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1 – 10 of 554
Article
Publication date: 9 August 2013

John E. Spillan, Michael A. McGinnis, Ali Kara and George Liu Yi

The purpose of this manuscript is to empirically compare logistics strategies in Chinese and US manufacturing firms and the outcomes of these strategies to test the underlying…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this manuscript is to empirically compare logistics strategies in Chinese and US manufacturing firms and the outcomes of these strategies to test the underlying factor structure and measurement equivalences of Bowersox/Daugherty model and its relationship with critical success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from Chinese and American logistics managers. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), the authors compared the three dimensions of the overall logistics strategy (OLS) – process strategy, market strategy, and information strategy – in two countries. A structural equation model (SEM) was then used to assess the impact of OLS on perceived competitiveness in two countries.

Findings

Although the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of the two countries differed substantially, the findings were similar. Data from both countries provided strong support for the three dimensions of overall logistic strategy (OLS). In addition, it was found that OLS, when combined with logistics coordination effectiveness (LCE) and customer service effectiveness (CSE), contributes to organizational effectiveness (COMP).

Practical implications

This research provides insights into comparative logistics in two large disparate economies and provides support for the Bowersox/Daugherty logistics/supply chain management typology.

Originality/value

This manuscript provides insights into comparative logistics/supply chain management that have not been previously reported through empirical research.

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2014

Mahour Mellat-Parast and John E. Spillan

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of logistics and supply chain integration on firm competitiveness in manufacturing firms.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of logistics and supply chain integration on firm competitiveness in manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the resource-based view of competitive advantage along with the transaction cost economics theory, the authors address the critical role of logistics and supply chain strategy as the driver of logistics and supply chain integration and firm competitiveness. Structural equation modeling is used to determine the effect of two sets of logistics and supply chain integration practices (logistics/supply chain information integration and logistics/supply chain process integration) along with logistics outsourcing decision practices (logistics investment decisions and private warehousing decisions) on firm competitiveness.

Findings

The results indicate that logistics/supply chain strategy is the main driver of logistics and supply chain integration and logistics decisions. Furthermore, the findings suggest that logistics/supply chain process integration is the most significant predictor of firm's competitive position.

Research limitations/implications

Further examination and testing of the proposed model across multiple contexts is necessary for validity of the findings.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that provide an empirical analysis on the importance of different sources of integration (information and process) in logistics and supply chain and their impact on firm competitiveness.

Content available
Article
Publication date: 21 November 2018

Yui-Yip Lau, Adolf K.Y. Ng, Ka-Chai Tam and Erico Ka Kan Chan

This paper aims to investigate the development of logistics and supply chain education through conducting comparative study between high diploma and associate degree. This study…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the development of logistics and supply chain education through conducting comparative study between high diploma and associate degree. This study will critically review the added value of sub-degree courses of professional education. What exactly drives sub-degree students to enroll for a high diploma and associate degree program in maritime logistics and supply chain studies? How do they select to enroll such programs? Do such programs foster the students to equip in the professions? What do they look for obtaining professional status afterwards?

Design/methodology/approach

To address the stated queries, this study will analyze students’ evaluation of the effectiveness of sub-degree education and their motivation on enrolling these courses through a questionnaire survey.

Findings

In the context of higher education, sub-degrees of professional studies experienced tremendous growth in recent decades. Many academic institutions have recorded an upward trend in providing professional education on subjects that traditionally focused on apprentice-style, non-academic learning approach. However, the reasons behind the steady growth of the demand of sub-degree level of professional education have been under-researched.

Research limitations/implications

This research is based on Hong Kong data only.

Originality/value

The paper not only increases the scope and depth of research area in logistics and supply chain education but also contributes theoretically to the understanding on the curriculum of sub-degree logistics and supply chain programs.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2022

Maira Bauer, Almas Mukhametov and Pavel Trifonov

This paper seeks to assess the capabilities and maturity of supply chain planning and product quality management systems implemented by the dairy industries in three different…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to assess the capabilities and maturity of supply chain planning and product quality management systems implemented by the dairy industries in three different countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, and Lithuania.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a systematic analysis of statistical information, the descriptors of the logistics supply chain efficiency were identified. Directions for dairy supply chain management improvement were also highlighted. The study uses secondary statistics from open sources as a basis for the comparative analysis across a range of indicators, including the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), the dairy products quantity, the production volume of milk and dairy products, and other indicators characterizing the dairy industry.

Findings

The results of this study suggest the inconsistency and narrowness of single indexes and ranking, which are traditionally used to evaluate the logistics system. LPI values confirmed that the internal efficiency of the Lithuanian logistics system exceeds similar systems in Russia and Kazakhstan.

