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International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
Journal Prestige (SJR): 1.821  Citation Impact (citeScore): 4 Number of Followers: 11  Hybrid journal * Containing 2  Open Access article(s) in this issue *ISSN (Print) 0960-0035 - ISSN (Online) 1747-3691 Published by Emerald  [360 journals]
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- The interplay between relationships, technologies and organizational
structures in enhancing supply chain resilience: empirical evidence from a
Delphi study-
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Authors: Christoph Küffner , Matthias Kopyto , Annika Judith Wohlleber , Evi Hartmann
Abstract: COVID-19 has highlighted the need to reflect on how firms should improve their supply chains (SCs) to enhance agility and robustness. Recent studies focus more on the short-term rather than on the long-term developments and lack insights regarding the enhancement of supply chain resilience (SCRES) based on the interplay between multiple levers. Therefore, using a long-term perspective, this research evaluates the interaction between three SCRES levers – relationships, technologies and organizational structures – to improve SCRES. Based on an extensive literature review, multiple interviews and workshops, 13 future projections were developed. These projections were assessed using a two-round Delphi study that included 83 international experts from industry, academia and politics/associations to determine the probability of occurrence by 2035, their impact on SCRES and their desirability. This study provides empirical evidence that the long-term enhancement of SCRES is achieved through the interplay of multiple levers rather than unilateral optimization. The study suggests that, by 2035, collaboration between SC partners will be a key factor for SCRES enhancement. Additionally, SC stakeholders should be aware that failing to invest in digital technologies will negatively impact the agility and robustness of future SCs. Furthermore, humans are expected to continue to play a major role, given that relationship-oriented tasks are perceived to remain important. This paper adds to current literature, describing how SCRES can be improved in the long term through the interplay of multiple levers and the combination of robust and agile elements. Considering the importance of ensuring resilient SCs, this paper provides valuable insights for academics and practitioners.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-05-10
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2021-0303
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- The impact of optimal parcel locker locations on costs and the environment
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Authors: Marcel Peppel , Stefan Spinler
Abstract: Last-mile delivery is associated with a negative environmental impact and high costs. The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to designing stationary parcel locker (SPL) networks while minimizing both CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions and costs during delivery and pick-up. This study uses a multinomial logit model to evaluate recipients' willingness to use SPLs based on their availability at home and travel distance. To determine optimal SPL locations, this study formulates a mixed-integer linear programming model. The empirical study of different regional clusters reveals that optimal SPL locations can generate cost savings of up to 11.0%. SPLs have a positive impact on total CO2e emission savings in urban areas (i.e. up to 2.5%), but give rise to additional emissions (i.e. 4.6%) in less populated areas due to longer travel distances during the pick-up process. This paper optimizes SPL locations and the ecological effect of SPLs by minimizing emissions and costs simultaneously. Furthermore, it extends existing discrete choice models by also including recipients' availability at home, increasing the accuracy of recipients' preferences. So far, the effect of SPLs has been studied for metropolitan areas only. A global logistics service provider shared a real dataset which allows us to study seven different regional clusters ranging from rural areas to large cities. Thus, this study contributes to the field of sustainable urban logistics.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-05-02
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2021-0287
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Product variety in retail: the moderating influence of demand variability
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Authors: Kevin Sweeney , Jason Riley , Yongrui Duan
Abstract: The paper aims to empirically investigate how demand variability impacts product category inventory levels and stockout rates of retail firms. Additionally, the moderating effect of product variety on these performance metrics is explored. Using data from 78 individual retail stores of a single firm located in China, the authors develop a three stage least squares regression model to examine the simultaneous impact of product variety and demand variability on product inventory levels and stockout rates. The results indicate that product variety and demand variability both negatively influence product category inventory levels and stockout rates. However, contrary to results for manufacturing or distributor environments, product variety dampens the negative relationship between demand variability and inventory. For products or categories with a high amount of demand variability, retailers can leverage more product variety to help improve their inventory performance. This is likely due to product substitution behaviors. The authors show that previously examined relationships between product variety, demand variability, and firm performance are different in the retail environment than in the manufacturing or distributor context.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-04-19
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-12-2020-0407
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Disentangling the multifaceted effects of supply base complexity on supply
chain agility and resilience-
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Authors: Emanuela Delbufalo
