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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify distribution channel
research needs given the variety of distribution channel challenges among
Swedish sawmill companies.
Design / methodology / approach: Explorative case study research
Findings: The paper proposes a typology of sawmill distribution channel
challenges, as well as aligns research needs with distribution channel type.
The typology is based on i) number of sawmill units within the firm, in
combination with ii) distribution channel heterogeneity. Significant
management decisions and research needs are identified for the different
types.
Research limitations / implications: This research makes tentative
statements regarding typology of sawmill distribution channel challenges
and potential research needs in the Swedish sawmill industry with regards to
the respective typology. However, further research is needed in order to
validate these results.
Contribution: This paper focuses on the sawmill industry distribution
channels, which is a neglected but important area for sawmills’ competitive
advantage. The paper also contributes to research by applying contingency
theory and typology as an approach to deal with the variety of sawmills’
distribution channel challenges.