International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

Humdan, Eias Al; Shi, Yangyan; Behina, Masud; Chowdhury, Md. Maruf Hossan; Mahmud, A.K.M. Shakil

2023 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-03-2022-0062

This paper aims to investigate the conditional indirect effect of innovativeness on performance via supply chain agility (SCA) in the service industry at higher and lower collaborative relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe hypothesised model is operationalised with survey data from 245 Australian service firms collected via LinkedIn and analysed using structural equation modelling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).FindingsThe analysis found that SCA significantly mediates the relationship between innovativeness and performance. Further, the conditional indirect effect of innovativeness on performance via SCA was significant when the collaborative relationship was high. Results also revealed that a configuration of both innovativeness and agility better predicts performance.Originality/valueThis study is an early attempt to investigate SCA in service industries by scrutinizing SCA from an innovative point of view. While previous studies have demonstrated the role of innovativeness in enhancing a firm's performance, this study explores this link further by investigating the conditional indirect effect of innovativeness on performance via SCA at different levels of collaborative relationships.

Viet, Nguyen Quoc; de Leeuw, Sander; van Herpen, Erica

2023 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-09-2021-0392

This paper investigates the impact of sustainability information disclosure on consumers' choice of order-to-delivery lead-time in relation to consumers' sustainability concern.Design/methodology/approachBased on two choice experiments with participants from the Netherlands (n = 348) and the United Kingdom (n = 1,387), the impact of sustainability information disclosure was examined in connection with consumers' concerns for environmental and social sustainability. Information on environmental impact (carbon emission) and social impact (warehouse workers and drivers' well-being) was considered and compared.FindingsDisclosing sustainability impact information significantly increased consumers' preference and choice for longer delivery times, with equivalent effects for environmental and social impact information. Consumers' relevant (environmental or social) sustainability concern as personality traits enhanced effects on preferences, as did priming of environmental concern.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research may consider differences between product categories or e-commerce companies' reputation in sustainability activities.Practical implicationsThe findings provide opportunities for online retailers to influence consumer choice of delivery time, especially through disclosing environmental and/or social sustainability information.Originality/valueThis study fills a gap in the literature on sustainability information disclosure to actively steer consumer choice of delivery time, particularly regarding the effect of social sustainability impact information in comparison to its environmental counterpart.

Risberg, Andreas; Jafari, Hamid; Sandberg, Erik

2023 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-04-2022-0123

The purpose is to explore how the configurations resulting from the interplay of last mile logistics practices and firm characteristics are associated with firm performance in an omni-channel context.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on configuration theory (CT), the authors use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data on 72 Swedish omni-channel retailers.FindingsFour configurations are identified—store-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's), online-oriented SME's, large store-oriented retailers and large online-oriented retailers. The results show that while offering a wide range of delivery options is necessary to achieve high performance, it is not sufficient, and that returns and fulfilment should be simultaneously considered. For instance, large high-performers leverage their stores and warehouses for fulfilment and returns in an integrated way irrespective of sales channel-mix. However, SME's appear to focus on fulfilment simplicity with less-costly delivery alternatives, where store-oriented SME's leverage stores and the online-oriented counterparts leverage warehouses. Consequently, the authors develop a configurational taxonomy and discuss a set of recipes which provide insights for researchers and practitioners.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways to success, and potential pitfalls, in the last mile logistics context.Originality/valueThis study applies a novel methodology in the field, namely fsQCA, to explore the paths to competitive advantage. It covers a wide range of stages in the LM including back-end fulfilment, delivery and returns. It also provides insight into the logistics practices of both SME's and large omni-channel retailers.

Xu, Jinou; Pero, Margherita Emma Paola

2023 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-04-2022-0118

This paper investigated the organizational adoption of big data analytics (BDA) in the context of supply chain planning (SCP) to conceptualize how resources are orchestrated for organizational BDA adoption and to elucidate how resources and capabilities intervene with the resource management process during BDA adoption.Design/methodology/approachThis research elaborated on the resource orchestration theory and technology innovation adoption literature to shed light on BDA adoption with multiple case studies.FindingsA framework for the resource orchestration process in BDA adoption is presented. The authors associated the development and deployment of relevant individual, technological and organizational resources and capabilities with the phases of organizational BDA adoption and implementation. The authors highlighted that organizational BDA adoption can be initiated before consolidating the full resource portfolio. Resource acquisition, capability development and internalization of competences can take place alongside BDA adoption through structured processes and governance mechanisms.Practical implicationsA relevant discussion identifying the capability gap and provides insight into potential paths of organizational BDA adoption is presented.Social implicationsThe authors call for attention from policymakers and academics to reflect on the changes in the expected capabilities of supply chain planners to facilitate industry-wide BDA transition.Originality/valueThis study opens the black box of organizational BDA adoption by emphasizing and scrutinizing the role of resource management actions.

Jazairy, Amer; Pohjosenperä, Timo; Sassali, Jaakko; Juga, Jari; von Haartman, Robin

2023 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-07-2022-0236

This research examines what motivates professional truck drivers to engage in eco-driving by linking their self-reports with objective driving scores.Design/methodology/approachTheory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is illustrated in an embedded, single-case study of a Finnish carrier with 17 of its truck drivers. Data are obtained through in-depth interviews with drivers, their fuel-efficiency scores generated by fleet telematics and a focus group session with the management.FindingsDiscrepancies between drivers’ intentions and eco-driving behaviors are illustrated in a two-by-two matrix that classifies drivers into four categories: ideal eco-drivers, wildcards, wannabes and non-eco-drivers. Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control are examined for drivers within each category, revealing that drivers’ perceptions did not always align with the reality of their driving.Research limitations/implicationsThis study strengthens the utility of TPB through data triangulation while also revealing the theory’s inherent limitations in elucidating the underlying causes of its three antecedents and their impact on the variance in driving behaviors.Practical implicationsManagerial insights are offered to fleet managers and eco-driving solution providers to stipulate the right conditions for drivers to enhance fuel-efficiency outcomes of transport fleets.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to give a voice to professional truck drivers about their daily eco-driving practice.

Winkler, Tobias; Ostermeier, Manuel; Hübner, Alexander

2023 International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management

doi: 10.1108/ijpdlm-12-2022-0383

Regarding the retail internal supply chain (SC), both retailers and research are currently focused on reactive food waste reduction options in stores (e.g. discounting or donations). These options reduce waste after a surplus has emerged but do not prevent an emerging surplus in the first place. This paper aims to reveal how retailers can proactively prevent waste along the SC and why the options identified are impactful but, at the same time, often complex to implement.Design/methodology/approachThe authors follow an exploratory approach for a nascent topic to obtain insights into measures taken in practice. Interviews with experts from retail build the main data source.FindingsThe authors identify and analyze 21 inbound, warehousing, distribution and store-related options applied in grocery retail. Despite the expected high overall impact on waste, prevention measures in inbound logistics and distribution and warehousing have not been intensively applied to date.Practical implicationsThe authors provide a structured approach to mitigate waste within retailers' operations and categorize the types of barriers that need to be addressed.Originality/valueThis research provides a better understanding of prevention options in retail operations, which has not yet been empirically explored. Furthermore, this study conceptualizes prevention and reduction options and reveals implementation patterns.