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21 – 30 of over 17000Mohammed Ali and Aniekan Essien
The purpose of this study is to explore how big data analytics (BDA) as a potential information technology (IT) innovation can facilitate the retail logistics supply chain (SC…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how big data analytics (BDA) as a potential information technology (IT) innovation can facilitate the retail logistics supply chain (SC) from the perspective of outbound logistics operations in the United Kingdom. The authors' goal was to better understand how BDA can be integrated to streamline SCs and logistical networks by using the technology, organisational and environmental model.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors applied existing theoretical foundations for theory building based on semi-structured interviews with 15 SC and logistics managers.
Findings
The perceived benefits of using BDA in outbound retail logistics comprised the strongest predictor amongst technological, organisational and environmental issues, followed by top management support (TMS). A framework was proposed for the adoption of BDA in retail logistics. Contextual concepts from previous literature have helped us understand how environmental changes impact BDA decision-making, as such: (i) SC maturity levels and connectivity affect BDA utilisation, (ii) connected SCs improve data accessibility and information exchange, (iii) the benefits of BDAs also affect adoption and (iv) outsourcing complex tasks to experts allows companies to focus on core businesses instead of investing in IT infrastructure.
Research limitations/implications
Outside the key findings listed, this study shows that there is no one-size-fits-it-all approach for use within all organisational settings. The proposed framework reveals that the perceived benefit of BDA is non-transferrable and requires top-level management support for successful implementation.
Originality/value
The existing literature focusses on the approaches to applying BDA in SC and logistics but fails to present a deep dive into retail outbound logistics activity. This study addresses the “how” and proposes a social-inclusive framework for a technology-enabled topic.
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Wardah Irfan, Danish Ahmed Siddiqui and Waqar Ahmed
Nowadays customers want to enjoy their shopping experience with convenience and maximum value for their money. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of in-store…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays customers want to enjoy their shopping experience with convenience and maximum value for their money. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of in-store logistics in crafting store image and perceived value to customers, thus creating satisfied and loyal customers.
Design/methodology/approach
A research framework was developed based on the review of relevant past research in the area of retail store service quality, perceived value, store image, customer loyalty and satisfaction. Valid data were gathered through a survey from 200 respondents who have shopping experience of small- and medium-sized retail store. Data are analysed through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLSSEM) using Smart PLS 3.2.4.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest that in-store logistics play a major role in developing customers’ satisfaction followed by store image and perceived value. Further, satisfied customers are expected to return to the same retail store, thus showing loyalty.
Practical implications
This research provides insight into retail decisions makers regarding the factors which enhance customer satisfaction and retention. This study also helps marketers and operations managers to develop strategies for retail stores based on the findings of this research.
Originality/value
From a retailer’s perspective the paper explains the factors empirically that impact shoppers in the retail store environment.
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Hamid Jafari, Anna Nyberg and Per Hilletofth
– The purpose of this paper is to explore how postponement is applied in retailing and how such application is connected to logistics flexibility.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how postponement is applied in retailing and how such application is connected to logistics flexibility.
Design/methodology/approach
An overview of the established typological classifications of postponement and logistics flexibility is presented followed by empirical results from three case studies of retailers of electronics, furniture, and grocery in Sweden. The study relies on primary qualitative data gathered on the retailers as well as secondary material on some suppliers including logistics providers for further insight.
Findings
The results of the study show that retailers have different practices when it comes to postponement and speculation; however, there is a growing tendency toward postponement among retailers by exploring new means of applying postponement. The results reveal that retailers that have higher application of postponement seem to be more flexible in their logistics operations.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides direction for further empirical research of the topic, by indicating the application of postponement is not constrained to the point of purchase and could be extended by involving consumers as well as capitalizing on suppliers’ competences and capabilities. Especially, sales services, software, and upgrades could provide opportunity for further expanding the concept.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the existing literature on logistics practices of postponement and speculation, as well as logistics flexibility by focussing on retail firms in Sweden. Most of the prior scholarly work on postponement and flexibility is on the manufacturing context.
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Gino Marchet, Marco Melacini, Sara Perotti, Monica Rasini and Elena Tappia
Companies are currently moving from multi-channel strategies to offer their customers an omni-channel (OC) experience. So far, OC research has been mainly tackled from a…
Abstract
Purpose
Companies are currently moving from multi-channel strategies to offer their customers an omni-channel (OC) experience. So far, OC research has been mainly tackled from a sales-based view, with numerous operational challenges to be fully investigated yet. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how companies set the logistics variables in their OC management strategy and the business logistics models currently most adopted.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-step methodology was adopted. First, a systematic combining approach with scientific literature review and case studies allowed to derive a framework for classifying the key logistics variables and the related options. The framework was then used to conduct a qualitative survey targeting 92 Italian companies operating in food manufacturing, food retailing and non-food retailing. Collected data were analysed by means of cluster analysis.
