Background: Even though the fashion industry has grown to become one of the most digitized and consumed industries in the world, it seems to be an issue for physical fashion companies to break through within ecommerce. This is due to the lack of ability for physical companies to adapt to the digital development and the changing customer behavior prevailing on the internet. E-commerce has gone from selling goods and comparing prices online, to provide valuecreating experiences for customers. As a result, the competition has drastically increased, which makes the customer able to easily move and choose between a variety of e-commerce platforms. As an increased understanding of customer experience in e-commerce can provide profit-sharing competitive advantages, it is important for physical fashion companies to take customer preferences into account. Purpose: The aim of this study is to generate an understanding of valuecreating activities in e-commerce and what customers value on ecommerce platforms. Methodology: This thesis is based on a qualitative research strategy with an abductive research approach. The empirical material has been collected by means of semi-structured interviews and observations with seven respondents in the ages between 19 and 40 years. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it is necessary for fashion companies to maintain an utilitarian and hedonic approach to generate value-creating activities. The conclusions indicate that the utilitarian activities should be designed in a standardized manner, while the hedonic activities rather should keep an unique and distinctive approach.

In today’s competitive global market every companies strive to overcome challenges that occur during manufacturing in order to gain profits and stay in competition. Overcoming challenges include elimination or reduction of non-value adding activities that are happening in production. To eliminate non-value adding activities and achieve desired workflow it is important to follow set of successful strategies which suits production system. In this current research framework has been proposed which aids reduction of non-value adding activities and also plays an important role in achieving efficient material flow. Current research is carried out in a single case study at a Swedish manufacturing firm where identification of effects of existing non-value-added activities in major aspects of material flow was carried out. By analysing the findings from case company along with data from literature review effects of NVA on material flow were identified in production facility and solution has been recommended in the form of framework to overcome these problems. In the conclusion a set of strategies were developed into a framework by analysing the effects of existing NVA in production facility has been further recommended for implementation at case company to check for generalisability of developed framework. This framework aids in overcoming common problems associated with material flow along with eliminating effects of NVA activities and also helps improving productivity which enhances proper flow of materials into line.

Globalization transformed supply chains, resulting in increased productivity, complexity, and risk exposure. Textile supply chains are complex and facing similar challenges along with more specific for the industry. Africa is of increasing interest in textile supply chains due to low cost of production. Participating in supply chains through manufacturing, and infrastructural issues limit the possibility of adding value, which is an issue for African countries. The aim of this thesis is to analyze effects of participating in a global textile supply chain, current trends in textile manufacturing, and African countries’ role. Especially of concern for this thesis are South Africa, eastern African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and northern African countries such as Morocco. The questions that have been answered are; (1) what trends are impacting textile supply chain manufacturing from a global perspective? and (2) what role does the African region play in textile manufacturing within global supply chains? For this thesis inductive research was performed with relativistic ontology, constructionist epistemology and single case study methodology. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and secondary data, and that data will be thematically analyzed with triangulation between the primary and secondary data. The research found and concluded that the major trends in textile manufacturing are sustainability and nearshoring. Africa’s role in global textile supply chains is mainly through manufacturing with complex supply chains, low education levels, and limited value adding activities. Due to young populations and sustainable practices, there are opportunities for the continent to continue to develop and add more value in the future.

