Showing papers in "International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management in 1989"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the potential of integrating the supply chain as a single entity and ensure the appropriate use of tools and techniques in order to meet the needs of the market, will not get left behind in the fight for survival.
Abstract: Common to all manufacturing companies is the need to control the flow of material from suppliers, through the value adding processes and distribution channels, to customers. The supply chain is the connected series of activities which is concerned with planning, co‐ordinating and controlling material, parts and finished goods from supplier to customer. Traditionally, the flow of material has been considered only at an operational level. No longer, however, can the potential of integrating the supply chain be ignored. Companies that manage the supply chain as a single entity and ensure the appropriate use of tools and techniques in order to meet the needs of the market, will not get left behind in the fight for survival.
1,573 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated how and why relationships between manufacturers and dealers in the office systems/furniture industry develop and why these relationships are maintained and demonstrated the benefits of considering the actions and reactions of channel partners when developing tactical and strategic marketing plans.
Abstract: The ability to nurture marketing channel relations is essential to long‐term corporate survival. This study empirically investigates how and why relationships between manufacturers and dealers in the office systems/furniture industry develop and how and why these relationships are maintained. The results demonstrate the benefits of considering the actions and reactions of channel partners when developing tactical and strategic marketing plans. These findings emphasise the importance of mutual dependency, behaviour and financial performance in creating effective working environments.
72 citations
TL;DR: In order to achieve a competitive advantage from customer service, it is necessary to establish service-level as part of the firm′s overall marketing strategy as discussed by the authors, and a methodology for integrating customer service and marketing strategy is presented.
Abstract: Although significant advances have been made in customer service
research, a majority of this research has concentrated on defining and
measuring the importance of customer service in isolation from the other
components of the marketing mix. In order to achieve a competitive
advantage from customer service, it is necessary to establish service
levels as part of the firm′s overall marketing strategy. This monograph
reviews the development of customer service; evaluates past customer
service research; presents a methodology for integrating customer
service and marketing strategy, and provides some suggestions for future
research.
67 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the stated preferences for customer services in selected customer markets is found to be heterogeneous, thereby enabling providers of services to differentiate themselves according to the needs of existing market segments.
Abstract: Oligopolistic markets typically revert to some form of non‐price competition in order to differentiate their goods and services. Customer services that are associated with tangible product offerings present an opportunity for firms attempting to differentiate themselves. This article presents findings that suggest the stated preferences for customer services in selected customer markets is heterogeneous, thereby enabling providers of services to differentiate themselves according to the needs of existing market segments.
62 citations
TL;DR: The possible contribution of such tools to the planning of distribution systems for industrial firms and freight carrier service networks and operations is examined and compared in this article, where the authors compare the potential contribution of interactive graphic systems and operations research methodologies to the decision-making process.
Abstract: Interactive‐graphic systems and operations research methodologies are increasingly being combined to produce efficient, versatile and powerful tools that enhance the decision‐making process. The possible contribution of such tools to the planning of distribution systems for industrial firms and freight carrier service networks and operations is examined and compared.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a mail survey was conducted among 535 worldwide water ports and water carriers to learn about the importance of various port selection factors and the influence of contemporary trade issues on international port operations.
Abstract: A mail survey was conducted among 535 worldwide water ports and water carriers to learn about (1) the importance of various port selection factors and (2) the influence of contemporary trade issues on international port operations. Analysis of 134 responses (25 per cent response rate) revealed general agreement among respondents in terms of port selection factors, with equipment availability and loss and damage record ranked as most important. However, there was little agreement among survey participants concerning the influence of contemporary trade issues. Comparison by respondent nationality (US, non‐US) revealed that US interests oppose an increase in the value of the US dollar; US respondents also indicate that ports are not secure from terrorist actions. Comparison by primary function (ports, carriers) found substantial disagreement on operational issues and personnel issues.
42 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe how linear programming is used to provide methodology to evaluate decisions and system performance without the availability of cost and other data, which is a major problem for management.
