International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Harrington, Thomas C.; Lambert, Douglas M.; Sterling, Jay U.

1992 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039210022024

Presents a fourth generation language computer simulation modelwhich was developed for a major US manufacturing company. Suggests thatmarketing and logistics managers can benefit from business planningmodels that simulate the financial impact of their decisions. To beeffective, models must have the ability to evaluate the impact ofchanges in the marketing mix on product and customer profitability.Sound business decisions follow from knowledge of the behaviour ofexpenses, especially those associated with logistics and for assetsemployed.

Moffat, Lindsay A.R.

1992 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039210022033

Suggests that the restructuring of the Europeanowned consumerelectronics industry, and the relocation of manufacturing plants withinEurope, will inevitably affect the distribution of their products.Considers that the centralization of production capacity, and a moveaway from countrybycountry operations, will require major adjustmentsto transport systems and that incomers may also need to establish newsystems of delivery from their new manufacturing points. Examines thecurrent logistics practices and future expectations of major consumerelectronics manufacturers operating in Europe, in the context of intensecompetitive rivalry and changing market structures, using empirical datagathered from companies operating in France, the United Kingdom and WestGermany. While there are national differences, the results indicategrowing involvement of multiple retailers in the distribution ofconsumer electronic products, further contracting out of manufacturerslogistical operations, and growing demands on all logistics systems asorder leadtimes continue to shorten.

Rao, Kant; Young, Richard R.

1992 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039210022042

Examines the impact of increased truck weight limits on the inlandmovement of ocean containers in the US. Considers six major inlandlanes, 12 combinations of cargo density and shipment size, and eighttransport options. Shows that transloading from ocean containers toeither domestic containers or dry vans becomes economically moreattractive if truck weight limits are increased in accordance with aproposed bridge weight formula. Gross savings to shippers fromtransloading range from 5 to 44 per cent depending on the lane andcommodity type involved.

Pohlen, Terrance L.; Theodore Farris, M.

1992 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039210022051

Recycling has experienced rapid growth as a technique to reduce thesolid waste stream volume. Despite the public appeal and acceptance ofrecycling, the reverse logistics channels used in recycling havereceived minimal attention. However, the reverse channels membershipand capabilities have a significant impact on the efficiency ofprocessing recyclable material for remanufacture into recycled products.Differing product characteristics, extensive handling, and low densityshipments pose considerable obstacles to establishing an efficientreverse channel for recyclable commodities. A framework, based oninterviews and current literature, describes the reverse logisticschannel structure, membership and functions, and provides a foundationfor identifying the issues affecting efficiency and marketability, andpossible future directions for improving efficiency within the reversechannel structure.