Reverse Logistics Research Research Articles

A hybrid analysis of reverse logistics barriers in Iranian construction

PurposeThis paper presents a pioneering investigation into the barriers impeding the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) in the Iranian construction industry, addressing a significant gap in the current literature within the country.Design/methodology/approachThrough a meticulous examination of the literature, complemented by 19 in-depth interviews, a battery of barriers to RL implementation was initially identified, distilled into a final set of 30 barriers, which served as the basis for the design of a structured survey questionnaire. Employing Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), an analysis was conducted on a dataset that comprised of 80 responses. Subsequently, the barriers approved through the PLS- SEM were subjected to prioritization through the application of Fuzzy TOPSIS.FindingsFindings reveal the critical inadequacy of contemporary technology and infrastructure, a foundation essential for the efficacious enactment of RL. This shortfall manifests in procurement and logistics processes plagued by inefficiency and ineffectiveness, as consequences of an immature information and technology ecosystem. Furthermore, the study underscores the dominance of traditional markets where the adoption of secondary materials/products remains sporadic, signaling a crucial area for further research and intervention.Originality/valueThis study offers original insights into the significant hurdles that hinder the adoption and integration of RL practices within the Iranian construction industry, an under-explored area within the RL research domain. For industry practitioners, findings point to recommendations for overcoming these barriers in the specific Iranian context while also offering broader insights and lessons that may be relevant to other countries and similar contexts.

Theoretical perspectives in reverse logistics research

PurposeTheory is an essential prerequisite in the development and maturation of any scholarly discipline. This study offers insight into theory development in reverse logistics (RL) studies, provides a synopsis of the theories employed in RL studies, and presents a comprehensive framework for choosing and applying theories in RL studies.Design/methodology/approachUsing the systematic literature review approach, 265 various RL articles were analysed to discover the trend in using theories in RL studies and classify the individual theories employed. The analysis of the theoretical classification is presented to explain the type and frequency of the usage of theories.FindingsThe analysis discovered 52 specific theories from the sample. These theories were categorised under various categories: competitive, inventory, economic, decision, etc. The institutional, stakeholder, transaction cost economies, resource-based view, natural resource-based view, dynamic capability, agency and theory of planned behaviour were some of the key theories discovered. Finally, a comprehensive framework is provided to aid researchers in choosing and utilising theories.Research limitations/implicationsThis study gives authors, reviewers and editors perspectives on utilising theories in RL studies. It will give them the impetus to develop theories in RL and limit the borrowing or extension of theories from other disciplines to RL studies.Originality/valueTo the best of the researcher's knowledge, this is the first attempt to comprehensively provide an anatomical perspective into theory usage in RL studies. Besides, this study's proposed framework for selecting and using theories is a novelty in the domain of RL.

Comparison of mathematical models in reverse logistics: case of pesticide containers and packaging

This article presents an analysis of the use of Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Discrete Event Simulation in reverse logistics networks, specifically applied to the process of collection and final disposal of empty pesticide containers and packaging in the Department of Boyacá- Colombia, which faces a problem due to the non-return and collection of all empty pesticide containers and packages generated by farmers. Due to the above, initially, a literature search on reverse logistics research is carried out, to subsequently propose a deterministic and stochastic model using linear programming and simulation respectively, to analyze which of these mathematical tools offers and represents better the process under study. The results show that the deterministic model offers better results in terms of planning the quantities to be collected in each of the farms, however, it does not contemplate the possible variations in different periods. On the contrary, the simulation, having a stochastic component, includes the variability of the generation of pesticide containers and packages, better identifying the bottlenecks that may occur in the process. In conclusion, it is evident that both models offer advantages for the reverse logistics process, where the ideal could be the combination of the deterministic with the stochastic.

A review of current trends and future directions in reverse logistics research

A review of current trends and future directions in reverse logistics research

Research on the market potential and marketing strategy of green supply chain and reverse logistics tracking system

China's manufacturing industry is developing rapidly and the categories are perfect. The national requirements for green logistics are increasing year by year, and there is an urgent need for green supply chain upgrade and reverse logistics tracking system to achieve green transformation. This paper analyzes the market potential of green supply chain and reverse logistics Geng total system. The study shows that China's reverse logistics research started late, the related system is still not perfect, and small and medium-sized enterprises do not have the ability to implement the tracking and effective recycling of reverse logistics. The overall market potential is huge and the development prospect is broad. At the end, the marketing strategy of reverse logistics tracking system is elaborated.

