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This article investigated the comprehensive risk management model practised at SWIFT Integrated Logistics chemical storage operations. The objective is to systematically illustrate the risk factors by identifying risks and mitigating them from the flow of the operation. By reducing or containing the risk factors, we are able to provide a conducive, safe, secure working environment with initiatives toward zero-incident reporting cases. A qualitative research method was applied in this study. Respondents selected for this study were at the managerial level at SWIFT Integrated Logistics with experience working in warehouse operations for more than five years. SWIFT Integrated Logistics management wanted to diversify its warehouse customer's portfolio and accepted new business opportunities in chemicals warehouse storage. The move contributed greatly to the business strategy and finance, but they faced serious risk management issues, which resulted in six (6) incidents and raised the level of anxiety and concern among the warehouse team on health & safety issues. Future studies may look into additional strategies to implement a better warehouse risk management model or plan for a chemical warehouse. This study suggested that regular or continuous training should be provided to the staff. Basic first aid kit training is an example of the mandatory training that should be part of the job standard operating procedure. This paper contributes to the limited existing study on chemical warehouse operations. Experience and measures taken by SWIFT management may provide some ideas to improve the management of chemical warehouse for other warehouse operators. Although chemical warehouse operation safety is important, there is scarce academic research that explores this issue.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the after-sales strategy of an industrial equipment manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachThe research study’s object is the Brazilian operation of a company belonging to a multinational group that designs, manufactures and installs technology-based equipment. The research method is qualitative modeling with a quantitative analysis. A literature review and a focus group with managers organized the after-sales strategy of the company in four constructs measured by 24 indicators. The constructs are technical assistance (TA), reliability management (RM), customer relationships (CRs) and spare part logistics (SL). A total of seven managers evaluated the importance and performance of the indicators.FindingsTA, RM and CRs are lagging constructs (the importance is greater than the performance), whereas SL is a leading construct (the opposite). The study proposed four strategic actions that change the type of emphasis that the company poses to service: from in-house to field maintenance service, from correction to prevention reliability improvement, from technical- to customer-focused relationships and from direct to integrated logistics service.Research limitations/implicationsThe study limits to the case of a technology-based manufacturing company.Practical implicationsThe strategic movement reallocates resources from leading indicators to lagging indicators in a sharp, clear movement of forces in the company.Originality/valueThe main contribution is a structured method to evaluate and control the strategic performance of an industrial equipment manufacturer in after-sales activities.

Aim. To analyze and summarize the existing scientific approaches and mechanisms for innovation management when developing and registering medicines for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) based on the implementation of a logistic approach and the creation of the integrated logistics innovation and information system.Materials and methods. Databases of the Internet, such as PubMed, the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency were used. The retrospective, logical, and graphical methods of research, as well as the content analysis were applied. Results. In order to overcome the current therapeutic crisis in the world, 2 strategies are used: repurposing of the existing drugs (favipiravir, tocilizumab, etc.) and development of candidates for drugs with a direct targeted mechanism of action against COVID-19 (remdesivir, vaccines, etc.). Traditional approaches to the innovative process of activity as a closed one, oriented to the internal environment of the innovation system become ineffective. For this purpose, it is promising to apply a logistic approach to innovation management in the development and registration of medicines for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In the conditions of open innovation processes, those organizations and countries that can quickly implement an innovative idea gain a competitive advantage. It is necessary to manage innovation processes so that when an innovative idea enters the first stage, the idea is transformed into the final product with the shortest possible time. Logistization of innovation activities involves continuous improvement and optimization of the existing processes, allows you to organize innovation processes as a through integrated flow, reduce the time and costs for the implementation of innovative projects, gain benefits by optimizing innovative information, material and other flows.Conclusions. The result of the logistics of innovation in pharmacy will be: the creation of a complete cycle – from scientific research in scientific institutions, universities, pharmaceutical companies to the development of the production of innovative drugs; optimizing the use of resources associated with the implementation of innovative projects, as well as reducing the duration of the implementation of these projects; creation of a modern innovative infrastructure in the industry; wider attraction of investments in RD use of R&D results in training specialists.

Integrated logistics support (ILS) and asset management (AM) are two concepts associated with the life cycle of a physical asset. Each of them has an objective of optimising the life cycle cost in order to maximise return on investment. However, the integration of ILS with AM may lead to improved optimisation of the life cycle cost based on the concept of synergy. The aim of this paper is to investigate how ILS and AM can be integrated and whether the resulting framework has the potential for improving physical AM. This bridge of familiar concepts is expected to support practitioners and academics in understanding a holistic framework for managing the life cycle of assets. In the academia, it can support the teaching of life cycle management. This paper builds on a study of relevant literature to realise a generic integrated logistics support and asset management (ILSAM) framework. The ILSAM framework is adapted to infrastructure assets by adapting its ILS component based on additional literature study and experience in relation to a large-scale railway project. This adaptation shows a potential for improved quality management, which plays a vital role in enhancing safety.

In this paper, a holistic hierarchical analytical model is proposed to assess the performance of enablers in an integrated logistics system. Due to the ambiguous and complex environment, various re...

