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1 – 10 of over 4000As logistics talents in both Taiwan and Hong Kong are expanding their work area to Greater China, it is best to understand the competencies that logistics talents should possess…
Abstract
As logistics talents in both Taiwan and Hong Kong are expanding their work area to Greater China, it is best to understand the competencies that logistics talents should possess. With this in mind, this study takes Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan as the study scope, as well as logistics teaching and research experts and scholars as the study objects. The research findings can not only serve as informative references for universities intent on cultivating logistics talents, but as well as enhance the scope of both Taiwan and Hong Kong talents’ competence that can pave the way to the development of the logistics business in Greater China.
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Matthias Sohn, Werner Sohn, Thorsten Klaas-Wissing and Bernhard Hirsch
Job markets in the transport and logistics industry are characterized by a scarcity of well-educated junior talent. Employer attractiveness is becoming more important in order to…
Abstract
Purpose
Job markets in the transport and logistics industry are characterized by a scarcity of well-educated junior talent. Employer attractiveness is becoming more important in order to win the most talented junior staff. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how corporate social performance (CSP) profiles of logistics companies influence their attractiveness for job seekers.
Design/methodology/approach
In a computerized laboratory experiment, the authors provided 95 students in their final year with job offer data that include general and CSP information about the company, and the job seeker’s potential salary. The authors manipulated how the CSP information was presented and monitored the information accessed during job seekers’ decision-making processes. The authors investigated how information presentation affected choices.
Findings
The vast majority of talent acquires CSP information in the pre-decision phase of the judgment, compares this information across companies, and trades off this information with the conditions of employment. The authors find that the ease of comparability of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information, expressed by meaningful indicators of CSP, increased preference for high CSP.
Research limitations/implications
The study enriches existing studies of voluntary disclosure, which argue that voluntary disclosing sustainability-related information can be a tool of impression management.
Practical implications
Companies with a compelling CSP should push for a broadly accepted methodology to benchmark CSP within industry-specific sectors, such as logistics services.
Social implications
Potential employees demand that companies should consider their social impact on individuals and society as a whole. To remain attractive for employees companies in transport and logistics industry have to cope with a broader scope of expectations.
Originality/value
The authors provide the first analysis on the relevance of CSP information for employer attractiveness in the transport and logistics industry. This research provides insights into the relevance of CSP criteria, information provision, and comparability processes from the perspective of young job seekers.
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Luoyi Sun and Guang Song
The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it describes the general characteristics of studies on logistics and supply chain education (L&SCE). Second, it classifies…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it describes the general characteristics of studies on logistics and supply chain education (L&SCE). Second, it classifies identified papers on the basis of their main research methods and issues. Finally, it proposes some meaningful directions for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
Seventy-three papers published since 2000 in international peer-reviewed journals were reviewed using a systematic review methodology. The collected papers were analyzed and classified on the basis of research methods and issues.
Findings
It was found that most papers on L&SCE were published in journals in the logistics and supply chain management field and were conducted by either a single or mixed-method approach. The survey-based approach was the most preferred method. The contribution of this study is twofold. First, the identification of the five competencies and 49 skills required of logistics and supply chain talents was performed along with the analysis of the 42 courses and the teaching methods. Second, this study revealed some important aspects that have received inadequate attention in the literature and proposed potential research directions.
Originality/value
This paper provides academics and practitioners alike with a guide to extant literature. The proposed framework of the competencies and skills required of talents could be a guide to develop competence in both students and employees. The summary of the curriculum and the matrix of relationships between the relevant courses and competencies can be used by educators to improve L&SCE. Finally, the proposed research directions are meaningful for academics.
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Michael J. Maloni, David M. Gligor, Robin A. Cheramie and Elizabeth M. Boyd
A talent shortage and underrepresentation of women in logistics emphasize the need to assess the logistics work culture. As logistics practitioners face round-the-clock job…
Abstract
Purpose
A talent shortage and underrepresentation of women in logistics emphasize the need to assess the logistics work culture. As logistics practitioners face round-the-clock job pressures, work–family conflict presents one such opportunity for study. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of supervisors and mentoring on work interference with family (WIF) and subsequent job satisfaction and intent to leave logistics.
Design/methodology/approach
Under role conflict theory, the authors apply structural equation modeling to survey data of logistics practitioners, focusing on time, strain and behavior WIF sources.
Findings
The results highlight the complexity of WIF in logistics. Strain and behavior-based WIF relate to job satisfaction, which then relates to intent to leave logistics. Family-supportive supervisors reduce time and strain-based WIF, and mentoring provides complementary support for behavior-based WIF. However, mentoring also yields unintended contradictory effects for women as detrimental to time-based WIF.
