Showing papers in "International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management in 2013"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the resilience domain, which is important in the field of supply chain management; they investigate the effects relational competencies have for resilience and the effect resilience, in turn, has on a supply chain's s customer value.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to explore the resilience domain, which is important in the field of supply chain management; it investigates the effects relational competencies have for resilience and the effect resilience, in turn, has on a supply chain ' s customer value. Design/methodology/approach – The research is empirical in nature and employs a confirmatory approach that builds on the relational view as a primary theoretical foundation. It utilizes survey data collected from manufacturing firms from three countries, which is analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings – It is found that communicative and cooperative relationships have a positive effect on resilience, while integration does not have a significant effect. It is also found that improved resilience, obtained by investing in agility and robustness, enhances a supply chain ' s customer value. Practical implications – Some findings contrast the expectations derived from theory. Particularly, practitioners can learn t...
620 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a snapshot of the existing research and suggest potential opportunities for academic inquiry related to the concept of sustainable supply chain management and suggest future research opportunities in this area.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide a snapshot of the existing research and suggest potential opportunities for academic inquiry related to the concept of sustainable supply chain management.Design/methodology/approach – The researchers review the extant literature at the intersection of “sustainability” and “supply chain management”. This literature is subsequently categorized with the aid of a classification matrix derived from the literature in order to review the current state of thought development across three distinct disciplines (logistics/supply chain management, operations/production management and social/environmental management). The analysis suggests future research opportunities in this area.Findings – The findings indicate that the existing literature is primarily focused on individual sustainability and supply chain dimensions rather than taking a more integrated approach. In addition, the findings suggest both the emergence of a group of themes within an individual dimension, su...
350 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the joint influence of dependence and trust in supply chain relationships on supply chain integration (SCI) and financial performance and found that trust with customers/suppliers significantly influences SCI.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the joint influence of dependence and trust in supply chain relationships on supply chain integration (SCI) and financial performance. Design/methodology/approach – This study develops a dependence-trust-SCI-performance model and tests it using structural equation modeling based on empirical data collected from 617 manufacturers in China. Findings – The results show that trust with customers/suppliers significantly influences SCI. Although dependence on customers/suppliers has no direct effect on SCI, it improves SCI indirectly through trust with customers/suppliers. Both supplier integration and customer integration significantly improve financial performance. Practical implications – This study suggests that manufacturers should manage dependence and trust in supply chain relationships simultaneously to enable SCI. When there is high-level dependence on customers/suppliers, manufacturers should invest resources to develop trust with those customers/s...
198 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an exploratory case study in three fresh food supply chains, milk, fresh fish, and fresh poultry, in the Nordic countries, based on interviews and data from the databases of the companies involved.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this empirical paper is to study information sharing in fresh food supply chains, with a specific goal of reducing waste and facilitating sustainable performance. The study focuses on material and information flow issues, specifically on sharing demand and shelf‐life data.Design/methodology/approach – This work has been designed as an exploratory case study in three fresh food supply chains, milk, fresh fish, and fresh poultry, in the Nordic countries. The cases are based on interviews and data from the databases of the companies involved. Each case focuses on analyzing information flow, particularly the current order patterns and forecasting and planning process, and material flow, focusing on the supply chain structure. In two cases significant changes have been made to forecasting processes and material flow, while the third case intends to identify the most beneficial uses of shared information to create a sustainable fresh food supply chain.Findings – The performance of the peris...
192 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper explored the reasons underlying the key assumption in the closed-loop supply chain literature that consumers' purchase intention is lower for remanufactured products than for new products.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to explore the reasons underlying the key assumption in the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) literature that consumers' purchase intention is lower for remanufactured products than for new products. It aims to complement the predominantly operation-focused CLSC research by examining consumers' perception of and behavior relating to remanufactured products. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical model is developed by integrating the concepts of perceived benefits and product knowledge with the theory of planned behavior and the theory of perceived risk. Then the model is examined through an empirical study in the Chinese automobile spare parts industry involving 288 respondents and using structural equation modeling. Findings – The results indicate that purchase intention is directly influenced by purchase attitude followed by perceived behavioral control and indirectly influenced by perceived risk, perceived benefit and product knowledge via attitude. Therefore, effective meas...