This article presents a retrospective analysis of the integrated logistics support system development for products around the world and in Russia, justifies the reasons for the need to consider the Russian defense industry through the creation of world-class products using the methodology of integrated logistics support in the process of product development and production. Objective of the work is to develop recommendations for increasing the effectiveness of the integrated logistics support system and the system for forming and executing the state defense order as a whole. The methods used in the research include retrospective analysis, system approach, graphical, historical and logical methods, and modeling. The result of the research is the development of a model of integrated logistics support for military products. This model is the first to systematically present the relationship between standard documents regulating the development and production of military products in the Russian Federation, and it reflects the scope of application of the law (275-FL) and standards depending on the type of product (research/product/export) and the stage of the product life cycle. The application of the created model in practice will allow enterprises involved in the state defense order to build a strategy for effective work on the development and production of military products, taking into account exactly the requirements that are mandatory in a particular case, and, in addition, to expand the range of application of the ILS methodology for domestic products. The authors also concluded that it is necessary to transform the existing integrated logistics support system, taking into account the identified problems in the effectiveness of internal and external defense orders. This transformation can take place in several directions: expanding the subject area of integrated logistics support system in accordance with the concepts of world-class production, a comprehensive system approach to integrating all elements of the process of forming and implementing defense orders using the developed model.

Because of the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection, the pace of digitalization and its impact on all sectors of the national economy have increased. The integrated logistics systems of the enterprises have also undergone significant changes. The article examines the main trends of recent times — digitalization and integration, which provide development potential, competitive advantages for the enterprises using the integrated logistics systems. The authors investigated the impact of the new coronavirus infection on the changes in the logistics systems of the enterprise; identified eight main directions of the changes, one of which has become the acceleration of the digitalization along the entire chain of the integrated logistics systems. Further, the authors identified six characteristic constituent elements of the digitalization as one of the directions of the sustainable development. They examined the interaction between the functionalities of the integrated logistics system and the characteristic components of the digitalization.

The role of integrated logistical support in the after-sales stages of the life cycle of construction sites is considered. It is shown that the effective management and operation of buildings and structures, their engineering equipment, is impossible without the analysis of logistical support, which is carried out at the design stage and is refined at the following stages of the life cycle of construction objects on the basis of accounting and analysis of operational information on the management of technical condition of construction. An information model of integrated logistic support for the life cycle of construction structures has been developed. It is shown that the core of the information model is an integrated information environment that contains information about the construction object, resources and processes, ensures that the data involved in the life cycle of the entity is stored and accessible. Data is added to the information environment by all participants throughout the lifecycle of the objects, allowing you to receive and analyze up-to-date project documentation and visualizations at any time. The stages of the life cycle of construction objects in an integrated information environment are analyzed.

The new requirements of the support system of the air forces to respond to the new international defence and security paradigm, as well as the implementation of the new 4.0 logistics, imply a complete organizational, cultural and strategic reinvention. This translates into the need to assume the permanent transformation of the models and processes of integrated logistic support and in-service support that guarantees the viability and sustainability of aerospace operations. The work aims to generically explore the possible strategies and organizational changes that are considered necessary to be introduced into the logistics sustainability systems of military aircraft, in order to carry out the digital transformation of in-service support within the exponential digital technological evolution.

Analysis of modern problems in the field of transport and logistics allows us to highlight the actual problem of the formation of an integrated logistics model of an enterprise or transport and logistics system (CLW) in the digital economy. To a large extent, improving the efficiency of CLWs depends on the further integration of not only business processes, but also the use of information and communication technologies, electronic services and production assets. Digital technologies are becoming the main sources of investment and the formation of a new logistics infrastructure. The article in the framework of the transformation “digital logistics” is considered as a direction for the rapid change in the supercompetitive environment, the complexity of the supply chains and CLW, covering many enterprises, the rapid change in the expectations and requirements of customers, the limited resources of the transport and logistics infrastructure.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to model the enablers of an integrated logistics. The integration is accounted for incorporating sustainability, thereby aiming in its theory building. Existing models have focused on enablers of sustainable supply chain independently which lacks a holistic view in understanding the integrated logistics for sustainable supply chain. Design/methodology/approach An extensive literature review, expert opinion from both industry and academia based on questionnaire survey, is conducted to find the relevant enablers. The modeling of these enablers is done using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM). Finally, TISM along with its respective fuzzy-matriced impact croises multiplication applique (fuzzy-MICMAC) analysis is depicted. Findings The result of the survey and TISM model with its respective fuzzy-MICMAC has been used to evolve the mutual relationships among the important enablers of integrated logistics of consumer durables. The strategic factors obtained from TISM are integration and collaboration in the supply chain, vehicle type, and capacity; reduction in average length of haul; and real-time information system. Route selection and scheduling, reduction of fuel consumption, customer relationship management, green technology, cost reduction, etc., are some of the operational factors. Sustainable environment performance is obtained as the performance factor. Fuzzy-MICMAC is more responsive than the traditional MICMAC analysis. Research limitations/implications The study has limitation for the development of a conceptual framework for integrated logistics in uncertain environments. So it can be extended by combining soft computing methodologies. There is a lack of mathematical quantification of the proposed model where the enablers of sustainability can be measured. Practical implications The study on integrated logistics for sustainable supply chain is itself a new area to be explored, as very few studies on this relevant topic exist. The research concentrates on TISM for the integrated logistics and the movement of consumer durables through different distribution channels of a supply chain. The study has implications for practitioners, academicians, and policy makers. For practitioners, it provides a list of strategic factors, operational factors, and performance factors. For academicians, this methodology can be opted to conduct an exploratory study by identifying the essential enablers. For policy makers, the regulations can be developed using the above model. Originality/value It is an effort to model the important enablers and establish sustainability in integrated logistics of consumer durables.

