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Papers by Maria Huge-brodin
Purpose In order for logistics to become greener, logistics service providers (LSPs) need to be i... more Purpose In order for logistics to become greener, logistics service providers (LSPs) need to be included in the greening of supply chains. A key to become proactive members of a supply chain is that their business supports the greening of their activities – otherwise greening will not reach beyond single initiatives and demonstration projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore how LSPs’ underlying business logics can help in understanding LSPs green activities and aspects. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study was carried out of three LSPs in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The analysis relies on the growing literature on LSPs and their environmental efforts, and the business logic is based on a strategic approach to business literature. Findings The findings indicate that the efficiency-based business logic commonly applied by LSPs in some respect supports the greening of logistics. Differences among the cases suggest that customer interaction is crucial for realising...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate transport byers perception of drivers and bar... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate transport byers perception of drivers and barriers for collaborative environmental sustainability and how this interrelate with the companies’ degree of knowledge about logistics service providers and their degree of collaboration with these logistics service providers. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on an electronic questionnaire-survey distributed to Danish transport buyers. The questionnaire was distributed to 344 transport purchasers of which 82 have made complete and useful answers leading to an overall response rate of 24 per cent. Findings The main drivers for environmental sustainability are identified as: 1) demand from top management to focus on environmental sustainability, 2) avoiding loosing reputation, and 3) a feeling of ethical obligation. The main barriers are identified as: 1) difficulties to visualize the benefits of sustainability, 2) lack of data and information about sustainability, and 3) ...
Logistics Research, 2014
ABSTRACT The importance of environmental consider-ation for companies is mounting. This applies p... more ABSTRACT The importance of environmental consider-ation for companies is mounting. This applies particularly well to logistics service providers (LSPs) who will have a possibility to compete by being greener than their com-petitors by offering services that include different green practices. As their customers play a vital role with regard to the extent to which LSPs can include environmental practices in their business, the interface between these actors is of interest. The purpose of this article is to describe and explain how environmental practices are reflected in offerings and requirements on the logistics market. A systematic literature review of what has been published on environmental practices as parts of offerings and requirements was complemented by a wider literature review. Empirical data were collected through a home page scan and a case study of four LSP–shipper dyads. With a starting point in stakeholder theory, the different data sets were analysed separately as well as combined, and similarities and differences were discussed. The findings point to differences in the way that LSPs and shippers offer and require environmental practices on their home pages and reasons for this are suggested to be due to their different types of stakeholders. Further, the envi-ronmental practices in relationships between LSP and shippers are often more relationship specific than practices on home pages. Based on the combined findings of the data sets, a classification of environmental practices as reflected in offerings and requirements on the logistics market is proposed. The article is mainly based on com-panies' practices in Sweden and thereby provides a pos-sibility to extend the research into other countries as well. By taking two perspectives, the findings from this research can have implications both for purchasing and marketing of logistic services. The paper suggests which environ-mental practices that LSPs and shippers can offer or require in different stages of their business relationships. Contrary to most research within green logistics, this paper takes a business perspective on environmental practices. Further, the dual perspective of LSPs and shippers taken in this paper offers novel insight into how environmental practices can be included at different stages of LSP–shipper relationships.
Management Research Review, 2013
ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. I... more ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. In order to turn environmental problems into business opportunities, many companies are beginning to consider how environmental, or green aspects can be integrated into their service offerings. This opportunity can be of specific interest to logistics service providers, whose core business is an environmental impact in itself. The purpose of this article is to indicate where green-labelled logistics service providers are positioned today in their development, and to seek the underlying rationale in development of green service offerings. Design/methodology/approach ‐ This article takes a logistics service provider's perspective and is based on a multiple case study of six companies. The analysis is based on cross-case analysis, and empirical, as well as theoretical, pattern matching. Findings ‐ The attitude towards a green approach differs among the case companies: while some are working towards a green integration throughout the entire business, others offer green alternatives to the original service offering. The results point to possible explanations for these differences, and include differences in range of service offerings, size, and to different management principles for green aspects. Practical implications ‐ The article can inspire logistics service providers in their continuing work to integrate green initiatives into the company. By introducing alternative green approaches in the development of service offerings, logistics service providers can match their own business and context with alternative rationales. Originality/value ‐ While most of the green logistics research focuses on the logistics system's characteristics, this article offers initial insights into how the integration of green aspects into logistics services can impact logistics service providers.
