Supply chain antecedents and consequences of servitization: a systematic literature review

Servitization poses several challenges to supply chain managers. Existing supply chain features can facilitate or hinder servitization, which, in turn, transforms supply chain features, requiring planning and adaptation. We address this bidirectional relationship through a systematic literature review (n = 70), analysing ten supply chain features across three dimensions: configuration, collaboration and coordination. We find that decentralized supply networks, aligned strategies, high trust, improved information technology and joint planning are antecedents supportive of servitization. Both upstream and downstream supply chain positions provide resources essential for servitization, while different vertical integration levels support different types of services. Consequences of servitization include a downstream shift, increased outsourcing, stronger operational linkages and potential power imbalances, favouring firms with strategic resources. After comparing and integrating the diverse literature perspectives, we summarize our findings in two tables and a conceptual framework. We conclude by providing six future research directions and a checklist of managerial recommendations

Insights from interviews with German supply chain managers: a study of supply chain transformations and emerging issues

To investigate current trends and challenges related to supply chain management in Germany, we conduct an interview-based study involving 16 experts. The study focuses on three areas: supply chain transformations, software challenges, and the adoption of emerging technologies. Supply chain transformations are influenced by increasing supply chain complexity, the growing prevalence of e-commerce, and the increased importance allocated by customers to trust and transparency. Complexity is, in part, due to disruptions caused by policy responses to the pandemic and to software challenges in terms of the adaptability of ERP systems and the cybersecurity of cloud-based solutions. This study is relevant for practitioners, as it sheds light on pressing issues in supply chain management, and for researchers as it uncovers potential topics that require further research in the future

Assessing the sustainability of bio-based materials in construction: a literature review of the life-cycle assessment results

The construction industry is undergoing a transformation towards sustainability, driven by growing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions. One promising innovation in this context is bio-based materials. These materials have been shown to have specific properties that make them suitable for practical applications. As a result, many stakeholders in the construction industry are exploring the possibility of replacing the traditional and environmentally harmful materials such as concrete, steel, and polymers, with bio-based materials. However, despite their favorable properties, these materials have limited use in practical applications. One of the barriers to their uptake is the lack of shared knowledge on the real sustainability impact resulting from the use of these materials. In addition, research results on this topic are rather scattered. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to synthesize the results of existing studies, while applying life-cycle assessment methodologies to bio-based materials in construction in the European context. Overall, bio-based materials have a lower environmental impact than traditional materials, especially in the production phase. However, in addition to production, other criteria should be considered in the assessment, in particular the required function, for which the material will be used, and the lifetime of the building. This underlines the importance of using different LCAs methods and implementing a case by case approach, in order to reduce the environmental impact of the building secto

Paving the Green Path: A Maturity Model for Digital Decarbonization

Digital transformation has been employed across all industries to enhance business operations. Its potential lies in optimising existing business models and creating innovative ones based on various technologies, making them fit for the future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fulfilling future decarbonization goals. In order to ensure a successful digital transformation towards decarbonization, managers have to assess the capabilities of their organisation and competently oversee their journey by defining a clear path employing digital maturity models. For this purpose, the analysis focused on published literature concerning digital maturity models developed to guide organisations in navigating their digital transformation journey. A systematic literature review of 36 selected digital maturity models is presented in this paper. These models overlook decarbonisation measures and focus solely on demonstrating digital capabilities, efficiency and profit growth. Therefore, a maturity model for digital decarbonization encompassing dimensions of decarbonization goals, business model innovation, customers and suppliers, products and services, employees, collaboration, processes and activities, data, and IT-infrastructure, -security and -technology has been developed. It assists organisations in reducing their carbon footprint by strategically and effectively leveraging digital technologies. The proposed model has five maturity levels: assess and align, engage and refine, innovate and collaborate, optimize and personalize, and transform and decarbonize. This paper aims to assess the current level of digital decarbonization and determine the position of the organizations. Additionally, it endeavours to identify the specific opportunities for growth that digitalization presents, thereby enabling the creation of a new digital carbon-free existence