Research limitations/implications
The relatively small sample size, particularly for women, limits generalizability of the results.
Practical implications
To foster supportive work environments, logistics organizations must train supervisors and mentors to resolve employee WIF, including its different sources and gender-specific impacts.
Originality/value
The interplay of supervisors and mentors has not been well studied to date. Also, the contradictory impacts of mentoring for women based on WIF sources challenges WIF literature and issues warnings for mentoring in professional practice. Finally, the results provide insight into the talent shortage and gender imbalance in logistics that lack empirical study.
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Sean P. Goffnett, Robert L. Cook, Zachary Williams and Brian J. Gibson
Career shifts and talent shortages in supply chain management (SCM) are evident at most occupation levels and need further attention and understanding. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Career shifts and talent shortages in supply chain management (SCM) are evident at most occupation levels and need further attention and understanding. The purpose of this paper is to present factors that shape SCM career expectations, choices, and satisfaction and to advance career theory and research that is currently absent in SCM literature.
Design/methodology/approach
This study administered open‐ended surveys to individuals educated and working in SCM to elicit the satisfaction and dissatisfaction that professionals derive from various aspects of their SCM careers. Resulting data were content analyzed and categorized into major themes representing career satisfiers (likes) and dissatisfiers (dislikes).
Findings
This exploratory study found evidence of traditional career components and the presences of objective and subjective components that transcend organizational boundaries. The results indicate an emergence of the boundaryless career concept in SCM, as the SCM career appears less dependent on a single employer. From the data emerged six major career satisfiers and seven major career dissatisfiers. Challenge is the most satisfying aspect of a SCM career. Challenge, however, may have limits, as the most dissatisfying aspect of a SCM career is the overload that can overwhelm a SCM professional in his or her career.
Practical implications
Career satisfaction can be readily measured and categorized to explain SCM career expectations and choices that may lead to positive or negative work outcomes. Supply chain managers could utilize the information to understand employee perceptions and behaviors that may influence performance and to contend with disruptive career shifts and looming talent shortages in SCM.
Originality/value
This paper introduces contemporary career theory concepts and is a first of its kind in the field that explores attitudes and perceptions toward careers in SCM, as it focuses on career satisfiers and dissatisfiers described by SCM professionals.
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Tiffany Cheng Han Leung, Jieqi Guan and Yui-Yip Lau
This study aims to examine management attitude and awareness towards green logistics, explores the external conditions that drive and restrict its positive behaviour, investigates…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine management attitude and awareness towards green logistics, explores the external conditions that drive and restrict its positive behaviour, investigates the level of its adoption amongst logistics service providers (LSPs) and determines the major barriers affecting its application in the industry.
Design/methodology/approach
This research investigates the key decision-making process on green logistics attitude and behaviour through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis.
Findings
This study explores both institutional and individual-level attitudes/awareness. Then, the driving and restraining forces and the challenges that influence the industry’s adoption of green initiatives are determined. Finally, this study constructs a framework following a behavioural driving route with interactions among green “attitude”, sustainable “subjective norms”, “behavioural control” and “external context” factors.
Practical implications
Findings can enlighten the practitioners who are struggling to adopt the green or low-carbon practice and provide valuable insights and constructive advice to LSPs and their stakeholders.
Social implications
Findings can draw the government and policy-makers’ attention to provide necessary financial or non-financial support for the practitioners to improve their green operations.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first attempts to adopt the hybrid theoretical lens on the green behaviour of the logistics industry. New insights are added to existing environmental management literature with a wider understanding and deeper investigation of the decision-making on green logistics in the industry. The theoretical framework in this study can offer future applications to a relevant large-scale study.
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As the saying goes, “food is heaven of people” the development of agriculture is not only related to the quality of human life but also profoundly affects the efficiency of…
Abstract
Purpose
As the saying goes, “food is heaven of people” the development of agriculture is not only related to the quality of human life but also profoundly affects the efficiency of economic operation. However, under the background of rapid economic and technological development, China’s agricultural modernization process is very slow and incompatible with the development trend of economic modernization. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to innovate the traditional agricultural development model to break through the bottlenecks encountered in the transformation process of agricultural modernization. The proposal of the agricultural logistics ecosphere is to solve the problems of poor industrial linkage, low technical level and backward operation mode in the development process of traditional agriculture, and it is an important starting point for agricultural supply-side structural reform. This study aims to answer three questions in three aspects, namely, what is the agricultural logistics ecosphere, analyzes the general composition of the agricultural logistics ecosphere and how the subjects of the agricultural logistics ecosphere cooperate. It also puts forward suggestions for the coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere under the leadership of Taoxin. Also, it inspires the transformation of the agricultural development model in other regions and countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a case study and a qualitative analysis method to collate the first-hand and secondary data obtained from the interview and form a tertiary coding. It explores the mechanism of coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere from four levels: goal synergy, resource synergy, ability synergy and benefit synergy.