179 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative case study approach was adopted, using purposive sampling to select seven export garment manufacturers of varying size and business model in Sri Lanka, to identify the inhibitors and drivers of CSR implementation in fashion garment manufacturing from a supply chain management perspective.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper seeks to identify the inhibitors and drivers of CSR implementation in fashion garment manufacturing from a supply chain management perspective.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study approach was adopted, using purposive sampling to select seven export garment manufacturers of varying size and business model in Sri Lanka. Primary data was collected through on‐site face‐to‐face interviews with managerial level and operational level informants within each company and through non‐participant observation within factory environments. Data analysis was conducted manually.Findings – Adopting SCM principles supports CSR implementation in supplier facilities in global fashion garment supply chains by overcoming the negative effects of retail buying practices. It also progresses supplier CSR performance beyond that which is achievable via a coercive, compliance‐based model by encouraging suppliers to be innovative and take ownership of the CSR agenda. Hence, aspects of supply cha...
157 citations
TL;DR: The concept of total cost of ownership (TCO) as mentioned in this paper is defined as a philosophy for really understanding all relevant supply chain related costs of doing business with a particular supplier for a particular good/service.
Abstract: This chapter will explore the concept of total cost of ownership Total cost of ownership is defined here as a philosophy for really understanding all relevant supply chain related costs of doing business with a particular supplier for a particular good/service Total cost of ownership (TCO) considers total cost of acquisition, use/administration, maintenance and disposal of a given item/service As will be presented later, TCO does not actually require precise calculation of all costs, but looks at major cost issues, and costs that may be relevant to the decision at hand
146 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept of supply chain management is presented and the authors argue that only through close collaborative linkages through the entire supply chain, can one fully achieve the benefits of cost reduction and revenue enhancing behaviors.
Abstract: States that we have witnessed, over the last several years, a profound change in understanding the dynamics of competitive advantage. Managers now acknowledge that a firm’s success is tied, in part, to the strength of its weakest supply chain partner. This paper develops the concept of supply chain management and argues that only through close collaborative linkages through the entire supply chain, can one fully achieve the benefits of cost reduction and revenue enhancing behaviors. Data are presented that look at a range of supply chain management practices and processes. By examining differences in practices and processes between buyers and sellers, along with the supply chain, attempts to understand better the challenges facing managers who espouse supply chain management. Also proposes a change in mind set for the traditional procurement manager and present insights for him/her to adapt to the requirements of the new competition.
142 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a survey is carried out to identify major green port performance indicators and to evaluate three major ports' overall green performance in Asia, where indicators located in the critical quadrants with a high degree of importance and low degree of performance are identified and resources are suggested that can be employed to improve the ports overall sustainability performance effectively.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to measure a port's green performance. The literature is reviewed and a survey is carried out to identify major green port performance indicators and to evaluate three major ports' overall green performance in Asia. Indicators located in the critical quadrants with a high degree of importance and low degree of performance are identified and resources are suggested that can be employed to improve the ports' overall sustainability performance effectively.Design/methodology/approach – Port performance indicators are reviewed to select the green‐related ones by a session of brain storming with academicians from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan in the shipping discipline. Selected indicators are used to design an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) questionnaire. The weight and degree of performance of each of the 17 green indicators among three major container ports are calculated by the data obtained from the AHP round survey respondents.Findings – Avoiding pollutants during c...
115 citations
TL;DR: A new order policy is proposed, namely R-APIOBPCS, which explicitly considers the reverse flow of products, and increases the serviceable inventory variance in a closed loop SC.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of reverse logistics on order and inventory variance amplification in a single-echelon supply chain (SC) and to propose a new order policy for dampening such amplification. Design/methodology/approach – A general review of the literature on sustainable operations and on the impact of reverse logistics on SC performance provides the foundation for the study. The authors use difference equation math approach for modelling and analysing a closed SC. A proper design of experiment and data collected from the European Union statistics validate the obtained numerical results. Findings – The variability of reverse flow in a closed loop SC increases the serviceable inventory variance. However, a proper design of the reverse flow considerably improves the global performance. To this purpose, the authors propose a new order policy, namely R-APIOBPCS, which explicitly considers the reverse flow of products. Research limitations/implications – The paper pres...
114 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the role of closed-loop supply chain management is examined as a means for creating resource advantages that can lead to marketplace competitive advantages, and the findings deepen understanding of the forces that create natural resource scarcity conditions in the supply chain.
