Logistics Functions Research Articles

MANAGEMENT OF LOGISTICS EXPENCES ON THE AIC ENTERPRISES

Urgency of the research. Implementation of logistics functions is accompanied by a corresponding expenses and an effective system of management greatly enhances the competitiveness of the company. Target setting. It is necessary to create conditions for the established system of logistics expenses management at the level of each brunch enterprise in order to reduce the share of logistics costs of enterprises in the cost of material flow. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The issue of expense management is a part of theory of effectiveness and subject of research of many scientists in the works of fundamental and sectoral focus. However, the logistics component in the structure of expenses of the AIC enterprises is not sufficiently studied and the system of their management is not fully developed. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. It is necessary to identify the logistics expenses and assess them by isolating them from the total amount of expenses and thus take into account the complexity of the structural-functional links in agricultural logistics in order to achieve effective management of the logistics expenses. The research objective. The aim is to narrow the content and make a classification of logistics expenses and also to suggest sequential stages of the process of forming the system of logistics expenses management on the AIC enterprises. The statement of basic materials. The different interpretations of the concept of logistics expenses are regarded and the author`s definition is presented. The general classification of logistics expenses is suggested and the specifics of their display in the context of objective approach to the object of the research are defined. The comparative analysis of share and structure of logistics expenses of national and international economy is presented. The problems of identification and separation from the total sum and accurate measurement of the amount of logistics costs are defined, the system of their management at the level of brunch enterprises is suggested. Conclusions. It is necessary to provide the realization of sequenced stages of the logistics expenses management system at the level of brunch enterprises in order to achieve effective functioning of the logistics system.

Application of the TDABC model in the logistics process using different capacity cost rates

Purpose: The understanding of logistics process in terms of costs and profitability is a complex task and there is a need of more research and applied work on these issues. In this research project, the concepts underlying Time-Driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC) have been used in the context of logistics costs.Design/methodology/approach: A Distribution Centre of wood and carpentry related materials has been studied. A multidisciplinary team has been composed to support the project including the researchers and three employees of the company responsible for accounting, logistics and warehousing. The design and implementation of the costing model asked for a deep understanding of the different tasks and processes that should be considered. Accordingly, a TDABC model for the logistics function was developed.Findings: The cost model presented here is supported on a series of time equations designed for the logistics function which allow the analysis and discussion of costs and profitability of different cost objects namely, products, clients, distribution channels, processes and activities. The cost of unused capacity and the effectiveness of logistics processes are also highlighted in this model.Research limitations/implications: In a case study, results and implications cannot be directly or immediately generalized. Nevertheless, the proposed time equations and cost model can be easily adapted to explain other types of logistics functions and it gives the foundations or other TDABC models with more than one capacity cost rate.Practical implications: The TDABC model developed in this case study can be used in similar cases and as a basis for the analysis of logistics costs in other logistics processes. Furthermore, managers can rely on the proposed approach to analyze products’ profitability and logistics cost structure. Originality/value: In this case, different capacity cost rates were computed in order to reflect appropriately the logistics function which was presented in two different processes: internal logistics and distribution. These processes have specific resources allocated and should be measured differently. This is in line with Kaplan and Anderson (2004, 2007) who have suggested a more complex TDABC model with more than one capacity cost rate for these situations.

Improving SME logistics performance through benchmarking

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the applicability of current benchmarking proposals for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to suggest a condensed process for logistics benchmarking in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach The paper starts by outlining why the logistics function is of increasing importance for SMEs. It discusses the benefit of logistics benchmarking and typical SME restrictions in benchmarking. Available approaches to benchmarking are discussed and their weaknesses when applied to SME logistics benchmarking are analyzed. The paper develops a new benchmarking process framework for SME logistics benchmarking and reports findings of a case application in three German SMEs. Findings The paper suggests a conceptual framework for logistics benchmarking in SMEs. The framework was tested in three German case companies. Results suggest that the suggested process together with the employed benchmarking tools and templates provide valuable support for SMEs in a logistics benchmarking project. Research limitations/implications The conceptual framework developed has been tested in selected case companies only. Possible adaptations to specific industry needs or cultural differences need to be integrated. Practical implications The process framework developed provides practical guidance for SMEs that want to embark on a logistics benchmarking exercise. Originality/value The paper outlines weaknesses of current SME benchmarking approaches and provides practical support by outlining an adapted process together with specific implementation tools.

