciais dizem respeito ao fato de que é possível capturar valor mesmo que o relacionamento não seja colaborativo. Adicionalmente, os resultados enfatizam que as empresas deveriam explorar mais como fazer para extrair mais benefícios da outra parte e do relacionamento em si, em especial de fontes não-financeiras.

Analysis of the supply chain is necessary to improve performance. For this reason, supply chain management (SCM) has received a lot of attention recently and supply chain design (SCD) is a concept that forms an integral part of the adoption and implementation of SCM. Effective SCD contributes towards better supply chain integration (SCI) which, in turn, contributes towards improved supply chain performance. The focus of this study is on the analysis of SCD practices. Designing the supply chain structure is a complex and demanding undertaking that needs to be aligned with the needs of the supply chain’s end customers, because their needs ultimately have to be satisfied. This study proposes a conceptual framework that has been developed from literature to assist organisations in the analysis of their SCD practices, with the aim of improving supply chain performance. The conceptual framework was exploratively tested by means of empirical research to determine whether it can be used as an assessment tool to assess the SCD practices of organisations. The study concluded that the conceptual framework that was developed in this study can be used as an assessment tool with which organisations can analyse their SCD practices. / Business Management / D. Com. (Business Management)

[pt] O sucesso operacional de uma empresa depende muito da maneira como a cadeia de suprimentos é gerenciada. Em razão do seu papel estratégico, a gestão adequada pode proporcionar uma série de benefícios, aumentando sua competitividade e computando a rentabilidade de seus negócios. Esta dissertação avalia por meio de um estudo de caso, a cadeia de suprimentos de bens da Petrobras, especificamente na área de relacionamento com fornecedores e estratégias de contratações de bens. Os processos de suprimentos, especificamente na área de compras de bens, foram analisados utilizando como base a metodologia SCOR em relação a processos de compras, prazos, custos de materiais, canais de suprimentos e planejamento estratégico e então foram identificados os principais gargalos (gaps) e riscos de processos relacionados a padrões internos, exigências legais e relacionamento com o mercador fornecedor. Também foram indicadas melhorias futuras que podem ser implementadas nestes processos de forma a contribuir para melhorias de eficiência em processos de compras da cadeia de suprimentos de bens e relacionamento com o mercado. Além da contribuição acadêmica, este trabalho permite esclarecer ao meio empresarial sobre os benefícios que a metodologia SCOR pode trazer para o gerenciamento de cadeias de suprimentos, além das práticas de aperfeiçoamento operacional. Por fim, neste estudo de caso, foram identificadas oportunidades de melhorias baseadas nos gargalos de processos identificados como Current Disconnects e definidas as melhorias futuras (Future state opportunities) para os processos de relacionamentos com fornecedores e estratégias de contratações. / [en] A company s operational success depends a lot on how the supply chain is managed. Due to its strategic role, proper management can provide a series of benefits, increasing your competitiveness and computing the profitability of your business. This dissertation evaluates through a case study, the supply chain of Petrobras goods, specifically in the area of relationship with suppliers and strategies for contracting goods. The supply processes, specifically in the area of purchasing goods, were analyzed using the SCOR methodology as a basis in relation to purchasing processes, deadlines, material costs, supply channels and strategic planning, and then the main bottlenecks (gaps) were identified. and process risks related to internal standards, legal requirements and relationship with the supplier merchant. Future improvements were also indicated that can be implemented in these processes in order to contribute to efficiency improvements in purchasing processes in the goods supply chain and relationship with the market. In addition to the academic contribution, this work provides clarification to the business community about the benefits that the SCOR methodology can bring to the management of supply chains, in addition to operational improvement practices. Finally, in this case study, improvement opportunities were identified based on process bottlenecks identified as Current Disconnects, and future state opportunities were defined for supplier relationship processes and hiring strategies.