International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Ila Manuj; John T. Mentzer; Melissa R. Bowers

2009 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030910951692

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an eight‐step simulation model development process (SMDP) for the design, implementation, and evaluation of logistics and supply chain simulation models, and to identify rigor criteria for each step. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive review of literature is undertaken to identify logistics and supply chain studies that employ discrete‐event simulation modeling. From this pool, studies that report in detail on the steps taken during the simulation model development and model more than one echelon in logistics, supply chain, or distribution systems are included to illustrate rigor in developing such simulation models. Findings – Literature review reveals that there are no preset rigor criteria for publication of logistics and supply chain simulation research, which is reflected in the fact that studies published in leading journals do not satisfactorily address and/or report the efforts taken to maintain the rigor of simulation studies. Although there has been a gradual improvement in rigor, more emphasis on the methodology required to ensure quality simulation research is warranted. Research limitations/implications – The SMDP may be used by researchers to design and execute rigorous simulation research, and by reviewers for academic journals to establish the level of rigor when reviewing simulation research. It is expected that such prescriptive guidance will stimulate high quality simulation modeling research and ensure that only the highest quality studies are published. Practical implications – The SMDP provides a checklist for assessment of the validity of simulation models prior to their use in practical decision making. It assists in making practitioners better informed about rigorous simulation design so that, when answering logistics and supply chain system questions, the practitioner can decide to what extent they should trust the results of published research. Originality/value – This paper develops a framework based on some of the most rigorous studies published in leading journals, provides rigor evaluation criteria for each step, provides examples for each step from published studies, and illustrates the SMDP using a supply‐chain risk management study.

Rohit Bhatnagar; Chee‐Chong Teo

2009 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030910951700

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the issues, tradeoffs, and models relating to two important sets of problems that arise in supply chain management – complexities in extended supply chains and network coordination in globally dispersed supply chains. This paper highlights the role of logistics in enhancing the competitiveness of firms that operate a global supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used in this paper encompasses conceptual research and detailed literature review of key issues. Findings – This review indicates that the key challenges faced by supply chain managers due to extended supply chains are non‐stationary demand, variability propagation, and inventory imbalances. For network coordination managers must determine the role of facilities in a global network, identify the optimal location and capacity of facilities as well as role of consolidation hubs. For the above challenges, the tradeoffs in terms of four key drivers of supply chain performance – transportation, inventory, information, and facilities and relate these to key measures of supply chain performance are described. Important directions for future research are also identified. Research limitations/implications – Test cases are needed to validate and refine the framework presented. Developing case studies that gather appropriate data to test out the models described would be important. Practical implications – Companies with a global supply chain as well as third party logistics companies will find the framework presented in this paper very useful. Originality/value – A new integrated framework that incorporates key decision issues like complexities of extended supply chains and network coordination into the firm's decision making has been presented. This has not been reported in previous research.

Anna Fredriksson; Patrik Jonsson

2009 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030910951719

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to develop a framework for low‐cost sourcing assessment and to explore the consequences of low‐cost sourcing in China for a European manufacturer. Design/methodology/approach – The low‐cost sourcing framework generated from literature and the consequence analysis is based on a case study of a European company that has outsourced part of its casting processes to Chinese suppliers. Findings – Characteristics of low‐cost sourcing are based on a literature review divided into three categories: country characteristics, supply network structure, and supply network relationships and the case study shows that these three categories of characteristics jointly create negative effects. A two‐directional cause and effect relationship is proposed between the characteristics and the operational supply chain performances. The presented low‐cost sourcing assessment framework should be a good starting point for low‐cost sourcing assessment, including mapping a firm's total characteristics, and for analysing their performance impact. Research limitations/implications – The conducted single case study is not enough for identifying, formulating, and validating all existing relationships between the low‐cost sourcing characteristics. The present study has identified the existence of the relationships but has not evaluated their levels of impact. Practical implications – Managers should be aware of how suppliers in low‐cost countries may affect the structures, relations, and operational supply chain performances of the supply network. This paper presents a sourcing assessment framework enabling describing what dimensions of the sourcing characteristics would be affected by sourcing to a specific area of the world and what consequences and performance effects this would have. Originality/value – Few prior studies have focused on companies with already established relationships with low‐cost‐country suppliers and how these companies should make the best out of these supply chains. This study takes a holistic perspective on low‐cost sourcing and identifies several streams for further research.

Michael J. Maloni; Craig R. Carter; Amelia S. Carr

2009 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600030910951728

Purpose – While most researchers would generally agree that the field of logistics has been maturing over recent decades, this maturation has not yet been empirically established. The purpose of this paper is to assess the maturity of research in the field by measuring author concentration in logistics journals over a sixteen‐year period. Design/methodology/approach – Research propositions of logistics author concentration are first developed from the extant literature. The propositions are then tested by assessing author concentration across 1,796 articles from five scholarly, peer‐reviewed logistics journals from 1992‐2007. The results are compared to similar studies of other academic business disciplines, including accounting, finance, management, and marketing. We also apply regression analysis to the time series data to verify changing author concentration trends. Findings – The results indicate that logistics publications generally have higher author concentration than other business disciplines, suggesting that logistics research is less expansive and still maturing compared to these other disciplines. However, logistics author concentration has continued to decrease since 1992 relative to schools, countries, degree‐granting schools, and individual authors. This suggests that the field has been expanding and will continue to do so at a consistent pace in the near future. Originality/value – This paper allows logistics researchers to better understand the recent research history of the field as well as its future research prospects. Additionally, The implication for is presented the international expansion of the field as well as the increasing acceptance of logistics journals by other academic disciplines. In addition, concerns about increased author competition and research proliferation are voiced.