Logistics Capability Research Articles

The influence of Industry 4.0 resources on logistics capabilities to optimize remanufacturing and business performance

PurposeThis study aims to demonstrate the influence of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption on improving logistics capabilities to achieve remanufacturing operations and business logistics performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a deductive survey-based research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from managerial-level employees associated with logistics functions from 121 manufacturing firms. The partial least square method was used to conduct structural equation modeling to test the hypothesis empirically.FindingsThe analysis revealed that using I4.0 improves the ability to achieve higher levels of logistics capabilities (i.e. instrumented and intelligent logistics). Moreover, I4.0 integration with instrumented and intelligent logistics capabilities positively impacts business logistics optimization. On the other hand, intelligent logistics directly and positively impacts remanufacturing operational performance, whereas instrumented logistics does not reflect any significant influence on remanufacturing performance.Originality/valueThis study is one of the limited studies on the focus area and is an effort to fulfill an identified gap in applying innovative logistics capabilities using I4.0 technologies.

The impact of regional emergency logistics response capacity on sustainable economic growth in China

To assess the impact of China’s regional emergency logistics response capabilities on economic growth sustainability, this study develops a set of comprehensive indicators. It applies the entropy weight method combined with the TOPSIS method to evaluate these capabilities across regions. Based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021, this study employs panel models, panel quantile regression, and panel threshold models to analyze the impact of emergency logistics response capability on sustainable economic growth. By measuring the regional emergency logistics response capability and examining its effects on the sustainability of economic growth, this research provides foreign investors with a clearer understanding of the ability of different regions in China to handle unexpected public incidents. This, in turn, helps reduce investment uncertainty, mitigate certain risks, and offers valuable insights for enhancing the efficiency of international investments in China. Key findings are: (1) Since 2018, the establishment of the Ministry of Emergency Management has significantly improved China’s regional emergency logistics capabilities, with the eastern region outperforming the central and western regions. (2) Enhancing China’s emergency logistics response capability helps improve the sustainability level of economic growth. This reflects how China’s emergency management departments can mitigate the adverse impacts of public emergencies on economic growth by transforming social logistics into emergency logistics. (3) As emergency response capabilities have strengthened, their impact on economic sustainability initially decreased but later increased.

Research on the Development of Logistics Performance of E-Commerce Enterprises and its Influencing Mechanism on Customer Satisfaction

With the booming development of e-commerce industry, logistics performance has become one of the key factors of competitiveness for e-commerce enterprises, directly related to the customer satisfaction and market position of the enterprises. Under the background of digitalization and intelligentization, online shopping has become one of the main ways of daily shopping for consumers. As an important link in the transaction chain of e-commerce, logistics efficiency and quality directly affect the shopping experience and loyalty of consumers. This paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current situation of logistics performance of e-commerce enterprises, the mechanism analysis of how it affects customer satisfaction, and explores solutions to the problem. Through the mechanism analysis, it is found that e-commerce enterprises can improve logistics performance by enhancing logistics speed, improving logistics service quality, reducing costs and increasing efficiency, strengthening green logistics, and enhancing cross-border e-commerce logistics capabilities. This can improve customer satisfaction, and the paper proposes suggestions such as optimizing logistics networks, enhancing logistics service training, fine-tuning management, promoting environmentally friendly packaging, optimizing transportation methods, and improving cross-border e-commerce logistics networks.

Co-evolution, organizational capacity building, logistics capabilities and operational agility during health emergencies

PurposeGlobally, health care facilities often fail to respond quickly to health emergencies, resulting in significant deaths. Thus, the study examines the mediating effect of logistics capabilities in the relationship between co-evolution, organization capacity building and operational agility.Design/methodology/approachSmartPLS 4.0.8.3, variance-based structural equation models (VB-SEM) were used to test direct and indirect hypotheses across 45 health facilities. The respondents were 140 nurses and doctors. Disproportionate stratified simple random sampling was used based on government and private health facilities in Kampala City, Uganda.FindingsA significant and positive relationship exists between logistics capability and operational agility. However, co-evolution and organizational capacity are intimately linked to operational agility via logistics capability.Research limitations/implicationsA quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires. The results did not show any variation in the operational agility of health facilities during emergency management; thus, qualitative approaches are needed.Practical implicationsDuring emergency management, health facilities need to cooperate by sharing information, building capacity to increase their responsiveness and flexibility. This should be done by sharing equipment, tools, drugs and medical supplies, and we hope to encourage joint medical research.Originality/valueA complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework is used in this study to examine how co-evolution, organizational capacity building and logistical capability relate to the operational agility of healthcare during times of emergency.

