I augusti 2006 stod Hans Karlsson, grundare, ägare och vd i möbelföretaget Hans K, inför ett val av affärsmodell. För att överleva, blev de tvungna gå från en detaljistdriven ”pushmodell” baserad på prispress, volym och enstaka artiklar, till en kunddriven, ”pullmodell” baserad på design, service och flexibilitet. Något som han egentligen inte upplevde som ett val utan en tvingande nödvändighet. Företag i de flesta branscher har mycket att lära av denna praktiska tillämpning, skriver professor Dag Ericsson och tekn. dr. David Ericsson i denna artikel.

The purpose of this paper is to identify if and how supply chain practices are linked to moral disengagement techniques and thus might cause moral decoupling (MD). The research uses a literature review and multiple case study approach to investigate this issue. The literature review links moral disengagement to supply chain practices, while the case study observes the existence of the practices, and in what supply chain configurations those practices might arise. Identified configurations that might cause MD are suppliers and external partners responsible for upstream activities, division of tasks, aggregation of materials, auction-like settings, long supply chains, production in low-cost countries, production where people are not considered as equals, and configurations made to reduce costs.

This research shows that supply chain configuration may facilitate or restrict opportunities of moral disengagement. It is proposed that a moral decoupling point is a point through which materials, information, and money may be transferred, while acting as a roadblock for moral responsibility. Decoupling points allow researchers to understand how moral responsibility is connected with supply chain configuration. By mapping and removing moral decoupling points managers can structure their supply chains to increase moral responsibility of employees and better fulfil ethical guidelines. Empirical material is two-fold in this study. Firstly we investigate media reports of four cases, where Swedish companies' moral is questioned. This is complemented with three real-life case studies from three global Swedish led textile companies.

This research aims to fill an important gap in focusing on why individuals are able to take part in and/or support activities that have effects on economic, environmental, and social dimensions that are not consistent with their sense of right and wrong. The research focuses on the relationship between supply chain management and moral disengagement, and how this relation affects social responsibility. After observing individuals avoiding responsibility for misconduct an explanatory concept, moral decoupling, was proposed. Moral decoupling considers moral responsibility a flow in the supply chain. Moral decoupling occurs when the flow is restricted. If moral decoupling occurs at an identifiable point it is called a moral decoupling point. The concept was developed by identifying and linking specific supply chain activities and structures with moral disengagement, a theory that explains the deactivation of self regulation. Moral decoupling was able to suggest how to reduce moral disengagement and improve social responsibility. To validate the suggestions a literature review on social responsibility was conducted and identified sixteen elements of social responsibility in supply chain management. The suggestions based on moral disengagement were compared with elements of social responsibility and a large overlap was found. Lastly, suggestions on how to reduce moral disengagement and map moral responsibility in a supply network are proposed, links between elements of social responsibility are presented, and moral coupling is added as a complementary term to moral decoupling. A model explaining the relationship between ethical guidelines, moral responsibility, moral decoupling, and social responsibility is proposed. In relation to current theoretical knowledge the thesis has contributed to the field of socially responsible supply chain management with an application of a new theoretical lens that gives one explanation as to why identifed elements of social responsibility are important. The understanding of social responsibility has reached an increased explanatory depth following the identification of moral disengagement as a generative mechanism, subject to conditions in supply chain management. The research has also applied moral disengagement in a context not identified in earlier research, and shows some of the complexity of applying it to a real-world global context. The elements of social responsibility and moral (de)coupling help practitioners identify what they should focus on to increase social responsibility and also offer an explanation for `why?'. The findings can be used to construct supply chains that are less prone to misconduct and to identify where in the chain it is important to be aware of immoral behavior. The value and originality of this research is centered on the application of a new theoretical lens for socially responsible supply chain management. It is the only identified research in the area which identifies mechanisms on a generative level that explains human behavior and conditions to which those mechanisms are subject. This is also in itself a novel application of moral disengagement in a new research context.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide scholars with a robust, easy-to-follow structural model for crafting compelling academic publications. Recognizing the diversity of research methodologies and genres, the paper proposes the symmetry of specificity framework as a guide to maintaining coherence, depth and relevance across different sections of an academic paper. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a theoretical framework – “symmetry of specificity” – through an iterative approach inspired by supervision and examination of theses, writing and reviewing research papers and editorial work. The framework builds upon the established IMRAD model and uses the concept of symmetry to explain the structural elements of academic publications. Its unique contribution lies in elucidating the two-dimensional funneling process that takes place within academic writing, and providing a nuanced understanding of how to maintain balance between different sections. Findings: The symmetry of specificity framework introduces a novel perspective on academic writing, emphasizing the concept of “symmetry in specificity”. It shows how maintaining a balance in detail and focus across different sections of a research paper can significantly enhance its coherence and relevance. By elucidating the interaction between theory and data in research writing, it provides valuable insights into the nuances of crafting a compelling academic paper. Research limitations/implications: While the proposed symmetry of specificity framework may not be universally applicable across all types of research, it provides a solid foundation for the development of alternate structures tailored to specific research paradigms. There is ample opportunity for future research to explore adaptations of this model for various types of academic writing, offering a fresh perspective on structuring academic publications and potentially sparking new discussions and innovations in this realm. Practical implications: This framework can aid both novice and experienced scholars in structuring their research papers effectively. By offering a conceptual roadmap, it guides the writer through the complex process of academic writing, from crafting the methodology and analysis sections to articulating compelling conclusions. Thus, it serves as a useful tool in enhancing the quality and impact of research communication. Originality/value: This paper presents a unique approach to structuring academic publications that goes beyond the conventional IMRAD model. By offering a theory-based structural model, it contributes to an underexplored area in academic writing and opens up new avenues for pedagogy and practice in research communication. © 2023, David Eriksson.