Urban Planning Based on the Optimization-Layout of Urban Logistics Network

With the development of economy and the progress of science and technology, the function of Luoyang city is constantly enriched and expanded. The city is no longer a simple area for people to live in. The function structure of the city is affected by the external factors and is constantly expanding. Urban logistics is one of the important influencing factors. To more comprehensively and accurately understand the status and role of logistics network space in urban planning, the characteristics and development law of urban logistics structure from the theoretical point of view are analyzed in this paper with Luoyang City as the research background. The city logistics function is determined as one of the main factors affecting the economic growth of the city is determined through the literature search method, consulting professionals and other research methods. Urban road planning and design are the focus of the study; the planning and development of urban logistics road network in Luoyang City are compared and analyzed. In full consideration of the necessity of the optimization of the urban logistics network space, the preliminary optimization scheme design and suggestion of Luoyang logistics is introduced. At the end of this paper, the sustainable development and the status of the future urban logistics function are analyzed and prospected. Continuous research and analysis of multiple subjects and angles are still needed.

Urban Planning of Special Economic Zone Combined with Economic Structure

With the development of economy and the progress of science and technology, the function of Luoyang city is constantly enriched and expanded. The city is no longer a simple area for people to live in. The function structure of the city is affected by the external factors and is constantly expanding. Urban logistics is one of the important influencing factors. To more comprehensively and accurately understand the status and role of logistics network space in urban planning, the characteristics and development law of urban logistics structure from the theoretical point of view are analyzed in this paper with Luoyang City as the research background. The city logistics function is determined as one of the main factors affecting the economic growth of the city is determined through the literature search method, consulting professionals and other research methods. Urban road planning and design are the focus of the study; the planning and development of urban logistics road network in Luoyang City are compared and analyzed. In full consideration of the necessity of the optimization of the urban logistics network space, the preliminary optimization scheme design and suggestion of Luoyang logistics is introduced. At the end of this paper, the sustainable development and the status of the future urban logistics function are analyzed and prospected. Continuous research and analysis of multiple subjects and angles are still needed.

Do Management Controls Mitigate the Impact of Logistics Turbulence on Performance?

The purpose of the study is to reassess two claims in literature: (a) order changes or cancellations, suppliers failing to deliver, glitches and unforeseen events, named turbulence, impact negatively logistic performance. (b) Management controls, by imposing discipline, routines, processes on the logistics functions of the firm, have a negative impact on such logistic turbulence. We survey supply chain and logistic managers in France. We use variance based structural equation modeling (VBSEM) to find that logistic turbulence has no impact on either the logistic or the financial performance of the firm. Moreover, management controls have no discernible impact on such turbulence either. We use an abductive line of scientific reasoning to find surprising facts which contradict prior scientific accepted truth and hence have to make assumptions about possible new rules (Mantere and Ketokivi 2013).

Implementing environmental sustainability in logistics operations: a case study

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to develop an in-depth understanding of how supplier–buyer relationships, particularly in operational coordination, are affected when a company introduces an environmental sustainability target (CO2emissions reduction) into its supply chain operations. The investigation focuses on the joint activities of the logistics function of the company (buyer) and the third-party logistics providers (3PLs) (suppliers).Design/methodology/approachThis single-case study takes the perspective of a sustainability-conscious Danish company that outsources logistics services to 3PLs but maintains internal logistics as a boundary function. The value offering point/order penetration point (VOP/OPP) methodology is used.FindingsThe results showed that the introduction of sustainability led to the emergence of multiple decoupling points in both the demand and the supply chains. The logistics function therefore began to play the role of “integrator” across both the functions in the company and the organizations in the supply chain. The findings indicate the need to develop clear cross-functional and inter-organizational coordination mechanisms.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a single-case study in a Danish context.Practical implicationsThe study provides rich insights into managing the implementation of sustainability in supply chain operations, and it exemplifies how the VOP/OPP tool can be applied by 3PLs to develop sustainable offerings.Originality/valueThe current research on sustainable supply chain management takes into account the entire supply chain. In contrast, this study focuses on the logistics function. The VOP/OPP concept is used to capture the processes used in actual practice, and both the buyer and the supplier are considered potential co-producers of value.