The object of research is the system-forming logistical flow processes in the national economy. One of the most problematic areas is the definition of the structure of the national logistics system, the ways of its development and the factors of influence that depend on the organization of logistical flow processes at various levels of management. The new industrial revolution creates unique technological solutions, modifies logistic activities and requires new research. In the course of research, the theoretical basis and conceptual provisions for the construction of a national logistics system, based on theories of multi-level taxonomy and systemic stability, are justified. This allows to build a pyramidal graphic model based on the national level of stream management, and horizontal sections represent regional logistics systems, logistical entities in the form of chains and networks, and the logistical systems of individual enterprises. The borders of the tetrad form a space for the logistic activities of various business entities and determine the vertical and horizontal links between the subjects of logistic activity. Management of these links, as well as logistical flow processes at the micro, meso and macro levels will allow to obtain synergy effects and ensure the system stability of the national logistics system. The integrated logistics environment determines the essence and basic mechanisms of state regulation and self-regulation of the market of logistics services in the country. Due to this, a system of key indicators of the effectiveness of logistics activities at the micro, meso and macro levels of the economic system is defined. Also, the factors and levers of state management of the development of the national logistics system have been identified, which will contribute to the improvement of the quality of logistics services and the implementation of innovations

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a new integrated approach for the strategic logistics outsourcing process through identifying the logistics independent success factors (ISFs) and linking them with the firm’s strategic objectives and logistics requirements. Then, the new integrated approach will be used to compare the outsourcing processes for the upstream and downstream supply chain members. Studies of logistics outsourcing reveal the strategic importance of this process and the increasing need for new strategic approach. Design/methodology/approach The design is based on mixed methodology and integrated approach. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique has contributed to the construction of interdependent relationships, development of impact-relationship maps (IRMs) and identifying ISFs. The fuzzy quality function deployment technique was used to link the strategic objectives, logistics requirements and the ISFs to evaluate and select logistics service providers (LSPs) strategically. Finally, two case studies (upstream and downstream supply chains) are used to demonstrate the new approach effectiveness and to highlight the differences/similarities between the two streams. Findings In addition to the new strategic logistics outsourcing approach, this study analysed the impact relationships of the LSPs’ framework factors and constructed their maps. In all, 21 ISFs have been identified: 8 logistics key performance indicators, 7 logistics services and activities and 6 logistics resources and capabilities. The two streams’ comparison relived several differences in terms of strategic objectives, logistics requirements and ISFs. Research limitations/implications The new approach for strategic logistics outsourcing can help firms to perform a better multi-stakeholder multi-criteria strategic outsourcing process. In addition, the upstream–downstream supply chain comparison increases our understanding how different supply chain members perform different outsourcing processes. Originality/value This is one of the pioneering studies that compares the supply chain upstream–downstream perspectives to highlight logistics outsourcing similarities and differences. To the best of author’s knowledge, this is one of the first logistics outsourcing studies that identifies ISFs for strategic logistics outsourcing, provides the first IRMs for the strategic logistics factors and develops a new integrated approach for strategic logistics outsourcing

Previous research indicates that logistics reorganizing can contribute to improved performance in the construction industry. In this paper, the opportunities for such reorganizing are investigated by focusing on the connection between logistics operations at the construction site and operations undertaken before building materials land at sites. The aims of the study are: (1) to empirically explore strategic actions to reorganize construction logistics by improving the connections between on-site and off-site logistics, and (2) to develop a theoretical framework for analysis of potential options for reorganizing. The empirical inquiry involves a case study of a logistics specialist’s efforts to reorganize on-site logistics and the associated consequences for off-site operations. The study is based on 28 interviews with representatives of 13 organizations. The study provides two types of contributions. First, the theoretical framework, rooted in industrial network theory, enables analysis of reorganizing of activities, resources and actors to improve logistics performance. Second, the empirical study shows that a logistics specialist can improve on-site logistics substantially. However, such reorganizing requires adjustments of off-site logistics that may be resource demanding. Therefore, effective connecting of on-site and off-site operations calls for extended interaction between the actors in terms of joint planning and exchange of information.

Purpose The aim of this paper is to develop a systematic literature review (SLR) aiming to identify reverse logistics (RL) concepts and practices applied to the end-of-life (EOL) and end-of-use (EOU) of pharmaceuticals and to identify and synthesize, through bibliometric indicators, research opportunities on RL, considering the analysis of publications in the periodical Supply Chain Management: An International Journal (SCMij). Design/methodology/approach The SLR followed two steps, namely, search for articles on the subject and content analysis of selected material and bibliometric analysis of publications using VOSviewer®. Findings The SLR allowed the compilation of evidences regarding pharmaceutical RL in the groups: environmental risk, the RL evolution and regulatory and stakeholder’s educational perspective. Despite the timid specific literature on pharmaceutical RL, it was also possible to point out research gaps and opportunities. Pharmaceutical RL seems to be influenced by studies from traditional RL including mathematical modeling, managerial strategies and technologies but prescind of a systemic solution. Besides reducing environmental impact, the motivation to implement pharmaceutical RL resides in its potential for revenue. Considering integrated logistics as a trend and an emerging issue, RL for the pharmaceutical industry needs to be addressed more thorough and broadly. Research limitations/implications The limited number of papers returned in this SLR of pharmaceutical RL impaired the bibliometric analysis of them, leading to the inclusion of papers on general RL. Originality/value This study provides an overview of the evolution of RL in the pharmaceutical industry, it also clarifies concepts and EOL/EOU practices, particularly directed to the pharmaceutical industry RL.