Logistics plays a crucial role in companies’ ability to sustain competitive on the market. Time is regarded as one of the important metric in terms of logistics, since time influences the lead time of the products, which results in the vital advantage of speed. The recent business environment forces Kinnarps Production AB, a manufacturer of furniture, to optimize their inventory material flow in a way of increasing their capability and capacity to load more distribution containers with goods daily. The present circumstances of the material flow are associated with number of negative factors. An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system is operating and handling the distribution of goods. Wrong sequence of activities, long transportations, high transportation delays, waiting time, varying numbers of AGVs, wastes, bottlenecks are among the important issues to be considered. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the material flow in Kinnarps Production AB’s inventory seven and to improve the AGV system activities within. Concepts associated with identifying waste were used by separating value-adding activities from the non-value added ones. The usage of ideal reference systems techniques were the base for identifying problems. Concrete literature regarding AGV’s design system was applied in establishing different statements about the material flow and identification of problems. Different methods and techniques were used in approaching the research, but most above others is the case study approach. Numerous amounts of secondary data have been employed in verifying the collection of other data carried out by primary data collection as well as verifying the qualitative and quantitative analysis. A mapping of the current system was established with respect to orders, times and distances. Numbers of congestion points were identified, non-value adding activities were eliminated or decreased, rearrangement of sequencing of different activities was considered and different pallets arrangement system was established. A stochastic model was used in identifying the AGV’s time variables in the system and estimating appropriate amount of AGVs within the inventory. All the findings from different calculations and estimations were associated with Kinnarps Production’s future increased demand. Different issues and considerations were analyzed and appropriate suggestions were given for elimination of the negative factors in the inventory or their decrease. Among the most influencing results was the proper amount of AGVs in the inventory area, pallets rearrangement, different stocking policy, rearrangement in the sequence of activities, increase of the buffer for pallets used for loading containers, new conveyor system for the incoming goods in the inventory, transportation layout changes resulting in blocking free routines, separate control system, decrease of the effect of stoppages. All these findings are considered to optimize the material flow and increase the system capacity contributing to an increase of the daily containers outgoing from Kinnarps Production AB.

AbstractCourse: 4FE02E, Graduation WorkLinnaeus University, School of Business and Economics, June, 3, 2013.Level: MasterAuthors: Elizabeth Atem TabetandoSupervisor: DR Anders PehrssonExaminer: DR Sarah PhilipsonTitle: Micro Environmental Factors’ Influence on the International Marketing Strategy of Swedish Companies in Norway.Background: Author is interested in studying how micro environmental factors affect international marketing strategy of Swedish companies in Norway.Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate customers’ and competitors’ influence on value adding activities of Swedish companies in Norway.Research questions: RQ: What influence do customers and competitors play in value-adding activity of a firm in a foreign market?Research Method: Empirical findings through live and internet-based interviews with top managers of three companies.Findings: The findings contribute to the understanding of theoretical principles that explained how firms face more intense customer service and competitors’ pressures than before. The organization’s response can have the potential either to restore customer satisfaction and reinforce loyalty in order to compete successfully or inflict more lasting damage on the organization’s image. It shows that customers always evaluate service encounters’ outcome, procedure, and interaction. This provides managers with useful information on how important these complexities are for value-adding in foreign markets.Conclusion: A firm’s cooperation with customers in product, production operations and customer services has a positive influence on product development, product quality and growth of the business. A firm that response to competitors’ has a competitive advantage. / <p>no</p> / .

<p>Logistics plays a crucial role in companies’ ability to sustain competitive on the market. Time is regarded as one of the important metric in terms of logistics, since time influences the lead time of the products, which results in the vital advantage of speed. The recent business environment forces Kinnarps Production AB, a manufacturer of furniture, to optimize their inventory material flow in a way of increasing their capability and capacity to load more distribution containers with goods daily. The present circumstances of the material flow are associated with number of negative factors. An automated guided vehicle (AGV) system is operating and handling the distribution of goods. Wrong sequence of activities, long transportations, high transportation delays, waiting time, varying numbers of AGVs, wastes, bottlenecks are among the important issues to be considered.</p><p>The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the material flow in Kinnarps Production AB’s inventory seven and to improve the AGV system activities within.</p><p>Concepts associated with identifying waste were used by separating value-adding activities from the non-value added ones. The usage of ideal reference systems techniques were the base for identifying problems. Concrete literature regarding AGV’s design system was applied in establishing different statements about the material flow and identification of problems. Different methods and techniques were used in approaching the research, but most above others is the case study approach. Numerous amounts of secondary data have been employed in verifying the collection of other data carried out by primary data collection as well as verifying the qualitative and quantitative analysis.</p><p>A mapping of the current system was established with respect to orders, times and distances. Numbers of congestion points were identified, non-value adding activities were eliminated or decreased, rearrangement of sequencing of different activities was considered and different pallets arrangement system was established. A stochastic model was used in identifying the AGV’s time variables in the system and estimating appropriate amount of AGVs within the inventory.</p><p>All the findings from different calculations and estimations were associated with Kinnarps Production’s future increased demand. Different issues and considerations were analyzed and appropriate suggestions were given for elimination of the negative factors in the inventory or their decrease. Among the most influencing results was the proper amount of AGVs in the inventory area, pallets rearrangement, different stocking policy, rearrangement in the sequence of activities, increase of the buffer for pallets used for loading containers, new conveyor system for the incoming goods in the inventory, transportation layout changes resulting in blocking free routines, separate control system, decrease of the effect of stoppages. All these findings are considered to optimize the material flow and increase the system capacity contributing to an increase of the daily containers outgoing from Kinnarps Production AB.</p>

