International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

George C. Jackson; Jeffrey J. Stoltman; Audrey Taylor

1994 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039410055963

Logisticians are trained to identify trade‐offs and to devise compromising solutions which produce the lowest total costs. For example, the economic batch size is a compromise between setup costs and inventory carrying costs. Presents a problem‐analysis technique which helps the analyst to eliminate the problem so that no compromise is necessary. For example, instead of balancing inventory‐carrying costs and setup costs a solution which produces both lower setup costs and lower inventory‐carrying costs would be sought. Discusses a description of the techniques and several examples of its application to logistical problems.

Craig M. Gustin; Theodore P. Stank; Patricia J. Daugherty

1994 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039410055972

Fast and flexible low‐cost data processing and information systems have transformed business operations. Reductions in production setup times, lot sizes and inventory levels have yielded substantial improvements in productivity and profitability. The continuing changes sweeping American business impose significant impacts on the distribution (or logistics) function within manufacturing and merchandising firms. This research assesses current levels of computerization within logistics and examines the relationship between computerization and implementation of the integrated logistics concept. Significant differences between integrated and non‐integrated firms concerning levels of computerization are identified. Integrated firms have developed the information support systems necessary to position their organizations for competitive success.

Garland Chow; Trevor D. Heaver; Lennart E. Henriksson

1994 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039410055981

Concerns the definition and measurement of performance in logistics research. A review of the literature reveals a variety of constraints which make it difficult to draw broad inferences from the literature about the relationship between a given logistics strategy and performance. Discusses low logistics performance has been and could be conceptualized, operationally defined, measured and utilized. The limitations of alternative research designs and performance measures are revealed. Recommendations are made to improve the quality of future research.

Hokey Min; Sean B. Eom

1994 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039410055990

As the globalization of business activities broadens and diversifies logistics operations, many logistics managers have found themselves challenged by extreme complexities and uncertainties. Consequently, planning and control of multinational firms (MNFs) have become onerous due to the multiplicity of international decision environments. Perhaps the most effective way of coping with such challenges is to utilize an integrated decision support system (IDSS) linking world‐wide communication and distribution networks among the parent company, its foreign business partners and third‐party logisticians. In response to such a need, provides important guidelines for the design and development of an integrated DSS that helps the multinational firm centrally to control and co‐ordinate international transfers.

Michiel R. Leenders; Jean Nollet; Lisa M. Ellram

1994 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039410056007

Predicts that in the decade ahead, the purchasing function will have to shed its service and operational perspective and take on the challenge of effective contribution to organizational goals and strategies. Describes how, in this evolution, the make or buy decision and increasing reliance on outsourcing will change the purchasing manager into a manager of integrated operations.