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Article
Publication date: 1 January 1983

Jacques Picard

Most of the existing literature on international physical distribution management comprises articles connected with specific problems or opportunities regarding international

Abstract

Most of the existing literature on international physical distribution management comprises articles connected with specific problems or opportunities regarding international transportation, documentation, warehousing, packaging, parts, facilities, etc. The vast majority of these articles relate the experience of one particular company, and although they are highly informative, they leave the field of international physical distribution with a serious shortage of research and conceptualisation. Furthermore, organisational issues connected to control and authority over the physical flow of finished products in a multinational corporation have, so far, been neglected.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0269-8218

Article
Publication date: 22 January 2019

Rohit Titiyal, Sujoy Bhattacharya and Jitesh J. Thakkar

The purpose of this paper is to apply a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to evaluate distribution strategies for an e-tailer. An application of MCDM method, the…

1047

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to evaluate distribution strategies for an e-tailer. An application of MCDM method, the hybrid DANP–VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) model, is used for e-tailers’ distribution strategy evaluation. The choice of distribution strategies under various dimensions is evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a hybrid MCDM model to solve the decision-making framework, which combines Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), DEMATEL-based analytic network process and VIKOR method. Data were collected from the experts (e-tail manager, logistics manager, operations manager and distribution center (DC) manager) using two questionnaires, first for the influential relationship among the criteria and dimensions and second for a performance rating of each alternative (distribution strategies) against each criterion.

Findings

DANP with VIKOR method prioritizes the distribution strategies in the following order: DC shipment, drop shipment, click and collect, store shipment and click and reserve. Performance gap was calculated based on the VIKOR method to provide distribution strategies to an e-tailer under different situations. The authors infer that in developing country, product characteristics and transportation have a major influence on deciding the distribution strategy.

Practical implications

Decision-making framework will provide e-tail mangers a knowledge-based understanding to select the distribution strategy under the different situations related to the performance, product, e-tailer and external characteristics for smooth order fulfillment process. The insights developed by this research provide a framework for rational decision making in distribution strategy selection in e-business.

Originality/value

This is the first kind of a study which offers a decision framework for e-tail managers on how to choose distribution strategies under different situations which are related to the performance, product, e-tailer and external characteristics.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1997

Jacques Picard

Presents an exploratory study to define the organizational approaches available to multinational corporations in their attempt to optimize their global PD operations.

1105

Abstract

Presents an exploratory study to define the organizational approaches available to multinational corporations in their attempt to optimize their global PD operations.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 27 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Ching-Chiao Yang

The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of…

1636

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of international distribution center operators (IDCOs) in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. A two-steps structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was performed in this study to test the research hypotheses. The first step is performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the validity of the measurement model. The second step proceeds to estimate the structural model between latent variables.

Findings

A five-dimension scale including open-mindedness (O), commitment to learning (C), system perspective (E), partner learning (A), and shared vision (N) was proposed in this study and was supported by CFA analysis to measure IDCOs’ logistics learning capability in this study. Results of SEM indicated that logistics learning capability is positively related to logistics service capability, whereas logistics service capability is also positively related to organizational performance. Although logistics learning capability has no direct relationship to organizational performance, we found it indirectly affects organizational performance via logistics service capability.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily focusses on the effect of logistics learning on organizational performance. Future research could incorporate environmental uncertainty as a moderator to assess its impact on the relationship between logistics learning capability and organizational performance.

Practical implications

IDCOs can enhance customer service and financial performance by developing logistics learning capability and specifically focussing efforts on supply chain partner learning.

Originality/value

This study presents the first to examine the effects of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of IDCOs. Particularly, this study proposes a five-dimension logistics learning capability scale from a supply chain perspective.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

M.B.M. de Koster and P.M.J. Warffemius

This paper aims to report a survey carried out among European distribution centres (EDCs) in The Netherlands. EDCs are forerunners in implementing advanced logistics systems…

4958

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to report a survey carried out among European distribution centres (EDCs) in The Netherlands. EDCs are forerunners in implementing advanced logistics systems, since they are responsible for the distribution of a manufacturer's products to customers in a larger part of Europe, Middle East and Africa, often with strict service level agreements.

Design/methodology/approach

Warehouses with different outsourcing relations (own‐account, dedicated outsourced and public outsourced) are compared on operational aspects, performance, and future developments. Moreover, within the group of own‐account warehouses, especially Asian and American operations are tested for differences.

Findings

Outsourced warehouse operations appear to have a higher percentage of error‐free deliveries and to be more flexible than own‐account operations. Based on the literature it was expected that a difference in productivity and quality between American and Asian EDCs would be found. Some differences in operations are found. For example, Asian EDCs put more effort in quality methods and involve more native managers. However, significant differences in productivity and quality levels were not found. Apparently, the differences in operations do not have a substantial effect on the warehouse performance.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to compare advanced warehouse operations from different origins, either operated by service providers or not.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 25 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

Marina Cardoso Guimarães, Guilherme Tortorella, Carlos Manoel Taboada, Moacir Godinho Filho and Felipe Martinez

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the main decisions for designing distribution centers (DCs) and the contextual characteristics of the distribution networks.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between the main decisions for designing distribution centers (DCs) and the contextual characteristics of the distribution networks.

