International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Helena Forslund

2006 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030610702871

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the existence of logistics performance gaps in the dyadic order fulfillment process. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review on service quality, logistics quality and logistics performance generated a conceptual model, four hypotheses and a scale for measuring logistics performance. Dyads of customers (large manufacturing companies) and their most important suppliers were addressed in two similar surveys. A total of 136 such dyads were acquired. Findings – The dyadic order fulfillment process contains four significant logistics performance gaps, even though important business dyads are addressed. Customers' expectations are not perceived by customers as being fulfilled, customers' expectations are over‐targeted by suppliers, but suppliers' internal performance decreases performance. Finally, suppliers overestimate their performance compared with the ratings of customers. Research limitations/implications – By applying a service quality model to a logistics process, new knowledge about logistics performance was obtained. A tested conceptual model and a tested scale for measuring logistics performance are theoretical contributions. Practical implications – The model can be used as a basis for deeper communication between customer and supplier in order to improve logistics performance in the dyadic order fulfillment process. Originality/value – A true dyadic approach is rare in logistics research. As no comprehensive studies of the “mechanisms” of the dyadic order fulfillment process were found, the results can be valuable to both customers and suppliers.

Thomas Thron; Gábor Nagy; Niaz Wassan

2006 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030610702880

Purpose – Most collaborative SCM research has focused on the ideal situation of a manufacturer engaging with all its downstream partners. In view of extensive entry costs, lack of trust or simply non‐suitability of electronic data processing systems this, however, provides only limited support to actual problems of many companies. The paper seeks to investigate various common supply chain performance measures to show what impact increasing adoption of collaborative replenishment between manufacturer and several major customers has on each market participant. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses discrete event simulation to evaluate various adjustments within the distribution frameworks of two food‐manufacturers and their major customers. Findings – The analysis suggests that manufacturer and customers can substantially benefit from even a partial increase in demand visibility. This nevertheless can be costly since favouring some customers due to sharing a collaborative replenishment system, while others often seem to experience heavier delivery delays and declining service‐level. Research limitations/implications – The research focused on the delivery framework of the two involved manufacturers and the chosen products. Hence, research findings may differ and need to be modified before drawing conclusions for different products, companies or industries. Practical implications – The analysis aims to help practitioners to identify possible opportunities and threats within an expanding collaborative SC replenishment system. Originality/value – Investigating heterogeneous delivery frameworks within an emerging collaboration system has not been addressed much within prior SCM research. It aims to help mainly small‐ or medium‐sized enterprises to reveal possible advantages and drawbacks within the process of emerging with a varying number of customers from a traditional predetermined reorder‐point into a collaborative VMI/CPFR system.

Ioannis Minis; Marion Paraschi; Apostolos Tzimourtas

2006 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030610702899

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on the design of the organization, processes, and systems of Olympic logistics. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic methodology has been developed to design the strategy and tactics of logistics operations for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. This methodology considers Olympic‐specific characteristics, host country characteristics, as well as lessons learned from previous games. It comprises the generation, analysis and evaluation of strategic alternatives, the development of core business processes and the prediction of resource requirements. Furthermore, the proposed method provides guidelines to complement the experiential knowledge that has been used exclusively in the past to plan the logistics operations of the games and similar large‐scale events. Findings – Successful design principles, such as model venue planning, standardization of materials, the establishment of the Logistics Command Center (LCC), as well as establishment of an independent administration function, can be applied regardless of the specific characteristics of the host country. However, there are principles such as outsourcing, warehousing, or just‐in‐time (JIT) deliveries, that are based on certain specific characteristics (constraints/advantages) of the host country, such as a mature 3PL market, the existence and availability of large warehouses, and the completion of the venues in sufficient time prior to the beginning of the games. Practical implications – The proposed design process provides generic rules that may be applied to guide the set up of operations for future games. Furthermore, the paper offers some useful insights applicable to the logistics of large events. Originality/value – It is the first time that a systematic view of Olympic logistics is dealt with, as opposed to experiential knowledge with local applicability that has been used in the past to plan similar operations.

Geir Gripsrud; Marianne Jahre; Gøran Persson

2006 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030610702907

Purpose – Distribution arrangements are becoming increasingly complex and dynamic in business as well as in consumer markets. The purpose of the present paper is to explore and discuss the theoretical frameworks available to interpret these distribution arrangements, to uncover how they are interrelated and to suggest extensions. Design/methodology/approach – A survey of extant research is undertaken, starting with the literature on supply chain management (SCM). It turns out that prior to the launch of the SCM concept in the early 1980s, two separate research streams coexisted which both pertain to aspects of distribution. These two research streams are described and traced back to a common root. Findings – It is suggested that SCM may be regarded as an attempt to unite the two separate research streams known as business logistics and marketing channels, respectively. These two approaches have focused on different aspects of distribution arrangements, but both are preoccupied with managerial challenges faced by individual companies. The managerial focus is also very clear in SCM. The paper traces the common roots of all of these approaches to the marketing discipline in the first half of the twentieth century and suggests that this constitutes a basis for the future development. Originality/value – The contribution of the paper is twofold: first the overview of the different streams of literature dealing with distribution arrangements and how they are interrelated has not been spelled out so clearly before. Second, the discussions undertaken suggest that future research would benefit from going “back to the future” in the sense that one can learn from frameworks developed for the purpose of understanding the supply system as a whole, the role of the individual participants in that system, and the underlying economics of such a system.