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The use of wearables in the workplace allows for close monitoring of work processes and might also have consequences for work content and skill requirements. Past research has emphasized the detrimental effects of wearables, particularly those caused by the standardization of work and monitoring of workers. By contrast, this study asks under what conditions the implementation of wearables as part of digital assistance systems is beneficial for workers. Based on recent contributions in the field of labor process theory, this study analyzes the implementation of new technologies using the concepts of the regulatory regime, organizational first-order factors, and workplace second-order choices. The analysis is based on findings from 48 interviews with 83 interviewees in 16 German manufacturing workplaces along with making site visits. It examines the implementation of wearables and the impacts on work content, skills, working conditions, and employment. Besides showing how labor agency affects the implementation of new technologies, the particular contribution of this study lies in analyzing the differences in the implementation of wearables in capital- and labor-intensive organizations. While standardization of work and reduction of work content prevailed in labor-intensive processes, capital-intensive processes were most often characterized by the extension of skill requirements and the risk of work intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents initial findings on the establishment of a social logistics project in a peripheral rural region in Germany. As part of a real-life laboratory, two services were developed and tested with the aim of improving rural supply: the delivery of regional goods and the return of online orders in cooperation with a regional public transport provider, regional retailers and parcel services. An evaluation team provided support to the project in identifying, monitoring, and documenting the societal impact of the services and promoted impact-oriented project management. The concept of providing services of general interest through social logistics and testing them in a real-world laboratory was based on preliminary work in the region. The results indicate that this approach can promote this type of social logistics in the long term. A social logistics approach does not focus solely on economic aspects but emphasises social and environmental benefits for the region. A real-world laboratory approach enables an environment that promotes open exchange, involvement of different stakeholders and joint problem solving in a reflective, iterative process. This methodological approach enabled the continuation and out-scaling of the service's core offerings immediately after ending the test phase and is seen as an important prerequisite for establishing a long-term perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transportation tasks in nursing are common, often overlooked, and directly impact patient care time in the context of staff shortages and an aging society. Current studies lack a specific focus on transportation tasks, a gap our research aims to fill. By providing detailed data on transportation needs in nursing, our study establishes a crucial foundation for the development and integration of assistive robots in clinical settings. In July and September 2023, we conducted weekly observations of nurses to assess clinical transportation needs. We aim to understand the economic impact and the methods nurses use for transportation tasks. We conducted a participant observation using a standardized app-based form over a seven-day observation period in two rural clinics. N = 1830 transports were made by nurses and examined by descriptive analysis. Non-medical supplies account for 27.05% (n = 495) of all transports, followed by medical supplies at 17.32% (n = 317), pharmacotherapy at 14.10% (n = 258) and other other categories like meals or drinks contributing 12.68% (n = 232). Most transports had a factual transport time of under a minute, with patient transport and lab samples displaying more variability. In total, 77.15% of all transports were made by hand. Requirements to collect items or connect transports with patient care were included in 5% of all transports. Our economic evaluation highlighted meals as the most costly transport, with 9596.16 € per year in the observed clinics. Budget-friendly robots would amortize these costs over one year by transporting meals. We support understanding nurses' transportation needs via further research on assistive robots to validate our findings and determine the feasibility of transport robots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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For many years, struggles over value capture have been taking place between different actors in the logistics sector, creating ever more pressure for workers in traditional activities of logistics. New actors, in the form of digital business-to-business (B2B) platforms, which are proliferating especially in the freight transport sector, are further challenging the already contested field. Based on the Global Production Networks (GPN) approach, this study addresses the question of how B2B platforms affect labour in production networks of logistics, and what labour agency practices are emerging in the face of advancing platformisation. The study draws on interviews with various actors operating in the road freight transport sector in Germany. The results show that digital B2B platforms, due to their intermediary function, have a direct impact on the inclusion and exclusion of actors involved in production networks of logistics, and induce not only a race to the bottom in terms of labour conditions, but also produce increasingly contingent geographies of logistics. This paper contributes to the literature on platforms by examining previously neglected B2B platforms and shedding light on the different ways that labour in global production networks can be affected by new agents, such as digital platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the effects of the platform economy on work are mainly studied through the lens of gig or cloud workers, many more employees are likely to be affected in non-platform firms or sectors. We