Analysis of Reverse Logistics Implementation Barriers in Online Retail Industry

After e-Commerce and m-Commerce boom in India the customer purchasing style is changed totally. The online retailers try to make a confidence among the customers through on time delivery and replacement of damaged goods soon. Not only Forward Logistics, but also Reverse Logistics is too critical for online retailer since the products and transactions are huge. The returns will be high since the customer is purchasing products without touch and feel. To avoid land-filling and also environmental concerns forced by Governments making Reverse Logistics function critical for many organizations. But there are many barriers for online retailers to implement Reverse Logistics. The aim of the study is to identify the barriers that deter the Reverse Logistics implementation with respect to different online retail industries. Empirical evidence and statistical analysis provide insights in implementing Reverse Logistics by online retailer. In this paper, Analytical Network Process is used to identify the most affecting barriers for Reverse logistics implementation in four online retail industries.

Логистика туризма в фокусе новых логистических направлений

The article is devoted to new logistics directions, primarily logistics of tourism that situated at the intersection of a number of branches of the logistics. The author defines the role of logistics as a multidisciplinary science. In the article presented and describe the classification categories of logistics, selected on the basis of following indications: functionality, resources (flows), type of business, novelty of management methods, the application to the economic sphere, control subject, problems of solving tasks, priority of flows, industry accessories (type of activity) with indicating a possible disaggregation of groups. The balance between resources and associated flows as the basic categories of logistics is revealed, and the fact that not all the resources form a flow and not all flows initially presented in the form of resources is specified. The article describes the basic provisions of the logistics of resource saving and defines its place in the logistics system. Comparison of components of logistics is made, namely: of supplying logistics, manufacturing (conventionally-production) logistics, logistics of sales - in the aspect of resource saving in relation to material production and tourism as a kind of service activity. The author has found out why the provisions of the service logistics is most clearly manifested in tourism: it is here consumers to obtain services are forced to move over long distances; logistics flows, in addition to the basic function of delivery, perform the connection between object-customer and environment, tourists as elements, which form flows, themselves perform communication-binding function of logistics. In addition, the ratio of tourism logistics, service logistics and logistics of resource saving is schematically shown, the definition of citylinks is expanded, and innovative targeted measures for material flow management and tourist flows aimed at resource conservation, where tourists are regarded as not only clients, but also partners of personnel of tourism enterprises, are offered.

Information systems in logistics – transition challenges

The implementation of information systems in business organizations does not consist of just buying software products and installing them on the servers. Most of these systems are important for the development of the organizations concerned and in some cases are very expensive. Therefore, their success requires a properly managed process of implementation, which seeks a balance between the aims of the systems and the financial and technical capabilities of the organization. The implementation problem becomes greater when the emphasis is on the logistics function in the context of the supply chain management. Last, but not least, these initiatives are related to something much more challenging, namely the adoption of the new information system by the users, which involves a change of habits in the organization. It is no secret that a new system may be rejected by its users and this will make it useless. All this requires finding adequate solutions to analyze these problems and to ensure the effective use of information systems in logistics.

Cross-Functional Maintenance And Logistics Business Process Integration: Lessons From A Large Oil And Gas Company

The purpose of this research focused on integration and alignment of maintenance and logistics functions in a large ERP system in an oil and gas company to demonstrate how cross-functional integration can improve operations. A design science approach has been used based on a case study of a large oil and gas company. The study found that limited cross-functional integration involving the logistics function exists. Proposed process redesign involves activities include improved storage and picking strategies, information exchange, notification of fully received components at the warehouse and an improved shipping strategy. These improvement strategies have been tested through random questionnaires and most respondents support the improvements. This study shows that business process improvement facilitated by cross-functional process integration should realise substantial financial benefits. We have shown that warehouse operation strategies do have an impact on the work order performance through the on-time delivery of its components. In addition, regular communication and utilisation of the available information can also improve the scheduling of work order execution. These benefits are not limited to the company in question but the results show that if companies in general give more attention to cross-functional integration, substantial benefits are possible. The focus of this study is uncommon as it is the integration of logistics and maintenance functions within an organisation. We show substantial process improvements are possible. It therefore provides another opportunity for business process improvement experts to better align various systems and processes.