The article explores the use of FMEA method in the logistics processes in manufacturing plants in Bulgaria. The surveyed enterprises have a system ISO 9001 and apply different methods of analysis and assessment of logistics processes. The purpose of this study is to present a model for improving the reliability of logistics processes through the FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) method. An inquiry among 14 organizations in the implementation of FMEA was conducted. The results show that FMEA is not used for assessment in logistics processes and provides useful insights for decision-making to improve the reliability of supply. A framework based on the survey is presented for determining the reliability of logistics processes in manufacturing plants. The study demonstrates the applicability of the method in logistics processes and the role FMEA can play in assessing logistics processes.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate logistics service quality using the Kano’s service quality model in the logistics-triadic context. Design/methodology/approach This study undertakes a survey research in semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) industry. Logistics service quality is categorized using Kano’s classification and a comparison is made of the perception of three sample groups who are SME firms, semiconductor manufacturers (SMs) and third-party logistics (TPL) providers. Findings Several attributes of logistics service quality are evaluated as “Must-be” quality which does not contribute to customer satisfaction, indicating existence of the non-linear relationship between some logistics service quality attributes and customers’ satisfaction. The group comparison reveals that TPL firms perceive most quality attributes as “Attractive” and “One-dimensional” whereas SMs and SME firms perceive more attributes as “Must-be.” Research limitations/implications Logistics service quality elements should not be used in the same way assuming the same effect of logistics service elements on customer satisfaction. It should be also noted that logistics service quality attributes have different effect on satisfaction according to the positions in the logistics triad. Practical implications This paper provides SME firms with useful information on how to manage their logistics service quality to improve customer satisfaction. SME firms and TPL providers need to arrange a collaborative format where logistics service quality is regularly monitored and three members discuss solutions to improve their quality performance. Originality/value This study is a rare empirical investigation to actually assess and compare perception on logistics service quality among the entities in a logistics triad. This study applies the Kano model to the triadic relationship in logistics service provision, which may be the first attempt to the authors’ best knowledge.

This paper is focused on perceiving the logistic services as the competition advantage in frame of the ecommerce. Customers consider their purchases in its complexity and all the logistic services should be designed to meet with customers’ preferences as much as possible. Our aim was to identify and evaluate of customers perceiving in frame of sales proposals offered by e-shops. Collected data of research were processed with the usage of cluster analysis. The aim of this paper is to present the results and conclusions from this research with focus on the elements of logistics services within e-commerce. These outputs can be used for knowledge base of information systems through which enterprises evaluate their decisions and selection of variants. For the enterprise, it is important to appropriate decisions about resource allocation and design of the structure of logistics services were set based on real customer preferences.

In order to know the current collaborative development situation and relationship of E-commerce and logistics, the paper evaluates the whole collaborative development level of Chinese E-commerce and logistics from 2008 to 2014 using the DEA model. Fund, infrastructure, labor and collaborative development are evaluated and analyzed in this model. The research indicates that E-commerce facilitates the logistics development but logistics can’t support E-commerce development well due to the lag effect which leads to lower collaborative development level. So optimizing the ratio of logistics investment and output, promoting logistics service quality and accelerating logistics development have been the key factors for promoting the collaborative development of E-commerce and logistics.

In this paper, we address the problem of collaboration between logistics objects. This collaboration aims to effectively plan, implement, and control the flow of services and goods between a point of origin and a point of destination while ensuring their secure, optimized, and efficient distributions to consumers anytime, anywhere. To this end, we propose a multi-agent based solution where the architecture of each agent includes concurrent individual and collective Belief-Desire-Intension (BDI) structures to support and balance self and collaborative objectives. Our solution, which is adapted and applied to the context of smart logistics, puts a special focus on the important issue of logistics risk management.

Raw materials and products are moved and created globally through complex supply chains. Within those supply chains, logistics is what enables the goods to move through distribution and to the end consumer. This is what motivates the researchers to examine the logistics portion of the supply chain and attempt to determine the relationship between various market forces and their impact on the cost of logistics. This will be accomplished with transformative analytics techniques, such as multivariate regression modeling, that should enable logistics managers, researchers, and others to better understand the cost of logistics services, and thus impact pricing of goods dependent on those services. In a world where logistics managers rely heavily on “gut feel”, utilizing business intelligence and analytics can better enable decision making.

Overcoming physical barriers between buyers and sellers, when the delivery of the goods in question or of passengers when it comes to passenger traffic, is the main task of logistics, practices and skills. When it concerned modern trends clearly we can say that the future has already begun. In this paper, we will point to a growing, you might say revolutionary developments in the field of passenger traffic - crossing the 1000 km in 10 minutes is no longer a figment of the imagination of talented and imaginative writers of science fiction. This is already a reality that should be expected as a mass phenomenon in the coming short-term period. When Serbia is concerned, progress is evident in logistics - as confirmed by and large, do not now recorded infrastructure projects to be implemented no later than the end of 2020.

The use of logistic approach at machine-building enterprises has considerable results. The application of tools and methods "kaidzen" and lean production al-lows to achieve substantial efficiency increase of en-terprise activity, labor productivity, improvement of product quality and growth of competitiveness without considerable capital investments. These logistic systems are implemented success-fully at the Russian machine-building enterprises. JSC Lyudinovsky Locomotive Works successfully realizes the quality system "5 S kaidzen", and SA "UK "BMZ" in April, 2016 has received certificate of compliance for the Quality management system of Economical production. These systems have allowed to reduce losses considerably and to increase product quality. Thus, applying the logistic approach in the organi-zation of production processes at machine-building enterprises leads to improvement of product quality, increase in competitiveness both on internal and on international markets.