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the impacts and requirements of a consumer-focused new product development on supply chain management. The issue is examined in a large indepth case study of the Swedish furniture industry, with one wholesaler as the main case company. The case company has changed its business strategy from being product-focused to consumer-focused. The company has started to develop innovative products that are supplied with a postponement strategy. The thesis focuses on how new product development and supply chain management are connected at the case company, and how the new business strategy affects sourcing, manufacturing, inventory, and distribution. Investigations reveal that the consumer-focused new product development resulted in an imbalance between demand creation and supply chain management. New product development is the key process connecting the two management directions. The new business strategy increased the amount of stock keeping units, which in combination with the decline in economy in 2008 resulted in a bad alignment between the business strategy and the sourcing system. This, in turn, resulted in inefficient inventory management. The new products that were developed have high innovative value, but the value may be lost if the retailers are not able to present the value to the consumers. The distortion of information that reduces the value is illustrated with a value gaps model that also explains the importance of demand creation across the supply chain, in order to fully utilize the potential of the supply chain and new product development. Moreover, a model explaining the outcome of low versus high collaboration with retailers, and obvious versus obscure product value, was constructed, highlighting that consumer perceived value may be lost if the value is obscure and collaboration is low. The impact of the investigated new product development approach on supply chain management is that the supply chain might lose efficiency and effectiveness if the supply chain capabilities to support the new products are not considered. The main requirement is to acknowledge that the partners in the supply chain play an important role, in order to preserve the innovative value of the products and increase demand creation.

Recent research suggests that supply chains should be demand driven, as this allows them to better exploit differentiation opportunities. Application of this theory is, however, not straightforward, as improper implementation can cause rapid escalation of inventory levels and unit costs. Using the case study method, this research aims to highlight these problems, and to provide deeper knowledge about how supply processes are affected by a consumer-focused business strategy. Apart from identifying the problems that may occur when attempting to be more market-driven, e.g., reduced supply chain performance due to product proliferation, this research also identifies some appropriate means to overcome them, including postponement and differentiated sourcing.

The supply chain strategy research has generated many frameworks for matching the supply chain with the nature of demand, market, consumers, or products. Recently many companies have implemented innovative new product development processes in order to increase revenue. However, research on the importance of the retailers for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) adopting a leagile supply chain strategy for innovative products, is scarce. Using the case study method, this research investigates the need of collaboration between an OEM and its retailers. This research aims to richen the knowledge about demand supply chain management (DSCM), and the coordination of demand and supply processes between companies in the demand-supply chain. This research shows that there are several measures that may be used to monitor performance, and that collaboration is important for the case company.

In the premium price range, retailer collaboration and showroom decoration as wellas information dissemination play an important role in the consumer sector, particularly in furnituresales. The purpose of this research is to report findings from Swedish wholesaler and its process toimprove sales of order driven furniture business.

Purpose

This study aims to explore and theorize value gaps within value chain management (VCM) by extending the service quality gap model to the context of global manufacturing value chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a case study of a small, family-owned Swedish furniture wholesaler, Alpha, this research adapts the service quality gap model and integrates it into the VCM framework. The investigation examines the value creation and delivery processes across a network of actors, highlighting how various gaps emerge at different stages of the value chain.

Findings

The study identifies and describes several value gaps, including those related to consumer understanding, manufacturing capabilities and coordination across the value chain. Value creation gaps arise from poor communication about consumer needs and product features, whereas value delivery gaps are mainly tied to manufacturing capacity and material restrictions. These gaps can result in misalignment between consumer expectations and the delivered value.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study provides insights into the emergence of value gaps, further research is needed to determine the magnitude and reduction strategies for these gaps. In addition, understanding how consumers evaluate new products remains a critical area for investigation.