Information sharing's impact on supply chain management, logistics, and organizational performance

This study investigates the relationships between supply chain management (SCM), logistics capability, information sharing, and organisational performance. Data was collected from 120 respondents in [industry/sector] using a quantitative research approach. The results of the analysis indicate that SCM, logistics capability, and information sharing are all positively and significantly related to organisational performance. Effective SCM practices, including integration, collaboration, and strategic planning, are essential for driving organisational success. Logistics capability, including delivery speed, dependability, and flexibility, is crucial in improving customer satisfaction and overall efficiency. Information sharing is a critical enabler of effective SCM and organisational performance, fostering collaboration, decision-making, and innovation. The study also found that demographic factors (gender, age, education) had limited impact on the relationships between the constructs. This suggests that the findings are generally applicable across different demographic segments. Overall, this study's findings highlight the importance of effective SCM, logistics capability, and information sharing as key drivers of organisational performance. Organisations prioritising these factors are more likely to achieve sustainable success in today's competitive business environment.

Концептуальні засади визначення ефективності виконання завдань і заходів державних цільових програм розвитку для підвищення ефективності управління автомобільними дорогами

Introduction. Effective functioning of road transport is only possible when the quantitative growth, quality level, and technical condition of roads meet the demands of road transport. This combination of road network characteristics can only be achieved with adequate funding to implement all planned works. Investments in road infrastructure can become a catalyst for economic recovery and growth, as they will improve logistics capabilities, reduce freight and passenger transportation costs, and enhance regional competitiveness. Problem Statement. In the first decades of independence, the road industry faced chronic underfunding, which negatively affected its development. The situation worsened with the full-scale military aggression of the Russian Federation in 2024. According to the World Bank's “Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3)” report, post-war recovery needs for public roads and bridges alone are estimated at around USD 28.8 billion. For the rapid and quality restoration and development of Ukraine, this issue is critically important, as the state of the roads affects transportation costs, prices, employment levels, and the overall pace of economic development. Furthermore, the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation raises questions about ensuring reliable logistics routes, prompt transportation of humanitarian aid, and the country's defense capabilities.

Regional Logistics Capability and Foreign Direct Investment Location Choice of Multinational Corporations

Regional Logistics Capability and Foreign Direct Investment Location Choice of Multinational Corporations

Logistics and climate: an assessment of logistics’ multiple roles in the climate crisis

ABSTRACT Efforts to mitigate climate change and manage its consequences are becoming increasingly reliant on logistics. Logistics’ contribution is currently under-estimated by policymakers and researchers. The paper identifies eight roles for logistics in the climate crisis, ranging from being a cause and victim of climate change, to its involvement in decarbonisation, adaptation, carbon sequestration, humanitarian relief and possibly geo-engineering. A broad, multi-disciplinary literature is reviewed to assess current knowledge of the nature and scale of logistics’ input into these climate-related activities. Many of them will be highly material- and transport-intensive, stretching future logistical capabilities and making it harder for logistics as a sector to meet Net Zero emission targets. The paper examines the inter-relationship between logistics’ various climate-specific roles, highlighting conflicts and synergies. Its concluding section makes the case for extending the scope of logistics research on climate issues and strengthening its links with climate science, environmental studies and related disciplines.

Reverse logistics capabilities and supply chain performance in a developing country context

ABSTRACT Today and in the highly complex pharmaceutical industry, reverse logistics is a core capability for pharma companies that seek competitive advantages from the efficient management of returns and recalls, e.g. due to errors, expired stocks, quality-related or environmental issues, non-compliance and other consumer-related concerns. And yet in many developing countries where the pharma industry is a big part of the economy, the value of RL is not well understood. In this study, we examine the ambivalent impact of reverse logistics capabilities within the pharmaceutical supply chains in a developing country by focusing on four key reverse logistics capabilities, i.e. logistics information systems, process formalisation, flexibility, and top management support. The findings show that logistics information management systems, process formalisation, and flexibility significantly affect supply chain performance of pharmaceutical firms. However, the hierarchical regression found no significant moderating effect of top management support between reverse logistics capabilities and supply chain performance. Our subsequent discussion and implications for practice and future research are based on these findings.

