Search results

1 – 10 of 894
Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 August 2021

Gabriella Gatenholm, Árni Halldórsson and Jenny Bäckstrand

The purpose of this paper is to identify requirements and tradeoffs on logistics services for enhanced circularity of materials and resources.

1714

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify requirements and tradeoffs on logistics services for enhanced circularity of materials and resources.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on multiple case study design and abductive reasoning, the study investigates 13 different product categories. The data were analyzed based on theoretical, a priori codes from the literature review. Inductive, emerging codes were added to the coding scheme during the analysis.

Findings

Requirements of logistics services to support slowing of resource flows are categorized with respect to initiator, location of the service, single or multiple actors, and transportation of parts, products and people. Moreover, the study identifies new logistics tradeoffs: material and people, knowledge and people, and information and knowledge. Transportation of product, people and parts can be reduced by increasing local knowledge and improve information sharing.

Research limitations/implications

This review contributes to the understanding of the relationship between logistics services and enhancement of circularity by highlighting requirements on logistics services in the aftermarket supply chain that support slowing of resource flows. To enhance circularity, logistics services must extend the traditional material information flow with the flow of people and knowledge, respectively.

Practical implications

The categorization provides practitioners and researchers with an overview of requirements and tradeoffs on logistics services to enhance circularity of a particular circular cycle. The implications will provide an opportunity to address environmental impact of transportation and improve the utilization of scarce materials.

Social implications

Variety of tradeoffs in logistics services can enhance slowing and hence circularity of scarce materials.

Originality/value

First, the authors illustrate how traditional tradeoffs in logistics such as flow of materials, resources and people need to be addressed to enhance circularity through slowing. Second, the authors identify two new tradeoffs in logistics services: knowledge flow and degree of customer involvement.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 51 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2013

Herwig Mittermayer and Carlos Rodríguez‐Monroy

The purpose of this paper is to present a simulation‐based evaluation method for the comparison of different organizational forms and software support levels in the field of…

2364

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a simulation‐based evaluation method for the comparison of different organizational forms and software support levels in the field of supply chain management (SCM).

Design/methodology/approach

Apart from widely known logistic performance indicators, the discrete event simulation model considers explicitly coordination cost as stemming from iterative administration procedures.

Findings

The method is applied to an exemplary supply chain configuration considering various parameter settings. Curiously, additional coordination cost does not always result in improved logistic performance. Influence factor variations lead to different organizational recommendations. The results confirm the high importance of (up to now) disregarded dimensions when evaluating SCM concepts and IT tools.

Research limitations/implications

The model is based on simplified product and network structures. Future research shall include more complex, real world configurations.

Practical implications

The developed method is designed for the identification of improvement potential when SCM software is employed. Coordination schemes based only on ERP systems are valid alternatives in industrial practice because significant investment IT can be avoided. Therefore, the evaluation of these coordination procedures, in particular the cost due to iterations, is of high managerial interest and the method provides a comprehensive tool for strategic IT decision making.

Originality/value

Reviewed literature is mostly focused on the benefits of SCM software implementations. However, ERP system based supply chain coordination is still widespread industrial practice but associated coordination cost has not been addressed by researchers.

Content available
Article
Publication date: 8 October 2021

Gunnar Stefánsson, Heidi Dreyer, Gyöngyi Kovács, Henrik Pålsson and Jan Stentoft

333

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 51 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2022

Mauro Vivaldini

This study discusses the influence of logistical immediacy on logistics service providers' (LSPs’) business. Specifically, its role in the face of the emerging business scenario…

1058

Abstract

Purpose

This study discusses the influence of logistical immediacy on logistics service providers' (LSPs’) business. Specifically, its role in the face of the emerging business scenario (e-commerce, disruptive technologies, and new models of logistical services) is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

As logistical immediacy is a nascent topic, this study utilizes a systematic literature review focusing on academic articles from the last five years related to logistical outsourcing to understand the changes imposed by logistical immediacy on LSPs.

