E-Logistics Systems Applications for Service Users and Providers

Abstract

This paper reports the findings of a second-round Delphi study (interactive forecasting method) that explored the issues surrounding integrated e-logistics systems, applications, and policy for varying stakeholders. A three-stage qualitative research approach began with a literature survey, which was followed by a first-round online Delphi survey in the second stage. The first-round Delphi generated some ideas and statements that were used in the second-round Delphi survey (third and final stage). In this survey, the participants were given three choices: agree, disagree, and no comment. The achievement of majority agreement or disagreement on these statements was a central point. For this research, the majority agreement–disagreement was sought at three levels: simple majority, significant majority, and vast majority. The research verifies the applicability of a definition of e-logistics established in the first-round Delphi. The study also identifies the fields of cost-effective e-logistics applications for logistics companies. The research suggests ways to develop an integrated e-logistics system and associated European Union policies.