Abstract: Purpose – This research aims to provide a theoretical framework for exploring how firms can respond to the growing threat of natural resource scarcity. Specifically, the role of closed‐loop supply chain management is examined as a means for creating resource advantages that can lead to marketplace competitive advantages.Design/methodology/approach – The research extends previous theoretical research, integrating natural resource scarcity and closed‐loop supply chain management for the first time. Resource‐advantage theory is employed as the theoretical lens for the research model and propositions.Findings – The findings deepen understanding of the forces that create natural resource scarcity conditions in the supply chain, and highlight the need for higher order closed‐loop capabilities that have the ability to mitigate natural resource scarcity.Research limitations/implications – The theoretical model and six research propositions suggest relationships between natural resource scarcity, closed‐loop capab...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used two different methods (qualitative and quantitative) to identify relevant product features related to sustainable development in this context, and use the choice of mobile phone as an example in measuring their importance.
Abstract: Purpose – Consumer values increasingly favor sustainable development in products and services, thereby fostering the need to develop new operational and managerial practices that support sustainability in supply chain management. The purpose of this study is to identify relevant product features related to sustainable development in this context, and use the choice of mobile phone as an example in measuring their importance.Design/methodology/approach – The study used two different methods (qualitative and quantitative) in two phases. First it organized focus‐group discussions in order to identify the features of sustainability that affect the choice of a mobile phone. The most significant features served as a starting point for the choice of attributes to be included in the final step, choice‐based conjoint analysis (CBC), which assesses respondents' value functions by means of latent class clustering. Between the two major phases it carried out two additional pre‐tests in order to reduce the number of a...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors employ a multi-method survey and interview replication approach to gauge the extent to which companies are increasing their engagement in SCI and assess integration's influence on firm performance.
Abstract: Purpose – Given the tension between the rationale for and resistance to supply chain integration (SCI), the authors aim to provide an update on the rhetoric and reality of SCI and extend theory related to adoption and efficacy of integration strategies.Design/methodology/approach – The authors employ a multi‐method – survey and interview – replication approach to gauge the extent to which companies are increasing their engagement in SCI and assess integration's influence on firm performance.Findings – Despite managerial awareness of SCI's potential benefits, levels of integration have remained relatively unchanged over time. Integration is positively related to operational performance and firm performance – primarily through its influence on productivity and customer service. The interviews indicate some firms are beginning to manage value co‐creation initiatives across multiple tiers of the supply chain. They also reveal awareness of integration's competitive potential is insufficient to mobilize resourc...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the arguments for and against these ratings and argue that, on balance, they are having a damaging effect on the development of logistics as an academic discipline.
Abstract: Purpose – This is a polemical paper challenging both the principle and practice of journal ranking. In recent years academics and their institutions have become obsessive about the star‐ratings of the journals in which they publish. In the UK this is partly attributed to quinquennial reviews of university research performance though preoccupation with journal ratings has become an international phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to examine the arguments for and against these ratings and argue that, on balance, they are having a damaging effect on the development of logistics as an academic discipline.Design/methodology/approach – The arguments advanced in the paper are partly substantiated by references to the literature on the ranking of journals and development of scientific research. A comparison is made of the rating of logistics publications in different journal ranking systems. The views expressed in the paper are also based on informal discussions with numerous academics in logistics and othe...
TL;DR: In this paper, the consequences for capital tied up in inventory, of sharing four different types of planning information (point-of-sales data, customer forecasts, stock-on-hand data, planned orders) when using reorder point (R,Q) inventory control methods in a distribution network is discussed.
Abstract: Purpose – The development of information technology has made it possible for companies to get access to information about their customers ' future demand This paper outlines various approaches to utilize this kind of visibility when managing inventories of end products on an operative level The purpose is to explain the consequences, for capital tied up in inventory, of sharing four different types of planning information (point-of-sales data, customer forecasts, stock-on-hand data, planned orders) when using re-order point (R,Q) inventory control methods in a distribution network Design/methodology/approach – A simulation study based on randomly generated demand data with a compound Poisson type of distribution is conducted Findings – The results show that the value of information sharing in operative inventory control varies widely depending on the type of information shared, and depending on whether the demand is stationary or not Significantly higher value is achieved if the most appropriate type
TL;DR: In this article, the authors empirically explore supply chain integration (SCI) enabling practices, their benefits and barriers in a retail product returns process context, and find that such practices can significantly benefit both an OEM and its customers when appropriate SCI enabling practices are deployed.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore supply chain integration (SCI) enabling practices, their benefits and barriers in a retail product returns process context. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a case study research strategy. It draws on a single case, comprised of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and its two retailers. It utilizes an in-depth semi structured interviewing approach, combined with walk-through observations. Findings – The study finds that management of retail product returns can significantly benefit both an OEM and its customers when appropriate SCI enabling practices are deployed. While these practices are similar to those in forward supply chain processes, barriers are driven by the characteristics of product returns processes. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of this study stem primarily from its methodological design. A single case research strategy provides a limited opportunity for external generalization of the resear...
