Browsing by Author "Boehme, Tillmann"

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    Assessing adoption factors for additive manufacturing: insights from case studies
    (MDPI, 2022-06-10) Handfield, Robert B.; Aitken, James; Turner, Neil; Boehme, Tillmann; Bozarth, Cecil
    Background: Research on Additive Manufacturing [AM] provides few guidelines for successful adoption of the technology in different market environments. This paper seeks to address this gap by developing a framework that suggests market attributes for which the technology will successfully meet a need. We rely on classical technology adoption theory to evaluate the challenges and opportunities proffered by AM. Methods: We apply a framework of technology adoption and assess these parameters using seven case studies of businesses that have successfully adopted AM technology. Results: We find that successful business adoption is highly associated with the relative advantage of AM to rapidly deliver customized products targeted to niche market opportunities. Conclusions: Our findings provide a decision framework for AM equipment manufacturers to employ when evaluating AM technology across various market environments. All five adoption characteristics were found to be important however, the primary decision criterion is based on the relative advantage of AM over other, traditional, technologies. From a practitioner perspective, our research highlights the importance of AM in attaining a competitive advantage through responsive, customized production which can address the needs of niche markets.
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    Covid-19 response of an additive manufacturing cluster in Australia
    (Emerald, 2021-07-22) Boehme, Tillmann; Aitken, James; Turner, Neil; Handfield, Robert B.
    Purpose The sudden arrival of Covid-19 severely disrupted the supply chain of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Australia. This paper aims to examine the development of a geographical cluster, which, through the application of additive manufacturing (AM), responded to the PPE supply crisis. Design/methodology/approach This longitudinal case study focuses on an AM cluster, which was developed to supply PPE in a responsive and flexible manner from 2019/2020. The study gathered data over three stages of cluster evolution: pre, during and post-peak Covid-19. Findings The type and nature of exchanges between organizations involved in the cluster established important insights into success factors for cluster creation and development. Using an established complexity framework, this study identifies the characteristics of establishing a cluster. The importance of cluster alignment created initially by a common PPE supply goal led to an emerging commercial and relational imperative to address the longer-term configuration after the disruption. Practical implications Clusters can be a viable option for a technology-driven sector when there is a “buzz” that drives and rapidly diffuses knowledge to support cluster formation. This research identifies the structural, socio-political and emergent dimensions, which need to be considered by stakeholders when aiming at improving competitiveness using clusters. Originality/value Covid-19 has rapidly and unexpectedly disrupted the supply chain for many industries. Responding to challenges, businesses will investigate different pathways to improve the overall resilience including on-/near-shoring. The results provide insights into how clusters are formed, grow and develop and the differentiating factors that result in successful impacts of clusters on local economies.
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    Social enterprise housing supply chains for resource-constrained communities: a complexity lens approach
    (Emerald, 2023-07-21) Boehme, Tillmann; Fan, Joshua; Birchnell, Thomas; Aitken, James; Turner, Neil; Deakins, Eric
    Purpose: Delivering housing to resource-constrained communities is a complex process beset with difficulties. This study employs a complexity lens to examine the approach taken by a social enterprise in Australia to develop and manage a housebuilding supply chain for resource-constrained communities. Design/methodology/approach: The research team employed a longitudinal case study approach from 2017 – 2022, which utilised mixed methods to understand the phenomenon and gain an in-depth understanding of the complex issues and problem-solving undertaken by a social enterprise start-up. Findings: Balancing mission logic with commercial viability is challenging for a social enterprise. The supply chain solution that evolved accommodated the particulars of geography and the needs of many stakeholders, including the end-user community and government sponsors. Extensive and time-consuming socialisation and customisation led to a successful technical design and sustainable supply chain operation. Originality: This longitudinal case study contributes to knowledge by providing rich insights into the roles of social enterprises and how they develop and operate supply chains to fit with the needs of resource-constrained communities. Adding a contextual response dimension to an established complexity framework helped to explain how hybrid organisations balance commercial viability demands with social mission logic by amending traditional supply chain and governance practices. The case provides insights into supply chain configuration, needed changes, and potential impacts when a social enterprise as a focal actor inserts into a traditional for-profit construction supply chain. Practical implications: Analysing supply chain intricacies via a complexity framework is valuable for scholars and practitioners, assisting in designing and developing supply chain configurations and understanding their dynamics. Meeting the housing construction needs of resource-constrained communities requires the social enterprise to place societal focus at the centre of the supply chain rather than merely being a system output. The developed business model complements the engineering solution to empower a community-led housing construction supply chain.