Modern development of the economy is characterized by an evolutionary transition from the industrial stage of economic reproduction to the stage of information-network interaction. Such a transition is accompanied by a radical change in the principles and methodology of economic activity, a change in the structure of the economy and the globalization of the markets for goods and services. With the help of a new interactive communication system using the achievements of information and communication technologies, the value chain is being transformed and traditional vertically integrated companies are being replaced by integrated networked logistics business communities using new forms of inter-functional and inter-organizational logistics coordination. Emerging in the course of these changes, problematic situations between participants in the business-logistic community require the use of new tools and methodological approaches to their solution that meet modern conditions and ensure the effectiveness of the processes of logistics interaction. This new approach is the application of the paradigm of integrated logistics and the creation on its basis of new cognitive forms of information management tools based on the use of the potential of virtual interaction. At the same time, the use of digital technologies, which acquires a general character in the conditions of the modern information and network economy, allows to transfer the integration and logistic coordination functions into the virtual environment, which leads to a significant transformation of the supply chains and the emergence of virtual logistics providers. This article briefly discusses the theoretical and methodological foundations of the formation of virtual logistics providers in the system of interorganizational logistic coordination in conditions of full-format digital transformation of economic relations and provides examples of modeling new cognitive forms of virtual logistics providers that provide automated execution and security of virtual transactions in the modern system of logistics business processes. And also the authors consider the optimization of logistics business processes based on the introduction of technologies for constructing optimal routes for the movement of vehicles by solving the traveling salesman problem. An overview of modern information methods for solving the problem is provided. Models for optimizing routes using MS Excel and OpenOffice Calc packages and cloud computing capabilities are proposed.

Due to rising concerns for environmental sustainability, the Indian electronic industry faces immense pressure to incorporate effective sustainable practices into the supply chain (SC) planning. Consequently, manufacturing enterprises (ME) are exploring the option of re-examining their SC strategies and taking a formalized approach towards a sustainable partnership with logistics providers. To begin with, it is imperative to associate with sustainable forward and reverse logistics providers to manage effectively the upward and downstream flows simultaneously. In this context, this paper proposes an integrated SC network for the evaluation and selection of forward distribution partners (FDP) and third party reverse logistic providers (3PRLP) from a sustainable perspective of an Indian electronic ME. The sustainable evaluation of the logistic partners is performed using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and the technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution. The integrated logistics network is modeled as a bi-objective mixed-integer programming problem with the objective of maximizing the profit of the manufacturer and maximizing the sustainable score of the selected forward and reverse logistics providers. The novelty of the study is its ranking of the FDPs and 3PRLPs on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainability and the simultaneous integration of logistics outsourcing decisions for the forward and reverse flow of products. Goal programming approach is utilized to capture the trade-off between the conflicting objectives and to attain a satisfying solution to the bi-objective problem. The results indicate that integrating the strategic decisions of selection of logistics partners with the operational flow planning decisions can immensely improve the sustainable performance value of the SC network and secure reasonable profits. The managerial implications drawn from the result analysis provide a sustainable framework to the ME for enhancing its corporate image.

The authors chose the topic of an economic and mathematical model of effective management of an integrated transport and logical system, due to the relevance of the topic throughout the world and in all areas of activity. Effective integration is possible if it is based on the methodological principles of the concept of integrated logistics, when the economic interests of subjects and objects of the transport-logical system are coordinated while ensuring the implementation of the strategy and goals of the functioning of the system as a whole. The object of the research is the JSC “Uzbek Railways” of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The research priority is transport and logistics management. During the research, difficulties emerged that have created multivariance. The article presents modern methods of managing the transport and logistics system, the classification of modern methods of management concepts that make up the theoretical and methodological foundations of the integrated management of the transport and logistics system, the efficiency of delivery times for options A, B, C, D and the economic efficiency of managing the transport and logistics system. Transport and logistics models are considered in economics as a business concept, having calculated the best option, you can optimize the economic process. In the conclusion, recommendations are given on the use of a mathematical model, short-term and long-term strategies for effective management of the transport and logistics system are given.

Purpose There is significant potential for adding value by involving customer in the design process and delivery of logistic services. In order to add value to the overall logistic system, the purpose of this paper is to apply an integrated systems approach for the design of forward and reverse logistics services in order to build a self-organising service that can maximise efficiencies and in particular reduce reverse logistics costs. Design/methodology/approach Two exploratory case studies were conducted in the logistics systems of housing repair and maintenance sector in the UK. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observations, and documented evidence. Findings The findings of the cross-case analysis suggests that systems approach expressed as the Vanguard Method (Seddon, 2008) has a direct impact on enhancing forward logistics performance and reducing reverse product flows by nourishing three dimensions for learning from demand-driven analysis; capturing customer clean information, demand predictability and categorisation, and failure demand analysis. Research limitations/implications Findings from exploratory case studies cannot be easily generalised. Hence, further case studies are needed to enrich the findings, and to facilitate their industrial applications. Further, the paper explores the utilisation of the Vanguard Method only in the area of housing repairs and maintenance logistics services. It would be valuable for future studies to further investigate the utilisation of the Vanguard Method in other logistics services settings. Originality/value The paper demonstrates an important dynamics of how logistics services can incorporate customer demands into the logistics design process.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inter-relationship among dominant supply chain capabilities of collaboration, flexibility, velocity and visibility and how the same influence supply chain resilience (SCRES) and supply chain performance. Further, the aim is to explore the relationship between integrated logistics capabilities and supply chain capabilities. Design/methodology/approach The proposed hypotheses were tested with survey data collected from 339 supply chain professionals. The collected data were then analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis, and the proposed relationships were tested with structural equation modeling. Findings Integrated logistics capabilities were found to positively influence supply chain collaboration and supply chain visibility. There is a positive influence of each of collaboration, flexibility, visibility and velocity on SCRES. Further, each of these supply chain capabilities positively influences each other to a greater extent. Further, SCRES was found to have a positive influence on supply chain performance. Research limitations/implications Like many other cross sectional studies, this study also suffers from data collected from single respondent per firm. Originality/value The study is significant and holds immense importance for managers and supply chain practitioners because it has suggested them to focus on core supply chain capabilities, for example, collaboration, flexibility, visibility and visibility for developing SCRES. Along with this, it undersigned the growing importance and empirical influence of integrated logistics capabilities in developing these supply chain capabilities and also the positive influence of resilience on supply chain performance.