TL;DR: In this paper, the causes of stockout in wholesale stores were investigated using a mixed methods study, using instore observations, interviews with key informants in consumer goods and retailing, and a field study of stockouts and their causes.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to increase our understanding of the causes for stockouts in retailing.Design/methodology/approach – Mixed methods study, using instore observations, interviews with key informants in consumer goods and retailing, and a field study of stockouts and their causes in multiple wholesale stores over two years.Findings – The results indicate that the causes for stockouts are specific to retailer, store, category and item. Improvements to store operations and the coordination of store delivery and shelf replenishment are most effective in reducing stockouts. Manual audits of stockouts and their causes benefit instore execution and provide the level of detail necessary for management to prioritize areas of improvement.Research limitations/implications – Future research may investigate the operational and cost impact of incorporating demand seasonality in shelf replenishment that may lead to an improved coordination of replenishment and demand cycles.Practical implications – ...
TL;DR: Through the lens of goal-setting theory, the paper identifies and align salient RL goals and metrics, and uncover some of the most common challenges to RL professionals.
Abstract: Purpose – Although the importance of establishing sound metrics is often noted in the logistics literature, few research efforts have examined appropriate metrics for reverse logistics (RL) processes. Through the lens of goal-setting theory, the paper identifies and align salient RL goals and metrics, and uncover some of the most common challenges to RL professionals. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – The paper used open-ended questions to gather qualitative data from 84 RL professionals from the defense industry. A content analysis method was employed to extract and categorize the goals, challenges, and metrics for RL processes. Findings – The paper identifies specific categories of goals, challenges and metrics. Several themes emerged from the study, to include customer service, disposition, costs, and process efficiencies. Using these themes, the paper matched goals to metrics and found a lack of uniformity and noted that metrics and goals often were not matched or w...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors empirically test whether a "one size fits all" strategy fits the fashion e-commerce business and evaluate whether consumer returns are a central aspect of the creation of profitability and, if so, to discuss the role of returns management in the supply chain strategy.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to empirically test whether a “one size fits all” strategy fits the fashion e-commerce business and second, to evaluate whether consumer returns are a central aspect of the creation of profitability and, if so, to discuss the role of returns management (RM) in the supply chain strategy. Design/methodology/approach – Transactional sales and return data were analysed and used to categorise customers based on their buying and returning behaviours, measuring each customer's net contribution margins. Findings – The e-commerce business collects a vast quantity of data, but these data are seldom used for the development of service differentiation. This study analysed behaviour patterns and determined that the segmentation of customers on the basis of both sales and return patterns can facilitate a differentiated service delivery approach. Research limitations/implications – This research empirically supports the theory that customer buying and returning beha...
TL;DR: In this article, a generic forecasting approach for predicting product returns in closed-loop supply chains is proposed based on Bayesian estimation techniques, which provides at least 50 percent higher accuracy in terms of error measures compared to traditional methods in all scenarios examined in the empirical part.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a generic forecasting approach for predicting product returns in closed‐loop supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – The approach is based on Bayesian estimation techniques. It permits to forecast product returns on the basis of fewer restrictions than existing approaches in CLSC literature. A numerical example demonstrates the application of the proposed approach using return times drawn from a Poisson distribution.Findings – The Bayesian estimation approach provides at least 50 percent higher accuracy in terms of error measures compared to traditional methods in all scenarios examined in the empirical part. Hence, more precise results can be obtained when predicting product returns.Research limitations/implications – The flexibility of the proposed approach allows for numerous applications in the field of CLSC research. Areas that depend on the results from a forecasting system, such as inventory management, can embed our estimation procedure in orde...