Prospects of Electrocorticography in Neuropharmacological Studies in Small Laboratory Animals.

Electrophysiological methods of research are widely used in neurobiology. To assess the bioelectrical activity of the brain in small laboratory animals, electrocorticography (ECoG) is most often used, which allows the recording of signals directly from the cerebral cortex. To date, a number of methodological approaches to the manufacture and implantation of ECoG electrodes have been proposed, the complexity of which is determined by experimental tasks and logistical capabilities. Existing methods for analyzing bioelectrical signals are used to assess the functional state of the nervous system in test animals, as well as to identify correlates of pathological changes or pharmacological effects. The review presents current areas of applications of ECoG in neuropharmacological studies in small laboratory animals. Traditionally, this method is actively used to study the antiepileptic activity of new molecules. However, the possibility of using ECoG to assess the neuroprotective activity of drugs in models of traumatic, vascular, metabolic, or neurodegenerative CNS damage remains clearly underestimated. Despite the fact that ECoG has a number of disadvantages and methodological difficulties, the recorded data can be a useful addition to traditional molecular and behavioral research methods. An analysis of the works in recent years indicates a growing interest in the method as a tool for assessing the pharmacological activity of psychoactive drugs, especially in combination with classification and prediction algorithms.

Competitive Advantage Development Model with Logistics Competence

Uniqueness in the field of logistics was chosen as the basis for excellence in higher education at Institute of Economics Science Cendekia Karya Utama in Indonesia, because it is considered that logistics capabilities are the basis for building competitive advantages for its alumni. However, this program has never been studied for the effectiveness of its implementation and also for its follow-up development model. Based on the Resource Based View theory, this research aims to determine the effectiveness of the logistics competency program and build a competitive development model at Institute Economic Science Cendekia Karya Utama Semarang. Through qualitative methods involving informants from the Indonesian Logistics Training Institute, lecturers, logistics practitioners and graduate who work in logistics companies, it was found that to increase broader competitive advantage there needs to be strengthening in several aspects, namely the need to add digital logistics curriculum content (ex: warehouse management system, transportation management system and strengthening foreign languages (English, Mandarin). A logistics-based competitive advantage development model can be developed by synergizing and collaborating between universities and alumni, the business and industrial logistics, practitioners and training institutions according to their respective roles -each of which is discussed in this study. This study contributes to the expansion of the resource based view theory and the development of graduate quality and unique logistics competencies as a basis for building excellence from Institute Economic Science Cendekia Karya Utama Semarang, Indonesia

Circular economy of the agricultural sector: Strategies and challenges in the context of globalisation

The study aimed to validate the necessity of formulating and executing plans for incorporating the concepts of the circular economy into Ukraine's agriculture sector, while considering the impacts of globalisation and problems arising from the war. This study examined the fundamental principles and intellectual underpinnings that differentiate the circular economy from the conventional economic model. The undamental concept of the circular economy in the agricultural sector was justified, and the primary benefits of implementing this economic model in the field of agriculture were established. The European Commission has approved the strategy for the Common Agricultural Policy for the period 2023-2027. This strategy emphasises the primary responsibilities that EU member states must undertake to implement the principles of the circular economy in agriculture. The primary patterns in the operation of agriculture in Ukraine are recognised, and the significance of the agricultural sector in the framework of gross domestic product (GDP) formation and foreign exchange profits is established. The destruction of infrastructure, mining activities, and occupation of regions resulted in a decline in the cultivated land and animals, leading to a loss in physical productivity. Due to the war, there has been a decline in production and logistics capabilities, resulting in a large fall in the export of agricultural products. Consequently, the profitability of firms in this sector of the Ukrainian economy has also decreased. Ukrainian agricultural firms lack the financial resources to independently support creative development, which includes the implementation of new technology solutions that form the foundation of the circular economy. Considering the effects of globalisation and military conflict, it is justified that prioritising innovation and investment support, particularly by the State, should be a strategic direction for implementing the principles of the circular economy of agriculture in Ukraine. This approach will enhance economic efficiency and create new opportunities

Dynamic changes and improvement paths of China's emergency logistics response capabilities under public emergencies-research based on the entropy weight TOPSIS method.