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to empirically assess the impacts of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of international distribution center operators (IDCOs) in Taiwan.Design/methodology/approach– Data for this study were collected by questionnaire survey. A two-steps structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was performed in this study to test the research hypotheses. The first step is performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the validity of the measurement model. The second step proceeds to estimate the structural model between latent variables.Findings– A five-dimension scale including open-mindedness (O), commitment to learning (C), system perspective (E), partner learning (A), and shared vision (N) was proposed in this study and was supported by CFA analysis to measure IDCOs’ logistics learning capability in this study. Results of SEM indicated that logistics learning capability is positively related to logistics service capability, whereas logistics service capability is also positively related to organizational performance. Although logistics learning capability has no direct relationship to organizational performance, we found it indirectly affects organizational performance via logistics service capability.Research limitations/implications– This study primarily focusses on the effect of logistics learning on organizational performance. Future research could incorporate environmental uncertainty as a moderator to assess its impact on the relationship between logistics learning capability and organizational performance.Practical implications– IDCOs can enhance customer service and financial performance by developing logistics learning capability and specifically focussing efforts on supply chain partner learning.Originality/value– This study presents the first to examine the effects of logistics learning capability on logistics service capability and organizational performance in the context of IDCOs. Particularly, this study proposes a five-dimension logistics learning capability scale from a supply chain perspective.

The purpose of this research is to identify critical skills needed in the logistics profession now and in the future. This study uses survey research, means tests, and importance analysis to explore a multi-factor framework that identifies critical supply chain skills perceived by 176 experienced supply chain professionals from manufacturing, transportation, and retail/wholesale segments. Results indicate significant differences exist between current and future needed skills, among current capabilities and current availability of skills, and among skill needs utilizing a multi-factor index. Identifying needed skills based on importance is common. Considering more factors than just importance offers a more thorough assessment that reduces potential oversights and inefficiencies that can occur if decision makers focus on one factor when planning key processes, such as recruiting, hiring, and training, in a talent management program.

The approach to integrate a fourth-party logistics service provider in the German Agricultural Bulk Logistics sector marks a new concept that aims at achieving sustainable development goals in transportation, i. e., by realising full truck loads. Against the background of steadily growing transport volumes, it is of paramount importance to develop sustainability concepts in order to mitigate the impacts on the environment. At present, the processes in the domain of the German Agricultural Bulk Logistics sector are characterised by bulk transports, small and medium sized actors and paper-based processes, which offers high potential for process optimizations in terms of sustainability. Therefore, the German Agricultural Bulk Logistics sector currently explores the approach of including a fourth-party logistics service provider into its transport processes in order to render these more sustainable and reduce costs. The objective of this paper is to present the general idea of implementing a fourth-party logistics service provider into a transportation (planning) process, to clarify the different functions of the participating parties and to introduce the modified transportation planning process as artefact. By means of a mixed method approach, we deliver qualitative insights based on semi-structured interviews and quantitative insights based on simulations. Effects and benefits of the approach are identified by means of a case study. Involving the fourth-party logistics service provider as well as the associated transportation planning process in the mentioned logistics area can lead to cost savings up to 38%, helps to reduce environmental pollution and mitigates social barriers in form of existential fears. The results demonstrate the applicability of the fourth-party logistics service provider approach in the sector and underline that this approach supports the achievement of sustainable development goals in transportation. Furthermore, we identify sustainable characteristics and present the mixed method approach which functions as an assessment framework for the fourth-party logistics service provider approach. Furthermore, by adopting the documented features of sustainable supply chain management in the fourth-party logistics service provider approach, an additional value is generated.

The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically derived framework for Logistics Management and discuss how it integrates organization’s short-term objectives with the need to respond to the complex external environment. Organizational theory, strategic planning and logistics management literature were reviewed carefully in identifying the conceptual support for the derived framework of logistics management and organizational competitiveness. The proposed generalized framework demonstrates that Logistics Management Strategy has the strongest positive effect on Organizational Competitiveness when it is mediated by Logistics Coordination Effectiveness and Customer Service Commitment. Overall Logistics Strategy is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for increased organizational competitiveness. If the Overall Logistics Strategy is accompanied by (a) effective logistics coordination and (b) customer service commitment then organization competitiveness is likely to be greater. This conceptual study contributes to the field by presenting a generalized framework to improve researcher and practitioner understanding of the role Logistics Management in Organizational Competitiveness. This study integrates previous research and thought domains to develop a generalized framework that guides our understanding of the role of Logistics Management and its consequences on Organizational Competitiveness.

The article deals with the design of service logistics, its definition, intersections and classification. It is meant to define the objects and subjects, which create the service logistics that would be used as a base for the subject, which is oriented to the particular area. The aim of the article is to set a complete and transparent source of information to formulate the areas of service logistics for the scientific-technical materials from the particular area. To meet the objectives, it is necessary to work the analysis of the theoretical knowledge in the area of services. The particular aim is to analyse the current state of the information-giving area, concerning the services and service logistics in general. This analysis will be transformed into the third particular aim, which is the synthesis of the service logistics itself and its defined content.