Abstract: The lack of adequate information for logistics decisions and evaluating is a major problem for management. This article describes how linear programming is used to provide methodology to evaluate decisions and system performance without the availability of cost and other data. A simple application to logistics systems is discussed and its application to an actual problem is described.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that there is a widening gap between opportunities available through technology and effective utilisation of the technology, and that unless logistics managers take a broader strategic view of their role, these opportunities will be lost and their companies will fall behind in the face of increasingly intense global competition.
Abstract: Advances in computer and telecommunications technology are providing logistics managers with a wide range of strategic opportunities. However, there is a widening gap between opportunities available through technology and effective utilisation of the technology. Unless logistics managers take a broader strategic view of their role, these opportunities will be lost and their companies will fall behind in the face of increasingly intense global competition. Logistics managers who seek innovative ways to apply both existing and new technology, especially information technology, will play an increasingly important role in their organisation′s profitability.
25 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the current status of purchasing efficacy in Saudi Arabia is examined at a time when the economies of the Gulf countries are going through a critical transformation and the days of effortless profits for Saudi firms and for companies in the Gulf region are over.
Abstract: The days of effortless profits for Saudi firms and for companies in the Gulf region are over. The current status of purchasing efficacy in Saudi Arabia is examined at a time when the economies of the Gulf countries are going through a critical transformation. A survey undertaken in Saudi Arabia is described, its results presented, and its findings and their implications discussed.
20 citations
TL;DR: This paper investigated the effect of product standardization on logistics in a cross-section of United States manufacturers and found that those that customise output were found to consolidate fewer logistics activities centrally within a single department, to be less formalised, to update their logistics strategic plan more frequently and to display greater flexibility.
Abstract: This empirical research investigates the effect of product standardisation on logistics in a cross‐section of United States manufacturers. Relying on contingency theory, the effect of product standardisation on the structure of logistics within the organisation, logistical strategy and logistical system flexibility are examined. In comparison to manufacturers that standardise output, those which customise output were found to consolidate fewer logistics activities centrally within a single department, to be less formalised, to update their logistics strategic plan more frequently and to display greater logistical flexibility.
18 citations
TL;DR: Outsourcing, or contract manufacturing, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to in-house production as mentioned in this paper. But outsourcing has wide implications for the firm and it requires inventory, timing, storage, transportation and other decisions pertaining to flow control.
Abstract: Outsourcing, or contract manufacturing, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to in‐house production. It has wide implications for the firm. Since logistics is evolving to include inbound material movements, it stands to play a central role in this trend. Outsourcing arrangements require inventory, timing, storage, transportation and other decisions pertaining to the facets of flow control. Outsourcing, why it is used, and why logistics plays a logical role in it, are examined, some key managerial issues and concerns that outsourcing presents to the firm and to logistics are provided.
TL;DR: The benefits realised through increased computerisation of business logistics activities have been widely acclaimed and accepted as discussed by the authors, but only modest progress has been made over the last decade in automating most logistics data.
Abstract: The benefits realised through increased computerisation of business logistics activities have been widely acclaimed and accepted. Evidence is presented to show through an extensive mail survey of logistics executives throughout the US that only modest progress has been made over the last decade in automating most logistics data. The sole company characteristic that correlated with greater computerisation was company size; all other company characteristics had limited effect.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the development of this trend, identified the major causes of it, considered the advantages and drawbacks of contract solutions, examined a number of specific cases and speculates as to what further penetration dedicated contracts may achieve in both retailing and other distribution areas.
Abstract: In recent years, retailers have come to the fore in the development of distribution systems in the UK. With this move has come the greatly accelerated use of “distribution service companies” to provide tailored, dedicated, contractual solutions to the distribution needs of retailers. This article reviews the development of this trend, identifies the major causes of it, considers the advantages and drawbacks of contract solutions, examines a number of specific cases and speculates as to what further penetration dedicated contracts may achieve in both retailing and other distribution areas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined practitioner and educator perceptions of logistics and related journals and made comparative comparisons among the various journals both with each other and with the perceived ideal characteristics of logistics journals.