Practical implications

The research highlights the significance of a coordinated approach to managing value creation and delivery processes. It underscores the need for companies to capture accurate consumer data, consider manufacturing capabilities and engage in effective coordination with various actors in the value chain.

Social implications

By addressing value gaps, companies can enhance consumer satisfaction and minimize potential dissatisfaction caused by misalignment between consumer expectations and delivered value. This, in turn, can lead to improved relationships with consumers and other actors within the value chain.

Originality/value

This research offers a novel perspective on value gaps in VCM, extending the service quality gap model to the realm of manufacturing. It underscores the importance of managing both value creation and delivery processes for enhancing competitive advantage in a global market.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to assess elements that affect social responsibility in supply chains and beyond. The elements are classified into drivers, facilitators and inhibitors.

Design/methodology/approach– This paper presents an assessment of supply chain management research published over the period of 2009-2013.

Findings– Sixteen elements are identified and presented in a framework along with their proposed constituents. The elements capture structures and management principles of supply chains that are important for social responsibility.

Research limitations/implications– The elements provide a basis to better understand how social responsibility in supply chains is related to contextual factors. The framework of elements is still only an initial step toward enhanced understanding of how the context affects social responsibility in supply chains.

Practical implications– The framework may guide companies to acknowledge elements that are known to improve or deteriorate social responsibility in supply chains.

Originality/value– This paper contributes to capture the state-of-the-art knowledge based upon recent research. It is also a stepping stone toward improved insights on what drives, facilitates and inhibits individuals in social responsibility.

The aim of the paper is to explore and assess the process of responsibility, decoupling point, and disengagement of moral responsibility, in combination with business sustainability (BSus) in supply chains. The research is based on a qualitative approach consisting of two multifaceted case studies, each including multiple case companies and different empirical research characteristics, and a review of BSus in supply chain literature. The case studies apply moral disengagement (MDis) to propose how moral responsibility can deteriorate in supply chains, and the literature review identifies elements of BSus in supply chain management (SCM). The contribution of this paper is to compare these two research streams and evaluate the efficacy of the concepts proposed in the case studies. Through this study, BSus gains an entirely different and complementary toolkit which should facilitate further and more effective research in SCM. The theory of MDis also provides a foundation for reinforcing explanatory and prescriptive aspects of ‘best practices’ in the SCM literature. The findings also establish a basis for organizing and monitoring supply chains so as to improve BSus efforts. Considering moral responsibility as a flow this research explains why and how certain practices may impede BSus efforts in supply chains. Original and/or innovative outcomes include explanatory and prescriptive insights that emerge from a combination of empirical findings from two case studies, including seven companies and a framework for improving BSus management in supply chains, based on a typology of moral disengagement.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to form an understanding of how new product development (NPD) relates to supply chain management (SCM), why the two fields should be coordinated, and how this may be done. Design/methodology/approach – This research uses a literature review and case study research. The case study considers a Swedish company that operates on a global basis in the furniture industry. Empirical data have been collected mainly from in-depth interviews with key persons representing senior and middle management in the case company. Findings – This paper stresses the need to produce innovative, value-adding products, as well as the necessity to quickly deliver them to the market. Companies that face mature business environments may encounter problems due to a high emphasis on either the value-creation processes, or on the value delivery processes. Therefore, NPD activities need to be coordinated with SCM activities on a strategic level, lest competitiveness will be lost. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited to one case company; replication studies would enhance understanding of the studied phenomenon. There is a wide need for research exploring how various parts of demand and supply chains should be managed in order to fully utilize the advantages of the consumer-oriented enterprise. Practical implications – This paper provides insights for researchers and practitioners on how to coordinate and balance NPD (demand side) with SCM (supply side) activities. It highlights that companies should organize themselves around understanding how consumer value is created and how these processes may be coordinated to provide that value. The two processes must be given equal attention and importance to avoid sub-optimization. Originality/value – The need for coordinating NPD and SCM activities has been emphasized in the literature but still remains relatively unexplored. This paper contributes by investigating this issue further.

This research work investigates the occurrence of Demand-Supply Chain Management (DSCM) components in a Swedish furniture wholesaler that sources most of its products from China. Three of the eight main components of DSCM were identified in the case company and one component was not fully applicable. The case shows possible caveats of being demand-driven and highlights the need to balance demand and supply sides simultaneously. During economic crisis years 2008-2009, business has experienced extraordinary decline in sales and profitability, while holding considerable amount of inventory at hand. In the long term, supply chain strategy relying on Chinese manufacturing could face increasing challenges in total costs owing to currency changes, transportation costs increase and environmental regulation.