The International Journal of Logistics Management, 2006
... the number of warehouses, and change the location of warehouses, which can all be described a... more ... the number of warehouses, and change the location of warehouses, which can all be described as changes to the logistics infrastructure. ... Such consolidations often involve changes oftransportation modes as in the cases of FurniComp, from trucks to rail transport; and of ...
Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 2008
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the value concept for recycling contexts. Desig... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the value concept for recycling contexts. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a conceptual discussion supported by empirical illustrations of value development for recycled paper and electric and electronics products. ...
Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2008
Purpose -On the basis of empirical studies, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse ... more Purpose -On the basis of empirical studies, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse product properties that affect performance of end-of-life systems for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Design/methodology/approach -The research was carried out as case studies of end-of-life management of EEE. Case A focused on disassembly of computer screens and TV-sets, whereas Case B addressed logistics systems for recycling of various types of EEE. Data collection methods include interviews, on-site visits and observations, video recording, and studies of documents. Findings -In total, nine product properties that affect performance of end-of-life systems for EEE are identified. The properties relate to three different product levels: the product assortment, the product structure, and the component levels. A model is presented which indicates that choices made and decisions taken in the product development process affect the end-of-life system performance. Application of modular product architectures and component standardisation are suggested as relevant design strategies during product development. Practical implications -The implications for managers are that the findings presented in this paper provide strengthened arguments that modular product architectures and component standardisation are favourable approaches to apply in product development. Complementary to the benefits for manufacturing and logistics also end-of-life system performance will improve when these approaches are applied. Originality/value -Previous research has indicated some product properties that are supposed to influence performance of end-of-life systems. These properties originate primarily from conceptual discussions rather than empirical studies. This paper adds to current understanding by presenting empirically-based insights regarding which specific product properties affect performance. a number of directives targeted specifically towards EEE. The "Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive" RoHS require new materials and processes to be implemented in the design and manufacturing of EEE, whereas the "Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive" (WEEE) specifically addresses end-of-life management of EEE (European Parliament and the Council, 2003a, b). The recent directive on "Ecodesign of energy-using products" (EuP) targets products that are dependent on energy input to work as intended, or products for generation, transfer and measurement of such energy . Examples of such products include EEE and heating equipment.
Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2005
We claim that the consumer expression is tricky already when chains are used as a metaphor for fo... more We claim that the consumer expression is tricky already when chains are used as a metaphor for forward and reverse flows. In a recycling context we also see that the consumer takes both the role of a buyer and a supplier, irrespective whether seen as a single household or as one "collective" actor. However, will the buyer/seller relationship be valid when talking of households as scrap collectors and -suppliers? We conclude that the household may very well qualify as a supplier, even though the seller concept is not really covered by traditional economic theory in the case of raw-material suppliers when the material is secondary or scrap.
Journal of Business Research, 2012
Researchers and society devote increasing interest to environmental impact assessments. The study... more Researchers and society devote increasing interest to environmental impact assessments. The study here discusses and questions current assessment models by relating them to inter-organizational network analyses, and demonstrates that single entities as the basis for environmental impact assessments may not be in the best interests of society. Three case studies focusing on logistical solutions illustrate environmental effects on a single-entity and a network level. The paper concludes that considering environmental impacts on a singleentity level disregards indirect effects, which in turn has consequences for the environment.
There is a lack of research investigating the interaction and reciprocal influences between the b... more There is a lack of research investigating the interaction and reciprocal influences between the buyer perspective and the supplier of transport and logistics services. Studies on the buyer perspective analyse the selection criteria to buy 3PL services, while research focused on green 3PL services examine initiatives undertaken by these companies to provide more environmentally sustainable services. The objective of this paper is to fill this void through an explorative case study analysis on the environmental attitude of 3PL companies in order to derive relevant implications for buyer's behaviour. The results provide useful guidelines to buyers for understanding awareness, initiatives as well as drivers and barriers affecting 3PLs' sustainability initiatives.
