Using a life-centered packaging design approach in the context of packaging applications for consumer goods, this paper presents a conceptual model for the concurrent development of packaging, product, logistics process, and supply chain (SC). The objective is to enhance the understanding of packaging logistics and logistics management in SCs and to identify current packaging logistics issues in the SC. The four-dimensional concurrent engineering (4DCE) framework, based on the alignment of and interaction between SC, logistics, packaging, and product, is used to increase overall SC efficiency. The model is applied and tested via three case studies within different industries. The results indicate improved understanding and knowledge-sharing between SC actors, with collaborative efforts leading to an increased overall SC performance.
Ekonomutbildningar finns idag vid i stort sett samtliga svenska universitet och högskolor och företagsekonomi är det enskilt största ämnet sett till antal studenter i landet. Innehållet i utbildningarna är i stor utsträckning normativt och likriktningen när det gäller struktur och innehåll är påfallande. Företagsekonomens arbete består i att ta fram beslutsunderlag och fatta rationella beslut i frågor som rör nyttjandet av begränsade resurser i företag och organisationer. Tillämpningen av kalkylmetoder och rationella beslutsmodeller spelar en central roll. Studenterna ska genom högre utbildning förvisso lära sig att bli yrkesmänniskor, men de måste även ges möjlighet att utveckla sitt omdöme och kunna se konsekvenser av sitt handlande bortom systematiska metoder och modeller. För utveckling av det egna omdömet måste utbildning också ge möjlighet till bildning. Baserat på erfarenheter både som lärare på högskolan och från andra yrkesroller med ekonomianknytning, menar vi att vi inom ämnet företagsekonomi inte bara har ett utbildningsansvar, utan även ett ansvar för att ge studenterna en bra grund för deras bildningsprocess. Studenterna bör få en utbildning som även ger dem en grundläggande förståelse för andra ämnesområden som bidrar till att kunna sätta in frågor av ekonomisk karaktär i en vidare kontext. Med detta menar vi att utbildningen bör ge studenten förutsättningar för att kritiskt kunna reflektera över sin framtida roll i olika positioner i företag och organisationer i en snabbt föränderlig omvärld där utmaningarna är stora. Texten reflekterar kring varför bildning bör ges ett större utrymme och ger förslag på hur bildningsperspektivet kan integreras och implementeras i företagsekonomutbildningen.
This paper takes on the challenge to integrate packaging in a concept of four-dimensional concurrent engineering (4DCE). The purpose is to explore a conceptual model and empirically evaluate the specific performance of packaging in interrelation with product and processes in the Supply Chain (SC). The objectives are to better understand the concepts of packaging logistics and logistics management in the SC. The conceptual model 4DCE is developed based on the three-dimensional concurrent engineering theories.The tool Packaging Scorecard is applied to evaluate the concurrent performance of packaging throughout the SC. The packaging system involves many actors that are integrated into the 4DCE framework with focus on interaction of SC and logistics in relation to packaging and product, with the overall aim to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. In order to explore the potential of the 4DCE framework, empirical verification and testing of the concept has been carried out. The process has been done through multiple in-depth, action-oriented case studies in three different industries on the Swedish market. The case studies covered holistic aspects on the packaging system.The concept 4DCE contributes to packaging logistics theory by providing a framework for assessment incorporating complex and dynamic interactions between product, packaging, logistics and SC. Furthermore, the holistic packaging development concept is ensured by increasing knowledge of the packaging system and how it interacts with actors and performs to fulfil requirements along the SC. The 4DCE provides valuable data for packaging development processes in the cases, however there is a need for broader studies in different industries.
Purpose: To explore consumers’ attitudes towards e-commerce, in particular online grocery shopping, and its delivery in non-dense areas for the purpose of designing smart last-mile solutions.
Approach: The state-of-the-art of smart e-commerce delivery in dense areas was identified by a review of the literature. It was expected that this knowledge could be transferred to non-dense areas. This prediction was examined and explored further by making use of four focus groups recruited in a Swedish mid-sized town.
Findings: Respondents were generally positive towards e-commerce, although mixed attitudes were found with regard to online grocery shopping. Further, the willingness to pay for flexible, smart and sustainable delivery was low, with a notable exception for local produce.
Originality: The knowledge acquired and solution developed in dense areas is not readily transferred to non-dense areas. There is scope for developing new Business Models for the supply chain of local produce. For the prototype testing and roll-out of smart e-commerce delivery platforms, the online local produce market is recommended.
This research explores the downstream perceptions of liquid carton board versus competing materials in packaging applications for juice. The methodology used is focus groups. The context is sustainability and functional performance, and related potential implications for the beverage industry value chain. The purpose is to get a deeper insight and understanding of functionality in relation to juice beverage packaging. The results confirm that there is no optimal packaging for every juice product, but a multitude, depending on the distribution channel, retail outlet, customer preferences, and context of consumption. There are some general packaging preferences, but the main deciding criteria for purchase seem to be the product characteristics in terms of quality, taste, brand, price and shelf life. For marketing reasons, packaging has to be adopted to the product and its positioning, liquid carton board packaging seem to have some functional advantages in distribution and is considered as sustainable and functional among many consumers. Major drawbacks seem to be shape limitations, lack of transparency, and lack of a “premium look”. To improve packaging performance and avoid sub-optimization, actors in the beverage industry value chain need to be integrated in development processes.
This paper focuses on sustainability strategies for the Forestry–Wood chain (FWC) driven by market demands on books and other products. The main objective is to draft and suggest a process for market driven pro-active sustainability strategies for the FWC, based on a SWOT-analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). Further to highlight the possible strategic implications and critical areas for actors upstream in the FWC, in the context of uncertain external future scenarios. Higher demands on product differentiation were found throughout the FWC, where also collaboration and stakeholder interaction was found important to improve sustainability. The work broadens the “traditional” perspectives on FWC sustainability to encompass also interacting value chains such as book production and publishing, to get a more holistic view.