Efficiency and sustainability through the best practices in the Logistics Social Responsibility framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the best way to implement sustainable practices in the Logistics Social Responsibility field. Using the best practices (BPs) approach, the authors have answered the question about how logistics function can take on board the principles of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review has been applied, with an analysis of 194 papers from relevant logistics/supply chain management (SCM)-related journals over a 20-year time frame. Findings – The authors have identified a first set of traditional BPs that are still relevant in the sustainability context, a second set of innovative sustainable BPs and a third set that can be considered sustainable BPs evolved from the traditional cost-efficiency approach, serving as a link between the other ones. This proposed taxonomy of BPs charts a progressive path toward integration of sustainable principles in SC-logistics operations. Research limitations/implications – The methodological approaches applied entail inherent limitations. However, the authors have set out to ensure rigor by following a structured process approach. Originality/value – The work contributes by filling two recurring gaps identified in the literature: the need to integrate social and environmental issues and develop more practical tools for implementing sustainable SCM. The progressive way of implementing sustainable BPs has advantages for logistics managers, especially when companies have limited resources for transforming their logistics process into a sustainable process. Additionally, future academic research topics are proposed.

Identifying profitable clientele using the analytical hierarchy process

This paper presents an analytical hierarchy process (AHP)-based quantitative framework to help a logistics provider rank prospective partner original equipment manufacturer (OEM) companies with the view of optimising its business development approach in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Key decision making factors are identified using primary and secondary research. A total score is calculated for each OEM company and this ranking is used to identify which OEMs a third-party logistics (3PL) provider should align with. 3PL providers can use this framework to prioritise their business developments efforts and to focus on the right clientele to achieve profitable and sustainable growth. The value of this paper lies in identifying the critical decision making factors that drive the business and its logistics functions.

Urban Logistics; a Key for the Airport-Centric Development – A Review on Development Approaches and the Role of Urban Logistics in Comprehensive Airport-Centric Planning

Airport-centric development is relatively a new concept in globalized urban and regional development while airports are experiencing a radical change in services they provide to users. Increasing reliance on non-aeronautical potentials, besides the traditional aeronautical services, grants the opportunity to business providers and logistics actors to enhance their profit and guarantee their business life. City logistics can play an essential role in airport-centric urban system and should be integrated in planning process. The main focus of this research revolved around issues related to this approach and its evolution. As well, the structure and function of city logistics and urban freight as well as airport-centric development has been considered.

Mobile Phones: Established Technologies for Innovative Humanitarian Logistics Concepts

Recent studies have shown an increased interest in the role of logistics function in supporting humanitarian relief operations. However, there is limited discussion in literature of how established technologies could be adopted effectively for supporting the delivery of basic relief items for beneficiaries. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the appropriateness of mobile phone technology to support humanitarian operations and to create new humanitarian logistics concepts. With mobile phone technology, an established (humanitarian) technology is selected to enhance the performance of humanitarian logistics in disaster relief operations. This research provides insights for improved humanitarian relief operations and delivery for refugees in sub-Saharan Africa, Jordanian refugee camps and Germany.

A Strategic Analysis of the Use of Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry: A Systematic Review of Literature

As Sri Lanka is moving towards a manufacturing economy, it is vital to find the applicability of using experts in logistics that is called the Third Party Logistics (3PL). 3PLs can be generally defined as outsourcing a firm’s logistics function to one or more specialist firms which are known as 3PL providers. Over the past few decades, the consumer goods industry has experienced a shift in supply chain strategy from the push approach directed by manufacturers and suppliers, to the pull approach driven by retailers. Also, there is an increasing emphasis on services, reduced inventory levels and cost of logistics. Because of this increasingly demanding environment in managing consumer goods companies, they are progressively seeking assistance from logistics services providers. Outsourcing the logistics functions let the user focus on their core competencies, while experts take care of the logistics functions, giving the benefits of increased flexibility, reduced costs and improved services. Consequently, identifying potential enhancements in strategic use of 3PLs by the FMCG companies is increasingly being a focal point in current research. Having the objectives of providing a collective picture of the current state of knowledge in this context and setting up a path for future research, this study is based on a comprehensive, systematic review of literature published in relation to the strategic use of 3PLs in FMCG industry. The scrutiny identifies several knowledge gaps where the strategic use of 3PLs in the industry could be optimized, and develops propositions for future research.

