International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Alain De Beuckelaer; Stephan M. Wagner

2012 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031211258129

Purpose – Attaining high response rates in survey‐based supply chain management (SCM) research is becoming increasingly difficult, but small samples can limit the reliability and validity of empirical research findings. The purpose of this article is to analyze the status quo and provide a discussion of methodological issues related to the use of small samples in SCM research. Design/methodology/approach – An in‐depth review of 75 small sample survey studies published between 1998 and 2007 in three journals in the field that frequently publish survey‐based research papers ( TJ , IJPDLM , and JBL ) was conducted, and key characteristics of these studies were compared with the characteristics from 44 small sample survey studies published in leading operations management ( JOM ) and management ( AMJ ) journals. Findings – The review of papers published in TJ , IJPDLM , and JBL shows that small samples are frequently used in SCM research. This study provides an overview of current practices, opportunities for improvement, and a number of specific recommendations that may help increase the analytical rigor of (future) survey‐based studies that rely on small samples. Originality/value – The recommendations provided in this article can greatly benefit researchers in the field of SCM. By following these proposals, the reliability and validity of research findings will be increased, researchers will be better equipped to investigate interesting questions where small samples are the norm rather than the exception (e.g., the study of dyadic supply chain relationships), and important and valid contributions to the theory and practice of SCM will be generated.

Sara Perotti; Marta Zorzini; Enrico Cagno; Guido J.L. Micheli

2012 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031211258138

Purpose – The pressure on logistics companies to embrace green processes has increased significantly in the last few years. Within the broad concept of green supply chain management, a review of the existing literature has highlighted a need to understand how green supply chain practices (GSCP) can contribute to improving company performance from an environmental point of view, as well as economic and operational. This paper aims to investigate the GSCP adopted by third party logistics (3PLs) in Italy in terms of specific practices implemented and level of adoption of each practice, and to explore how this adoption can affect the company performance. Design/methodology/approach – Multi‐case study research involving 15 3PLs operating in Italy, with data collected through face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews with senior representatives from each company. Findings – Even if findings reveal an overall increasing interest towards environmental issues, the current level of adoption of GSCP is still limited amongst the 3PLs investigated as well as their benefits in terms of company performance. Some players have shown a more proactive attitude and started benefiting substantially from the adoption of GSCP, mainly in terms of environmental and economic performance. Research limitations/implications – The research focuses on 3PLs operating in Italy – findings may differ in other countries and sectors. Practical implications – Findings can be used to support company decisions to either modify the GSCP already in place to achieve a set target or identify the most suitable GSCP to implement. Originality/value – This study contributes to a better understanding of the links between GSCP and company performance. It also provides insights into the GSCP currently in place amongst 3PLs operating in Italy, identifying the type of supply chain to which companies belong (or intend to belong in the future) as a relevant factor.

Mari Olander; Andreas Norrman

2012 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031211258147

Purpose – This paper aims to study an advanced third/fourth party logistics (3/4PL) relationship in which the logistics service provider extended normal services by taking ownership of the goods during global distribution. It also aims to describe and analyze the approach to the legal rules a 3/4PL provider and its client company took in their contract, and present some remarks on the extent to which these contract solutions are legally sound. Design/methodology/approach – A cross‐functional (business law and logistics) approach is applied to a single case study. The main data source is a written contract, complemented by in‐depth interviews with the 3/4PL's managing director. A legal analysis is made from four perspectives of non‐mandatory and mandatory commercial legal rules. Findings – Issues between the offered service, the legal function and reaction in contracts are pointed out, e.g. doubts regarding the legal risk of sales uncertainty, the ownership of goods, the product liability, and the roles as commercial agent and as freight forwarding agent. These kinds of advanced logistics services are not clearly handled, e.g. in the standard‐form contracts for freight forwarding. Research limitations/implications – The research is limited to one case and to some aspects of Swedish commercial law, but put in an international perspective. It adds a legal perspective to previous studies on 3/4PL contracts, and it contributes to legal research by its analysis of how firms in real life react to law in their contracts. Practical implications – Practitioners can get inspiration from an innovative logistics service setup, but also realize what legal challenges to consider when they make their contracts. A tentative approach to aligning logistics' and lawyers' work is suggested. Originality/value – The paper combines legal and logistics research, and description/analysis of a 3/4PL case where ownership of the goods is transferred to the service provider.

Brian S. Fugate; Rodney W. Thomas; Susan L. Golicic

2012 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/09600031211258156

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to investigate the direct and interaction effects of managers' tactics to deal with time pressure on behaviors and relational norms across transactional and collaborative buyer‐supplier relationships. Design/methodology/approach – This research utilizes a novel scenario‐based experimental design. The lack of behavioral experimentation in logistics research is noticeable given the vital role that human judgment and decision making play in managing contemporary supply chains. Findings – When supplier personnel exhibit signs of coping with time pressure, individual boundary spanners in buying organizations are less willing to engage in key collaborative behaviors and relational norms. These adverse effects are intensified in closer buyer‐supplier relationships. Research limitations/implications – Although internal validity is maximized in this type of research, such gains are achieved through the development of artificial business scenarios that lack external validity. Practical implications – Although it should not be as much of a concern in working with transactional customers, supplier personnel involved in collaborative relationships should be cognizant of the potential negative impact of coping with time pressure and allot sufficient resources to manage critical partnerships. Originality/value – This research contributes to better understanding the clash between maintaining collaborative relationships while simultaneously coping with time pressure.