There has been an increase of the consumption rate and consumers are buying garments that they dispose in too early of a stage of the product lifecycle. This has caused an increase regarding landfill of waste. The aspect of implementing environmental oriented material science and garment technology has not been taken into consideration in the design process, something that quickly became an issue when the consumption rate increased. Therefore it is essential to rethink and restructure the business models applied today. The implementation of a circular economy, which focuses on giving textiles and garments a second life and basing production on used fibres whilst not harming the natural resources in the process, is a good start of the long journey to recovery which lies ahead. Both fast fashion companies and premium lifestyle brands are nowadays applying and integrating new business models into their daily operations, Tommy Hilfiger is an example of such a company. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore the relationship between material science, garment technology and the concept of circular economies from a premium lifestyle brand perspective The researcher will explore how material science and garment technology can prevent faulty items and short product lifecycles. Furthermore, the researcher will investigate how a company develops underwear collections with regards to material science, garment technology, and the concept of circular economies. The company Tommy Hilfiger will be implemented as an exponent throughout this report. Research questions: • What is the relationship between material science, garment technology, and the concept of circular economies? • What does a premium lifestyle brand take into consideration regarding the concept of circular economies when developing a collection of underwear? Methodology: This thesis was conducted by applying a qualitative method and by implementing a deductive approach. The gathering of secondary data was done through assembling suitable concepts and theories. The researcher collected the primary data through a participating observation and four qualitative interviews. The participating observation corresponded of an internship at the European headquarters of Tommy Hilfiger in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The researcher executed the interviews via email with key people within the departments of Design, Production, Central Sourcing and Production, and Corporate Responsibility. Conclusion: Material science and garment technology are correlated given that the choice of material and manufacturing technique utilized in production determines the durability and sustainability level of the fabric output. Therefore the two concepts are further correlated to the product aspect, which can enable a closed textile value chain loop, of a circular economy based business model. A premium lifestyle brand takes the aspects of design out waste, build resilience through diversity, work towards using energy from renewable sources, and think in consecutive processes into consideration regarding the concept of circular economies when developing a collection of underwear.

This Masters Thesis deals with the concept of lean manufacturing and its implementing specifications in Czech companies. The theoretical part describes the concept of lean in detail, its history, principles and other characteristics. Furthermore this part presents the analysis related to the implementation of lean principles in small and medium sized companies in the Czech Republic. Based on this analysis, the hypothesis about the success or failure of implementation is formulated. The practical part describes the implementation of the chosen lean tool in the international operating company. On the basis of this project, the hypothesis is affirmed or denied.

Background: To remain competitive in Industry 4.0, B2B suppliers must develop new and increasingly advanced digital services by incorporating AI. However, although being of interest to practitioners, academic research on successful AI implementation in B2B functional domains is lacking. Consequently, academics have stressed the importance of developing comprehensive frameworks within B2B marketing to accelerate the creation of strategic roadmaps for AI implementation. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore how AI can be utilized to enhance digital servitization, according to the perspectives of one supplier and several of its customers. The aim is to provide a framework that can assist practitioners in implementing value-adding AI services. Method: To fulfill the exploratory purpose of this study, a qualitative single-case research design was applied. The empirical data was collected through twelve in-depth semi-structured interviews.  Utilizing an inductive approach, the data has been analyzed and interpreted through a thematic analysis. Conclusion: Incorporating a complete S-D logic mindset by implementing the AI solution based on all five axioms was found to enhance digital servitization. A model displaying various servitization activities connected to these axioms arose, emphasizing their collective impact. Additionally, suppliers may enhance digital servitization through the implementation of AI by engaging in three transformational mechanisms, namely customization, automation, and agile co-development.

