Article: Redesigning organisation, systems and networks: the transformation of the European network of CHEP Journal: International Journal of Business Excellence (IJBEX) 2012 Vol.5 No.5 pp.521 - 534 Abstract: Facilities network redesign is likely to become more common, due to drivers such as reduced life-cycles (requiring more frequent restructuring of the supplier base), off-shoring, and mergers and acquisitions. The literature analysis focuses on analytical aspects, such as algorithms for network optimisation, but not in the organisational and systems transformations that such profound reorganisations imply. The research contribution of this article rest on showing, through an action research retrospective analysis of pallet and container service provider CHEP, how those inter-related transformations should occur. The transformation described, driven by increases in the network complexity required to support their operations, include the previous and post situation for the company, with emphasis on the transformation process of the facility network, systems and organisation from an island-like, country-based organisation to a Pan-European network. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Redesigning organisation, systems and networks: the transformation of the European network of CHEP

Authors: Enrique García Montañés; Angel Díaz

Addresses: LeanLogistics Europe, Parque Empresarial Cristalia, 2-5°,Vía de los Poblados 3, Madrid, 28033, Spain. ' IE Business School, M^a Molina 13, Madrid, 28006, Spain

Abstract: Facilities network redesign is likely to become more common, due to drivers such as reduced life-cycles (requiring more frequent restructuring of the supplier base), off-shoring, and mergers and acquisitions. The literature analysis focuses on analytical aspects, such as algorithms for network optimisation, but not in the organisational and systems transformations that such profound reorganisations imply. The research contribution of this article rest on showing, through an action research retrospective analysis of pallet and container service provider CHEP, how those inter-related transformations should occur. The transformation described, driven by increases in the network complexity required to support their operations, include the previous and post situation for the company, with emphasis on the transformation process of the facility network, systems and organisation from an island-like, country-based organisation to a Pan-European network.

Keywords: network transformation; Commonwealth Handling Equipment Pool; pallets; containers; CHEP Europe; organisation redesign; systems redesign; facilities networks; reduced life-cycles; pooling operations; restructurings; supplier bases; off-shoring; mergers; acquisitions; algorithms; network optimisation; organisational transformations; system transformations; reorganisation; pallet services; container services; inter-related transformations; network complexity; operational support; island-like organisations; country-based organisations; pan-European networks; Brambles Limited; Bramble Group; Australia; Spain; business excellence; SCM; supply chain management; global supply chains; challenges; opportunities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2012.048801

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2012 Vol.5 No.5, pp.521 - 534

Published online: 31 Jul 2014 *

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Title: Redesigning organisation, systems and networks: the transformation of the European network of CHEP

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