In the context of green supply chain management, green purchasing has received increased attentio... more In the context of green supply chain management, green purchasing has received increased attention over the past decade and the strategic importance of introducing green aspects into purchasing practices has been recognised. Despite this growing importance, little has been written in relation to purchasing green transport and logistics services. Considering the strong environmental impact associated with transport and logistics activities,
Purpose In order for logistics to become greener, logistics service providers (LSPs) need to be i... more Purpose In order for logistics to become greener, logistics service providers (LSPs) need to be included in the greening of supply chains. A key to become proactive members of a supply chain is that their business supports the greening of their activities – otherwise greening will not reach beyond single initiatives and demonstration projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore how LSPs’ underlying business logics can help in understanding LSPs green activities and aspects. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study was carried out of three LSPs in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The analysis relies on the growing literature on LSPs and their environmental efforts, and the business logic is based on a strategic approach to business literature. Findings The findings indicate that the efficiency-based business logic commonly applied by LSPs in some respect supports the greening of logistics. Differences among the cases suggest that customer interaction is crucial for realising...
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate transport byers perception of drivers and bar... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate transport byers perception of drivers and barriers for collaborative environmental sustainability and how this interrelate with the companies’ degree of knowledge about logistics service providers and their degree of collaboration with these logistics service providers. Design/methodology/approach This research is based on an electronic questionnaire-survey distributed to Danish transport buyers. The questionnaire was distributed to 344 transport purchasers of which 82 have made complete and useful answers leading to an overall response rate of 24 per cent. Findings The main drivers for environmental sustainability are identified as: 1) demand from top management to focus on environmental sustainability, 2) avoiding loosing reputation, and 3) a feeling of ethical obligation. The main barriers are identified as: 1) difficulties to visualize the benefits of sustainability, 2) lack of data and information about sustainability, and 3) ...
Logistics Research, 2014
ABSTRACT The importance of environmental consider-ation for companies is mounting. This applies p... more ABSTRACT The importance of environmental consider-ation for companies is mounting. This applies particularly well to logistics service providers (LSPs) who will have a possibility to compete by being greener than their com-petitors by offering services that include different green practices. As their customers play a vital role with regard to the extent to which LSPs can include environmental practices in their business, the interface between these actors is of interest. The purpose of this article is to describe and explain how environmental practices are reflected in offerings and requirements on the logistics market. A systematic literature review of what has been published on environmental practices as parts of offerings and requirements was complemented by a wider literature review. Empirical data were collected through a home page scan and a case study of four LSP–shipper dyads. With a starting point in stakeholder theory, the different data sets were analysed separately as well as combined, and similarities and differences were discussed. The findings point to differences in the way that LSPs and shippers offer and require environmental practices on their home pages and reasons for this are suggested to be due to their different types of stakeholders. Further, the envi-ronmental practices in relationships between LSP and shippers are often more relationship specific than practices on home pages. Based on the combined findings of the data sets, a classification of environmental practices as reflected in offerings and requirements on the logistics market is proposed. The article is mainly based on com-panies' practices in Sweden and thereby provides a pos-sibility to extend the research into other countries as well. By taking two perspectives, the findings from this research can have implications both for purchasing and marketing of logistic services. The paper suggests which environ-mental practices that LSPs and shippers can offer or require in different stages of their business relationships. Contrary to most research within green logistics, this paper takes a business perspective on environmental practices. Further, the dual perspective of LSPs and shippers taken in this paper offers novel insight into how environmental practices can be included at different stages of LSP–shipper relationships.
Management Research Review, 2013
ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. I... more ABSTRACT Purpose ‐ Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. In order to turn environmental problems into business opportunities, many companies are beginning to consider how environmental, or green aspects can be integrated into their service offerings. This opportunity can be of specific interest to logistics service providers, whose core business is an environmental impact in itself. The purpose of this article is to indicate where green-labelled logistics service providers are positioned today in their development, and to seek the underlying rationale in development of green service offerings. Design/methodology/approach ‐ This article takes a logistics service provider's perspective and is based on a multiple case study of six companies. The analysis is based on cross-case analysis, and empirical, as well as theoretical, pattern matching. Findings ‐ The attitude towards a green approach differs among the case companies: while some are working towards a green integration throughout the entire business, others offer green alternatives to the original service offering. The results point to possible explanations for these differences, and include differences in range of service offerings, size, and to different management principles for green aspects. Practical implications ‐ The article can inspire logistics service providers in their continuing work to integrate green initiatives into the company. By introducing alternative green approaches in the development of service offerings, logistics service providers can match their own business and context with alternative rationales. Originality/value ‐ While most of the green logistics research focuses on the logistics system's characteristics, this article offers initial insights into how the integration of green aspects into logistics services can impact logistics service providers.
