Logistics Social Responsibility Research Articles

Challenges in Optimization for the Performance on Sustainability Dimensions in Reverse Logistics Social Responsibility

Challenges in Optimization for the Performance on Sustainability Dimensions in Reverse Logistics Social Responsibility

Logistics social responsibility

This paper aims at finding out what effort logistics-related companies based in the Slovak Republic demonstrate, concerning their social responsibility. Using a standardized questionnaire, addressing approximately 30 issues from the field of social responsibility, grouped in five categories, we approached over 100 members of the Association of Logistics and Freight Forwarding of the Slovak Republic, of which 29 provided answers. Despite the low number of respondents, it was still possible to formulate several findings. First, it was revealed that a part of the Slovak logistics industry cares about the issue of social responsibility although the level of such a commitment is uneven for the five analyzed dimensions. Second, the responding companies with employees, or a department, dealing specifically with corporate social responsibility, demonstrate more effort in the field. Third, the responding foreign-owned companies also demonstrate additional efforts towards social responsibility. These findings may become a starting point for further research on the topic and intensify the discussion on the still underdeveloped concept of logistics social responsibility, not only from a one-country perspective.

Informing logistics social responsibility from a consumer-choice-centered perspective

PurposeAlthough research has been conducted on logistics social responsibility (LSR) on the one hand, and sustainable consumption on the other hand, the interlinkages between LSR and sustainable consumption still lack conceptualization and empirical evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study empirically the interplay between logistics services and sustainable consumer choices. Such an analysis allows an investigation of consumer-choice-centered sustainable logistics practices to promote LSR in supply chains (SCs).Design/methodology/approachBased on expert interviews and in-depth consumer interviews, the authors conducted a three-stage qualitative, exploratory study with regard to sustainable logistics practices explicitly taking a consumer-choice-centered perspective into account.FindingsAs a result, consumer-choice-centered LSR categories were identified and discussed against the consumer social responsibility (ConSR) and other disciplines’ literature. In particular, consumer communication is necessary to enhance consumers’ awareness of sustainable logistics as current consumption behavior still hardly considers logistics services. Also, context- and situation-dependent SC configurations as well as financial incentives for sustainable consumption patterns promote more sustainable logistics services choices by end consumers.Practical implicationsResolving certain frictions and rewarding positive behavior eases consumer’s decision making. By doing so, retailers need to support logistics service providers by stressing the benefits of more sustainable products and services as well as implementing more sustainable pricing schemes. Due to the consumer preferences, it is also important to achieve a context and situation dependent configurations to provide opportunities for more sustainable trade-offs.Originality/valueThe people dimension in SC management is seen as a promising field as the behavioral dynamics of consumers is rarely investigated in SC research. In this line, the study attempts to advance the theoretical underpinnings of corporate social responsibility in sustainable SCs. Therefore, this study contributes to theory by enriching the concept of LSR to include a consumer-choice-centered perspective and gives managerial as well as ethical implications on ConSR accordingly.

Explaining logistics social responsibility from a dynamic capabilities perspective

Purpose So far, most of the literature on logistics social responsibility (LSR) has prioritized the examination, classification of and adaption toward positive LSR practices instead of investigating necessary logistics service providers’ capabilities to implement LSR strategies. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to theory by an assessment of LSR and its linkages to dynamic capabilities theory to gain insights into how logistics service providers can foster an enhanced application of LSR practices. Design/methodology/approach The paper is conceptual and grounded on dynamic capabilities theory. Relevant literature from logistics management, supply chain management and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) as well as dynamic capabilities was examined to build upon existing theory by conceptualizing LSR from a dynamic capabilities perspective. In addition, propositions for future research are presented based on the conceptual model. Findings With regards to the controversial discussion in the literature about the direct link between dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage as well as the necessary degree of heterogeneity of dynamic capabilities, the conceptualization of LSR from a dynamic capabilities perspective adds new elements to this discussion. Considering long-term or even sustainable competitive advantage, the current degree of homogeneity across logistics services might hinder a sustainable advantage in the long run and demands for more advanced logistical capabilities. In this line, it is important to understand and utilize the causal relationships between different logistical resources and capabilities to achieve a unique long-term advantage allowing logistics service providers to further enhance LSR practices. Practical implications Due to the current role of logistics service providers, they should not just foster their resources focusing on the relationship to the focal firm, but they should also develop and implement new logistical capabilities derived from SSCM-related dynamic capabilities to design alternative service portfolio extensions and new business models. Originality/value Although dynamic capabilities have been studied intensively in the last two decades, the causal relationships between different logistical resources and necessary dynamic capabilities to achieve advantages by enhancing LSR practices still lack conceptualization. To build on the understanding of LSR, the paper at hand presents a conceptual framework explaining LSR and SSCM practices through the lens of dynamic capabilities theory.