Findings
Implementing an OC management strategy requires to set 11 logistics variables belonging to four strategic areas: delivery service, distribution setting, fulfilment strategy and returns management. A broad empirical investigation showed the choices made by companies when setting the logistics variables to implement an OC management strategy. Lastly, four business logistics models, differing in terms of both business sector and OC maturity, were discussed.
Originality/value
The proposed framework extends earlier studies by including additional significant logistics variables. The empirical analysis provides new insights on how to re-structure the business logistics model in OC, suggesting channel integration and the coexistence of multiple configurations as main enablers of an OC proposition.
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Henrik Johansson and Maria Björklund
Urban consolidation centres (UCCs) are often conceived to improve services in retail stores and potentially reduce costs. However, few studies have examined how retail stores…
Abstract
Purpose
Urban consolidation centres (UCCs) are often conceived to improve services in retail stores and potentially reduce costs. However, few studies have examined how retail stores perceive the services a UCC could provide. The purpose of this paper is to explore retail stores’ potential demands for different services that a UCC could provide in order to foster the development and implementation of UCC solutions aimed towards more economically feasible business models.
Design/methodology/approach
Structured interviews were conducted with employees at 72 retail stores. Qualitative, as well as quantitative analyses, were conducted to identify the potential demands of the retail stores.
Findings
The authors have provided arguments why retail stores might be interested in UCC services, and thereby potentially pay for them. Improved customer service to stores’ customers might not be a valid argument. The authors point to the cost aspect: stores expend resources that a UCC could provide in a more cost-efficient manner.
Research limitations/implications
The findings contradict previous studies to some extent, as it indicates that a UCC may actually not enhance customer service in retail stores. Instead, the findings point to the importance of considering the potential advantages according to economies of scale that are facilitated by UCC services.
Practical implications
Taking the perspective of the stores is important in order to identify arguments for why they should pay for the services provided by a UCC.
Social implications
Financially viable UCC solutions are needed in order for the initiatives to be maintained and thereby provide a long-term decrease in the environmental and social footprints caused by urban freight.
Originality/value
This study answers the call for research addressing retailers’ perspective in urban logistics, as it takes a demand-driven perspective of the development of UCC services. Furthermore, by highlighting services requested by retail stores, it can guide the financing of UCC initiatives, an aspect that has been lacking.
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John Fernie, Leigh Sparks and Alan C. McKinnon
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the logistical transformation of British retailing over the last three decades and to discuss likely challenges that face…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the logistical transformation of British retailing over the last three decades and to discuss likely challenges that face logistics managers in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
Reviews the key works on retail logistics, including the research undertaken by the authors over the last 20 years.
Findings
Illustrates how retailers have control of the supply chain in the UK, drawing upon examples from both the grocery and fashion sectors. Challenges for the future include macro‐environment issues such as climate change and recession in addition to improvements in existing in operations with regard to e‐fulfilment and implementation of technologies such as RFID.
Originality/value
This paper provides one of the few contributions to appraise the research undertaken on retail logistics in the UK over the last 20‐30 years.
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Petra Andersson and Helena Forslund
The purpose of this paper is to develop an indicator framework for measuring sustainable logistics innovation (SLI) in retail.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an indicator framework for measuring sustainable logistics innovation (SLI) in retail.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review in different theory areas was conducted to generate a literature-based SLI indictor framework. The literature-based framework was then compared to five-year sustainability reports of three Swedish retailers to identify SLI indicators and how to measure them. This comparison led to a developed framework.
Findings
The developed framework combines sustainability dimensions with logistics activities. It identifies SLI indicators and how to measure them. Significant gaps between the framework and sustainability reports prompted the creation of an agenda for future research. Items that further research should consider include broadening or deepening the framework, developing specifically social SLI indicators for all logistics activities and developing measurement scales for the SLI indicators.
Research limitations/implications
The study presents an SLI indicator framework as an initial contribution towards knowledge creation, and following the agenda for further research could generate even more implications for research.
Practical implications
Managers need inspiration concerning which indicators to use to measure SLI and how.
