University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

energy and logistics/SCM. Follow-up work should look at a broader sample
of articles, validating and refining the findings.
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c) Classification context: Assessing the classification context to be adopted in
the literature review helps to structure and classify the material. There are two
contexts: context 1 refers to a paper’s overall characteristics such as topic,
method and scope; context 2 addresses more detailed issues emerging at the
interface of SCM / logistics and bio-energy.
d) Material evaluation: The material is reviewed and analysed according to the
classification context. Classification context 1 applies pre-defined categories
for analysing main characteristics of the papers as regards content and
method: (1) topic and research method, as well as (2) main features of the
bio-energy system, namely feed stock, technology, energy end application,
and part of the bio-energy supply chain under examination. Classification
context 2 structures issues and challenges in the context of bio-energy chains
according to the following inductively derived categories: (1) transport,
handling, pre-treatment, storage, (2) logistics in general, (3) system design,
(4) supply security, and (5) purposes of bio-energy supply chains apart from
energy production. These categories have been identified in an iterative
process of category building, testing and revising by constantly comparing
categories and data (Eisenhardt 1998; Mayring 2000). Table 1 briefly
describes the categories.
Table 1: Issues at the interface of SCM / logistics and bio-energy
Category Description
Transport, handling,
pre-treatment, storage
These operations influence crucially both economic and
environmental performance in bio-energy chains.
Logistics in general Supply logistics, addressed generally and/or comprising
various aspects, has a major impact on bio-energy chains.
System design System design is the challenging task of effectively and
efficiently designing and operating bio-energy systems,
taking into account the interests of all stakeholders.
Supply security Ensuring supply security is an objective of outstanding
relevance for bio-energy plant operators.
Other purposes of bioenergy
supply chains
Source: Own illustration
Apart from energy production, bio-energy supply chains
may serve also other objectives.