The office market in Stockholm is constantly evolving, and property owners must actively work to meet tenants' demand for office spaces. The increased demand for alternative office solutions has led to the development of coworking facilities and fully furnished offices. Digitalization and the ability to work remotely have raised higher expectations for offices. Consequently, shared services have become a significant part of the current development in commercial offices, aiming to provide attractive workspaces that employees want to be in. The purpose of this master thesis is to map the shared services offered by property owners in their properties, how shared services are included in lease agreements, what property owners consider to be included in the concept of shared services, and how companies manage their customer relationships. The objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the evolution and applications of shared services in the commercial real estate market in Stockholm. The concept is rooted in value creation of properties, customer relationships, business models, and strategies. To achieve the goals and objectives of the master thesis, a qualitative study was conducted. Additionally, a literature review and  an empirical study was carried out through semi-structured interviews with the nine largest property owners in Stockholm. The results showed that property owners have different perspectives on the concept of shared services and that shared services can be categorized into three different levels with the lowest level being changing rooms, shared reception and bicycle rooms. The next level includes car parking, conference facilities, bookable meeting rooms, a gym and the last level is peculiar services such as dog daycare, laundry handling and car charging points. Furthermore, the results indicate that some property owners have chosen to implement more shared services in their portfolios than others. Property owners have also chosen different methods to account for the fee for shared services in lease agreements, with the majority of the companies charging it as x SEK/sqm . The authors also note that property owners have expanded their range of office solutions to adapt to the current market such as coworking and fully furnished offices. / Kontorsmarknaden i Stockholm är i ständig rörelse och fastighetsägare måste aktivt arbeta med att möta hyresgästernas efterfrågan på kontorslokalerna. Den nya ökade efterfrågan på alternativa kontorslösningar har bidragit till utvecklingen av bland annat coworking anläggningar och fullt möblerade kontor. Digitaliseringen och möjligheten att arbeta på distans har medfört att större krav sätts på kontoren. Gemensam service har därför blivit en stor del av dagens utveckling av kommersiella kontor för att kunna erbjuda attraktiva arbetsplatser som anställda vill vara på. Syftet med denna masteruppsats är att kartlägga vilken gemensam service fastighetsägare erbjuder i sina fastigheter, hur gemensam service inkluderas i hyresavtalen, vad fastighetsägare anser ingå i konceptet gemensam service samt hur företagen arbetar med sina kundrelationer. Syftet är att få en djupare förståelse för utvecklingen och tillämpningarna av gemensam service inom den kommersiella fastighetsmarknaden i Stockholm. Konceptet har en bakgrund inom värdeskapande av fastigheter, kundrelationer, affärsmodeller och affärsstrategier. För att uppnå masterarbetets mål och syfte har en kvalitativ studie genomförts. Vidare har en litteraturundersökning och en empirisk studie genomförts genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med de nio största fastighetsägarna i Stockholm. Resultatet visade att fastighetsägare har olika syn på konceptet av gemensam service. Efter analys av den empiriska studien kan gemensam service kan delas in i tre olika nivåer där den lägsta nivån innehåller omklädningsrum, gemensam reception och cykelrum. Nästa nivå innehåller bilparkering, konferensrum, bokningsbara mötesrum och gym och den sista nivån är service som hunddagis, tvätthantering och el-laddningsplatser för bilar. Vidare visar resultatet att vissa fastighetsägare har valt att implementera mer gemensam service än andra i sitt bestånd. Fastighetsägarna har även valt att redovisa avgiften för den gemensamma servicen på olika sätt i hyreskontrakten där majoriteten av företagen debiterar gemensamma service som x SEK/kvm. Författarna kan även konstatera att fastighetsägare har breddat sitt utbud på kontorslösningar för att anpassa sig till dagens marknad som bland annat coworking och fullt möblerade kontor.