Abstract: The study investigates how supply base structural complexity influences both supply chain agility and resilience. It employs Normal Accident Theory and Portfolio Theory to disentangle the effects of three structural facets of complexity – numerousness; technical and functional diversity; geographical distribution of suppliers – on the two capabilities simultaneously. The study is grounded in the Italian footwear industry. 31 manufacturing firms with their global supply base have provided a cross-sectional time series database over a 10-year period (310 observations). The results show that supply base numerousness has nonlinear effects on both supply chain agility and resilience. The directions of these effects are opposites. They also show that supply base diversity has an inverted U-shaped effect on supply chain agility while it is insignificant for resilience. Finally, the results show that suppliers' geographical dispersion is detrimental to both capabilities. This is the first study that considers the multifaceted effects of supply base complexity on both supply chain agility and resilience. In doing so, it also sheds light on some of the most common trade-offs that firms address when they seek a balance between different strategies, such as increasing agility without damaging supply base resilience and vice versa. Considering the resource constraints firms normally face, by disentangling the dual effects of each complexity facet, this study helps decision-makers to develop scalability and leverage the supply base characteristics in order to survive and prosper in uncertain markets.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-04-11
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2021-0302
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Enhancing in-store picking for e-grocery:
an empirical-based model-
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Authors: Arianna Seghezzi , Chiara Siragusa , Riccardo Mangiaracina
Abstract: This paper identifies, configures and analyses a solution aimed at increasing the efficiency of in-store picking for e-grocers and combining the traditional store-based option with a warehouse-based logic (creating a back area dedicated to the most required online items). The adopted methodology is a multi-method approach combining analytical modelling and interviews with practitioners. Interviews were performed with managers, whose collaboration allowed the development and application of an empirically-grounded model, aimed to estimate the performances of the proposed picking solution in its different configurations. Various scenarios are modelled and different policies are evaluated. The proposed solution entails time benefits compared to traditional store-based picking for three main reasons: lower travel time (due to the absence of offline customers), lower retrieval time (tied to the more efficient product allocation in the back) and lower time to manage stock-outs (since there are no missing items in the back). Considering the batching policies, order picking is always outperformed by batch and zone picking, as they allow for the reduction of the average travelled distance per order. Conversely, zone picking is more efficient than batch picking when demand volumes are high. From an academic perspective, this work proposes a picking solution that combines the store-based and warehouse-based logics (traditionally seen as opposite/alternative choices). From a managerial perspective, it may support the definition of the picking process for traditional grocers that are offering – or aim to offer – e-commerce services to their customers.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-03-30
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2021-0018
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- Implementing social sustainability through market pressures:
an inter-organizational network analysis in the Pakistani apparel supply
chain-
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Authors: Enrico Fontana , Muhammad Atif , Mark Heuer
Abstract: This article encourages novel approaches in the SSCM literature to create transformative change for workers in developing countries' apparel supply chains. It examines how suppliers' implementation of social sustainability is moderated by buyers' pressures (through dyadic ties) and by similar suppliers' pressures (through extended ties). The article adopts a qualitative method design based on fieldwork and 21 face-to-face interviews with suppliers' senior managers. The data were collected between 2017 and 2020 in the factory premises of suppliers in Pakistan. This article distinguishes the pressures that moderate suppliers' implementation of social sustainability positively (top-down encouragement, informal exchange and competitive convergence) and negatively (unrewarded commitment) through social ties. Hence, it shows how suppliers experience constrained proactivity as a state of tension. The article primarily contributes to the SSCM literature by informing how similar suppliers' pressures in the business community constitute important processes of social governance and are key to create transformative change upstream in apparel supply chains. Against this backdrop, it cautions about buyers' opposite pressures and misuse of their negotiation power, which indirectly holds back and dilutes transformative change.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-02-04
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-07-2021-0265
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2022)
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- The impact of power and relationship commitment on customer integration: a
replication and extension-
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Authors: Min Zhang , Xiande Zhao , Baofeng Huo , Barbara Flynn
Abstract: This study aims to examine the relationships between power, relationship commitment and customer integration by replicating and extending Zhao et al. (2008) in China and the USA. This study collects data from 210 manufacturers in China and 202 manufacturers in the USA. In this study, structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. This study finds that normative relationship commitment is positively associated with customer integration and expert and referent power are positively associated with normative relationship commitment in China and the USA. Reward and coercive power are positively associated with instrumental relationship commitment in China, whereas referent power is negatively associated. Referent, legal legitimate and reward power are positively associated with instrumental relationship commitment in the USA, whereas expert and legitimate power are negatively associated. This study provides empirical evidence on the distinct impacts of different bases of mediated and non-mediated power in China and the USA, contributing to the development of the power-relationship commitment theory. The findings also provide insights into where and when the theory applies. The results can provide guidelines for managers to adjust the use of power to improve relationship commitment and customer integration in China and the USA.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-03-18
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-04-2021-0121
