International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Samuel Eilon

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000003943

Makes a distinction between management tasks which are associated with day‐to‐day operations in the distribution field and tasks which can be grouped under the title of planning and control. The first are concerned with tactical problems, usually on a short time scale, the latter concentrate on strategy. Briefly discusses the use of management science and the computer in some of these problems.

Bernard J. LaLonde; Karl Auker

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039510086454

Presents the collective view of 107 firms in the USA on the use of computers in transport and distribution. Seeks to determine the extent to which distribution managers have direct control over transport‐ and distribution‐related computer activity in their firms. Examines problem areas in computer applications to transport and distribution and offers some tentative conclusions regarding future developments in technologies and their application.

Robert G. House; George C. Jackson

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039510086463

Reports the results of a survey which explores the changes in the use of computers to control distribution management activities. Draws comparisons with a similar survey conducted in 1972. Presents information about the use of the computer as a diagnostic and planning tool which is more detailed than that which was previously available.

Alan G. Waller

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000003944

Describes a powerful computer software package for creating distribution planning simulation models. Gives examples of its use and possible application.

George T. Haley; R. Krishnan

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039510086472

Examines some of the more important types of model used in analysing logistics problems. Discusses some of the developments in computers, computer networks and software which are making the systems approach more feasible and desirable.

C. John Langley; David P. Carlisle; Stephen B. Probst; Donald F. Biggs; Roy E. Cail

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039510086481

Examines microcomputer use in the logistics area of manufacturing and merchandising firms in the USA and is based on the results of three consecutive yearly studies, each involving in‐depth telephone interviews with 100 logistics executives. Documents a number of trends regarding microcomputer use in logistics. Key areas are: microcomputer applications; sources of data; general purpose software use; microcomputer linkages and networking; and involvement of the data processing/MIS department.

Craig M. Gustin

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000003945

Presents evidence obtained through an extensive mail survey of logistics executives throughout the USA to show that, in spite of the widely acclaimed benefits of computerized logistics activities, only modest progress has been made over the last decade in automating most logistics data. The only characteristic which correlated with greater computerization was company size.

John T. Mentzer; Nimish Gandhi

1995 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/EUM0000000003946

Investigates the nature and extent to which mainframe and personal computers are used by logistics management, in contrast to the related business area of marketing. National samples of logistics and marketing professionals responded to a mail survey questionnaire to test hypotheses concerning factors related to the availability of different computer equipment in their organizations and differences between logistics and marketing professionals′ computer access and sources for learning to use computers. The results document widespread availability of sophisticated technology, although the logistics professionals appear to lead the marketing professionals in availability of various hardware. Logistics and marketing professionals also use different methods to learn the use of computers. Further, corporate size and industry are related to computer access. Discusses the implications of these findings.