Study of the logistics development process and development of tools and techniques to be used in the process

This PhD project is concerned with logistical change management, and aims at developing practical theory to be used by logistics managers when leading change. The project focuses on logistics strategy formation and realisation, and how the involvement of key stakeholders and use of different types of models may help drive the innovation process. The research is conducted as action research in a single company, Coloplast A/S. In the competitive environment of today's global markets, logistics systems must continuously be changed to meet the challenges in both upstream and downstream markets. In industries where possibilities of product differentiation relative to competitors are limited, logistics may offer competitive advantages, meaning that innovation and rapid change of logistics systems may be a key competence to be mastered. However, research concerning how to generate and implement innovative solutions is rare, as most research is concerned with the content rather than with the process of change. Some of the noteworthy exceptions are found at the universities of Michigan State and Linköping, where logistics management and change management within logistics in particular has been object of research. Project duration: Fall 2000 - fall 2003. (Linda Nielsen-Englyst, John Johansen)