Tid og sted for prøveforelesning
- Prøveforelesning kl 10.15 - 11.00
- Forsvar av avhandling kl 12.15 til ca kl 15.
- Mottakelse i kantina fra kl 15
Veiledere
- Lise Lillebrygfjeld Halse, Professor in Innovation and Technology
- Johan Holmgren, Professor of Transport Economics
Bedømmelseskomiteen
Professor Luitzen de Boer
NTNU
Docent/Associate Professor Anna Fredriksson
Linköping University
Associate professor PhD Heidi Hogset
Molde University College
Leder av disputase
Professor og leder av doktorgradsutvalget, Harald M. Hjelle, avdeling for logistikk, Høgskolen i Molde
Summary
The thesis investigates how the concept sustainability is understood and approached by Norwegian manufacturing companies and non-business organizations. It offers a twofold perspective of sustainable supply chain management literature, combined with regional studies perspective, and addresses the company- and cluster level perspective.The empirical scope of the thesis is limited to the regional companies and organizations in Møre and Romsdal County.
The results of the study suggest that there have been limited attempts to interpret and operationalize the sustainability concept among companies and cluster organizations. This may represent a challenge, as different perceptions of sustainability could lead to a relatively narrow focus on single dimensions of sustainability.
Regarding SSCM practices, limited information is shared between the case companies and their suppliers, which does not allow for traceability between suppliers and a focal company. Furthermore, the thesis emphasizes the role of the cluster environment, in which past and present conditions influence the orientation of the industry and facilitate the implementation of sustainability practices.
The thesis highlights the role of non-business organizations as sustainability enablers and barriers, as they may disseminate sustainability knowledge and visions, while, as policy implementers, they can support existing industry operations and hinder new developments. Finally, the findings indicate that disruptions such as a pandemic, war, and energy uncertainty can shape the transition toward sustainability.