Findings

The impact of transformations arising from an increasingly digital virtual world (DVW) on LSPs is contextualized. A theoretical view of the factors affecting LSPs' shift towards more immediate operations is presented, and how logistical immediacy impacts LSPs is discussed. Finally, a research agenda is presented as the study's main contribution.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the timeframe chosen, the restriction to a single database (Scopus), the specific search terms used related to LSPs, and limiting the search parameters to operations management, some relevant work may have been overlooked.

Practical implications

The article help LSPs' and contracting companies' managers to understand the influence of the immediacy expected in logistics operations. Possible logistics services trends and how they may impact companies are discussed.

Originality/value

This is one of the first articles in the area of operations and supply chains that addresses the issue of logistical immediacy and its impact on LSPs.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1989

Richard Germain

This empirical research investigates the effect of productstandardisation on logistics in a cross‐section of United Statesmanufacturers. Relying on contingency theory, the effect…

4383

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.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Materials Management, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0269-8218

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2018

Raed AlHusain and Reza Khorramshahgol

The purpose of this paper is twofold. Initially, a multi-objective binary integer programming model is proposed for designing an appropriate supply chain that takes into…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. Initially, a multi-objective binary integer programming model is proposed for designing an appropriate supply chain that takes into consideration both responsiveness and efficiency. Then, a responsiveness-cost efficient frontier is generated for the supply chain design that can help organizations find the right balance between responsiveness and efficiency, and hence achieve a strategic fit between organizational strategy and supply chain capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed SC design model used both cross-functional and logistical SC drivers to build a binary integer programming model. To this end, various alternative solutions that correspond to different SC design portfolios were generated and a responsiveness-cost efficient frontier was constructed.

Findings

Various alternative solutions that correspond to different SC designs were generated and a responsiveness-cost efficient frontier was constructed to help the decision makers to design SC portfolios to achieve a strategic fit between organizational strategy and SC capabilities.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology enables the decision makers to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative judgements in SC design. The methodology is easy to use and it can be readily implemented by a software.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology allows for subjective value judgements of the decision makers to be considered in SC design and the efficiency-responsiveness frontier generated by the methodology provides a trade-off to be used when choosing between speed and cost efficiency in SC design.

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2010

James A. Larson, Tun‐Hsiang Yu, Burton C. English, Daniel F. Mooney and Chenguang Wang

The US Department of Energy has a goal to make ethanol from biomass cost competitive with petroleum by 2012. Feedstock procurement is expected to represent a significant portion…

1250

Abstract

Purpose

The US Department of Energy has a goal to make ethanol from biomass cost competitive with petroleum by 2012. Feedstock procurement is expected to represent a significant portion of the operating costs for a refinery that produces ethanol from biomass such as switchgrass. Thus, cost‐effective feedstock logistics will be a key factor for the future development of a capital intensive cellulosic ethanol industry. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the cost of various logistic methods of switchgrass production, harvesting, storing, and transportation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applied enterprise budgeting and geographical information system (GIS) software to analyze the costs of three logistic methods of acquiring switchgrass feedstock for a 25 million gallon per year refinery. Procurement methods included traditional large round and rectangular bale harvest and storage systems and satellite preprocessing facilities using field‐chopped material. The analysis evaluated tradeoffs in operating costs, dry matter losses during storage, and investment requirements among the three systems.

Findings

Results suggest that the preprocessing system outperformed the conventional bale harvest methods in the delivered costs of switchgrass.

Practical implications

The cost savings in harvest, transportation, and dry matter losses for the preprocessing system offset their extensive capital costs and generated cost advantages over the conventional methods.

Social implications

The traditional round bale system has a higher overall investment cost, may not be the most cost‐effective way to procure switchgrass feedstock for a refinery, and may limit farmer participation in the feedstock value chain.

