Digital technologies within the supply chain management curriculum : an experiential learning approach to understanding knowledge co-creation (an essay)

This study explores how knowledge co-creation in the learning process is affected and facilitated by digital technologies, in particular 3D printing and RFID reading. A qualitative single-case study presents the learning process in class based on a model of intermodal transportation with RFID reading and 3D-printed objects. Data from five semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, situation observations in three experiential labs, and archival materials are interpreted through the experiential learning approach to emphasize the role of 3D printing in learning and knowledge creation. The study reveals how digital technologies transform the learning process to help students develop practical skills in the supply chain management (SCM) field. The active experimentation further shows that the use of 3D printing and RFID reading encourage meaningful communication between students and lecturers and increases students’ active engagement in learning and knowledge creation. The findings reveal that the learning process in the digital era becomes transformed into increasingly new forms of integrative knowledge and competence, emphasizing practical and technical skills. It results in a shift from passive to active learning or from a teacher-centered to a student-centered approach to developing students’ practical skills for companies’ needs when adopting new technology in practice. The study shows the potential of digital technologies for further adoption in SCM and logistics curriculums beyond the so-called STEM disciplines. More empirical studies applying experiential learning are suggested on how learning from formal education and so-called strategic learning from companies’ experience can be integrated into the process of knowledge co-creation based on digital technology.publishedVersio

Production Planning and Control as Routing in Manufacturing Networks

In this paper, we explore the use of network routing for production planning and control in manufacturing of complex industrial products. Such a product is the result of a joint effort of many manufacturing companies; each considered a collection of work centre nodes connected by transportation links forming a company-wide manufacturing network. Each company is, in turn considered a manufacturing node connected to other manufacturers by transportation links forming a distributed manufacturing network that produces the final product. We model the manufacturing network as a distribution network where the incoming and outgoing inventories of products are distinct nodes in addition to the work centre nodes. Production planning and control are done by minimizing the cost of handling all products in all work centre nodes. This formulation provides a scalable and flexible production planning and control scheme adhering to the networked structure of manufacturing of complex products. We apply the model to a company-wide manufacturing network as a first approach. A case study using the model demonstrates production planning using network routing at a manufacturer of ship propulsion engines

Why does the provision of home mechanical ventilation vary so widely?

There is wide variation in the provision of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) throughout Europe, but the provision of home mechanical ventilation can also vary within countries. In 2008, the overall prevalence of HMV in Norway was 19.9/100,000, and there were huge regional differences in treatment prevalence. The aim of this study is to find explanations for these differences. We gathered multidisciplinary respondents involved in HMV treatment from five hospitals in five different counties to six focus group conversations to explore respondents' views of their experiences systematically. We based the analysis on grounded theory. We found that uneven distribution of “enthusiasm” between hospitals seems to be an important factor in the geographical distribution of HMV. Furthermore, we found that the three subcategories, “high competence,” “spreading competence,” and “multidisciplinary collaboration,” are developed and used systematically in counties with “enthusiasm.” This culture is the main category, which might explain the differences, and is described as “wise enthusiasm.” The last subcategory is “individual attitudes” about HMV among decision-making physicians. The most important factor is most likely the uneven distribution of highly skilled enthusiasm between hospitals. Individual attitudes about HMV among the decision makers may also explain why the provision of HMV varies so widely. Data describing regional differences in the prevalence of HMV within countries is lacking. Further research is needed to identify these differences to ensure equality of provision of HMV