Abstract: Logistics and related journals typically are oriented towards two audiences: practitioners and/or educators. This article examines practitioner and educator perceptions of logistics and related journals. Comparisons are made among the various journals both with each other and with the perceived ideal characteristics of logistics journals. While differences were found to exist between the academics and practitioners, the overall perceptions were surprisingly similar.
TL;DR: The role and strategy of integrated materials management are reviewed in this article, and the impact of the concept is then considered in relation to the traditional functional structure of many companies, and a strategy for the introduction of integrated material management into a company is outlined.
Abstract: The role and strategy of integrated materials management are reviewed. The impact of the concept is then considered in relation to the traditional functional structure of many companies. A strategy for the introduction of integrated materials management into a company is outlined and the benefits and constraints of the concept are considered.
TL;DR: In this article, a prime vendor relationship, an agreement between a multi-line distributor and a hospital, streamlines the purchasing process by reducing the number of vendors and paperwork for the buyer.
Abstract: Sourcing research to date has concentrated on manufacturing, primarily in the form of just‐in‐time purchasing systems. This study examines sourcing in an important service industry – hospitals. Hospital materials management integrates purchasing, inventory control and distribution. A prime vendor relationship, an agreement between a multi‐line distributor and a hospital, streamlines the purchasing process by reducing the number of vendors and paperwork for the buyer. An examination of 22 general hospitals in Georgia, USA, yielded preliminary evidence the prime vendor relationship led to better materials management performance. This article explores the potential advantages and disadvantages for hospital buyers and vendors and the implications for performance.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors make an attempt to explain why road freight movement in the UK has more than doubled over the past 25 years and its present growth is considerably exceeding official forecasts made in 1984, taking account of the close relationship between tonne kilometers and economic growth and outlining several spatial processes likely to have contributed to freight traffic growth.
Abstract: The volume of road freight movement in the UK has more than doubled over the past 25 years and its present growth is considerably exceeding official forecasts made in 1984. An attempt is made to explain why this growth has occurred, taking account of the close relationship between tonne‐kilometres and economic growth and outlining several spatial processes likely to have contributed to freight traffic growth. The spatial concentration of economic activity is identified as the dominant influence. The growth process appears to have undergone a major change during the 1980s, with the increase in average length of haul easing and the earlier downward trend in freight tonnage being sharply reversed. The implications of these recent trends for future freight traffic growth are discussed and an assessment made of the likely impact of the Channel Tunnel and deregulation of international haulage on the volume of road freight movement in the 1990s.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors consider the problem of vehicle routing in a distribution system and the trade-off between the cost of providing service and custome cost of delivering goods and vehicles.
Abstract: Distribution systems planning frequently involves two major decisions: facility location and vehicle routing. The facilities to be located may be “primary facilities”, e.g. factories, but more often, these are lighter “secondary facilities” such as depots, warehouses or distribution centres. Routing decisions concern the optimal movement of goods and vehicles in the system, usually from primary to secondary facilities, and from secondary facilities to users or customers. Studies which integrate the two areas are more often than not limited to the case where all deliveries are return trips involving only one destination. There exist, however, several situations where vehicles visit more than one point on the same trip. In such cases, relationships between location and routing decisions become more intricate. Strategies by which the two aspects of the problem are optimised separately and sequentially are often sub‐optimal. Also of importance is the trade‐off between the cost of providing service and custome...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a rather comprehensive discussion of the concept of control in the context of a process model where the purpose of exercising control is to ensure that desired results are attained from an activity or process.