Social implications

In this paper, ways to improve supply chain management of dairy products in the context of globalization have been determined, the prerequisites for the formation of the perishable goods market according to the balance of supply and demand and the institutional mechanism of this process, which represents important information for all interested economic agents, have been analyzed.

Originality/value

The proposed approach points to the importance of having detailed information on the supply chain infrastructure and the need to introduce a single information space based on modern information and communication technologies.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2018

John E. Spillan, Alma Mintu-Wimsatt and Ali Kara

The purpose of this paper is to assess the robustness of the three (Bowersox and Daugherty, 1987) dimensions (process, market and information strategies) of logistics strategy in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the robustness of the three (Bowersox and Daugherty, 1987) dimensions (process, market and information strategies) of logistics strategy in a Chinese manufacturing environment. In addition, the impact of the three dimensions, coordination and customer service on the organizational competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers firms is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey hosted at Sojump.com and disseminated to members of a manufacturing trade association. A total of 513 completed responses were generated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation model (SEM) were used to test the hypothesized relationships in the conceptual model.

Findings

The findings suggest that the three dimensions of the Bowersox and Daugherty (1987) were relevant to the Chinese manufacturing environment. The authors also found that the overall logistics strategy measured by the three dimensions as well as coordination and customer service effectiveness positively influenced Chinese manufacturing firms’ competiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Further research into logistics and supply chain management may benefit from expanding the understanding to include antecedents and moderating factors (e.g. competition, market turbulence and differences in business environment) into the model. Future studies on cross-cultural logistics/supply chain management logistics may benefit from the application of strategy-structure-process (SSP) approaches similar to those discussed in this manuscript.

Practical implications

This study attempted to provide a robust conceptual framework to increase the understanding of the role of logistics/supply chain management strategy and provide insights to managers seeking to improve firm competitiveness. An essential implication of the conceptual model presented in this manuscript is the dynamics of logistics strategy as a competitive tool.

Social implications

The findings provide an understanding of how business and manufacturing are operating in various locations in China with opportunities for employment and socio-economic gain among the population of these geographic locations. Having employment can provide a better quality of life and assist the community in developing its opportunities for other groups.

Originality/value

As the current Chinese administration seeks to achieve its goal of generating higher value-added production through its “Made in China 2025” initiative, the results the authors represent are quite timely and insightful. Examining manufacturing firms’ logistics strategies (i.e., OLS), coordination and customer service could provide state planners (SOEs) and/or privately owned Chinese manufacturers insights on how to move closer towards their aforementioned goal and achieve global competitiveness.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2019

Ruchini Senarath Jayasinghe, Nicholas Chileshe and Raufdeen Rameezdeen

The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergies among reverse logistics supply chain (RLSC), quality management (QM) and information management (IM) concepts to enhance the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergies among reverse logistics supply chain (RLSC), quality management (QM) and information management (IM) concepts to enhance the effectiveness of demolition waste management (DWM) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using 70 articles published between the years of 2006 and 2017, which were subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis.

Findings

The descriptive analysis established that the RLSC concept was dealt within the majority of the publications (61 per cent), followed by concepts related to quality in RLSC (24 per cent). Only 14 per cent of the articles were based on IM concepts related to RLSC. Quality and information are interrelated in the effective implementation of RLSC. The thematic analysis demonstrated that there is a need for using quality parameters in a regulatory environment in an information-based environment. Based on the findings, future research directions were developed.

Research limitations/implications

The study encourages researchers to identify novel directions by combining these three concepts. The study developed a future research agenda regarding use of building information modelling (BIM) for existing buildings under novel technologies; analysis of secondary market demand and supply; and assessment of cost and safety management with quality in a BIM-enabled environment.

Practical implications

The practical implications include the application of sustainable management principles based on stakeholders and the regulatory environment.

Originality/value

Integration of the three concepts is an emerging area. This integration developed a robust approach to achieve QM in RLSC operations under a sound information flow enabling the optimisation of DWM.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 July 2020

Barbara Gaudenzi, Ilenia Confente and Ivan Russo

This study aims to investigate the logistics service quality (LSQ) from a supply chain quality perspective. The purpose is twofold: (1) to investigate how business customers…

11947

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the logistics service quality (LSQ) from a supply chain quality perspective. The purpose is twofold: (1) to investigate how business customers perceive the LSQ dimensions in business-to-business (B2B) relationships, with a particular focus on the role of logistics service providers and (2) to analyse the manner in which such dimensions, when combined, lead to high levels of customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected through a survey of a sample of Italian food companies are analysed using a qualitative comparative analysis approach. The analysis explores ways of achieving customer satisfaction through different combinations of LSQ dimensions and not only via a “single recipe,” as in most symmetrical methods.