Due to global industrialization and urbanization, natural disasters, accidents, and public health emergencies happen frequently. These events cause significant loss of life and property damage to countries worldwide. In the context of frequent public emergencies, enhancing emergency logistics response capabilities is crucial, ensuring rapid supply of rescue materials and support for rescue personnel, thereby saving lives and reducing economic losses. In order to identify the changes and enhancement paths of the emergency logistics response capability of Chinese regions under the shocks of public emergencies, this paper innovatively constructs emergency logistics response capability measurement indicators. This paper uses the entropy weight TOPSIS method and panel quantile regression model to quantify the change and enhancement paths of China's regional emergency logistics response capability under different events. It is found that: (1) The gap in emergency logistics response capability among Chinese regions is widening, with the internal difference in the eastern region higher than that in the west, while the difference in the central region is relatively low. (2) China's emergency management department can effectively transform social logistics into emergency logistics, thereby promoting the improvement of emergency logistics response capabilities. (3) Sudden geological disasters break through the limits of social logistics resources when they cross lower scales, resulting in the failure of emergency logistics response capabilities. This paper expands research on assessing emergency logistics capabilities, addressing issues in existing assessments such as reliance on single indicators and subjective measurement methods. Additionally, it quantifies the dynamic changes in China's regional emergency logistics response capabilities under public emergencies by extending the study of event content, types, and impacts. This enhances discussions on the effects of public emergencies. Finally, from an empirical perspective, the paper explores pathways to enhance regional emergency logistics response capabilities in China. In practice, this paper assists countries worldwide in assessing whether different regions of China can effectively provide emergency support for various resources in direct investments, thus providing a scientific basis for investment decisions.

Buoyancy Gliders Opening New Research Opportunities in the Southern Ocean

Abstract Polar systems are experiencing major changes that has significant implications for ocean circulation and global biogeochemistry. While these changes are accelerating, access to polar systems is decreasing as ships and logistical capabilities are declining. Autonomous underwater buoyancy gliders have proven to be robust technologies that are capable of filling sampling gaps. Gliders have also provided a more sustained presence in polar seas than ships are able. Along the West Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most rapidly warming regions on this planet, gliders have proven to be a useful tool being used by the international community to link land research stations without requiring major research vessel ship support. The gliders are capable of adaptive sampling of subsurface features not visible from satellites, sustained sampling to characterize seasonal dynamics, and they increasingly play a central role in the management of natural resources. Future challenges to expand their utility include: (A) developing robust navigation under ice, which would allow gliders to provide a sustained bridge between the research stations when ship support is declining, and (B) expanding online resources to provide the international community open access to quality data in near real time. These advances will accelerate the use of gliders to fill critical sampling gaps for these remote ocean environments.

Supplier relationship management and business performance of small-scale grapes processing firms in Dodoma, Tanzania: the moderating role of logistics capabilities

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effect of supplier relationship management (SRM) on the business performance of small-scale grapes processing firms in Dodoma, Tanzania. The paper also examines the moderating role of logistics capabilities in the relationship between SRM and business performance.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a cross-sectional survey design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 202 small-scale grape processing firms. The data were analysed through descriptive and structural equation modelling.FindingsThe findings revealed that buyer-supplier relationships, supplier development and supplier selection were positively and significantly related to business performance. Furthermore, knowledge transfer had no relationship with business performance. On the other hand, the findings showed that logistics capabilities significantly moderated the relationship between SRM and business performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was cross-sectional, conducted only in Tanzania, and focussed entirely on small-scale firms processing grapes as raw materials. Thus, generalising the study findings to other countries with different conditions should be done cautiously. Also, this study used subjective measures, and other studies could use objective measures.Practical implicationsThe study helps firm managers understand the importance of supplier relationship management on business performance. The findings also can be used by policymakers to create targeted policies and initiatives that support the firm’s growth and sustainability.Originality/valueTo the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to find empirical support for the moderating role of logistics capability in supplier relationship management and the business performance of small-scale grapes processing firms in the Tanzanian context.