Reprint "Efficient flexible long-term capacity planning for optimal sustainability dimensions performance of reverse logistics social responsibility: A system dynamics approach"

Product lifecycle uncertainties in Closed-Loop Supply Chains (CLSCs) are costly and frequently unavoidable. So the aim of this paper is to develop efficient flexible long-term capacity planning policy for CLSCs that considers social responsibility or a supply chain with Reverse Logistics Social Responsibility (RLSR). This aim is to answer an important research question on how to tackle the lifecycle with its inherited uncertainty to achieve optimal sustainability dimensions performance. Here, a single-product System Dynamics (SD) model of the supply chain with RLSR is used. This SD model considers interrelated sustainability dimensions and adopts the product lifecycle with its inherited uncertainties, such as the length of the product lifecycle, pattern of the product lifecycle, and residence index. Finally, a mathematical model of the developed policy is constructed and a simplified non-linear multi-objective algorithm is proposed to solve this mathematical model. In addition, Taguchi Design is used to minimize the number of simulations needed in the numerical experiment. The findings of this study show that the developed policy could be used to tackle the lifecycle with its inherited uncertainty to optimize the sustainability dimensions performance. These findings have some limitations, however. The findings underscore this paper's contribution to the relatively limited but important academic knowledge on capacity planning development for research on social responsibility issues in CLSCs. In practice, the results will give managers a better understanding of how to tackle product lifecycle uncertainties in RLSR and will therefore lead to better capacity planning to achieve optimal sustainability dimensions performance.

Efficient flexible long-term capacity planning for optimal sustainability dimensions performance of reverse logistics social responsibility: A system dynamics approach

Product lifecycle uncertainties in Closed-Loop Supply Chains (CLSCs) are costly and frequently unavoidable. So the aim of this paper is to develop efficient flexible long-term capacity planning policy for CLSCs that considers social responsibility or a supply chain with Reverse Logistics Social Responsibility (RLSR). This aim is to answer an important research question on how to tackle the lifecycle with its inherited uncertainty to achieve optimal sustainability dimensions performance. Here, a single-product System Dynamics (SD) model of the supply chain with RLSR is used. This SD model considers interrelated sustainability dimensions and adopts the product lifecycle with its inherited uncertainties, such as the length of the product lifecycle, pattern of the product lifecycle, and residence index. Finally, a mathematical model of the developed policy is constructed and a simplified non-linear multi-objective algorithm is proposed to solve this mathematical model. In addition, Taguchi Design is used to minimize the number of simulations needed in the numerical experiment. The findings of this study show that the developed policy could be used to tackle the lifecycle with its inherited uncertainty to optimize the sustainability dimensions performance. These findings have some limitations, however. The findings underscore this paper's contribution to the relatively limited but important academic knowledge on capacity planning development for research on social responsibility issues in CLSCs. In practice, the results will give managers a better understanding of how to tackle product lifecycle uncertainties in RLSR and will therefore lead to better capacity planning to achieve optimal sustainability dimensions performance.