Issue No: Vol. 52 , No. 3 (2022)
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- Robotic process automation in Maersk procurement–applicability of action
principles and research opportunities-
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Authors: Remko van Hoek , Jacob Gorm Larsen , Mary Lacity
Abstract: The authors share a real-world case study of a multiple-year adoption process of robotic process automation (RPA) in procurement to add to the limited empirical research base on RPA in supply chain management. The Maersk case offers hard evidence of the value of RPA that can be used as a benchmark for decision-making in companies and as a basis for further research in key areas such as change management and behavioral aspects as well as return on investment on RPA and the need for RPA capability development. Together with the co-author from Maersk, the authors cover a multiple year RPA program in procurements, to capture lessons learned and develop research questions for the future. The authors consider 39 generic action principles for RPA adoption in a specific procurement context. The authors find RPA for procurement to be an enabler of strategic progress and of advancing the concept of triple values (enterprise, customer and employee) in a supply chain setting. The authors offer RPA adoption scoping guidance and show how, with growth and maturity of the program, conditions such as predictability of volume become less relevant as a scoping criterium. The authors also find that RPA augments work rather than replace staff. Maersk utilizes staff time freed up by automation to focus employees on more strategic priorities. The authors consider 39 generic action principles for RPA adoption in a procurement-specific context and develop additional action principles based upon the Maersk case. The authors study both a unique and rich case to complement limited empirical research on RPA in procurement and supply chain management and the limited research into RPA past early stage adoptions. The authors address Hofmann et al.'s (2019) questions about the change management involved in RPA and consider generic RPA action principles from literature in this specific procurement setting. The authors extend those action principles and develop a rich set of research opportunities.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-03-04
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-09-2021-0399
Issue No: Vol. 52 , No. 3 (2022)
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- Consumer preferences for innovative and traditional last-mile parcel
delivery-
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Authors: Rico Merkert , Michiel C.J. Bliemer , Muhammad Fayyaz
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to reveal consumer preferences towards innovative last-mile parcel delivery and more specifically unmanned aerial delivery drones, in comparison to traditional postal delivery (postie) and the recent rise of parcel lockers in Australia. The authors investigate competitive priorities and willingness to pay for key attributes of parcel delivery (mode, speed, method and time window), the role of contextual moderators such as parcel value and security and opportunities for logistics service providers in the growing e-commerce market. A survey involving stated choice experiments has been conducted among 709 respondents in urban Australia. The authors estimated panel error component logit models, derived consumer priorities and deployed 576 Monte Carlo simulations to forecast potential delivery mode market shares. The study results suggest that people prefer postie over drone delivery, all else equal, but that drone deliveries become competitive with large market shares if they live up to the premise that they can deliver faster and cheaper. Both drone and postie become less attractive relative to parcel lockers when there is no safe place to leave a parcel at a residence, highlighting the importance of situational context and infrastructure at the receiving end of last-mile delivery. The authors identified opportunities for chargeable add-on services, such as signature for postie and 2-h parcel deliveries for drones. The authors offer timely and novel insights into consumers preferences towards aerial drone parcel deliveries compared to postie and lockers. Going beyond the extant engineering/operations research literature, the authors provide a starting point and add new dimensions/moderators for last-mile parcel delivery choice analysis and empirical evidence of market potential and competitive attributes of innovative versus traditional parcel delivery alternatives.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-02-15
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-01-2021-0013
Issue No: Vol. 52 , No. 3 (2022)
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- Parcel lockers vs. home delivery: a model to compare last-mile delivery
cost in urban and rural areas-
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Authors: Arianna Seghezzi , Chiara Siragusa , Riccardo Mangiaracina
Abstract: This paper investigates the economic performances of two business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce last-mile delivery options –parcel lockers (PLs) and traditional home delivery (HD) in contexts where e-commerce is still at its early stages. It analyses and compares two different implementation contexts, urban and rural areas. This study develops an analytical model that estimates delivery costs for both the PL and HD options. The model is applied to two base cases (representative of urban and rural areas in Italy), and sensitivity analyses are subsequently performed on a set of key variables/parameters (i.e. PL density, PL fill rate and PL annual costs). To support the model development and application, interviews with practitioners (Edwards et al., 2011) were performed. PLs imply lower delivery cost than HD, independently from the implementation area (urban or rural): advantages mainly derive from the higher delivery density and the drastic reduction of failed deliveries. Benefits entailed by PLs are more significant in rural areas due to lower PL investments and annual costs, as well as higher HD costs. This paper offers insights to both academics and practitioners. On the academic side, it develops a model to compare the delivery cost of PL and HD, which includes the analysis of urban and rural contexts. This could serve as a platform for developing/informing future analytical/optimisation contributions. On the managerial side, it may support practitioners in making decisions about the implementation of PLs and HD, to benchmark their costs and to identify the main variables and parameters at play.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2022-01-31
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-03-2020-0072
