International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Tom van Woensel; Karel van Donselaar; Rob Broekmeulen; Jan Fransoo

2007 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030710840822

Purpose – This paper aims to identify customer behavior with regard to out‐of‐stocks (OOS) of perishable products (focused on bakery bread) and the resulting inventory performance for these perishable products. Design/methodology/approach – Insights on how consumers behave when their preferred bread product is OOS are derived based on 3,800 customer interviews performed in three stores of a large Dutch grocery retail chain. Next to this, additional logistical information was measured on regular moments with respect to the shelf availability per stock‐keeping unit during the day and to waste at the end of the day. Findings – The customer behavior with regard to perishables is observed to be different from that for the non‐perishable items. The key observation is that customers have a high willingness to substitute. The incorporation of the obtained knowledge of the observed consumer buying behavior into the existing automated store ordering (ASO) systems is discussed. In the current ASO systems, no distinction is made between perishable and non‐perishable products, as it is primarily designed and used for the non‐perishables. The authors show that the current ASO can be enriched and extended by taking into account some extra crucial parameters which are based on the observed consumer behavior. Originality/value – One common factor in the research papers published so far is that they primarily looked into the customer behavior for non‐perishable items. The current paper on‐hand extends these works towards perishable items with a focus on bakery bread.

Susan L. Golicic

2007 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030710840831

Purpose – Prior research has primarily examined interorganizational relationships from the supplier or customer side or using dyadic pairs. The study aims to offer a comparison of carrier and shipper relationship views using a hybrid research method examining the relationship from both points of view by sampling both populations independently with identical surveys. Design/methodology/approach – Mail surveys were used to collect data from the two samples. Invariance tests were conducted, and the model was analyzed using structural equation modeling (AMOS 5.0). Findings – Invariance tests of the measurement instrument and comparisons of specific results show that, in the context of shippers and carriers, relationships – specifically trust and commitment and the contribution of dependence to relationship strength – are perceived differently. Research limitations/implications – Empirically supporting significant differences in theoretical relationship constructs between the two participants in an interorganizational relationship is important for understanding and advancing knowledge on supply chain relationships. Practical implications – Successful supply chain management can only be achieved when firms successfully develop and manage relationships with other firms in their supply chain; therefore, it is important to recognize and understand any differences in these relationships so that they will be better equipped to manage them. Knowing that the other firm perceives differences in levels of trust and commitment and the contribution of dependence to relationship strength can provide indications of behaviors that are important to a firm in reaching their relationship goals. Originality/value – The paper applies a method to compare supplier and customer relationship views that has not been used in supply chain management literature to uncover and support relationship differences between carriers and shippers.

Johan Åkesson; Patrik Jonsson; Robert Edanius‐Hällås

2007 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030710840840

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to empirically identify different types of sourcing strategies applied in the apparel industry, and to explain how various sourcing strategies are related to the apparel firm's characteristics, prerequisites and supplier performance. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based on a survey that was sent out to Swedish apparel firms. Commonly applied sourcing strategies, in terms of supply markets and supply channels, are first derived using cluster analysis. These strategies are then linked to relevant firm characteristics, prerequisites and supplier performance measures, where significant differences between groups of firms applying various sourcing strategies are targeted. Findings – Five commonly applied sourcing strategies are identified. Further, several significant differences – with respect to product issues, organizational issues and supplier performance – are found between the firm groups. Research limitations/implications – Several future research areas in conjunction with this study can be derived by widening or changing the scope. For instance, other industries as well as apparel industries in other countries can be targeted and thus provide valuable comparisons. Practical implications – Assessing the contextual appropriateness of sourcing strategies provides a strategic sourcing benchmark for firms across industries. Notably, apparel firms' experience in exploiting low‐cost supply markets may provide valuable insights for firms that just recently have recognized the potential of these markets. Originality/value – This paper provides a contextual understanding of how various sourcing strategies are utilized in the Swedish apparel industry, and thereby contributes to the general conception of sourcing strategies.

Melissa J. Markley; Lenita Davis

2007 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030710840859

Purpose – The paper's purpose is to outline the potential competitive advantage firms can create through the creation of a sustainable supply chain, and to describe potential measures for managers to use. Design/methodology/approach – Arguing that firms can increase their competitive advantage as a result of a stronger triple bottom line, propositions are created from a natural‐resource‐based view of the firm perspective that is supported using accounting theory, management strategy, green logistics and supply chain literatures. Secondary data resources that could be used for testing by managers and academicians are identified. Findings – The paper finds that, as sources of competitive advantage for firm become scarcer, potential new areas of advantage must be explored. Practical implications – This research will serve to help managers in the exploration of these possible outlets. Originality/value – This paper is the first to explore the impact of a sustainable supply chain on the triple‐bottom line of a firm. Not only does this fill a necessary gap, it also serves to bring together the supply chain, sustainability and triple‐bottom‐line literatures to create a potential advantage for future organizations.