The impact of capacity planning on product lifecycle for performance on sustainability dimensions in Reverse Logistics Social Responsibility

Reverse Logistics Social Responsibility (RLSR) is preferred as a social responsibility activity in the supply chain since it involves most of the supply chain actors who have an impact on social responsibility. So here, a single-product System Dynamics (SD) model of the supply chain with RLSR is developed. The product lifecycle with its inherited uncertainties, such as the length of the product lifecycle, pattern of the product lifecycle, and residence index, is adopted by considering interrelated sustainability dimensions. Efficient flexible capacity planning is established as a policy option by considering a social responsibility fund from the premium price that is contributed by consumers. The Taguchi design of experiment is used for analysis of the numerical simulation. Finally, the significance with its power is measured to show the power of the relationship between policy and uncertainty for the sustainability dimensions performance. These features will be used to analyze the impact of capacity planning on product lifecycle for performance on sustainability dimensions in RLSR by using an SD approach. The findings show that the policy parameters have an effect on any measured performances and uncertainties with some conditional exceptions. These findings reveal three interesting facts regarding RLSR due to the considered model features. First, the economic performance is a result of a direct influence of policy. Second, the environmental performance results from the indirect effect of the policy. Third, the social performance is the performance that is hardest to influence by policy. Therefore, the findings underscore this paper's contributions to the relatively limited academic knowledge on the examination of the impact of behavior in reverse logistics as a social responsibility due to capacity planning and the product lifecycle with its inherited uncertainties. These contributions offer managers a better understanding of the relationship between capacity planning, product lifecycle with its inherited uncertainties, and sustainability performance. This better understanding will lead to better capacity planning to tackle product lifecycle with its inherited uncertainties for sustainable RLSR.

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.

A reverse logistics social responsibility evaluation framework based on the triple bottom line approach

Today, reverse logistics systems are considered very important for businesses to improve their overall environmental and financial performance. The majority of the present models of environmental and sustainable reverse logistics systems mainly focus on a number of environmental and economic aspects. However, these models have recently incorporated a limited number of social aspects and much more must be done to have a more complete picture of the quality performance of reverse logistics systems as well as being a critical factor in measuring the contribution of a firm to sustainable development. This paper proposes an integrated model for introducing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability issues in reverse logistics systems as a means of developing a complete performance framework model. This will be done by developing a framework of performance indicators for measuring reverse logistics social responsibility performance based on the Triple Bottom Line approach (economic, environmental and social aspects). Finally, two numerical examples are presented in order to test the validity of the proposed framework.

Exploring the antecedents of logistics social responsibility: A focus on Chinese firms

Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities [2010221025, 2011221016]; National Natural Science Foundation of China [70802052]; Academic Outstanding Youthful Research Talent Plan of Fujian Province [JA10001S]; National Research Foundation for Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China [20100121120013]; National Ministry of Education of China (Humanities and Social Science) [10YJC630010]; [NCET-10-0712]

Logistics social responsibility: Standard adoption and practices in Italian companies

This paper deals with Logistics Social Responsibility (LSR), i.e. the socially responsible management of the supply chain under a cross-functional perspective. In particular, the goal of the paper is to develop a taxonomy of the LSR practices adopted by firms. The taxonomy is built based on a literature review and an empirical analysis. In particular, the empirical analysis deals with the analysis of the non-financial reports (i.e. social, environmental, sustainability report, environmental statement, and/or SA8000 report) published by a sample of Italian companies. The taxonomy involves 47 different LSR practices classified based on five areas, namely Purchasing Social Responsibility, Sustainable Transportation, Sustainable Packaging, Sustainable Warehousing, and Reverse Logistics. The practices are further investigated to assess which and to what extent they are adopted by different categories of companies. To this aim, we use an ad hoc-defined metric, the Adoption Index, and carry out a cross-analysis. By providing an encompassing view of all the LSR issues and practices, our paper represents an initial attempt to fill a gap in the literature on LSR.

LOGISTICS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: AN INTEGRATIVE FRAMEWORK

Research on the external issues that affect logistics management such as the environment, diversity, safety, philanthropy, and human rights has consisted, to date, of separate examination of these matters. This work‐to‐date has approached these topics as if each was a stand‐alone problem with differing drivers, constructs, and resolutions. However, if the research from the general corporate social responsibility literature as well as data from in‐depth interviews with logistics managers are examined, we find that these seemingly isolated topics have similar characteristics that logisticians can manage by using a much broader, organization‐wide approach to social responsibility. A framework of logistics social responsibility (LSR) is introduced with the goals of helping managers resolve social responsibility issues and providing a guide for future research efforts.