Issue No: Vol. 52 , No. 3 (2022)
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- Understanding the implications of pandemic outbreaks on supply chains: an
exploratory study of the effects caused by the COVID-19 across four South
Asian countries and steps taken by firms to address the disruptions-
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Authors: Atif Saleem Butt
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the disruptions caused to supply chains by COIVD-19 as well as steps/countermeasures taken by firms to address such disruptions. This study employs 46 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of the three buying firms, four distribution centers and four supplying firms based in four countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China and India). Results unveil that manufacturing firms are facing limited production and delays in procuring goods and services, while distribution centres are facing inventory shortages. Furthermore, supplying firms are facing increased lead times amid the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, each affected entity has employed specific strategies to address these disruptions. For instance, manufacturing firms are refining their production schedules based on the inventory, getting better visibility to their suppliers’ performance and developing new inbound routes to meet the production challenges. They are also assessing the tier-1 supplier’s risk and activating the relationship with secondary suppliers to address the procurement issues. Second, distributors are modifying inventory policies to meet the inventory shortage. Finally, supplying firms are developing alternative outbound logistics to meet the growing demand. There are some limitations to this study. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a wider population. Second, this study explores the interpretations of senior managers based in four Asian countries only. Our study contributes to the supply chain literature by exploring the disruptions caused by COVID-19 to the supply chain operations. It also contributes to theory and practice by articulating the strategies adopted by firms to address such disruptions. Firms can use the steps highlighted in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain disruptions.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2021-06-22
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2020-0281
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print, No. ahead-of-print (2021)
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- The effect of type of company doing home delivery during a pandemic on
consumers' quality perceptions and behavior
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Reza Movarrei , Sara Rezaee Vessal , Saeedeh Rezaee Vessal , Jaakko Aspara
Abstract: In the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers increasingly opt for, or are forced to, use home delivery services. The authors study retailers' decisions regarding “delivery mode”, which is about outsourcing (vs. insourcing) the delivery service to a traditional delivery company or an unbranded carrier and its effects on consumers' perceived overall quality, perceived hygienic quality, and subsequently, willingness to stay with the firm beyond the pandemic. A pre-test, an experiment and a post-test were conducted with participants from the UK (Total N = 380). The results of this study show that (1) in a pandemic, perceived hygienic quality overshadows perceived service quality as a key determinant of consumers' choices, and (2) while consumers have a relatively negative view of the hygienic level of unbranded carriers, they do not differentiate between traditional delivery carriers and retailer-branded carriers. Thus, they are equally interested in using the services of the latter ones. This study shows that during a health crisis, consumers change their hierarchy of motivations to reflect the new protection motivations. The authors usher perceived hygienic quality as a variable that should be seriously considered as both a tactical and a strategic variable affecting the attractiveness of alternative home delivery methods and consumers' intentions to continue using them after the pandemic.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2021-12-20
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2020-0272
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2021)
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- Packaging paradoxes in food supply chains: exploring characteristics,
underlying reasons and management strategies
Open Access Article-
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Authors: Henrik Pålsson , Erik Sandberg
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore different types of packaging paradoxes and the reasons for their existence in food supply chains. The research uses a multiple case study approach with rich empirical data from seven leading companies in Swedish food supply chains. The research uses coding and a paradox theory lens to analyse packaging paradoxes, both within and between companies in a supply chain. The paper provides a novel theoretical lens which uses comprehensive empirical data to identify and categorise four types of packaging paradoxes on two system levels in food supply chains. It presents detailed descriptions of, and underlying reasons for, the paradoxes. It also discusses strategies required to manage packaging paradoxes. Future research should confirm and extend the findings in this study by incorporating data from companies in other countries. It should cover the importance of paradoxes, their impact on company performance and innovation, and how different paradoxes are related to each other. It should also investigate strategies to manage paradoxes further. The findings should help companies acknowledge and identify management principles for packaging paradoxes in food supply chains. It is the first study which systematically explores packaging paradoxes in food supply chains. The study offers a new approach to understand the complexity of packaging decisions in food supply chains. It contributes to the packaging logistics literature by extending theoretical knowledge about conflicts of interest related to packaging. The management discussion offers initial insights into management of packaging paradoxes and directions for future research.
Citation: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
PubDate: 2021-09-06
DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-09-2019-0270
Issue No: Vol. ahead-of-print , No. ahead-of-print (2021)
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- International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management
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