Abstract: A Process Model During the last five years, American businesses have increasingly accepted the notion that product quality is necessary for them to compete in today′s world markets. Product quality, in the context here, can be defined by an agreed set of standards and tolerance limits between the firm and its customers. Quality is achieved through the successful creation of form, possession, time, place, and quantity utilities for the firm′s products. Control must be implemented in order to ensure that these utilities are created to meet the standards and tolerance limits agreed upon by the firm and its customers. The purpose of exercising control is to ensure that desired results are attained from an activity or process. As such, it is important to exercise control over the logistics activities to make sure that time, place, and quantity utilities are created in accordance with customer needs. The purpose of this monograph is to present a rather comprehensive discussion of the concept of control. Specifi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the traffic flow pattern of the material distribution activity within the Canadian Forces and validated the current operation of their material traffic system using a one-time snapshot of the transportation system.
Abstract: The traffic flow pattern of the material distribution activity within the Canadian Forces was evaluated. The aim was to validate the current operation of the material traffic system. Sample transportation data were collected, and the traffic flow pattern and utilisations of the Canadian Forces′ scheduled tractor‐trailer units were statistically inferred. Because historical material traffic data were lacking, the material traffic flow pattern for this one‐time snapshot of the transportation system did not provide a basis from which any trend on the Canadian Forces′ vehicle utilisation could be established.
TL;DR: In this paper, it is argued that in order to ensure that a logistic network is being managed efficiently, it is essential to look at what is now achievable, given the advances in computer technology and Artificial Intelligence.
Abstract: Optimum allocation of resources is today's means of designing a logistic network to deal with tomorrow's demands. Accepting this and in order to ensure that a logistic network is being managed efficiently, it is argued that it is essential to look at what is now achievable, given the advances in computer technology and Artificial Intelligence. The parameters necessary for each market segment in the resource allocation process are defined and the characteristics and problems of data describing the parameters encountered in practice are presented.
TL;DR: A company's approach to developing and implementing an integrated supply management technique and system is examined, and it is concluded that, in the medium to long term, savings should become quite evident and the use of supplier management techniques to ensure that manufacturers and suppliers become an extension of the business should surface as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: A company's approach to developing and implementing an integrated supply management technique and system is examined, and it is concluded that, in the medium to long term, savings should become quite evident and the use of supplier management techniques to ensure that manufacturers and suppliers become an extension of the business should surface.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the dangers of allowing enthusiasm for a sport run away with the company's money and highlight the importance of selecting a target, choosing a sport which provides an appropriate image for the company, and making professional use of the sponsorship.
Abstract: Sponsorship in sport is a rapidly growing part of the business scene. Association with success or the right image can reap rich rewards but there is also a danger of allowing enthusiasm for a sport run away with your company′s money. Selecting a sponsorship target, choosing a sport which provides an appropriate image for your company, and making professional use of your sponsorship, are all vital to a successful campaign.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed a framework for studying customer service across national boundaries. But it is not clear whether an international customer service policy is feasible or for that matter even desirable, since the types and levels of customer service desired are contingent on a particular industry or position within the marketing channel.
Abstract: Customer service has long been recognised as the output of an organisation′s logistics effort. There is some evidence that suggests that the types and levels of customer service desired are contingent on a particular industry or position within the marketing channel. Most of these investigations, however, have emphasised only regional or national relationships. Logistics by its very nature has a significant international orientation and therefore it is necessary to understand the role of customer service from an international perspective. However, it is not clear whether an international customer service policy is feasible or for that matter even desirable. This article develops a framework for studying customer service across national boundaries. While it may be desirable to print warranties in local languages, measurable factors such as average delivery time and product tracing retain their traditional importance.
TL;DR: In this article, market research is drawn on to examine the hypothesis that passengers' perceptions of in-flight service are influenced by cabin crew composition, concluding that customers do have preferences to be served by a cabin crew team that has a high proportion of young female members, some of whom should speak the language(s) relevant to the destination.