The International Journal of Logistics Management, 2006
... the number of warehouses, and change the location of warehouses, which can all be described a... more ... the number of warehouses, and change the location of warehouses, which can all be described as changes to the logistics infrastructure. ... Such consolidations often involve changes oftransportation modes as in the cases of FurniComp, from trucks to rail transport; and of ...
Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 2008
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the value concept for recycling contexts. Desig... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop the value concept for recycling contexts. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a conceptual discussion supported by empirical illustrations of value development for recycled paper and electric and electronics products. ...
Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2008
Purpose -On the basis of empirical studies, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse ... more Purpose -On the basis of empirical studies, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse product properties that affect performance of end-of-life systems for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Design/methodology/approach -The research was carried out as case studies of end-of-life management of EEE. Case A focused on disassembly of computer screens and TV-sets, whereas Case B addressed logistics systems for recycling of various types of EEE. Data collection methods include interviews, on-site visits and observations, video recording, and studies of documents. Findings -In total, nine product properties that affect performance of end-of-life systems for EEE are identified. The properties relate to three different product levels: the product assortment, the product structure, and the component levels. A model is presented which indicates that choices made and decisions taken in the product development process affect the end-of-life system performance. Application of modular product architectures and component standardisation are suggested as relevant design strategies during product development. Practical implications -The implications for managers are that the findings presented in this paper provide strengthened arguments that modular product architectures and component standardisation are favourable approaches to apply in product development. Complementary to the benefits for manufacturing and logistics also end-of-life system performance will improve when these approaches are applied. Originality/value -Previous research has indicated some product properties that are supposed to influence performance of end-of-life systems. These properties originate primarily from conceptual discussions rather than empirical studies. This paper adds to current understanding by presenting empirically-based insights regarding which specific product properties affect performance. a number of directives targeted specifically towards EEE. The "Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive" RoHS require new materials and processes to be implemented in the design and manufacturing of EEE, whereas the "Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive" (WEEE) specifically addresses end-of-life management of EEE (European Parliament and the Council, 2003a, b). The recent directive on "Ecodesign of energy-using products" (EuP) targets products that are dependent on energy input to work as intended, or products for generation, transfer and measurement of such energy . Examples of such products include EEE and heating equipment.
Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 2005
We claim that the consumer expression is tricky already when chains are used as a metaphor for fo... more We claim that the consumer expression is tricky already when chains are used as a metaphor for forward and reverse flows. In a recycling context we also see that the consumer takes both the role of a buyer and a supplier, irrespective whether seen as a single household or as one "collective" actor. However, will the buyer/seller relationship be valid when talking of households as scrap collectors and -suppliers? We conclude that the household may very well qualify as a supplier, even though the seller concept is not really covered by traditional economic theory in the case of raw-material suppliers when the material is secondary or scrap.
Journal of Business Research, 2012
Researchers and society devote increasing interest to environmental impact assessments. The study... more Researchers and society devote increasing interest to environmental impact assessments. The study here discusses and questions current assessment models by relating them to inter-organizational network analyses, and demonstrates that single entities as the basis for environmental impact assessments may not be in the best interests of society. Three case studies focusing on logistical solutions illustrate environmental effects on a single-entity and a network level. The paper concludes that considering environmental impacts on a singleentity level disregards indirect effects, which in turn has consequences for the environment.
There is a lack of research investigating the interaction and reciprocal influences between the b... more There is a lack of research investigating the interaction and reciprocal influences between the buyer perspective and the supplier of transport and logistics services. Studies on the buyer perspective analyse the selection criteria to buy 3PL services, while research focused on green 3PL services examine initiatives undertaken by these companies to provide more environmentally sustainable services. The objective of this paper is to fill this void through an explorative case study analysis on the environmental attitude of 3PL companies in order to derive relevant implications for buyer's behaviour. The results provide useful guidelines to buyers for understanding awareness, initiatives as well as drivers and barriers affecting 3PLs' sustainability initiatives.
In the context of green supply chain management, green purchasing has received increased attentio... more In the context of green supply chain management, green purchasing has received increased attention over the past decade and the strategic importance of introducing green aspects into purchasing practices has been recognised. Despite this growing importance, little has been written in relation to purchasing green transport and logistics services. Considering the strong environmental impact associated with transport and logistics activities,