Construction of Cold Chain Logistics Management System in Hotel and Catering Industry

Cold chain plays an important role in goods movement and meanwhile cold chain logistics is a key process in supply chain of hotel and catering industry. Focusing on functions of cold chain logistics and cold chain logistics system, this study analyzed the structure of cold chain logistics system of hotel and catering industry in aspects of time, temperature and storage stability and discussed over detailed requirements on cold chain logistics management system and the construction process. Moreover, suggestions for establishing and perfecting cold chain logistics system are proposed.

System logistics railway transport

Introduction. System logistics rail transport is one of the central links of the overall management system of the railway industry, which have a direct impact on the stability and safety of traffic, the level of reliable and sustainable operation of rolling stock, improvement of profitability of work of departments of transport, on the financial results of the industry. Material resources and material costs, including the cost of materials and raw, as well as the costs of building and maintenance, is one of the objects of improving inventory management Target. To improve methods of management and control of inventory levels in the warehouses of structural subdivisions of the Railways of Ukraine and improve the supply system. Task . Inventory management is to solve such problems: determining the amount of the required reserves, creating a system of control over the actual size of the stocks and their timely completion . Problem formulation . Solving the problem of increasing the efficiency of inventory management in today’s economic environment requires a shift from traditional management to logistics, inventory management allows you to include in the main areas of company strategy to actively pursue its market behavior . Achieving the strategic tasks of any company depends primarily on the integration of logistics functions. The main components of logistics is physical distribution, logistics and supply . The methodological and theoretical basis of the paper are the works of scientists, experts in the theory and practice of economics of rail transport, cost management, logistics: B. Anikinoy, Belovoy, N. Tereshinoy B. Volkova, I. Aksonova, Yu Barasha , L. Golovkova V. Dikanya, L Kostyuchenko, Yu Kulaeva. Results . The methods of management, control and supply of inventory levels in warehouses of the structural divisions of the railway. It offers modern methods of supply and control inventory levels in warehouses of the structural divisions of the railway system to improve inventory management . The practical significance of the work . Is the ability to use the results of the article in practice for the control and supply of structural divisions of the railway of Ukraine.

Relación entre logística inversa y desempeño. Estudio de casos en Córdoba, Argentina

La relación entre las acciones de una empresa y el impacto que ellas generan, no sólo en lo económico sino también en lo social y ambiental, es un aspecto profusamente analizado en la literatura del management de los últimos años, dando lugar al surgimiento de conceptos generales como responsabilidad social empresarial o sustentabilidad y también a algunos más específicos como el marketing verde, la producción más limpia o la logística inversa. Este artículo trata este último concepto, pretendiendo probar la relación existente entre la función inversa de la logística y el desempeño de una empresa, relacionado con los tres pilares de la sustentabilidad: económico, social y ambiental. Se plantea como metodología el enfoque cualitativo a través del estudio de casos, realizado en seis empresas de la ciudad de Córdoba, Provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Los resultados de la investigación indican que la incorporación de aspectos de logística inversa en la planificación estratégica de las empresas requiere de la integración de aspectos sociales y ambientales, además de los económicos, incluyendo una mayor cantidad de stakeholders y, por ende, de mediciones para la evaluación, mejora y comunicación. Todo ello repercute directamente en un mejor desempeño relacionado con la sustentabilidad

MODELAGEM DA DISTRIBUIÇÃO DIAMÉTRICA DE POVOAMENTOS EQUIÂNEOS DE EUCALIPTO UTILIZANDO A FUNÇÃO LOGÍSTICA GENERALIZADA

RESUMOObjetivou-se neste estudo analisar a aplicação da função logística generalizada para a descrição da estrutura diamétrica de povoamentos de eucalipto, bem como propor um modelo de distribuição diamétrica utilizando a função. Realizou-se também a modelagem da distribuição diamétrica utilizando a função Weibull para fins comparativos. Utilizaram-se dados de parcelas permanentes de um inventário florestal contínuo nas idades de 28, 40, 52, 64, 76 e 84 meses. Ajustou-se a função logística generalizada e Weibull para todas as parcelas e medições. A aderência das funções aos dados foi verificada pela aplicação do teste Kolmogorov- Smirnov. A função logística generalizada apresentou resultados satisfatórios para a modelagem da distribuição diamétrica de povoamentos de eucalipto.