Topic: Performance Indicators in Internal Logistic Systems
What performance indicators are and can be used to control and evaluate an internal logistic
system? How can performance indicators be used as a tool to formulate and achieve goals connected
to the performance of the internal supply chain?
The information search for this topic should be concentrated, but not limited, to the following
journals:
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International Journal of Logistics Management
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
European Journal of Operational Research
International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications
Journal of Business Logistics
Journal of International Logistics and Trade
Logistics Information Management
Method: Theoretical study
Conduct a broad and thorough theoretical study on the topic. Look into which performance
indicators/parameters are mentioned in the literature and how they are prioritized when it comes to
internal logistics. Give an overview on what has been written and what research has been conducted
on the topic.
The paper should among other things include a description of how the information search was
carried out, findings including listing, defining and describing both measurable and non measurable
performance indicators and how they are used. An analysis regarding the use of performance
indicators in internal logistics and the research on the topic should be included. Other discussions on
the topic are also encouraged.
Method: Case study
Find a case company and conduct at a minimum one visit. Investigate how the company work with
performance indicators connected to internal logistic tasks through review of documents, own
observations and interviews with personnel on different levels. Compare your results with literature
and previous research within the area.
The paper should among other things include a description of used methodology, a description of
how the case company works with performance indicators and comparison of your findings with the
results in previous research in the area. An analysis regarding the use of performance indicators in
internal logistics at the company and in general should be included. Other types of discussions on the
topic are also encouraged.
Method: Survey study
The task includes a brief theoretical study as well as structuring and creating a survey, collecting data
and analyzing the result together with your own reflections and previous results/conclusions from
literature.
Create a survey that investigates how companies work with performance indicators in internal
logistic systems, what indicators are used, how they are related to the goals of the internal supply
chain etc. The survey should be sent to a minimum of 10 people divided over at least 4 companies.
Contacts should preferably be made with the companies in advance to find a suitable respondent
that is informed about the survey. The paper should besides theoretical background and empirical
findings include a description of used methodology.
Method: Interview study
The task includes a brief theoretical study, structuring and conducting interviews with at least 3
respondents at different companies and analyzing the result together with your own reflections and
previous results/conclusions from literature.
The paper should among other things include a description of used methodology, a description of
how the respondents’ companies work with performance indicators and comparison of your findings
with results in previous research in the area. An analysis regarding the use of performance indicators
in internal logistics at the company and in general should be included. Other types of discussions on
the topic are also encouraged.
Topic: Theoretical Foundation in International Journal of Logistics
Management
Method: Theoretical study
Conduct a broad and thorough theoretical study of papers related to internal logistics published in
the International Journal of Logistics Management during the last 5 years. Analyze what sources
(research papers or literature) that is most commonly referred to in the background and the
theoretical framework/frame of references.
The task includes listing the main sources and authors and also trying to reveal patterns and links. An
analysis of the result should also be included as well as a description of how it was made.
Topic: Automation in Internal Logistic Systems
Automation is becoming a more and more common mean for companies when trying to stay
competitive. However, the logistic activities within a business have to a large extent been neglected
when it comes to improvement work and is not instinctively associated with automation. What is
written and studied in the area of automation in internal logistics? What are the trends, conclusions,
results and views?
The information search for this topic should be concentrated but not limited to the following
journals:







International Journal of Logistics Management
International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
European Journal of Operational Research
International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications
Journal of Business Logistics
Journal of International Logistics and Trade
Logistics Information Management
Method: Theoretical study
Conduct a broad and thorough theoretical study on the topic. The paper should among other things
include a description of how the information search was carried out and a summary and description
of what has been written and studies on the topic. Analyze the findings and try to draw general
conclusions.
Method: Case study
Find a case company and conduct at minimum one visit. Investigate how the company works with
automation in internal logistics. Compare your results with literature and previous research within
the area.
The paper should among other things include a theoretical background, methodology description,
findings from the case company and a comparison of your findings compared to results in previous
research in the area.
Method: Survey study
Create a survey that investigates how companies work with automation in internal logistics. The
survey should be sent to a minimum of 10 people divided over at least 4 companies. Contacts should
preferably be made with the companies in advance to find a suitable respondent that is informed
about the survey. The paper should among other things include a theoretical background,
methodology description, findings from the survey study and a comparison of your findings to results
in literature and previous research in the area.
Method: Interview study
The task includes a brief theoretical study, structuring and conducting interviews with at least 3
respondents at different companies and analyzing the result together with your own reflections and
previous results/conclusions from literature.
The paper should among other things include used methodology, description of how the
respondents’ companies work with automation in internal logistic activities and a comparison of your
findings compared to results in previous research in the area.