Challenges and perspectives of the Industry 4.0 technologies within the last-mile and first-mile reverse logistics: A systematic literature review

The circular economy (CE) and supply chain management (SCM) paradigms were already synthetized within the concept of circular supply chain (CSC) but, recently, also Industry 4.0 has been identified as a disruptive factor in the field of CSC and as key for shifting toward sustainability. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current contribution of Industry 4.0 technologies in logistics, with a focus in last and first mile activities.The study proposes a three-step methodological approach which includes bibliometric, network and content analyses has been adopted to systematically analyze the scientific literature and to investigate the evolving trends, challenges and perspectives within the last-mile and first-mile reverse logistics research field. From a managerial perspective, this study provides an overview of the potential associated with Industry 4.0 solutions adopted within the logistics management, focusing on interdependencies, possible trade-offs, and less understood pathways. The study has outlined that several gaps still remain present and future research developments should be addressed in this research field starting from in identifying critical points for the simultaneous management of last-mile and first-mile reverse logistics operations and evaluating economic feasibility of Industry 4.0 adoption. This study also provided feedbacks related to support define new business model in order to respond to new requirements deriving from the implementation of circular economy and Industry 4.0 paradigms.

Reverse logistics research of municipal hazardous waste: a literature review.

The reverse logistics of municipal hazardous waste (RLMHW) have received close attention from researchers and practitioners alike, given the essential impact of safe transportation and effective management of hazardous waste on public health and environmental sustainability. There are a great number of studies in the extant literature on RLMHW, with many and diverse research topics; however, a concise and complete overview of the research works already conducted in this particular area is conspicuous by its absence. This paper strives to fill the gap through the conduct of rigorous systematic literature review of RLMHW in the past three decades, and then establish a framework of studies on RLMHW. The main contributions of this study are as follows: (1) to identify the trend of journals publishing research papers on RLMHW; (2) to extract the main topics in studies on RLMHW; (3) to locate the most popular research areas of RLMHW; (4) to summarize the methods adopted in studies on RLMHW; (5) to identify research deficiencies in certain categories of RLMHW; and (6) to establish the future research directions of RLMHW. The main implications of the study are to offer a better understanding of RLMHW by systematic crystallization of archival data in a systematic chronological order across central issues. This study contributes to scholarly debate in this field by serving as a snapshot paper to document the development of the field and gives input to policymakers in process design and policy making in the domain of RLMHW.

Modelling of Reverse Logistics Network Design for Waste Refrigerators

Recycling of waste refrigerators plays an important role in the current reverse logistics research. In this paper, the integer programming model is applied to establish the optimization model of recycling network of waste refrigerators. The model considers whether the recycling center, re-manufacturing center and other nodes are set up or not, and the distribution plan between logistics nodes. The objective function is to minimize the total cost of logistics which includes the fixed cost of facility establishment and the variable cost including cost of processing products at the logistics node as well as vehicle use. Constraints consider the balance of goods in and out logistics nodes and the capacity limit to facilities and vehicles. The model in this paper is verified with actual enterprise cases, which proves the effectiveness of the model in this paper. Applying the model in this paper can effectively improve the operating efficiency of waste refrigerator logistics enterprises.

Designing recycling networks for construction and demolition waste based on reserve logistics research field

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) has a significant effect on the environment. A well-designed recycling network is a prerequisite of CDW recycling, which is favourable for improving the recycling rate. However, the lack of quantitative tools to measure the characteristics of the construction industry has a serious effect on the effective design of CDW recycling network. Extensive studies on reverse logistics network design over the past decades have provided a solid foundation for recycling network design. Thus, in this study, reverse logistics research is explored to determine possible solutions to the issue of CDW recycling network design. This study aims to provide a model for CDW treatment plants location planning and capacity expansion planning based on the reverse logistics research in the construction industry. In our model, the conflicts between the objectives of different stakeholders and the dynamic decision-making environment in the construction industry were considered. Then, a multi-period multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming model was developed to minimize the CDW disposal costs of contractors and to maximize the profits of recycling firms and recycling rate of CDW. Chongqing, China was selected as the case to validate the proposed model and derive managerial insights. Results show our model provides an efficient tool for CDW recycling network design.

Proposition of a Framework for Classifying Returnable Transport Items Closed-Loop/Reverse Logistics Issues

In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for classifying operations management-related issues for returnable transport items (RTI). RTI closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) issues are classified into three categories. Our proposal is based on a global literature review in the field of CLSC and reverse logistics (RL), with a specific focus on transport items reuse. We also derive our work from observations made in the automotive industry. The motivation for dealing with this topic is that more and more companies are adopting RTIs in their supply chain, and despite the growing attention that CLSC and RL research have gained during the last years, the focus is still more oriented toward remanufacturing issues. The objectives of this paper are twofold. Firstly, to provide practitioners with a clear vision on different issues that arise when implementing a RTI system from an operations management point of view, and secondly, to give suggestions to researchers regarding existing gaps that still need to be filled in this field.

A bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics research (1992-2015) and opportunities for future research

PurposeInterest in reverse logistics (RL) as a critical component of supply chain management (SCM) is gaining more traction with both practitioners and academics. Because of RL’s growing strategic importance, it is imperative to conduct a timely and comprehensive literature review and to identify associated opportunities for future research. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the researchers conduct an extensive bibliometric analysis of published academic articles on RL for the period of 1992-2015. Specifically, the CiteSpace software is utilized to conduct document co-citation analysis and burst detection analysis on 912 selected RL articles and their 22,642 references.FindingsThis research identifies the most influential RL research publications/citations in each of the five periods and their research contribution. Using co-citation analysis, the authors are able to identify and illustrate major research themes, knowledge groups, and future research opportunities in the RL field.Originality/valueIn contrast to existing literature review studies in the logistics field, the study uses impact factor as a key article selection criterion. The influential articles identified in this process well represent the core literature and RL body of knowledge and have important implications for future research.

Understanding the long-term implications of retailer returns in business-to-business relationships

Providing end consumers with the ability to return products is an important part of a retailer’s service offering. While research in reverse logistics has explored the movement of returned merchandise upstream, little research examines the relational implications of returned merchandise in the business-to-business (B2B) context. This research explores the relational implications, as well as the impact on the supplier salesperson’s behaviors, of retailer returns. Using a comprehensive dataset which includes longitudinal archival returns data, as well as two waves of retailer surveys reporting on salesperson behaviors, our research investigates how retail returns impact salesperson responses in the following time period, retailer perceptions of the relationship in the following time period, and returns in the following time period. Consistent with a reciprocal exchange perspective, results suggest that when salespeople respond to returns by engaging in relationship building behaviors, these behaviors are noted by the retailer, which in turn results in fewer returns in a future time period.

Action Research in Reverse Logistics for End-Of-Life Tire Recycling

At the end of their product life cycle, tires require special handling and treatment in order to avoid damaging the environment and society. Reverse Logistics (RL) is necessary to manage this type of solid waste. In Brazilian cities, collection is one of the bottlenecks. One of the main difficulties in this process is enabling joint-action between the main stakeholders: Final consumers, the government and private companies. The main objective of this paper is to identify e implement opportunities for improvement in the collection phase of end-of-life tires through action-research, involving simultaneous participation between public and private organizations. The motive for this is that the knowledge generated can serve as a basis of information and references which aid in decision-making for public authorities who need to start similar programs or improve existing ones. The Action-Research occurred in a Brazilian city with less than 100,000 inhabitants, which fits the profile of 94.91% of the country’s municipalities. Final results proved the efficiency of the action-research proposal; after implementing the changes, the monthly collections grew by 50% (action), and the Action-Research team was able to generate and document knowledge which can now help other cities to improve their own processes.

Managing end of life products: a review of the literature on reverse logistics in Brazil

Purpose – The environmental consciousness of customers and the emergence of stricter environmental regulations has pushed industries to think about environmental management by means of reverse logistics (RL) implementation. The purpose of this paper is to provide a current panorama of RL in Brazil and a comparison to international RL body of literature as well. It also seeks to provide a systematic literature review procedure and a conceptual framework for RL literature categorization. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive and content analysis approach was adopted. First, a topic delimitation phase was aimed at defining the main research areas and related keywords. Second, a material collection phase focussed on a selection of peer-reviewed Brazilian and international journals. Third, a total of 34 papers were assessed by quantitative indicators, and a conceptual RL framework was employed to classify them. Finally, papers were evaluated using content analysis. Findings – The RL research gaps in Brazil are in information technology, facility location, inventory control, outsourcing, and performance measurement. It is also reported that, In Brazil, RL is predominantly linked to recycling activities, and the practice of RL is driven by social conditions and economics in some specific industrial sectors. Research limitations/implications – The focus is restricted to RL applications in Brazil and the corresponding articles published by Brazilian researchers. Originality/value – Practitioners and academics might find this review useful, as it outlines gaps and limitations of existing research in the largest Latin America economy. This work is built on the recent research in RL. No systematic literature review of this kind has previously been undertaken.

Literature Review and Prospect on the End-of-Life Vehicles Reverse Logistics

End-of-life vehicles (ELVs), as an important renewable resource, have huge environmental and economic benefits. In recent years, with the rapid growth of the number of ELVs, ELV reverse logistics is becoming a hot research field. In this paper, the overall trend of ELV reverse logistics research at home and abroad and a review of the status quo and countermeasures of ELV recycling, the choice of recycling mode, the ELV reverse logistics system and the reverse logistics network are presented. Finally, on the basis of performed review, some recommendations for the future research are discussed.