Originality/value

GIS methods combined with enterprise budgeting can be useful tools for evaluating investment in feedstock supply chain infrastructure.

Details

Agricultural Finance Review, vol. 70 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-1466

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2011

Danilo Hisano Barbosa and Marcel Andreotti Musetti

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how performance measurement systems (PMSs) can be used to support the key elements of the logistics change process.

3128

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how performance measurement systems (PMSs) can be used to support the key elements of the logistics change process.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analytical framework is based upon the review of the mainstream literature on PMS and its use in the organizational change process. Two case studies in high logistical performing companies from the manufacturing sector were undertaken to describe how the use of PMS supports their logistics change process.

Findings

The results from both case studies showed that the use of PMS can support all elements of the logistics change process, which is triggered by the monitoring and analysis of the current situation, its management and finally the compilation and interpretation of performance results. This last stage is responsible for reviewing performance measures and providing feedback for further change and improvement initiatives.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first empirical analysis of the role played by the use of PMS in the logistics change process in high logistical performing companies. Furthermore, it is the first research to investigate logistics performance measurement from the perspective of logistics excellence and change management models to propose a guide to measure performance and lead change process in this area.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 60 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2009

Rohit Bhatnagar and Chee‐Chong Teo

The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues, tradeoffs, and models relating to two important sets of problems that arise in supply chain management – complexities in…

15861

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues, tradeoffs, and models relating to two important sets of problems that arise in supply chain management – complexities in extended supply chains and network coordination in globally dispersed supply chains. This paper highlights the role of logistics in enhancing the competitiveness of firms that operate a global supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper encompasses conceptual research and detailed literature review of key issues.

Findings

This review indicates that the key challenges faced by supply chain managers due to extended supply chains are non‐stationary demand, variability propagation, and inventory imbalances. For network coordination managers must determine the role of facilities in a global network, identify the optimal location and capacity of facilities as well as role of consolidation hubs. For the above challenges, the tradeoffs in terms of four key drivers of supply chain performance – transportation, inventory, information, and facilities and relate these to key measures of supply chain performance are described. Important directions for future research are also identified.

Research limitations/implications

Test cases are needed to validate and refine the framework presented. Developing case studies that gather appropriate data to test out the models described would be important.

Practical implications

Companies with a global supply chain as well as third party logistics companies will find the framework presented in this paper very useful.

Originality/value

A new integrated framework that incorporates key decision issues like complexities of extended supply chains and network coordination into the firm's decision making has been presented. This has not been reported in previous research.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2009

Regan Lam, Suzan Burton and Hing‐Po Lo

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a method for estimating the tradeoffs that banking customers make between different attributes of a service, thus allowing businesses…

2765

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate a method for estimating the tradeoffs that banking customers make between different attributes of a service, thus allowing businesses to estimate the likely impact on customer loyalty of changes in different attributes of a service.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected using a mail survey that was sent to small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) decision makers in Hong Kong. The data were then analyzed using a choice modeling approach in the form of ordinal logistic regression.

Findings

Both affective components, such as relational bonds, and cognitive components, such as perceived service quality, are shown to influence customers' switching behavior. The specific tradeoffs that customers make between these attributes are also estimated.

Research limitations/implications

This study is the first to quantify the effect of different variables on SME customer loyalty in a largely disloyal services sector. The study also demonstrates and quantifies the tradeoffs that customers make between various cognitive and affective attributes.

Practical implications

The tradeoff analysis shows how improvement in one attribute can have an impact that is equivalent to a change in another attribute. This provides additional strategic options for financial services marketers to cost‐effectively achieve a higher level of loyalty.

Originality/value

The study is the first to show how choice modeling can be used to calculate the tradeoffs that customers make in their purchase decisions, thereby providing financial services marketers with an effective way to estimate the impact of alternative strategies on customer loyalty.

Details

International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol. 27 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-2323

Keywords

1 – 10 of 894