International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Grimm, Curtis ; Knemeyer, Michael ; Polyviou, Mikaella ; Ren, Xinyi

2015 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-05-2014-0110

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and review empirical strategic management articles that pertain to supply chain management (SCM) and are published in top management journals. Design/methodology/approach – The researchers review all articles published in five top management journals, namely, Academy of Management Journal , Administrative Science Quarterly , Management Science , Organization Science , and Strategic Management Journal , from 2004 to 2013, to identify empirical articles relevant to SCM. The researchers subsequently categorize the literature in thematic categories and subcategories, and they identify the theories informing the research and the methodologies applied. Findings – The most prevalent finding of this literature review is that abundant research pertaining to SCM is being published in top management journals. This demonstrates that SCM is a broad phenomenon studied by scholars across disciplines; thus, a broader literature perspective can be beneficial to those working in this area. Moreover, the reviewed studies are informed by theories that extend beyond the “traditionally used” resource-based view and transaction cost economics. Finally, the majority of the research suggests an inter-organizational scope. Originality/value – This study familiarizes logistics/SCM scholars with SCM-related research conducted in the strategic management field, informing them about the types of phenomena studied by strategic management scholars, the theoretical lenses and literature used to enhance understanding of these phenomena, and the empirical methodologies applied to examine those. Importantly, through this familiarization, logistics/SCM scholars can learn from but also contribute to the strategic management literature that pertains to SCM.

Piecyk, Maja Izabela ; Björklund, Maria

2015 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2013-0228

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a content analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by logistics service providers (LSPs), and to analyse factors influencing the level and scope of reporting. In order to address this objective, the authors show to what extent various social and environmental categories are covered in the CSR reports. The authors also investigate whether any differences in the use of CSR indicators can be found with regard to the use of a formal reporting framework, the size of a company, location of its headquarter, and ownership structure. Design/methodology/approach – The study begins with a comprehensive literature review on the CSR policies and practices in relation to the field of logistics. A database of 350 international LSPs is compiled based on independent rankings of top logistics companies. Applying a content analysis approach, corporate web sites and CSR reports are examined in order to investigate how sustainability is reported and what CSR-related indicators are published. Statistical analysis is carried out to provide insight into whether any differences in the use of CSR indicators can be found with regard to four key factors identified in the literature review. Findings – Although aspects of sustainability are mentioned on corporate web sites of most LSPs in the database (53 per cent), only 13 per cent publish formal CSR reports. This research identifies a variety of indicators used by LSPs and shows that the use of a formal reporting framework and the size of a company are the two main factors influencing the levels of CSR reporting in the sector. Practical implications – This paper provides an insight into how transparently LSPs report on the sustainability of their performance. LSPs can compare their own CSR reporting approaches to the body of scientific literature and the findings presented in this paper, in order to adapt more general concepts and best practice evidence to their needs. Social implications – By focusing on best practice in reporting of the environmental and social performance, this research can potentially improve the long-term sustainability of the logistics sector. Originality/value – This is the first study providing a comprehensive review of the CSR reporting practice in the third party logistics sector. As such, this paper provides an important basis for CSR-related research in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Several areas for future research are also identified.

Sohn, Matthias ; Sohn, Werner ; Klaas-Wissing, Thorsten ; Hirsch, Bernhard

2015 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2014-0150

Purpose – Job markets in the transport and logistics industry are characterized by a scarcity of well-educated junior talent. Employer attractiveness is becoming more important in order to win the most talented junior staff. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how corporate social performance (CSP) profiles of logistics companies influence their attractiveness for job seekers. Design/methodology/approach – In a computerized laboratory experiment, the authors provided 95 students in their final year with job offer data that include general and CSP information about the company, and the job seeker’s potential salary. The authors manipulated how the CSP information was presented and monitored the information accessed during job seekers’ decision-making processes. The authors investigated how information presentation affected choices. Findings – The vast majority of talent acquires CSP information in the pre-decision phase of the judgment, compares this information across companies, and trades off this information with the conditions of employment. The authors find that the ease of comparability of corporate social responsibility (CSR) information, expressed by meaningful indicators of CSP, increased preference for high CSP. Research limitations/implications – The study enriches existing studies of voluntary disclosure, which argue that voluntary disclosing sustainability-related information can be a tool of impression management. Practical implications – Companies with a compelling CSP should push for a broadly accepted methodology to benchmark CSP within industry-specific sectors, such as logistics services. Social implications – Potential employees demand that companies should consider their social impact on individuals and society as a whole. To remain attractive for employees companies in transport and logistics industry have to cope with a broader scope of expectations. Originality/value – The authors provide the first analysis on the relevance of CSP information for employer attractiveness in the transport and logistics industry. This research provides insights into the relevance of CSP criteria, information provision, and comparability processes from the perspective of young job seekers.

Mangiaracina, Riccardo ; Song, Guang ; Perego, Alessandro

2015 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-02-2014-0035

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it classifies research on distribution network design (DND) according to the methodologies adopted and themes tackled. Second, it discusses the main implications for practitioners. Finally, it proposes a few promising directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach – The review is based on 126 papers published from 1972 to 2013 in international peer-reviewed journals in the Business, Management and Economics field. The academic papers have been analyzed and classified based on the main research methods used and the themes tackled. Findings – It was found that most of the earlier research adopted quantitative models to deal with different decisions on DND, whereas the number of conceptual papers, proposing frameworks and classifications, is still limited. In all, 42 factors that affect DND have been identified and classified into five groups, and the relationships between factor groups and strategic decisions have been investigated. This study revealed that some important areas have not received much attention in the literature and, therefore, three potential directions for further research have been identified. Research limitations/implications – Due to the extremely large number of papers on DND, it is possible that a few papers may have inadvertently been missed. Despite the possibility of not being all-inclusive, the authors firmly believe that the general picture presented in this paper is precise and trustworthy. Originality/value – This review offers valuable insights for practitioners: a clear understanding of the main decisions related to DND; a comprehensive analysis of the main factors that affect the distribution network structure; a clear understanding of the relationships between factor groups and key decisions; and a guide to the models that can be used to support the different phases of DND.