International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Davis, Frank W.; Manrodt, Karl B.

1991 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000000393

The Council of Logistics Management has commissioned a study todetermine the potential of applying logistics principles in serviceorganisations. The authors suggest that logistics principles are evenmore important in service organisations than in production firms. Torealise this potential, however, the definition of logistics must beexpanded. Service logistics is defined as the management of activitieswhich respond to customers on an individual basis. The serviceshistorical underpinnings are examined and some guiding concepts centralto service response logistics are provided. These concepts include thebenefit delivery, delivery processes, delivery orientation, responsiveplanning, and a customer service model that focuses on individualcustomer needs.

Bookbinder, James H.; Ulengin, Fusun

1991 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000000394

Presents a multipleobjective mathematical programming model tocoordinate logistics decisions with those on the interface between theproduction and marketing departments. The model can help decide on anoverall budget to request from senior management for logistics and theseinterfaces, and in systematically allocating the funds betweentransport, inventory and production. In so doing, this multiperiodmodel specifies the timing and quantity of rawmaterial purchases, andthe location and timing of production activities and distribution flows.The budget for expenditures on logistics and its interface activities istaken as an objective to minimise, instead of as a given dollar level tobe satisfied. A second objective is to maximise the profit of logisticsand its related interfaces. Tradeoffs between these two conflictingaims yields the decision makers best compromise solution.

Drge, Cornelia; Germain, Richard

1991 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000000395

Examines empirically which of a range of variables affect managersperceptions of the management information system MIS designed tosupport logistics. The results suggest that the adoption of computersoftware, the use of specific informational control devices and someaspects of logistics organisation have an effect in both smaller andlarger firms. Other variables, such as the title and tenure of thesenior logistics executive, do not systematically predict variance inmanagers perceptions of logistics MIS.

Tyworth, John E.

1991 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000000396

Tradeoffs among logistics cost and service elements often maketransport selection analysis difficult, especially when demand isuncertain and carriers offer different rates and services. Thespreadsheet environment offers a powerful, managerfriendly medium foranalysing these tradeoffs. This microcomputer application exploits someof the recent advances in spreadsheet technology to provide transportbuyers with a tool for evaluating such complex logistical tradeoffs.This tool demonstrates how the emerging spreadsheet technology makes itrelatively easy to develop a computerbased model that can capture arich level of detail that is beyond the scope of the current transportselection models using analytical approaches.

Haessler, Robert W.

1991 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000000397

Describes how an LPbased onedimensional packing algorithm can beused to minimise costs in three different multiplevehicle shipmentplanning problems. The three applications considered are 1 shippingindustrial trucks by container when weight is the dominant constraint2 shipping automotive parts in racks by truck when volume is thedominant constraint and 3 shipping large rolls of paper in railcarsof varying size with incentive rates when volume is the dominantconstraint.