Nordic research in logistics and supply chain management: an empirical analysis

• Published in: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
• Main Authors: Arlbjorn, Jan, Jonsson, Patrik, Johansen, John
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Production Engineering; Human Work Science and Ergonomics; Economics and Business; Finland; Denmark; Sweden; Norway; Iceland; Supply chain management
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030810893526; https://research.chalmers.se/en/publication/72534

Purpose – The purpose of this data-based analysis is to report and reflect on the characteristics ofthe academic discipline concerned with logistics and supply chain management (SCM) as it isconducted in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The paperfurther seeks to explain variations in the research field in terms of the demographics, research domainsand methodologies, and publication patterns of the study’s respondents.Design/methodology/approach – An e-mail questionnaire survey was distributed to 353researchers based in the Nordic countries. With 144 answers returned, the response rate was 41 per cent.Findings – The study did not provide a clear picture of a distinct Nordic research paradigm applyingto the study of logistics and SCM. The analysis shows as characteristic of research issues pursued byNordic researchers the focus on supply chains and networks and the use of dyads, chains or networksof organizations as levels of analysis. The use of case study methodology and a highly diversifiedpublication pattern were likewise evident. Most researchers were found to rely heavily on externalresearch funding. Significant differences were also identified for research conducted by researchersholding PhD degrees as compared to research by respondents with lower degrees, for researchersaffiliated with institutions based in the technical sciences in comparison to those in the social sciences,and for institutions according to their varying degrees of experience with research in the field andexternal funding.Research limitations/implications – The research reported here may help individual researchersraise their consciousness about their own research.Originality/value – This is the first empirical study to analyze research paradigms within logisticsand SCM in the Nordic countries. It identifies a number of significant differences in regard to researchpatterns among various categories of researchers and institutions.