دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی تصویب استراتژیک لجستیک و مدیریت زنجیره تامین - امرالد 2018

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a thorough understanding of the adoption of logistics and supply chain management (SCM) in practice, particularly at a strategic level, through an investigation of the four perspectives taxonomy of the relationship between logistics and SCM. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a comprehensive literature review, three specific research questions are proposed. The empirical work addresses these questions and comprised three phases: focussed interviews, a questionnaire survey and focus groups. Findings – The findings provide a usage profile of the four perspectives and indicate a divergence between the understanding and adoption of logistics and SCM principles and concepts at a strategic level in firms. The findings also identify the critical success factors (CSFs) and inhibitors to success in addressing this divergence. Research limitations/implications – The insights generated using the authors’ methodologically pluralist research design could be built upon to include case studies, grounded theory and action research. Replicating the research in other geographical areas could facilitate international comparisons. Practical implications – The findings allow practitioners to compare their perspectives on the relationship between logistics and SCM with those of their peers. The CSFs and inhibitors to success provide a rational basis for realising the strategic potential of logistics and SCM in practice. Originality/value – New insights are generated into practitioner perspectives vis-à-vis logistics vs SCM. A fresh understanding of those factors which drive and hinder the adoption of strategic SCM is also developed and presented.

6. Conclusions

This study adopted a methodologically pluralist approach using focussed interviews, a questionnaire survey and focus groups, and allowed fresh insights into each of the three RQs generated thus building our understanding of the phenomena under investigation. In terms of implications for researchers, the expansion of the research design to incorporate a range of appropriate methodologies (including case studies, action research and grounded theory) has the potential to build upon the explanatory dimension of the authors’ work. This is specifically the case in relation to RQ3 where the use of in-depth case study analysis has particular potential to generate deeper and richer insights. This type of analysis would allow the incorporation of specific measures to evaluate the relative importance of the various drivers and barriers. In terms of RQ1 and RQ2, the current research does provide a profile in relation to practitioner perspectives on logistics vis-à-vis SCM in Ireland at a particular point in time. It would be useful for longitudinal studies to be put into place so that a barometer of progress over time could be developed. Notwithstanding the appropriateness of Ireland as the context of this research (see Section 3) and the international scope and experience of most of the key informants, expanding the research into other geographical areas would facilitate further international comparisons. This is line with the suggestion of Halldórsson et al. (2008).