International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Xu, Henry

2020 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-06-2018-0213

This paper aims to introduce a web-based pilot system for minimizing the ripple effect (i.e. spreading of the negative impact of an exceptional event along the supply chain from its original position) caused by operational risks in the context of make-to-order supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a design science research methodology, which covers three major stages: system requirements identification, business process design and the implementation and evaluation of a web-based pilot system.FindingsThe developed system has the potential to significantly reduce the negative impact of the ripple effect caused by operational risks in a make-to-order supply chain in terms of material shortages, late deliveries and subsequent additional costs associated with expediting measures when a customer order is running late.Research limitations/implicationsThe system presented in this paper is a prototype that needs to be further developed and tested in the future.Practical implicationsThis paper provides integrated business processes and useful guidelines for supply chain managers and information system developers in dealing with the ripple effect in the supply chain.Originality/valueIn contrast to prior studies that have focused on investigating the impact of the ripple effect on the supply chain caused by natural or man-made disasters, this research attempts to offer a novel approach to address the research problem (i.e. the ripple effect caused by operational risks such as delays) directly from the design science perspective.

Gossler, Timo; Wakolbinger, Tina; Burkart, Christian

2020 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-12-2018-0400

Outsourcing of logistics has great importance in disaster relief. Aid agencies spend several billion US dollars every year on logistics services. However, the concept of outsourcing has not been established adequately in literature on humanitarian logistics, leading to a fragmented view of the practice. This paper provides a holistic perspective of the concept by constructing a conceptual framework to analyze both practice and research of outsourcing in humanitarian operations. Based on this analysis, we explore future trends and identify research gaps.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a structured review of academic literature, a two-round Delphi study with 31 experts from aid agencies and a complementary full-day focus group with twelve experts from aid agencies and logistics service providers.FindingsThe paper systemizes the current practice of outsourcing in humanitarian logistics according to a conceptual framework of five dimensions: subject, object, partner, design and context. In addition, it reveals ten probable developments of the practice over the next years. Finally, it describes eight important research gaps and presents a research agenda for the field.Research limitations/implicationsThe literature review considered peer-reviewed academic papers. Practitioner papers could provide additional insights into the practice. Moreover, the Delphi study focused on the perspective of aid agencies. Capturing the views of logistics service providers in more detail would be a valuable addition.Originality/valueThe paper establishes the academic basis for the important practice of outsourcing in humanitarian logistics. It highlights essential research gaps and, thereby, opens up the field for future research.

Baier, Carolin; Beckmann, Markus; Heidingsfelder, Jens

2020 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-02-2019-0037

The paper investigates how the alignment of two corporate functions, sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and trade compliance (TC) can help companies to take corporate value chain responsibility (VCR). In particular, the authors investigate how evolutionary system theory can explain the coevolution of two distinct VCR functions (SSCM and TC) and the potential and challenges for their future alignment.Design/methodology/approachThe authors introduce evolutionary system theory as a powerful explanatory perspective to the field of VCR, SSCM and TC. By applying evolutionary system theory to the VCR debate, the authors analyze the potential for aligning both functions. They further analyze the inherent challenges of such an alignment by discussing the concept of organizational path dependencies.FindingsThe paper spells out a research agenda and formulates testable propositions for further investigating the interplay of environment and system as well as the structural options for a functional alignment of SSCM and TC.Originality/valueThe corporate function of TC has been widely overlooked by supply chain and sustainability scholars. This paper adds the function of TC to the wider discussion on SSCM and corporate VCR. Furthermore, the paper develops a research agenda for a pioneer topic and triggers discussion in academia and corporate practice.

Al-Balushi, Zainab; Durugbo, Christopher M.

2020 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/IJPDLM-06-2019-0201

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model for managing supply risk (SR) dependencies in regional supply networks (SNs). Grounded on resource dependency theory (RDT), the research conceptualises the management of SR as buffering and bridging strategies that enable organisations to redefine their SN to cope with SR and as a three-stage transformation mechanism.Design/methodology/approachFour supply failure case studies from the aluminium and the oil and gas industries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region inductively provide empirical insights for a revised conceptual framing. Within and cross case analysis on transcribed semi-structured interviews with 11 SN managers focus on the SRs and dependencies associated with the supply failures and an abstraction of risk management (RM) strategies for coping with these failures.FindingsThe analysis finds that underpinning ‘second-order’ buffering and bridging strategies from RDT are four main ‘first-order’ RM strategies: unit independency, organisational adaptation, network reconfiguration and environmental acceptance. These RM strategies are due to controllability and predictability levels that influence investment in RM and reflect the locations for implementing RM practices, i.e. the business unit, the organisation, the SN and the environment.Originality/valueThe article contributes to research through the conceptual framework of SR dependencies and unique insights on SR management within the GCC region. Practically, the research is novel in offering strategic directions for RM evaluations and investments that reflect the controllability and predictability of risk incidents. Such evaluations are potentially valuable in orchestrating regional SNs, for managing GCC companies in global supply chains, and for strategic decisions to expand or outsource to the GCC region.

Thomas, Stephanie P.; Liao-Troth, Sara; Williams, Donnie F.

2020 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-07-2019-0223

Truck drivers keep supply chains moving, but driver shortages and high turnover levels plague the industry. The purpose of this research is to examine the three dimensions of Maslach's job burnout model: exhaustion, cynicism and professional inefficacy, as it relates to role stressors and turnover intention. Logistics boundary spanners such as truck drivers appear to be especially susceptible to job burnout. Role theory and organizational support theory were used to develop hypotheses.Design/methodology/approachIndividual level survey data were collected from 190 truck driver respondents (not owner operators) at two large truck stops. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.FindingsFindings suggest that the relationship between role stressors and the dimensions of job burnout are not all the same. Role conflict significantly impacts exhaustion and cynicism. Role ambiguity significantly impacts cynicism and inefficacy. Results support a progression through burnout dimensions that begins with exhaustion and ends with inefficacy. Inefficacy was significantly related to intention to stay. Organizational support is a way to help drivers mitigate feelings of inefficacy.Practical implicationsManagers in trucking organizations can track burnout levels in their drivers using the Maslach Burnout Inventory with a specific focus on monitoring feelings of inefficacy, which may help lower turnover levels.Originality/valueThe findings support that the burnout dimension of inefficacy is the strongest indicator that a driver is considering leaving his current organization or the industry. This is contrary to other studies that have focused on the other two burnout dimensions.