International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Ryan J. Merrick; James H. Bookbinder

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011093197

Purpose – A program of shipment consolidation (SCL) is the purposeful intervention by management to regularly combine several small shipments so that a larger load may be dispatched on the same vehicle. SCL decisions traditionally have been based upon minimization of total logistics costs (inventory plus transportation). The paper aims to answer the following research question: given the environmental implications of vehicle emissions as a function of load weight, are the familiar SCL policies still optimal? Design/methodology/approach – Nonlinear expressions relating carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions to vehicle weight, and parameterized by trip length and average travel speed, were derived from published experimental data. Those expressions were included in a simulation model that assessed the environmental impact, in addition to the logistics cost, of the policies concerning when to release a consolidated load. Findings – For short holding times, the quantity policy performs best in terms of both logistics cost and pollution reduction. In the case of low‐order arrival rates and long holding times, the time policy is best at reducing emissions and logistics costs. However, the best dispatch policy conflicts in terms of pollution reduction and logistics cost minimization for the following cases: moderate holding times and long holding times combined with high‐order arrival rates. In these cases, it is necessary to consider the speed of travel, trip length and unit cost of emissions when evaluating the policies. Research limitations/implications – A carbon trading market appears to be on the horizon in several industries, which will establish a price per unit weight for CO 2 emissions and make it beneficial to minimize the total cost (including emissions) of the network. This research only considers CO 2 pollution, but future investigations could also consider other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and volatile organic carbons. Practical implications – SCL policies can include a “green logistics” component that is based on empirical data. Originality/value – One undesirable consequence of transportation by truck is CO 2 emissions. However, the impact can be lessened, while still emphasizing total logistics cost per load, with our simulation‐based results for shipment release policies.

C. Clifford Defee; Theodore P. (Ted) Stank; Terry Esper

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011093205

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop the concepts of supply chain leadership (SCL) and supply chain followership (SCF) from the literature, and propose a theory of leadership in supply chains using a strategy‐structure‐performance theory framework. Design/methodology/approach – Constructs are defined and valid and reliable scales are developed for SCL, SCF, and three structural elements (information availability, communication, and rewards). Proposed SCL and SCF theoretical relationships are tested using data collected from an interactive simulation and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Findings – Transformational SCL and SCF are inter‐related constructs that can be linked to the creation of the three forms of supply chain structure examined in this research to varying degrees. A finding of significance is that supply chain follower organizations may actually have greater influence over operational performance than the supply chain leader. Research limitations/implications – This research presents an initial test of supply chain‐related constructs not tested in previous research. These represent significant organizational constructs that may benefit future supply chain research efforts. Practical implications – Transformational supply chain behaviors of leaders and followers can be perceived and measured. Managers may utilize this knowledge to better understand the type of supply chain relationships their organization should most effectively pursue. Originality/value – The paper introduces the concepts of SCL and SCF and empirically tests these concepts and the structural constructs of information availability, communication, and rewards.

Lutz Kaufmann; Craig R. Carter; Christian Buhrmann

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011093214

Purpose – The authors perform a large‐scale review of debiasing literature with the purpose of deriving a mutually exclusive and exhaustive debiasing taxonomy. This taxonomy is used to conceptualize debiasing activities in the supplier selection process. For each supplier selection‐debiasing construct, scale items are proposed. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic classification approach was used to build a debiasing taxonomy, combined with a Q‐methodology. Findings – Based on the developed and externally validated debiasing taxonomy, five debiasing activities for the supplier selection context are derived. The conceptual investigation of these supplier selection‐oriented debiasing measures helps both researchers and supply managers to gain a better understanding of debiasing mechanisms and to effectively further improve the supplier selection process by integrating behavioral aspects. Originality/value – This research extends the taxonomy of decision biases developed by Carter, Kaufmann, and Michel, by systematically analyzing strategies to debias the decision‐making process. The highly fragmented research landscape on debiasing was inventoried and structured. As a result, a debiasing taxonomy was created that extracted five main debiasing categories. These were then conceptualized within the context of the supplier selection process. In doing so, debiasing literature from different research streams such as economics, psychology, and behavioral and strategic decision making was systematically integrated into the field of supply management. Proposed scale items allow for empirical investigation as a next step in the development of the nascent field of behavioral supply management.

David E. Cantor; Marianick Terle

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011093223

Purpose – The objective of this paper is the development of a voluntary compliance model that is applied to the current and substantive governmental regulatory electronic on‐board recorder (EOBR) proposal in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach – This study is designed to qualitatively evaluate the responses of commercial drivers to the federal government's proposed EOBR safety technology. Results are based on the analysis of published comments made by commercial drivers to a US government online database, the Federal Docket Management System. Findings – Four major thematic categories emerged from the commercial driver comments are analyzed, including government control over workplace behavior; financial impact; technology readiness; and attribution issues –, e.g. misplaced responsibility for safety problems (generally on other drivers or outside parties). This paper links these concerns to a procedural justice model and discusses how procedural justice concerns can contribute to voluntary compliance and employment turnover intentions. Important commercial driver, motor carrier, and public policy implications are thus revealed. Originality/value – This study represents the first development of a voluntary compliance model that is applied to the proposed EOBR mandate. The deployment of this voluntary compliance model may lead to greater compliance rates.

Xiaohong Liu; David B. Grant; Alan C. McKinnon; Yuanhua Feng

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011093232

Purpose – This paper aims to report on an investigation of logistics service provider (LSP) capabilities and how these capabilities contribute to LSP competitiveness in the context of China. Design/methodology/approach – This paper draws on work from economics and strategy on firm‐level competitiveness, particularly the resource‐based view, to develop and empirically examined 13 firm‐specific capability constructs based on a survey of Chinese LSPs. Findings – Exploratory factor analysis and factor analysis regression indicated all 13 constructs are critical to a Chinese LSP's competitiveness and are interlinked in contributing to it. The findings also revealed the most critical capability is service quality; this capability was further assessed and two sub‐constructs of operations and relationship management emerged. Practical implications – The results of the empirical study provide a useful way for LSP managers to identify and appraise their firm's capabilities and competitiveness. Originality/value – This study contributes by addressing a gap of empirical research concerning LSP competitiveness and capabilities.