International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

M. Theodore Farris II

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011035074

Purpose – The development of strategic supply chain mapping techniques has been slowed by four critical issues. The purpose of this paper is to answer a call to address supply chain mapping techniques and issues. It offers recommendations for more readable and useful strategic supply chain maps. Design/methodology/approach – The paper utilized executive MBA, traditional MBA, and graduating logistics undergraduates' applied economic input/output data to refine mapping techniques. Findings – The paper addresses strategic supply chain mapping issues to serve as the next step in advancing the evolution of strategic supply chain mapping techniques. It utilizes geovisualization to provide useful guidance to individuals trying to map their current supply chain and seeking potential improvements. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited in that strategic supply chain mapping is in its infancy. Future research may consider use of the technique comparing alternative approaches to a supply chain, as well as the application of Pareto analysis and other metrics to focus on critical components for mapping. Practical implications – The use of input/output analysis initiates mapping at the macro industry level as a key starting point. Geovisualization techniques allow those mapping to offer a great amount of detail in a simple, easy‐to‐read format to identify the critical components of the specific supply chain. Originality/value – This paper is the critical next step to help further advance the evolution of strategic supply chain mapping techniques by both practitioner and academic.

Alan Smart

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011035083

Purpose – Although e‐procurement has been adopted in many industries, the business case for this technology has only partially been explored in the literature. This paper aims to investigate, through a case study approach, the extent of the business case developed for e‐procurement adoption in three implementations. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a case study method and examines three industrial firms through in‐depth interviews with managers involved in the projects. The cases were presented and explored individually, followed by identification of relevant drivers and problem factors. Findings – The research identifies 18 drivers which can form the basis of a business case for e‐procurement. A further 17 problem factors are presented, which have the potential to militate the original case. It is apparent that the firms involved only developed a limited case for adoption and that there is a significant element of faith that the eventual results will justify the investment. Practical implications – A framework of the business drivers for e‐procurement is introduced, in the form of a multi‐attribute hierarchy. This framework can assist managers to classify relevant issues in assessing and developing the case for e‐procurement adoption. Originality/value – Whilst the literature offers theoretical benefits for e‐procurement, the paper provides managers and researchers with empirical evidence of the drivers for this technology and of the problems encountered in implementation.

Mustafa A. Ertem; Nebil Buyurgan; Manuel D. Rossetti

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011035092

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the inefficiency in resource allocation for disaster relief procurement operations. It presents a holistic and reconfigurable procurement auctions‐based framework which includes the announcement construction, bid construction and bid evaluation phases. Design/methodology/approach – The holistic framework is developed in a way that auctioneers and bidders compete amongst each other in multiple rounds of the procurement auction. Humanitarian organization in disaster locations are considered as auctioneers (buyers) and suppliers are considered as bidders. Findings – Unique system parameters (e.g. announcement options, priority of items, bidder strategies, etc.) are introduced to represent the disaster relief environment in a practical way. The framework is verified by simulation and optimization techniques using the system characteristics of the disaster relief environment as an input. Based on the parameters and their values, behavioural changes of auctioneers and suppliers are observed. Originality/value – Combining the three phases of procurement auctions is unique both in the auction literature and in the disaster relief research, and it helps the humanitarian organizations supply the immediate and long‐term requirements in the disaster location more efficiently.

Eric P. Jack; Thomas L. Powers; Lauren Skinner

2010 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031011035100

Purpose – The use of reverse logistics has received increased attention in the literature, although the role that reverse logistics capabilities plays in enabling firms to achieve cost savings has not been empirically examined. Reverse logistics capabilities can enable retailers to enhance their return policies and improve their overall cost position. This paper aims to address these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a survey of 295 retailers, this paper evaluates the influence of customer and retailer related antecedents of reverse logistics capabilities and their subsequent impact on cost savings. Findings – The results indicate that resource commitments and contractual obligations positively influence reverse logistics capabilities and that these capabilities result in cost savings. Customer opportunism is found to be negatively related to reverse logistics capabilities. It is also reported that reverse logistics capabilities partially mediates the relationship between resource commitments, contractual arrangements, and reverse logistics cost savings. Originality/value – This work builds on the recent research in reverse logistics; however, unlike other contributions in this research stream, the role of retailers who perform a critical role in this area is addressed.