Findings
First, the formation of the agricultural logistics ecosphere will not be achieved overnight, as operational management matures and ecosphere experiences the germination-development-mature evolution process. Second, target synergy is the foundation and premise for the formation of agricultural logistics ecosphere: to attract external resources with Taoxin characteristic core resources, to attract external resources to achieve synergy, to provide a guarantee for the realization of the maximum value of the agricultural logistics ecosphere and then to realize the interest synergy of internal and external subjects. Third, driving agricultural products upward in the “10 + 1” model: it is the core resource of the agricultural logistics ecosphere led by Taoxin and attracts external subjects to gather with core resources to further improve the value of the ecosphere. The improvement of the value of the ecosphere can broaden the ecosphere network. This is both an important construction of the ecosphere, and it is also the path choice of the coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere.
Originality/value
This study has a very important practical value and theoretical significance. In practical terms, the integration of “primary, secondary and tertiary industries” is helpful to foster new momentum for the development of agriculture and rural areas and promote the general framework of the agricultural logistics economy, the analysis of the general mechanism and extension of the transition of the new economy.
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Brian J. Gibson and Robert Lorin Cook
Reports the results of a survey of 41 US third‐party logistics (3PL) firm practices for hiring entry‐level managers. Reveals the recruiting, selection, and compensation methods…
Abstract
Reports the results of a survey of 41 US third‐party logistics (3PL) firm practices for hiring entry‐level managers. Reveals the recruiting, selection, and compensation methods used for 96 different positions and related compensation data (e.g. mean starting salary = US$34,358). Recommends that 3PL firms use the information to benchmark current practices and offers specific ideas to improve recruiting effectiveness. Also proposes research results‐driven job search strategies for individuals seeking positions with 3PL firms.
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Despite the thriving global halal industry and logistics’ vital role in the halal supply chain, knowledge and research on halal logistics remain limited, particularly in Brunei…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the thriving global halal industry and logistics’ vital role in the halal supply chain, knowledge and research on halal logistics remain limited, particularly in Brunei Darussalam. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to understand the current state of knowledge by identifying the halal logistics constraints in Brunei Darussalam.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses the theory of constraints, inductive reasoning and support from a review of relevant academic journal articles, to uncover the hindering factors surrounding halal logistics in the country.
Findings
The paper identifies five critical issues, which occur from internal and external factors, that constraint the growth of halal logistics in Brunei Darussalam.
Research limitations/implications
The qualitative design limits this conceptual piece. However, the paper could be beneficial in informing the academic and industry circles of the potentials and challenges in Brunei Darussalam, particularly in its logistics sector.
Originality/value
This study is the first to investigate halal logistics in Brunei. The study positively contributes to the understanding of the halal logistics constraints in Brunei as well as adds to the growing body of halal logistics literature and enriching the halal research sphere.
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Xiaoping Shen, Yeheng Zhang, Yumei Tang, Yuanfu Qin, Nan Liu and Zelong Yi
This paper, with the tobacco industry as the background, establishes an indicator system for tobacco supply chain performance evaluation using the FAHP method.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper, with the tobacco industry as the background, establishes an indicator system for tobacco supply chain performance evaluation using the FAHP method.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the relevant data of tobacco enterprises in Guangxi, the paper calculates the performance values of tobacco companies in various cities of Guangxi, and through the analysis of each indicator and the performance values of each city, the authors find that the improvement ability has a major impact on tobacco supply chain performance. Then, the paper establishes a system dynamics model to further demonstrate the impact of information digitalization on the performance of the tobacco supply chain in Guangxi, thus providing theoretical support for building digital tobacco logistics in Guangxi.
Findings
The findings of the study show that the performance of the tobacco supply chains in various cities of Guangxi is generally at the level of “Pass–Good,” which can barely meet the requirements of tobacco supply chain operation, but there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Originality/value
The authors show that digital and IT-based empowerment can maximize the performance of Guangxi's tobacco logistics performance.
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