International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Hazen, Benjamin T.; Ellinger, Alexander E.

2019 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-02-2019-373

Daugherty, Patricia J.; Bolumole, Yemisi; Grawe, Scott J.

2019 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-03-2018-0143

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the body of logistics customer service (LCS) research published in leading logistics journals from 1990 to 2017. Specifically, the paper presents a call to arms for logistics and supply chain researchers to address new and emerging issues impacting customer service in the age of omnichannel and e-commerce retailing.Design/methodology/approachThe authors reviewed academic journals to identify articles focusing on LCS from 1990 through 2017. The authors noted trends in academic research activity/focus and supplemented the findings by examining more recent trends covered in trade publication articles.FindingsThe authors observed a large amount of LCS research in the early 1990s and 2000s, but noticed a substantial decline in coverage within academic journals since the late 2000s while industry continues to give customer service issues even greater attention. The difference between the level of coverage within academic journals and the increased importance firms place on customer service represents a critical gap and opportunity for scholars. This research represents a “call to arms” to address this gap. With particular emphasis on observed customer impatience and escalating requests, within omni- and e-commerce channels of distribution, we suggest greater theoretical insights into customer service strategies and their role in successfully navigating today’s changing logistics service environment are needed.Originality/valueThe review serves as a call for more attention to customer service issues within leading logistics journals. Suggestions for research into new and emerging topics are offered.

Lu, Dawei; Asian, Sobhan; Ertek, Gurdal; Sevinc, Mete

2019 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-09-2017-0302

A perception gap refers to the differences in perception among the stakeholders regarding any aspect of the supply chain relationship. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perception gap among service supply chain partners relating to the relative importance of key performance indicators (KPIs) and the association of this gap with service performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an integrative framework that combines statistical methods and data envelopment analysis for computing perception and performance gaps, and for identifying the association between the gaps. The study follows a middle-range theorizing research approach where general inferences are induced from instances, and a theory can be developed from the observation of empirical reality.FindingsAnalysis of data from a leading global insurance service supply chain suggests that perception gap exists and can be recognised as a factor associated with performance gaps. The results suggest that the perception gap not only affects performance but can also be tracked as a meta-KPI to improve performance throughout the service supply chain.Practical implicationsThe key implication of the presented research is that service companies can identify and resolve the differences in perceptions regarding the importance of the KPIs, by methodologically computing the gaps and tracking them as meta-KPIs.Originality/valueThe study extends the theoretical boundary of supply chain performance management by introducing the perception and performance gaps as novel meta-KPIs. These meta-KPIs can be computed through the integrative framework developed in the study.

Luu, Tuan

2019 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-07-2017-0238

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how service-oriented high-performance work systems (HPWSs) contribute to logistics performance and the mediation mechanisms underlying this relationship.Design/methodology/approachEmployees and their managers from logistics departments and/or business departments of manufacturing firms in the Vietnamese business setting were recruited as participants in the data collection. Structural equation modeling was employed for the data analysis.FindingsService-oriented HPWSs demonstrated the positive effects on logistics performance via serving culture. Serving culture was found to have the positive link with logistics performance via the mediating roles of collective role breadth self-efficacy and collective customer knowledge.Originality/valueThe current research extends the logistics management research by identifying service-oriented HPWSs as an antecedent of logistics performance as well as the mediation mechanisms underlying this effect.

Gawor, Tobias; Hoberg, Kai

2019 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-09-2017-0275

The purpose of this paper is to derive monetary benchmarks and managerial implications for omni-channel retailers’ B2C e-fulfillment strategies by investigating the trade-offs between lead time, delivery convenience and total price including shipment in the context of online electronics retailing.Design/methodology/approachBased on a choice-based conjoint analysis among 550 US online shoppers, the monetary values of lead time and convenience were calculated in a log-log regression model. In addition, latent class segmentation was applied to identify consumer segments according to their differing e-fulfillment preferences.FindingsFrom a consumer perspective, the analysis suggests that price is the most important criteria in omni-channel retailer selection, followed by lead time and convenience. The value of time is, on average, $3.61 per day. Regarding convenience, the results indicate that delivery to the home is highly preferred over pick-up options. The value of the consumer’s travel time was estimated at $10.62 per hour. The latent class segmentation identified four segment groups with different preferences.Research limitations/implicationsTo validate the findings, future research could analyze real data from omni-channel retailers’ customers’ buying behavior. It should also be interesting to extend the research to other price ranges, market segments and e-fulfillment factors, such as return options, shop ratings and membership programs aiming for further generalization.Practical implicationsThe findings guide omni-channel retailers to focus on efficient B2C e-fulfillment strategies. Considerable competitive advantages may be gained by reducing lead times and offering convenient delivery in line with the lead time valuation of the identified customer segment.Originality/valueThis study fills gaps in the academic research of consumer behavior in retailer selection, which has primarily concentrated on the choice between “brick-and-mortar” and online sales channels. It paves the way for a more service-oriented perspective in omni-channel retailing research.

Russo, Ivan; Confente, Ilenia; Gligor, David; Cobelli, Nicola

2019 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-02-2018-0056

The purpose of this paper is to introduce qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to the field of supply chain management and provide a detailed roadmap that supply chain researchers can utilize when applying this methodology.Design/methodology/approachData collection focused on the evaluation of product returns management practices as perceived by business customers who operate in a supplier–customer context. In order to analyze the data using the QCA approach, a multi-step analysis was developed.FindingsThe results indicate five solutions that lead to high levels of customer satisfaction. The existence of multiple sufficient configurations for customer satisfaction indicates equifinality because multiple alternative solutions can lead to the same outcome.Research limitations/implicationsThe authors make a methodological contribution by applying the QCA method to the field of supply chain management and providing a detailed roadmap that supply chain researchers can utilize.Practical implicationsThe authors provide managers five different and novel combinations of antecedents that lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction.Originality/valueThis study offers supply chain researchers a better understanding of when it is appropriate to use QCA and how to apply this methodology. From a theoretical perspective, past studies focused exclusively on the “net effects” of these antecedents, thus, did not capture the complexity of the relationships between these various antecedents and customer satisfaction. This is a noteworthy contribution as it highlights the complexity of the amalgam of relationships and factors that impact customer satisfaction within the context of reverse supply chain.