Reverse logistics, the movement of materials back up the supply chain, is recognised by many organisations as an opportunity for adding value. The paper considers the theoretical framework and the conception of reverse logistics in literature and practice. The objective of the article is to propose tangible solutions which eliminate the imbalances in reverse logistics and improve the waste management in the company. The case study focuses on the improvement in the process of waste packaging in the context of sustainable development as a part of reverse logistics in the surveyed industrial company in Slovakia.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a set of logistics activities for each key supply chain business process of the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) model and a conceptual framework to guide their implementation. Design/methodology/approach – A literature review on supply chain management (SCM) and logistics was conducted to integrate the existing knowledge of SCM, key business processes, and logistics; the latter is critical element for the success of SCM. A set of logistics activities and a conceptual framework are presented to guide their implementation in each of the key business process of the GSCF model. Three case studies were conducted in Brazilian food companies to verify the applicability of the proposed logistics activities, their characterization, and the conceptual framework. Findings – The logistics activities, the key business processes, and the steps to their implementation are integrated into a comprehensive framework. A total of 24 logistics activities and a conceptual framework to guide their implementation for each key business process of the GSCF model were proposed focussing on competitive advantage in a supply chain environment. Originality/value – The need for and the benefits derived from the involvement of the logistics in the key business processes of SCM have been reported in the literature, but the logistics activities in these processes and the way they were implemented have not yet been identified. According to Eisenhardt and Graebner (2007), building theory from case studies is an increasingly popular and relevant research strategy that involves using one or more cases to create theoretical constructs, propositions, and/or midrange theory from case-based empirical evidence. Therefore, the research gap to be filled with this manuscript is: “How does the involvement of the logistics area in the key business processes of the GSCF model occur?” The research question of the present study is: “Which activities are performed by the logistics area in the key business processes of the GSCF model and how to implement them?”. This study bridged the research gap and answered the research question by creating a theoretical construct through a conceptual framework to guide the implementation of the logistics activities for each key business process of the GSCF model. This paper aimed to extend the existing theory since the available literature has yet not addressed this research question at all.

The paper deals with the importance of logistics in innovation process. The issue is focused on management of different logistic processes building on the innovation and on innovation process. However, logistics is an essential part of this process. The results describe logistics chain within innovation process for the satisfaction of customers´ demand and fulfilment of customers’ requests on the innovation. This approach involves “7S of logistics” which means: “create proper innovation, in the proper quality, for the right place and in the right time, as well as, with the proper price and package”.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue that the productive analyses of logistics alliances in the literature have led to a multitude of heterogeneous contributions. These should be consolidated and systematized in order to synthesize the existing findings in a meaningful way and guide future research for effective design and management; and improve logistics alliance performance in practice. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a systematic literature review to screen and consolidate current knowledge on effective design and management of logistics alliances. Findings – This paper categorizes the logistics literature on vertical and horizontal alliances into four key areas in order to systematically consolidate key performance factors, their sub-constructs and performance effects to identify implications for both research and practice. Research limitations/implications – Within the research agenda, the authors develop concrete research opportunities in four areas: horizontal logistics alliances; vertical logistics alliances; transfer of new research streams into the context of logistics alliances; and the incorporation of impediments and negative effects. Practical implications – By consolidating existing research results, the authors provide guidance for managers looking to establish or adapt logistics alliance structures and management systems. Originality/value – The consolidation of key performance impact factors on logistics alliances (both vertical and horizontal) provides a platform for further research. The developed agenda offers specific research opportunities to improve the understanding of logistics alliance performance.

The paper examines the relationship of decision levels, performance measures and modelling and decision support approaches through the example of two implemented decision support systems for manufacturing and logistics application fields. Aside from highlighting the relevance of decision support for making industrial networks fit for emerging challenges, the relevance of the two presented EU FP7 projects VFF and ADVANCE to the Factories of the Future vision is shown. A discussion of the two projects outlines future research, with particular focus on challenges that arise from integration across levels of the decision hierarchy, within an organisationally heterogeneous network.

With the development that the demand for agricultural products consumer market is gradually toward to the direction of complication, the existing agricultural logistics organizational model can’t adapt to the characteristics of agricultural product logistics and the changes in consumer demand. Based on the analysis of virtual operation trend of agricultural product logistics enterprise, this paper explicits the concept and characteristics of agricultural product virtual logistics enterprise and proposes four steps to build an agricultural product virtual logistics enterprise, including the analysis of key elements about agricultural product virtual logistics enterprises, the needs identification about agricultural product logistics business, the project decomposition of agricultural product virtual logistics enterprise and the partner selection in agricultural product virtual logistics enterprise.

Supply chain relationships are now becoming more important due to efficient and effective information sharing and leading to integration. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of trust and commitment on integrated logistics capabilities. A second purpose is to explore the influence of integrated logistics capabilities on supply chain agility, resilience and robustness. The study employed a cross-sectional web-based survey of 183 logistics and supply chain professionals from Indian Manufacturing firms for data collection. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed for testing the reliability and validity of the measurement instrument. Further, partial least squares was utilized for testing the proposed relationships. The study found positive effects of trust and commitment on integrated logistics capabilities which in turn positively affect the development of supply chain capabilities viz. agility, resilience and robustness. Further, trust was found to have a positive effect on commitment. The study is the first to empirically validate the relationship between integrated logistics capabilities and three dominant supply chain capabilities viz. agility, resilience and robustness. Secondly, it also addressed the impact of two dominant relational attributes that have not been explored. The study empirically explored that logistics is an integral part of supply chain management as suggested in its definition. Further, our study undersigned IT integration as a significant moderator in the enabler-mechanism-outcome paradigm.