Identification and analysis of barriers in co-innovation projects in the manufacturing and energy industry

Innovation is critical to a company's growth in today's competitive environment. Co-innovation projects, where companies pool resources, represent a promising way to achieve this goal. This study, based on a focus group of industry experts from the manufacturing and energy sectors, aims to identify the challenges of such collaborations and propose suitable solutions. The study relies on the innovation phase model and identifies several obstacles such as short technology lifecycles, data management overload, and organizational shortcomings in co-innovation projects. Effective management, communication and intellectual property (IP) can be a significant challenge in co-innovation projects, particularly due to uncertainties surrounding the release of sensitive data and inadequate contractual support. Uncoordinated communication can also result in project delays or failure. Furthermore, the absence of access protocols for online applications presents risks such as unauthorized access and document change tracking issues, further complicating complex engineering projects. Despite the availability of digital providers, many of them still require physical platforms for efficient innovation projects due to insufficient support for e.g., data management and caused by communication limitations. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the urgent need for research on co-innovation projects and recommends a collaborative framework to address the complexities triggered by this kind of projects and increase collaboration effectivenes

Adenome pleomorphe des glandes salivaires accessoires

Objective : Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign neoplasm of the minor salivary glands. Clinical behavior,diagnosis, treatment modalities and evolution of nine cases of pleomorphic adenoma were discussed.Materials and methods : This is a descriptive and retrospective study about 9 cases of pleomorphic adenoma conductedover a period of 20 years (1990 à 2009) at the ENT department of Sousse (Tunisia).Results : There were 5 men and 4 women having a mean age of 40 years. The main site of this adenoma was the hard palate. The others 3 tumors were seen in the nasal cavity, in the parapharyngeal space and in cervical soft tissues. Clinical examination showed a swelling at the level of the interested region. Computed tomography (CT) was made in 5 cases,associated to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 2 cases. The treatment was based in surgical excision of the tumors. Histologically, the tumor showed features of a benign PA in 8 cases and of malignant PA in 1 case. Two patients had a documented local recurrence. The evolution was good for the first patient after secondary excision of the tumor.The patient presenting a carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma developed quickly pulmonary and cerebral metastases.Conclusion : Pleomorphic adenoma of minor salivary gland is generally known to be a slow-growing tumour. They must be evoked before all painless swelling in the upper aerodigestive tract developed under a healthy mucosa. The surgical management is basically total resection of the tumor with a safety margin of 5 mm. Longer follow-up was needed due to the possibility of recurrences and malignancy transformation.Keywords : Pleomorphic adenoma, Minor salivary gland, Imaging

Sustainable System Value Creation: Development of Preliminary Frameworks for a Business Model Change Within a Systemic Transition Process

Although corporate sustainability has gained more attention and companies have recently showed a growing interest in sustainable practices, the progress towards sustainable development has been slow leading to increasing environmental and social challenges. . Business model innovations are recognized as a key to the creation of sustainable business and as a bridge between company level and system level changes. Sustainable business model innovations create, deliver and capture economic, social, and ecological value for customers and other stakeholders in various societies. The aim of this article is to deepen the understanding of the ways how companies create and capture sustainable value through business models in a larger operation system. From the theoretical perspective, the article adopts the transition theory and the concept of strong sustainability for understanding socio-technical transitions and business model changes towards sustainability. Here the focus is on companies’ dualistic role pursuing sustainable development targets – both contributing to sustainability within the business dimensions, and assisting the broader systemic change through the new sustainable business models. Furthermore, the article deals with the external factors that either enable or hinder companies to transform their existing business models towards sustainability. By reviewing previous literature, this study develops preliminary frameworks combining the approaches of transition management, sustainable value creation and corporate sustainability levels. The work aims to decrease the existing gap between the literature of system transition and business models. The frameworks can be applied in the future in analyzing new sustainable business models, value processes, value creation and capture, and broader systemic changes towards sustainability.Post-print / Final draf