Distribution Networks in TR a NSITION Background and positioning of the project

A Series of Research Projects Logistics Service Providers Alliances Supply Chains Logistics resources “Growth strategies for logistics service providers” “Logistics service providers and supply chain alliances” “Four perspectives on five supply chains” “Logistics resource Networks - NETLOG” Distribution Networks in Transition Networks Chains Triads Business units

Key Research Issues ”Value Creation in Distribution Networks” ”Contingencies for (the Design of ) Distribution Networks” ”Specialization and Integration in Distribution Networks”

Objectives Describing the transition process in targeted industries Analysing the transition from three different perspectives –The value creation process –Contingencies for design –Positioning and interaction among actors Develop concepts, models and methods for explaining the transitions and the strategic actions of network participants

Phase 1 Project Mobilization 2003 a) Project implementation plan The development of a specified implementation plan involving the participating companies and researchers. Defining joint activities and participating personal. b) Recruitment of PhD-students Recruiting process. Announcements, interviews etc c) Literature review A review of existing literature on the three major research issues. Establish basic input to dissertation proposals. d) PhD Research Proposals An accepted PhD research proposal a pre-requisite for acceptance in the PhD-study.

Phase 2 Industry studies 2004 a) Develop implementation plans Establish contacts, plans and timetables for industry studies in collaboration with participating companies b) Review of empirical studies A review of existing industry studies and other relevant empirical sources. c) Interviews Carry out interviews in major actor organizations. d) Empirical analysis/papers Individual analysis of the three focal industries. Three papers based on the analysis. e) Theoretical analysis/articles Analysis of key research issues. Articles based on the analysis.

Issues – industry study How are the supply and distribution networks structured in the industry Identify the dominating distribution network structures Identify major political, institutional and behavioral factors influencing the industry Why are the networks structured the way they are – what are the driving forces Which elements characterize the different network structures and how do they relate (identification of supply chain configuration models) How and why does the network structure change over time

Phase 3 Case studies2005 a) Development of implementation plans Establish contacts, plans and timetables for case studies in collaboration with participating companies b) Review of secondary data A review of existing secondary data. c) Interviews Carry out interviews in focal organisations and their distribution network. d) Network analysis/papers Individual analysis of the three focal companies and their distribution networks. Three papers based on the analysis. e) Theoretical approaches/articles Analysis of key research issues. Articles based on the analysis.

Issues – case studies Develop some scenarios for the industry and the various supply chain configuration models based on the industry study What is the most probable development in the distriobution network in the years to come Describe the supply chain configuration model for the focal organisation and how it has evolved Analyse the elements in the model Identify some of the strategic challenges and opportunies for the focal organisation, given the scenarios based on the industry study

Phase 4 Synthesis 2006 a) Book-project A preliminary outline of the book will be established early in the project. The industry studies as well as the case studies will be an essential part of the book, leading up to concepts, models and tools for explaining the transition processes in an industry, and the strategic actions and options of network participants. This means that in 2006 most of the work will involve a conceptualisation and generalization of the different studies. b) Dissertation projects This will involve the final analysis and writing-up of the two dissertations

Potential Industrial Partners Construction Industry Shipping Industry Gasses Automotives Consumables Apperal Fishing Industry

Physical Output Two PhD-thesis within the targeted industries A book with the working title “Distribution Networks in Transition” (for John Wiley & Sons) Articles in scientific journals based on the cases involved in the study Input to courses and educational programs at BI (specifically the new major in Supply Chains and Networks)

Participants Göran Persson (Professor in Business Logistics, BI) Helge Virum (Associate professor in Logistics, BI) Lars-Erik Gadde (Professor in Industrial Marketing and Distribution Channels, Chalmers) Atle Nordli (Associate professor in Logistics, BI) Kajsa Hulthen (PhD, Chalmers) Jan Fransoo (Associate professor in Operations Management, Technical University of Eindhoven) Two PhD-students

Assumptions Relationships key –Survival –Development Management: strategic priorities –Positioning –Development of internal resources and capabilities –Relationships Research: need for alternative approaches –Main stream research vs alternative approaches