Design/methodology/approach

Experts were surveyed and responses analyzed quantitatively through multivariate data techniques. This study considered four contextual characteristics that were deemed as influential for DC design: types of routes in the distribution network, quantity of DCs, distribution network levels and company size.

Findings

This paper evidenced which decisions are affected by each contextual characteristic encompassed in this study. This paper identified that the characteristic types of route in the distribution network must be carefully considered, as it had the greatest amount of associations with the decisions for designing a DC.

Originality/value

Despite its importance, most studies on design of DCs disregard the effect of the context in which DCs are inserted. This research provides arguments to support decision-making process of DCs design, increasing assertiveness of their planning. This work fulfills a literature gap by empirically examining the effect of contextual variables on the decisions related to DC design. Regarding practice, this paper addressed a fundamental issue for managers looking to design a DC, as it evidenced how contextual characteristics impact the decision-making.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Maria Giuffrida, Riccardo Mangiaracina, Alessandro Perego and Angela Tumino

This paper reviews scientific publications in the field of logistics underlying cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) to China. A focus on the role played in this complex process by…

9878

Abstract

Purpose

This paper reviews scientific publications in the field of logistics underlying cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) to China. A focus on the role played in this complex process by other countries of the Greater China is carried out. The purpose of this paper is to outline directions for future research to encourage CBEC development.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is based on 32 papers published from 2002 to 2016 in international peer-reviewed journals or proceedings of international conferences, retrieved from bibliographic databases and science search engines.

Findings

CBEC to China is gaining increasing interest, as shown by the rising amount of publications from 2013 onwards. Within these contributions, however, studies specifically investigating the relation between logistics and e-commerce, commonly acknowledged as critical, seem to lack. Many contributions are descriptive and do not provide specific insights on how to manage the complexities of CBEC logistics in this region. Stemming from the review, a set of possible development areas are identified, including distribution network design, i.e. deciding how to shape the CBEC distribution structure, and logistics outsourcing, i.e. determining whether to manage logistics activities in-house or through third parties.

Originality/value

To the extent of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to classify the existing body of knowledge on logistics supporting CBEC. Its main contribution is the critical identification of current research gaps and the proposal of key themes for future research. From a managerial perspective, it helps export and logistics managers identify the key challenges of managing CBEC logistics to Greater China.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 47 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1982

Jacques Picard

An essential part of any manufacturing company's set of decisions is its distribution policy. This is very often referred to in the marketing literature as the “place” or …

Abstract

An essential part of any manufacturing company's set of decisions is its distribution policy. This is very often referred to in the marketing literature as the “place” or “distribution mix” decision. This set of decisions might in turn, be divided into two subsets—channel decisions and physical distribution (logistics) decisions. Channel decisions deal with the choice of intermediaries between the producer of a good and the final user. Physical distribution decisions deal with the arrangements for “locating, stocking and shipping a company's goods to meet the service requirements of the marketplace”.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0269-8218

Article
Publication date: 1 August 1995

Huan Neng Chiu

Presents a framework for distribution companies to establish andimprove their logistics systems continuously. Recently, much attentionhas been given to automation in services, the…

7442

Abstract

Presents a framework for distribution companies to establish and improve their logistics systems continuously. Recently, much attention has been given to automation in services, the use of new information technology and the integration of the supply chain. Discusses these areas, which have great potential to increase logistics productivity and provide customers with high level service. The exploration of each area is enriched with Taiwanese logistics management practices and experiences. Includes a case study of one prominent food processor and retailer in Taiwan in order to demonstrate the pragmatic operations of the integrated logistics management system. Also, a survey of 45 Taiwanese retailers was conducted to investigate the extent of logistics management in Taiwan. Concludes by suggesting how distribution companies can overcome noticeable logistics management barriers, build store automation systems, and follow the key steps to logistics success.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Riccardo Mangiaracina, Guang Song and Alessandro Perego

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it classifies research on distribution network design (DND) according to the methodologies adopted and themes tackled. Second, it…

4127

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it classifies research on distribution network design (DND) according to the methodologies adopted and themes tackled. Second, it discusses the main implications for practitioners. Finally, it proposes a few promising directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The review is based on 126 papers published from 1972 to 2013 in international peer-reviewed journals in the Business, Management and Economics field. The academic papers have been analyzed and classified based on the main research methods used and the themes tackled.

Findings

It was found that most of the earlier research adopted quantitative models to deal with different decisions on DND, whereas the number of conceptual papers, proposing frameworks and classifications, is still limited. In all, 42 factors that affect DND have been identified and classified into five groups, and the relationships between factor groups and strategic decisions have been investigated. This study revealed that some important areas have not received much attention in the literature and, therefore, three potential directions for further research have been identified.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the extremely large number of papers on DND, it is possible that a few papers may have inadvertently been missed. Despite the possibility of not being all-inclusive, the authors firmly believe that the general picture presented in this paper is precise and trustworthy.

Originality/value

This review offers valuable insights for practitioners: a clear understanding of the main decisions related to DND; a comprehensive analysis of the main factors that affect the distribution network structure; a clear understanding of the relationships between factor groups and key decisions; and a guide to the models that can be used to support the different phases of DND.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 45 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

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