International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Keenan D. Yoho; Sebastiaan Rietjens; Peter Tatham

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-03-2012-0079

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the special issue on defence logistics. To achieve this, an overview of the field of defence logistics is offered together with a discussion of the historical and contemporary issues that have confronted researchers and practitioners. Current research is described, and a research agenda for future work in the field is proposed. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based upon a conceptual discussion of defence logistics as it has been studied in the past and is being studied in the present, and a reflection on the ways in which past research can usefully inform future research agendas. Findings – The paper discusses the current state of defence logistics research, and proposes a research agenda for future work based upon the anticipated characteristics of future combat operations. Research limitations/implications – A future research agenda is proposed that is informed by recent transformations in the conduct of warfare, as well as through anticipated changes in the global strategic landscape. Comparisons are made between defence logistics operations and their commercial counterparts to illustrate where there may be opportunities for adaptation based on the underlying similarities. Originality/value – This paper discusses the major threads and themes of defence logistics research as a discipline, highlights the changing landscape of conflict in the 21st century and provides a future research agenda for those working in the field.

Andreas Glas; Erik Hofmann; Michael Eßig

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-12-2011-0229

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyse military logistics providing a decision support instrument for contracting in defence supply chains. Design/methodology/approach – This instrument – the Performance‐Based Logistics (PBL) portfolio – is developed following the contingency approach. Qualitative interviews and illustrative examples from Germany, Austria and Switzerland are used to validate the portfolio. Findings – The proposed portfolio examines a military demand in respect of its required effectiveness (robustness and resilience), and the suppliers' ability to influence efficiency (forecast and supply risk). In combination, the contingencies are used to recommend three alternative types of PBL contracting. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on conceptual work with illustrative case examples. Therefore, although the authors believe that the PBL portfolio provides useful guidance for further research, the empirical applicability of this instrument must be proven. Originality/value – The research on PBL is gaining importance, but still there remains a deficiency of theoretical grounding and management instruments. This study is a first approach to use the contingency framework for developing such an instrument. The value of the PBL portfolio lies in supporting normative decision making for contracting military supply.

Christiaan Davids; Robert Beeres; Paul C. van Fenema

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-11-2011-0198

Purpose – This paper aims to present a study on the organization of military logistics under “hot” conditions in an expeditionary crisis response operation. The authors' main research question is: in what way is armed forces logistics sourcing organized in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan? Design/methodology/approach – To answer their research question, the authors conducted a case study including field research at military sites in Afghanistan. The case study is focused on military organizations that operate in a hostile and ambiguous environment. The authors compare sourcing of three categories of support services, i.e. facilities management, maintenance & logistics and security. Findings – The authors' results include a systematic overview of the organization of command, logistic and accounting (sourcing) in the ISAF mission, involving multinational military partners and contractors. Second, the authors show how Canada, NATO, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the USA sourced the three categories of services mentioned in terms of sourcing profiles. Focusing on contracting, the authors outline which strategies NATO and the countries mentioned used in practice. And finally, differences and similarities are highlighted in the area of funding and accounting. Research limitations/implications – While the authors' study provides insight in the use of sourcing profiles identified in this paper, more research is necessary to identify criteria for explaining sourcing decisions of armed forces. Practical implications – The paper provides a systematic overview for practitioners and scholars and enhances manageability and policy development relevant for those who prepare, execute, monitor and evaluate missions. Originality/value – The authors' paper is one of the first to provide a systematic overview in operational defense sourcing relying on first‐hand field data. This area of study is fragmented and remains mostly closed for non‐military researchers.

Tore Listou

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-11-2011-0203

Purpose – When deploying a frigate to the Gulf of Aden as a part of the Operation Atalanta, the Norwegian Defence outsourced logistics to a TPL provider. The purpose of this paper is to explore the cooperation between the Defence and the TPL provider during the operation. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative design was chosen. Semi‐structured interviews were combined with relevant secondary sources. A theoretical framework formed the basis for the interviews. Findings – No long‐term history existed between the parties before the cooperation, and no psychological contracts between individuals at tactical levels were made beforehand. Yet the cooperation was a success. It seems that this to a large degree depended on the individuals assigned to the project. Research limitations/implications – The research highlights the need to address not only how to design physical supply structures but also how to ensure adequate levels of collaborative competence within civil‐military project groups. Further research is needed to investigate how to embed key suppliers in Defence logistics structures and how supply chains for short‐term, limited deployments impact on logistics arrangements for the permanent structure of the Defence. Practical implications – This research gives the Norwegian Defence valuable knowledge about how to collaborate with commercial logistics providers. Originality/value – This research highlights challenges when embedding suppliers into military supply chains. This is of importance not just when supplying deployed forces but also when considering supplier integration, e.g. through PPP and PBL.

Peter Tatham

2013 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-03-2011-0044

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a “line of sight” between improved military capability through supply network effectiveness to trust and shared values, and test the proposition that the effectiveness of the UK's military supply network (SN) will reflect the extent of the shared values within that network. Design/methodology/approach – Using a three unit case study, the extent of the shared values is tested using a computer aided text analysis technique and an amended version of the Kuhn and McPartland Twenty Statements Test. Findings – The research was unable to demonstrate alignment between higher levels of shared values and SN effectiveness. This may reflect the marked differences between commercial SNs which incorporate an assumption of near total elasticity of supply and aim at “on time in full” delivery, and their military counterparts which, not least for budgetary constraint reasons, do not have the same drivers of performance. Research limitations/implications – Further investigation should be undertaken to examine the generalisability of the research findings both within the UK and internationally. Practical implications – The research underlines the caution that should be exercised when attempting to migrate commercial SN management thinking to a military environment. Originality/value – Notwithstanding the vast sums expended on the provision of defence logistics, there is only very limited consideration of how best to achieve the appropriate balance between efficiency (low cost – especially in peacetime) and effectiveness (life saving – especially in war). This research offers some early insights using two novel techniques that represent valuable alternative means of understanding the impact of issues such as trust and shared values within SNs.