Social implications
The study addresses both environmental and social sustainability, as well as suggests SLI indicators.
Originality/value
No identified study has merged sustainable logistics innovation and performance measurement in retail.
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Ebba Eriksson, Andreas Norrman and Joakim Kembro
Omnichannel (OC) logistics is undergoing a significant transformation in grocery retail. To shed light on this important but underresearched phenomenon, this study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Omnichannel (OC) logistics is undergoing a significant transformation in grocery retail. To shed light on this important but underresearched phenomenon, this study aims to investigate how grocery retailers transform and why some are more successful in transforming OC logistics.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying dynamic capabilities as a theoretical lens, a multiple case study was conducted with three grocery retailers at different stages of their transformation.
Findings
Six microfoundations of dynamic capabilities were identified as critical for enabling OC transformation. The study highlights important differences in dynamic capabilities, which can be attributed to investment decision-making, governance and creating co-specialization. Finally, the authors propose seven propositions for contextualization of dynamic capabilities for OC transformation in grocery retail.
Originality/value
This study is original by contextualizing microfoundations in grocery OC retailing. The study contributes to theory and practice by showing the value of dynamic capabilities, stressing the important interrelation among a retailer's governance structure, leadership and capability to make investment decisions, increase logistics coordination and co-specialize.
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Katsuyoshi Takashima and Changju Kim
The purpose of this paper is to investigate retailers’ power-dependence management through the lens of supply chain diversification, and explore how it is linked to their logistic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate retailers’ power-dependence management through the lens of supply chain diversification, and explore how it is linked to their logistic arrangements in managing suppliers and their retail performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Hypotheses are tested using a structural equation modelling based on survey data from 186 merchandising division heads at Japanese retail companies.
Findings
The results reveal that quick-response inventory replenishment is positively related to retailers’ use of power-dependence management. This management practice leads to enhanced retail competitiveness and, thus, higher sales growth in supply chain relationships.
Originality/value
This study contributes to understanding how retailers’ logistic arrangements work by modelling power relations within supply chains, drawing on power-dependence theory. The authors propose an alternative view of logistics systems to that of the widely adopted transaction cost theory. The authors find that supplier investments in quick-response inventory management may not be a relationship-specific asset.
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Vasco Sanchez Rodrigues, Irina Harris and Robert Mason
The paper aims to develop a supply chain-driven model horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC). HLC initiatives can fail. To improve the chance of success, a thorough…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to develop a supply chain-driven model horizontal logistics collaboration (HLC). HLC initiatives can fail. To improve the chance of success, a thorough consideration of the potential issues involved, such as seeking supply chain partners’ support, ensuring access to information/data security and assessing whether an HLC model could bring improvements to a wide range of supply chain metrics rather than reductions in distribution costs only, needs to be understood before deciding to proceed with such an initiative.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage methodology is deployed. As part of Stage 1, a series of 20 semi-structured interviews with senior managers from retailers, retailers’ suppliers and logistics service providers were undertaken. Subsequently, in Stage 2, a focus group with practitioners from retailers and logistics service providers was run to verify the findings gathered during Stage 1. Four elements of a new HLC project being considered are investigated by supply chain champions across the UK Fast-Moving Costumer Goods industry, namely, consideration factors, required synergies, enablers and anticipated output metrics.
Findings
When considering whether to embark on an HLC project, the supply chain requirements need to be taken into account and potential supply chain performance benefits projected. The paper identified several consideration factors; synergies and enablers that support the development of HLC projects are identified, such as legislation, trust among partners, common suppliers and delivery bases, capable third party logistics (3PL) and an effective commercial model, including a fair sharing of benefits.
Research limitations/implications
The research provides new understanding in accounting for the needs of the supply chain when considering an HLC initiative involving leading players from the retail sector.
Practical implications
The importance of taking a supply chain approach when evaluating the feasibility of HLC is demonstrated. HLC arrangements among competing supply chains need to be designed and run by taking account of all supply chain partners, namely, suppliers, 3PLs and customers (in this case, retailers).
Originality/value
The contribution is threefold: identification of outset consideration factors, ideal required synergies, actioning enablers and wider supply chain metrics of HLC; development of a supply chain-driven model for HLC, which includes in the decision-making whether or not to adopt a horizontal logistics collaboration model, wide supply chain metrics such as stock levels of finished products and shelf availability, inventory, working and fixed capital, and product waste in addition to distribution costs; and, the proposal of a new definition for HLC which challenges published definitions.
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