Abstract: Market research is drawn on to examine the hypothesis that passengers′ perceptions of in‐flight service are influenced by cabin crew composition. The conclusions, very generalised, are that customers do have preferences to be served by a cabin crew team that has a high proportion of young female members, some of whom should speak the language(s) relevant to the destination. Some of the passengers in the sample also expressed opinions in favour of the same crew members working together regularly as a team on the assumption that familiarity leads to improved performance. The research was qualitative and cannot be used to draw definite conclusions, but suggestions for further study in the area of team composition are identified with a view to improving customer satisfaction.
TL;DR: In this article, it was pointed out that developing countries contributed a large proportion of goods moved (primarily by the supply of raw materials to developed countries), but they owned and operated only a small proportion of the ships.
Abstract: International trade is steadily increasing. Most of this relies to some extent on ocean‐going ships and, in consequence, the size of the world shipping fleet has been growing. Some years ago it became apparent that there was an anomaly in the composition of this fleet. In particular, developing countries contributed a large proportion of goods moved (primarily by the supply of raw materials to developed countries), but they owned and operated only a small proportion of the ships. Some measures were taken to match the use of ships with their ownership more closely. These measures included both restrictions on foreign shipping and increases of operating efficiency so that developing countries became more competitive. In principle, most observers preferred the latter course of improving efficiency, but this has many associated problems. Some of these can be illustrated by reference to containerised transport, which has brought substantial benefits to developed countries, but the different economic conditions...
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study was conducted in a thermal power-generating plant where bar-chart scheduling was the planning method, and the sub-project management was found to be very conducive to overall project control.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to introduce techniques to plan and manage maintenance overhaul of power‐generating units. It is based on a case study conducted in a thermal power‐generating plant where bar‐chart scheduling was the planning method. The overhaul activity network was made up of many parallel networks and paths. This characteristic of the network allowed for greater flexibility in resource scheduling. Hence, it was possible to develop an efficient resource mix profile for the project. Special attention was given to “management by sub‐projects”, which would allow use of low memory computers. It was seen that management by sub‐projects yielded reasonably good results. Besides, sub‐project management was found to be very conducive to overall project control. Slippage charts were drawn at the rescheduling stage, and slippage could be identified to a sub‐project, then to the sub‐network and finally to the cause. This enabled the managers to halt project slippage.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined well-off older adults' views on money, holidays and transport, and concluded that these people have specific needs which are not at present being met.
Abstract: Woopies (Well Off Older People), otherwise recognised as mature consumers who are reasonably prosperous, have been largely ignored as a market segment so far. As their numbers increase, which they will do into and beyond the foreseeable future they will become an even more significant segment. Their views on money, holidays and transport are examined, and it is concluded that these people have specific needs which are not at present being met.
TL;DR: In a study of three industries (Menswear, Foodstuffs and Pharmaceuticals) it was found that most distribution executives were responsible for warehousing and transport with very little involvement in setting customer service levels, the very essence of physical distribution as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Physical distribution management in New Zealand, is still, in many companies, subordinate to other functions in the corporate organisational hierarchy. In this study of three industries (Menswear, Foodstuffs and Pharmaceuticals) it was found that most distribution executives were responsible for warehousing and transport with very little involvement in setting customer service levels, the very essence of physical distribution. These results were surprising considering that it was claimed that there existed a large degree of awareness about the importance of physical distribution in terms of a company′s overall success. The actual level of adoption and successful implementation of an Integrated Physical Distribution system was around 50 per cent. Here there was considerable disagreement between top management of a company and the senior distribution executive. These conclusions were drawn from the response by the General Manager/CEO of participating companies, together with independent responses from the p...
TL;DR: In this paper, the trading developments and relationships in the Asia-Pacific region are examined and forecast growth patterns are discussed, and the authors propose a model to predict the global economic growth.
Abstract: By the year 2000, it is estimated that Asian economies will control over 40 per cent of the world′s trade. In this context, the trading developments and relationships in the Asia‐Pacific region are examined and forecast growth patterns are discussed.