Findings

The study describes how seven dimensions of LSQ lead to achieve customer satisfaction, particularly highlighting and discussing how the different LSQ constructs lead to gain high customer satisfaction via different configurations. This approach is unique in identifying not only linear relationships among variables as traditional statistical methods do, via a configurational approach.

Research limitations/implications

Most academic studies in the related literature investigate service quality from a quality management and a supply chain management perspective. This study fills the existing gap in the analysis of B2B relationships, focusing on the role of third-party logistics (3PL) service providers.

Practical implications

The study presents useful implications for practitioners, describing several ways in which 3PL service providers can combine LSQ dimensions to perform a continuous improvement of customer experience and to gain higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study fills the existing gap in the analysis of B2B relationships, using the lens of quality management and supply chain management perspectives, and focusing on the role of 3PL service providers.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Lixu Li, Yeming Gong, Zhiqiang Wang and Shan Liu

Although big data may enhance the visibility, transparency, and responsiveness of supply chains, whether it is effective for improving supply chain performance in a turbulent…

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Abstract

Purpose

Although big data may enhance the visibility, transparency, and responsiveness of supply chains, whether it is effective for improving supply chain performance in a turbulent environment, especially in mitigating the impact of COVID-19, is unclear. The research question the authors addressed is: How do logistics firms improve the supply chain performance in COVID-19 through big data and supply chain integration (SCI)?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a mixed-method approach with four rounds of data collection. A three-round survey of 323 logistics firms in 26 countries in Europe, America, and Asia was first conducted. The authors then conducted in-depth interviews with 55 logistics firms.

Findings

In the first quantitative study, the authors find mediational mechanisms through which big data analytics technology capability (BDATC) and SCI influence supply chain performance. In particular, BDATC and SCI are two second-order capabilities that help firms develop three first-order capabilities (i.e. proactive capabilities, reactive capabilities, and resource reconfiguration) and eventually lead to innovation capability and disaster immunity that allow firms to survive in COVID-19 and improve supply chain performance. The results of the follow-up qualitative analysis not only confirm the inferences from the quantitative analysis but also provide complementary insights into organizational culture and the institutional environment.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to supply chain risk management by developing a three-level hierarchy of capabilities framework and finding a mechanism with the links between big data and big disaster. The authors also provide managerial implications for logistics firms to address the new management challenges posed by COVID-19.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 October 2023

Lu Wang, Jun Zhang, Jian Li, Huayi Yu and Jun Li

This study aims to provide a series of drivers that prompt the blockchain technology (BT) adoption decisions in circular supply chain finance (SCF) and also assesses their degrees…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a series of drivers that prompt the blockchain technology (BT) adoption decisions in circular supply chain finance (SCF) and also assesses their degrees of influence and interrelationships, which leads to the construction of a theoretical model depicting the influence mechanism of BT adoption decisions in circular SCF.

Design/methodology/approach

This study mainly uses the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, which focuses on the aspects based on the nature of innovation, intra-organizational characteristics and extra environmental consideration, to identify the drivers of blockchain adoption in circular SCF context, while the significance and causality of the drivers are explained using interpreting structural models (ISMs) and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that government policy and technological comparative advantage are the underlying reasons for BT adoption decisions, management commitment and financial expectations are the critical drivers of BT adoption decisions while other factors are the receivers of the mechanism.

Practical implications

This study provides theoretical references and empirical insights that influence the technology adoption decisions of both BT and circular SCF by practitioners.

Originality/value

The theoretical research contributes significantly to current research and knowledge in both BT and circular SCF fields, especially by extending the existing TOE model by combining relevant enablers from technological, organizational and external environmental aspects with the financial performance objectives of circular SCF services, which refer to the optimization of the financial resources flows and financing efficiency.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2011

Jonathan W. Kohn, Michael A. McGinnis and Ali Kara

The purpose of this paper is to assess relevance of the three dimensions (process strategy, market strategy, and information strategy) of the Bowersox and Daugherty typology to…

2458

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess relevance of the three dimensions (process strategy, market strategy, and information strategy) of the Bowersox and Daugherty typology to logistics strategy and organizational competitive outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data gathered from US logistics managers were analyzed using second‐order factor analysis to examine the Bowersox/Daugherty typology's relevance to logistics strategy and organizational competitive responsiveness.

Findings

The findings identify overall logistics strategy and its effect on logistics coordination effectiveness, customer service effectiveness and organizational competitive responsiveness. Implications for teachers and practitioners of logistics and supply chain management are discussed.

Practical implications

The paper's findings expand the understanding of logistics strategy's role in organizational competitive responsiveness. In addition, the findings of this paper provide a foundation for future research into comparative studies of business logistics management and supply chain management.

Originality/value

The paper provides empirical insights that could facilitate the development of logistics management/supply chain management theory.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

1 – 10 of 554