Creating a more prosperous life through beauty: how entrepreneurship education empowers women MSME in Indonesia

This research aims to determine whether a top cosmetic company’s Beauty for Better Life Women's Empowerment Program (BFBL – WEP) has encouraged women to become entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, and identify the various obstacles and challenges they face in navigating their entrepreneurship journey. Launched by the L'Oréal Foundation in 2009 in 27 countries including Indonesia, the BFBL Program believes that a program like this will play a central role in helping vulnerable, underprivileged, or marginalized women regain their self-esteem, develop self-confidence and enhance their well-being. Using a qualitative research design with primary data collected through semi-structured interviews of thirteen (13) female beneficiaries of the Program, the research covered six (6) regions in Indonesia. Additional data was obtained from two (2) more key informants representing the Head of the BFBL Program in L’Oreal Indonesia and a beauty coach. Interviews were done through hybrid methods of offline and online engagements with respondents, enabling reach as well as convenience as the respondents came from different regions across the country. Findings show that the BFBL produces successful women MSME entrepreneurs through a) training in the planning and design of beauty services; b) resource support provides mentoring and coaching, and c) marketing support skills through social media promotion, creating a business portfolio, and learning ethical practices in dealing with clients. Geographical challenges in program implementation as well as logistical capabilities of participants were detected. Implications to organizational practices related to women’s entrepreneurship promotion are presented.

Specific Approaches to Augmenting Logistics Planning in Joint Multinational Operations

Abstract Challenges and actions by state adversaries in the economic-social and military domains at the regional and global levels necessitate a more detailed approach to combat power at the operational level of NATO. This concept refers to the availability of the necessary logistical capabilities, as well as the leadership’s skills and willingness to use them effectively and efficiently on operational components and functions in the area/theater of joint multinational operations. In this paper, I highlight the appropriate elements for augmenting the logistics planning of joint multinational operations, the primary role of tailored support following the new requirements revealed by the lessons identified in the armed conflict in Ukraine. The sequences and subsections developed in the material present an approach and correlation necessary for increasing the role of logistical planning in joint multinational operations to provide timely support with sufficient resources to the organized, engaged, and led multinational joint forces in achieving operational objectives and the end state.

Utility of Scenarios in Understanding Public Procurements Conducted in Theatres of Operations

Currently, operational logistics is a significant challenge: to resupply Romanian forces located in various theatres around the world. Involvement in an international mission is contingent not solely on the mission’s nature or the structures of the assumed forces but also on the requisites and logistical capabilities for supplying goods and services within the designated area. The international security environment is challenging. Political tension, military conflicts and economic problems have intensified security concerns. In this context, organizing the procurement processes efficiently is a major preoccupation for specialists. Moreover, the legal framework for public procurement opens up room for different issues. Given the multinational context and specific procurement regulations, the execution of procurements within operational theatres is exposed to distinct challenges compared to those encountered in the national territory. In this complex and ambiguous environment, understanding the legal means of addressing challenges in the procurement field is desirable. Moreover, considering the importance of procuring goods and services to achieve the mission goal, a proficient procurement specialist is a crucial asset. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to demonstrate that Scenario-Based Learning could be transformed into a useful tool for preparing future specialists in procurement.

Utilitatea metodei scenariului în înțelegerea achizițiilor publice derulate în teatrele de operații

Currently, operational logistics is a significant challenge: to resupply Romanian forces located in various theatres around the world. Involvement in an international mission is contingent not solely on the mission’s nature or the structures of the assumed forces but also on the requisites and logistical capabilities for supplying goods and services within the designated area. The international security environment is challenging. Political tension, military conflicts and economic problems have intensified security concerns. In this context, organizing the procurement processes efficiently is a major preoccupation for specialists. Moreover, the legal framework for public procurement opens up room for different issues. Given the multinational context and specific procurement regulations, the execution of procurements within operational theatres is exposed to distinct challenges compared to those encountered in the national territory. In this complex and ambiguous environment, understanding the legal means of addressing challenges in the procurement field is desirable. Moreover, considering the importance of procuring goods and services to achieve the mission goal, a proficient procurement specialist is a crucial asset. In this regard, the main objective of this study is to demonstrate that Scenario-Based Learning could be transformed into a useful tool for preparing future specialists in procurement.

Military Spacesteading: Space-based Logistics Mediums for Future Beachheads

This article explores the concept of spacesteading as it pertains to military operations. Specifically, it expands on both potential and emerging technologies that could enable logistics nodes to be positioned in geosynchronous and geostationary orbit above the Earth to enable to rapid deployment of equipment. This article proposes that space domain domination would allow for a superior alternative to existing expeditionary logistics caches such as maritime prepositioning force ships and the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program–Norway. A pair of vignettes help to illustrate the value in the military enabling logistics capabilities within the space domain. While this article largely focuses on space-based logistics applications for the U.S. Marine Corps, these efforts would have far-reaching impacts to the whole of the U.S. military and beyond.