Effective information flow through efficient supply chain management - Value stream mapping approach Case Outokumpu Tornio Works

Abstract

ABSTRACT Juvonen, Piia Suvi Päivikki 2012. Effective information flow through efficient supply chain management -Value stream mapping approach - Case Outokumpu Tornio Works. Master`s Thesis. Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences. Business and Culture. Pages 63. Appendices 2.

The general aim of this thesis is to explore effective information flow through efficient supply chain management by following one of the lean management principles, value stream mapping. The specific research questions are the following: How efficient is Outokumpu Tornio Works` supply chain collaboration at this moment? Which non-value added activities impact on information flow within the supply chain of Outokumpu Tornio Works`? How are non-value added activities transplanted to value creation to gain competitive advantage?

A qualitative research method and single case study method are used in this thesis. Data collection was carried out by using multiple sources: semi-structured interviews, participatory observation, the researcher`s own experience on the field and internal documents which are in use in the case company. Since the nature of this research is confidential, the Case company, Empirical findings, Discussions and Conclusions are not published in their full length in the Library database.

To conclude, it can be suggested that effective information flow within supply chain functions is achieved through functional supply chain collaboration as well as fluent information sharing within supply chain functions. Especially through cross functional collaboration the case company can effectively eliminate wastes and increase value added activities towards a more integrated supply chain.

Keywords: Supply chain management, effective supply chain collaboration, information flow, cross functional collaboration, lean management, value stream mapping