TL;DR: A survey of environmental managers was conducted to examine the role of organizational support and individual environmental commitment on key informant perceptions of environmental organizational practices including participation in extra-organizational voluntary environmental programs, adoption of a company-specific environmental management system (EMS), and involvement in ISO 14000 certification as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Purpose – This study seeks to explore the roles of organizational support and environmental manager commitment on organizational environmental management practices.Design/methodology/approach – A survey of environmental managers was conducted to examine the role of organizational support and individual environmental commitment on key informant perceptions of environmental organizational practices including participation in extra‐organizational voluntary environmental programs, adoption of a company‐specific environmental management system (EMS), and involvement in ISO 14000 certification.Findings – Study findings demonstrate that high perceptions of organizational support for the environment affect the likelihood of an organization's implementation of environmental practices. Similarly, study findings indicate that higher levels of environmental commitment of the individual responsible for environmental management practices affects the likelihood of an organization's implementation of environmental practi...
TL;DR: In this paper, a decision support instrument for contracting in defence supply chains is proposed, based on conceptual work with illustrative case examples, and three alternative types of PBL contracting are recommended.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyse military logistics providing a decision support instrument for contracting in defence supply chains.Design/methodology/approach – This instrument – the Performance‐Based Logistics (PBL) portfolio – is developed following the contingency approach. Qualitative interviews and illustrative examples from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are used to validate the portfolio.Findings – The proposed portfolio examines a military demand in respect of its required effectiveness (robustness and resilience), and the suppliers' ability to influence efficiency (forecast and supply risk). In combination, the contingencies are used to recommend three alternative types of PBL contracting.Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on conceptual work with illustrative case examples. Therefore, although the authors believe that the PBL portfolio provides useful guidance for further research, the empirical applicability of this instrument must be proven.Originali...
TL;DR: In this paper, the effectiveness of two inventory-based policies for mitigating the impact of supply disruptions in a supply chain has been evaluated in terms of product availability measures under a wide range of frequency and duration of supply disruption.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine supply‐side disruptions in a supply chain, and to analyse the effectiveness of two inventory‐based policies for mitigating the impact of supply disruptions: maintaining strategic inventory reserves (the R‐policy), and using larger orders (the Q‐policy).Design/methodology/approach – The paper assess the effectiveness of two inventory‐based mitigating policies implemented at a reseller when end customer demand is stable but supply can be disrupted. An analytical model is provided, and numerical experiments are conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the policies for mitigating the impact of disruption under different disruption scenarios.Findings – Results indicate that the R‐policy performs consistently better than the Q‐policy in terms of product availability measures, as tested under a wide range of frequency and duration of supply disruptions.Practical implications – Supply chain trends of lean operations and global sourcing have exposed business orga...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the balance sheet structure of LSPs in order to find out if there are differences between single providers or defined LSP groups (clusters), respectively.
Abstract: Purpose – Despite the relevance of financial information relating to logistics service providers (LSPs), recent research has paid little attention to the financial analysis of LSPs. The aim of this paper is to examine the balance sheet structure of LSPs in order to find out if there are differences between single providers or defined LSP groups (clusters), respectively. Furthermore, the dependency of asset, capital and liquidity structures on LSPs specific characteristics is pointed out. Finally, we show which financial indicators positively influence profitability. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 150 quoted LSPs from all over the world, allocated to six different clusters depending on scope of service were examined. A detailed balance sheet analysis using contingency theory, complemented by a correlation analysis, provides information about the financial structure, similarities and differences within and in-between the LSP clusters. Findings – It was found that there are many differences regardi...
TL;DR: In this paper, an overview of the field of defence logistics is offered together with a discussion of the historical and contemporary issues that have confronted researchers and practitioners, and a research agenda for future work in the field is proposed.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the special issue on defence logistics. To achieve this, an overview of the field of defence logistics is offered together with a discussion of the historical and contemporary issues that have confronted researchers and practitioners. Current research is described, and a research agenda for future work in the field is proposed.Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based upon a conceptual discussion of defence logistics as it has been studied in the past and is being studied in the present, and a reflection on the ways in which past research can usefully inform future research agendas.Findings – The paper discusses the current state of defence logistics research, and proposes a research agenda for future work based upon the anticipated characteristics of future combat operations.Research limitations/implications – A future research agenda is proposed that is informed by recent transformations in the conduct of warfare, as well as thr...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed a framework of logistics alliance management capabilities, based on the dynamic capabilities approach of strategic management, with the aim of improving logistics alliance success, which offers a basis for a wider range of empirical studies.