The purpose of this study is to let the entire logistics system be managed in cyberspace by effectively sharing the logistics information between companies involved in the process, changing conventional commerce to electronic commerce. Most of the goods traded through electronic commerce are small goods involving small business transactions. This produces many problems in shipping and delivery and the leads an inefficient logistics system. Another problems is that there is no sharing of information that process the logistics flow and no systematic management of pick-up and delivery information. As a result, rise in logistics cost, longer delivery period and poor service quality are inevitable and these results are becoming an obstacle in the widespread usage of the electronic commerce. Companies that are part of logistics center can cooperate logistics business in Cyber space and share the entire logistics information through the cyber logistics center. This turns out in effective sharing of logistics information, and thus, allows efficient management of logistics, improves logistics service, and reduces logistics cost.

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to present the factors affecting the implementation of the controlling in logistics enterprises in Poland and importance of this concept for this type of companies. Methodology. The objective has been achieved by obtaining the results of empirical research which was conducted in the years 2011 to 2013 among logistics companies in Poland by means of the questionnaire survey and the telephone interviews. To analyse the data and results descriptive statistics and selected statistical methods have been used. Results. The results of the empirical study showed that there is little difference between the implementation of controlling systems and its lack in logistics enterprises. Most often mentioned factors for implementation of controlling are: the size of businesses and insufficient performance measurement in different areas within a company. Furthermore, all the desirable effects from the implementation of controlling obtained, they were quite highly rated by the surveyed companies, but the most important is to obtain to improvement of activities within planning, organization and controlling. Generally, respondents perceive the controlling as an concept coordination and support in decision – making oriented. This also confirms the location of the controlling departments in the survyed companies, which is located near the main leadership (management board) taking the form of a unit at the headquarters. The theoretical contribution. The importance of controlling system is widely described in the literature in the context of the manufacturing companies, but rarely in the context to logistics enterprises, which currently play a special role in the process of creating value. In addition, the specificity of this type of business entities and allows indicating – concept of logistics controlling. Knowledge of the state of implementation of controlling in logistics enterprises, i.e. factors affecting this process and from this concept effects derived, taking into account the situational and constraints theory, it allows the author to deepen the analysis of this research problem in terms of measurement of cost, performance and other aspects of logistics. Practical implications. The research problem by the author undertaken is important for business practice. Despite a positive trend of the implementation of controlling in logistics enterprises in Poland, further analysis of research results shows that many of tasks of controlling are done in other departments e.g. logistics departments, and tools of controlling are often used occasionally. This may mean that the analyzed concept is not well known in the logistics business. Therefore, the scientists with practitioners together should develop effective tools and methods that would be useful within logistics controlling, taking into account the financial and non-financial aspects. Keywords: controlling, logistics enterprises, Poland Paper type : Research paper.

Information integration is becoming a global strategy for improving the efficiency of life-cycle support. This approach ensures competitive products and high-tech products of high quality. On that basis, a unified system may be created from all the departments of the enterprise involved in the design and development of new products, preparations for production, and mass production and also the departments that support the delivery and maintenance of the product, as well as its maintenance, updating, and disposal.

This paper aims at appreciating the need for and relevance of understanding futuristic trends in logistics Quality. In view of the changing nature of global business environment and competition, what are the most immediate impacts on the supply chain and its management? What are the markets and organizational influences that impact on international/global integrated logistics decisions? What are the rationale and quantifiable benefits of integrated logistics quality? What are the important considerations in the development of a modern and intelligent integrated logistics quality programme fit for the twenty-first century? This paper attempts to find out the rational answers of these queries and broaden the perspective regarding the concept of quality, supply chain management, integrated logistics quality and other concerning areas by creating awareness about necessity to manage transition at the right time to more effectively cope with, and manage, the growth process. It is intended to equip the marketers and practitioners to focus on creating a good understanding of the management issues associated with trends in logistics Quality. Once the firm is focused, the approach will be to cover key issues of relevance and provide a good overall understanding of the Quality management challenges in the context of dynamism of supply chain management and Total Quality assurance.

The article considers logistics system integration in process of management transport enterprises and their impact on competitiveness. It is determined, that increase of efficiency of the integrated logistic system is one of the main factors of providing of competitive advantages of the enterprise.The study of the influence of macro-logistic systems on the functioning of micro-logistic systems, on the basis of which the mechanism of influence of the key competences of logistics in ensuring the competitiveness of the enterprise is constructed, which is proposed to be understood as the process of making managerial decisions on procurement, production and sales, provided that the integration of key competencies of logistics is integrated, taking into account the influence of internal and external environment in the general strategy of the enterprise, which allows using modern technologies logistically management to ensure the effectiveness of the integrated logistics system and a high level of competitiveness.

The booming of distribution requirements from e-commerce, Internet of Things, Mobile Internet, GIS, GPS, and automation technology have all boosted the logistics industry. A growing number of competitors get involved and the innovation of new business modes has enriched the logistics industry. It is not accidental for major express enterprises to plan their transformation to integrated logistics service operators. But how to evaluate the effect of the transition? This study constructs the evaluation model for integrated logistics service of express enterprises and tests relative hypotheses. The results show that there is a gap between customer expectation and their experience. Furthermore, the gap mainly comes from the process of service delivery, promise and customer expectation.