Logistics Journals Research Articles

THE “WHITE SPACE” OF LOGISTICS RESEARCH: A LOOK AT THE ROLE OF METHODS USAGE

This paper examines the use of various research methods by contemporary researchers. The previous six years of articles in a leading logistics journal are examined and classified. The analysis seeks to identify and discuss changes and trends that are occurring in the use of such methods, as well as considering why the current conditions are in place, and what, if any, opportunities exist for logistics researchers given this situation.

A NOTE ON MAIL SURVEYS AND RESPONSE RATES IN LOGISTICS RESEARCH

Logistics researchers frequently use mail surveys to collect data. This paper documents the decline in response rates to surveys reported in JBL, and presents a content analysis of mail survey results reported in two leading logistics journals, the Journal of Business Logistics and the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistic Management. One interesting finding is the more questionnaires mailed out in a given study, the lower the response rate.

Meeting consumer demands through effective supply chain linkages

Purpose of review: The purpose of this review is to highlight the relevance of developing supply chain linkages in post harvest industry sectors such as fresh produce and review the key developments in the field of SCM and buyer supplier relationships. Main findings: SCM initiatives that reduce costs and add value for consumers though more efficient and effective supply chain linkages are increasing in strategic importance across a range of industries including the food industry. The review found that supply chain partnerships are being implemented but progress is generally slow with firms only integrating a limited number of inter-organisational activities and processes. Progress is often hindered by a lack of trust resulting from conflicting strategic agendas and organisational cultures, which has led several researchers to suggest that partnerships are not suitable for all exchange relationships. While research indicates that supply chain partnerships can reduce operating costs, less evidence exists regarding the value created for supply chain members and consumers. Limitations: Research into SCM and supply chain partnerships is conducted by researchers in a wide range of subject areas. To make the review manageable, attention has focused on reviewing research published in a selected number of marketing, SCM, purchasing and logistics journals. While this review is not exhaustive it does enable key themes in supply chain research to be identified. Directions for future research: Theory development is still needed, particularly for the relatively new discipline of SCM where overlapping terminologies and definitions of key concepts have caused confusion amongst researchers and make comparison of studies difficult. It is also evident that most research on implementing SCM and investigating its benefits has focused on single dyadic links. Therefore, frameworks and instruments are needed that enable researchers to better measure the integration of activities and processes along the length of the supply chain and its benefits, particularly in terms of added value for consumers. Research would also benefit from longitudinal studies to better capture the implementation process and model the relationship development process to provide a diagnostic tool for why some relationships succeed and why some are discontinued

Abductive reasoning in logistics research

PurposeTo construct a framework for exploring and discussing the use of different research approaches – deductive, inductive and abductive – in logistics.Design/methodology/approachA review of research articles in three major logistics journals (International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management and Journal of Business Logistics) from 1998 to 2002.FindingsRecognizes the dominance of deductive research in logistics, and the need for more inductive and, in particular, abductive research for theory development. Discusses the use of the abductive research approach in logistics.Research limitations/implicationsKeywords searches led to a small sample size; more thorough content analysis is needed to apply the findings from the constructed framework.Practical implicationsUseful source of information on the three different research approaches, their possibilities and implications for research.Originality/valueThe abductive research approach has not yet been discussed in logistics.

A SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS OF MULTI‐ITEM SCALES USED IN LOGISTICS RESEARCH

Academic disciplines are strengthened through many years of theoretical research leading to significant knowledge advancements in the field. One primary technique for measuring concepts important for theory development is the use of multi‐item scales. This research documents the multi‐item scales utilized throughout the history of leading logistics journals. The test results for validity and reliability with respect to each scale are disclosed. Results indicate a need for logistics researchers to continue developing new measures and refining existing measures by employing rigorous methods to establish scales having highly acceptable psychometric properties.

An Evaluation of Logistics and Related Journals

Logistics and related journals typically are oriented towards two audiences: practitioners and/or educators. This article examines practitioner and educator perceptions of logistics and related journals. Comparisons are made among the various journals both with each other and with the perceived ideal characteristics of logistics journals. While differences were found to exist between the academics and practitioners, the overall perceptions were surprisingly similar.