Abstract: Purpose – Due to the continued high failure rate of logistics alliances, the purpose of this paper is to propose incorporating the widely neglected dynamic capabilities approach into the explanation of logistics alliance performance. Design/methodology/approach – The authors identify specific characteristics of logistics alliances that are used to argumentatively develop a framework of logistics alliance management capabilities. Findings – We propose an initial framework of logistics alliance management capabilities, based on the dynamic capabilities approach of strategic management, with the aim of improving logistics alliance success. Research limitations/implications – The presented framework offers a basis for a wider range of empirical studies. Qualitative researchers are encouraged to further specify and better understand the sub-processes that underlie logistics alliance management capabilities in different alliance settings. Quantitative studies could help to reliably assess the differences and pe...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the organizational factors that predict firm usage of supply chain management tools in two Eastern Europe countries, Slovenia and Croatia, while also comparing them to the global use of similar management tools.
Abstract: Purpose – In the global economy, managers of organizations are constantly innovating with their use of available supply chain management tools Some tools, like strategic planning and customer segmentation, have gained strong global acceptance while others are less universal The paper aims to focus the contribution on the organizational factors that predict firm usage of supply chain management tools in two Eastern Europe countries, Slovenia and Croatia, while also comparing them to the global use of similar management tools Design/methodology/approach – This research provides an empirical analysis of supply chain management tool usage from a survey of 155 firms in Slovenia and 185 firms in Croatia while also comparing these findings to results from a global Bain & Company survey Findings – The 25 most commonly used supply chain management tools in the Eastern European survey were found to be relatively similar to those used across Europe and North America However, further analysis of five selected to
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report the results of a survey of US logistics managers designed to assess the importance of business, logistics, and management skills and suggest that contemporary senior-level logistics executives may have the opportunity of rising to top management postions such as the Chief Executive Officer.
Abstract: With logistics increasingly adopting a strategic orientation in many firms, senior‐level logisticians must possess certain skills in order to successfully manage the logistics function. This article argues that the contemporary senior‐level logistics manager needs to be proficient in three categories namely: business, logistics and management skills. The purpose of this research is to report the results of a survey of US logistics managers designed to assess the importance of business, logistics, and management skills. Management skills emerged as the most important of the three, followed by logistics and business skills. These findings suggest that contemporary senior‐level logistics executives may have the opportunity of rising to top management postions such as the Chief Executive Officer ‐ a career path unheard of two decades ago.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the connection between strategy-linked outsourcing goals and measures of outsourcing performance, and find that firms with high commitment to growth and cost strategies tend to achieve cost-related performance at higher levels than firms with a lower commitment to same.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to examine the connection between strategy‐linked outsourcing goals and measures of outsourcing performance. The strategies of growth, cost, and differentiation (core competence) are examined in terms of their relationship with goal achievement and cost performance measures.Design/methodology/approach – Regression analysis and ANOVA were applied to survey data collected from 165 purchasing executives.Findings – Findings support a positive relationship between goal intensity for a single strategy and achievement of goals related to that strategy. Findings also suggest that firms with high commitment to growth and cost strategies tend to achieve cost‐related performance at higher levels than firms with a lower commitment to same. Finally, the findings also suggest that firms pursuing a single or dominant strategy achieve lower levels of cost saving performance, as compared with firms pursuing a “balanced” approach that emphasizes two or three different strategies in roughly equal m...
TL;DR: The paper provided empirical insights about the perceived impact of packaging logistics on EOT and clarified the relative impact levels in the relationship between packaging logistics and EOT.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore the perceived impact of packaging logistics on the efficiency of freight transportation (EOT), and examine the interaction and relationship between packaging logistics and EOT.Design/methodology/approach – The paper set up the conceptual model with seven hypotheses from the findings of previous literatures, and this model was tested with data and SEM.Findings – The paper provided empirical insights about the perceived impact of packaging logistics on EOT and clarified the relative impact levels in the relationship between packaging logistics and EOT.Research limitations/implications – In spite of the chosen research approach, the perceived impact of information system on EOT may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions in further studies.Practical implications – Findings of this study can be used by practioners to improve EOT and by researchers to investigate further studies.Originality/value – The paper fulfilled a...