International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Elliot Rabinovich; Robert Windle; Martin Dresner; Thomas Corsi

1999 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039910283587

A survey of 372 logistics managers in different industries revealed multiple outsourcing linkages among logistics activities. These results are consistent with previous findings that suggest that firms can improve customer service and reduce costs by outsourcing multiple logistics functions. The results are also consistent with previous research on the role that improved coordination of information and material flows have in the achievement of economies of scale and economies of scope. Future research developments in the field of logistics outsourcing are also proposed.

Keith Goffin

1999 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039910283604

Customer support, such as equipment maintenance and repair, is an essential element in the successful marketing of a wide range of products, from computer systems to domestic appliances. Consequently, companies need to establish and maintain appropriate channels for high‐quality customer support; either as a part of their own operations or through third parties. This paper describes an exploratory investigation of the distribution channels and customer support strategies of five manufacturing businesses, using case study methodology. The results show the key role that customer support plays in various industries and illustrate the types of decisions companies make on how to provide high‐quality support for their customers. These findings have implications for managers in all industries where customer support is important, as they provide insights on how different channels and strategies affect the quality and efficiency of customer support.

John L. Kent; R. Stephen Parker

1999 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039910283613

Examines the difference in perceptions of 18 carrier selections factors between import shippers, export shippers, and international containership carriers. MANOVA was used to determine differences between the three groups. Suggests that there are significant differences between import shippers and carriers; export shippers and carriers; and import shippers and export shippers. Significant differences between the import shipper and carrier groups were found on the loss and damage and equipment availability factors. Significant differences between the export shipper and carrier groups were found on the rate changes, service frequency, financial stability, service changes, and equipment availability factors. The only significant difference between the import shipper and export shipper groups was found on the door-to-door transportation rates factor.

Cem Canel; Sidhartha R. Das

1999 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600039910283640

The literature on the facilities location problem is quite extensive with a wide variety of solution methods for addressing these problems where the objective is cost minimization. Develops a branch and bound algorithm for solving the uncapacitated, multi-period facility location problem where the objective is to maximize profits. The solution method uses a number of simplification and branching decision rules to solve the problem efficiently. Extensive computational results on the algorithm's performance are provided. The results indicate that the algorithm provides optimal solutions in substantially less time than LINDO.