Reverse logistics disposition decision‐making

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify the critical components of the reverse logistics (RL) disposition decision‐making process and suggest a decision framework that may guide future investigation and practice.Design/methodology/approachThe authors utilized a problem‐driven content analysis methodology. RL literature from 2000 through 2010 was content analyzed to determine which components may impact a firm's RL disposition decision.FindingsThe authors extrapolated seven RL disposition decision components from a compilation of 60 variables identified in the literature. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are offered, and a RL disposition decision‐making framework is presented.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough methodological techniques were carefully followed, the nature of a content analysis may be subject to author bias. Future investigation and use of the framework presented will verify the findings presented here.Practical implicationsThis study identifies seven components that should be considered when deciding which RL disposition alternative should be adopted and integrates these components into a decision‐making framework. Supply chain professionals who refer to this framework during the decision process will benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of potential RL disposition alternatives.Originality/valueCongruent with recent assertions suggesting that RL research is evolving from an operational‐level focus to a holistic business process approach for maximizing value recovery, this study synthesizes operational‐level research to develop a practical framework for RL disposition decision‐making.

Drivers and obstacles of product recovery activities in the Greek industry

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the current state of affairs in the product recovery domain as perceived by Greek industry. The extent of involvement of original equipment manufacturers in product recovery activities (PRA), the direct profitability of PRA and the most important specific drivers and barriers to the implementation of PRA are the main issues that are explored. The paper also investigates whether these issues are affected by two factors: level of PRA and profitability of existing PRA.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey was conducted and 312 valid responses were received. Statistical analysis of the responses was carried out via non‐parametric χ2‐tests for homogeneity, Mann‐Whitney U‐tests and Friedman two‐way analysis of variance.FindingsThe results suggest that PRA are not very much developed by manufacturing companies in Greece. The companies engage in PRA mainly because they want to provide service to their customers; they are hesitant to embark on an unknown set of new activities, which complicate their manufacturing operations.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of the study is the variability in the manufacturers' responses as the data comes from the entire Greek industry.Originality/valueThe paper responds to the repeated calls for more empirical research in reverse logistics. It is the first survey‐based study of PRA in an industry that is not as developed as the industry in the USA or Western Europe, where most similar empirical research is conducted.

Reverse logistics and social sustainability

AbstractThe strategic application of reverse supply chain logistics to improve the reclamation of products at the end of their useful life is gaining increased attention. The environmental implications of reclamation, reuse, and recycling to save landfill space, fuel, and costs are becoming more important for organizations. The social and ethical dimensions of sustainability, particularly as they apply to reverse logistics, are emerging topics. The focus of existing reverse logistics research has been on the economic and environmental aspects of sustainability – social sustainability has yet to be comprehensively examined. This paper focuses on addressing this gap in the literature by linking various sustainable indicators with various reverse logistics practices to develop a profile of reverse logistics for social sustainability. By compiling practical, international examples from practice and research, we have used the structure of social sustainability to highlight reverse logistics for social sustainability. The paper concludes with some topics for future research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Reverse logistics capabilities: antecedents and cost savings

PurposeThe use of reverse logistics has received increased attention in the literature, although the role that reverse logistics capabilities plays in enabling firms to achieve cost savings has not been empirically examined. Reverse logistics capabilities can enable retailers to enhance their return policies and improve their overall cost position. This paper aims to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachBased on a survey of 295 retailers, this paper evaluates the influence of customer and retailer related antecedents of reverse logistics capabilities and their subsequent impact on cost savings.FindingsThe results indicate that resource commitments and contractual obligations positively influence reverse logistics capabilities and that these capabilities result in cost savings. Customer opportunism is found to be negatively related to reverse logistics capabilities. It is also reported that reverse logistics capabilities partially mediates the relationship between resource commitments, contractual arrangements, and reverse logistics cost savings.Originality/valueThis work builds on the recent research in reverse logistics; however, unlike other contributions in this research stream, the role of retailers who perform a critical role in this area is addressed.

A framework for research in reverse logistics

In recent years, there have been growing interests from both academicians and practitioners to study the topic of reverse logistics. We attempt to develop a research framework in the area of reverse logistics by dividing it into six research categories. We categorise these areas, provide an extensive literature survey, and show the basic research premises and scope of each of these areas. This research will help future researchers in reverse logistics to focus their work to the appropriate field. This research will also help practitioners working on reverse logistics to find managerial guidelines in making specific decisions.