discuss the mechanisms of platform economy's impact on the employment relationships and indirect effect on employment trends. Platform firms enter the service economy with business models that put existing service providers under pressure and advance a platform model of employment relationship. However, their transformative force is limited by three factors: employment regulations, access to welfare provisions and the employment relations at legacy firms. We examine the case of Amazon logistics in the US, Germany and the UK and find that the employment contract, as a legal institution, prevents the dissemination of independent contracting as the preferred employment model. Moreover, the welfare state has a paradoxical effect on platform work: universal welfare and liberal employment law facilitate the rise of precarious work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Digitalization is changing organizations with positive and negative impacts such as increased autonomy on the one hand and increased surveillance and control on the other hand. In this context, new modes of control occur: in addition to managerial control, new modes of control are multi-directed, stemming from colleagues, customers and underlying algorithms. This paper investigates the interrelation of autonomy and new modes of control in digital work contexts from the workers' perspectives. Design/methodology/approach: Empirical data are based on a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with 25 and a quantitative questionnaire with 127 workers from urban food logistics organizations in Germany. Findings: The results show that new modes of control are relevant for work engagement in digital work contexts: managerial and algorithm control are perceived as support. Peer and customer control are perceived as coercion. Originality/value: Besides investigating the interrelation of autonomy and control and differentiating new modes of control, our study also makes important contributions to the perception of control as support and coercion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses the interaction of the algorithmic workplace regime and the migration regime in manual work in platform logistics and manufacturing in Germany. Based on ethnographic case studies, the article reconstructs how companies integrate migrant workers by using systems of algorithmic work control. These simplify the labour process and direct workers without relying on a certain language. Algorithmic work control, however, does not realise its intended disciplining effects on its own but is dependent on external factors. A precarious residence status is such an external disciplining factor as it can create an implicit alliance of migrant workers with their employers in the hope for permanent residence. Nonetheless, the interaction of the two regimes also produced new forms of solidarity between the workers, which in some cases led to new forms of self-organisation. Thus, workplace regime and migration regime co-constitute each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disasters have devastating impacts on societies, affecting millions of people and businesses each year. The delivery of essential goods to beneficiaries in the aftermath of a disaster is one of the main objectives of relief logistics. In this context, selecting suitable locations for three different types of essential facilities is central: warehouses, distribution centers, and points of distribution. The present dissertation aims to improve relief logistics by advancing the location selection process and its core components. Five studies published as companion articles address substantial aspects of relief logistics. Despite the case studies’ geographical focus on Germany, valuable insights for relief logistics are derived that could also be applied to other countries. Study A addresses the importance of public-private collaboration in disasters and highlights the significance of considering differences in resources, capabilities, and strategies when using logistical models. Moreover, power differences, information sharing, and partner selection also play an important role. Study B elaborates on the challenges to identify candidate locations for warehouses, which are jointly used by public and private actors, and suggests a methodology to approach the collaborative warehouse selection process. Study C investigates the distribution center selection process and highlights that including decision-makers’ preferences in the objective function of location selection models helps to raise awareness of the implications of location decisions and increases transparency for decision-makers and the general population. Study D analyzes the urban water supply in disasters using a combination of emergency wells and mobile water treatment systems. Selected locations of mobile systems change significantly if vulnerable parts of the population are prioritized. Study E highlights the importance of accurate information in disasters and introduces a framework that allows determining the value of accurate information and the planning error due to inaccurate information. In addition to the detailed results of the case studies, four general recommendations for authorities are derived: First, it is essential to collect information before the start of the disaster. Second, training exercises or role-playing simulations with companies will help to ensure that planned collaboration processes can be implemented in practice. Third, targeted adjustments to the German disaster management system can strengthen the country’s resilience. Fourth, initiating public debates on strategies to prioritize parts of the population might increase the acceptance of the related decision and the stockpiling of goods for the people who know in advance that they will likely not receive support. The present dissertation provides valuable insights into disaster relief. Therefore, it offers the potential to significantly improve the distribution of goods in the aftermath of future disasters and increase disaster resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Globalization and complex supply chain networks have been affecting Logistics Services Providers' (LSPs) service delivery and service expectations. Logistics Service Quality (LSQ) is becoming a more important aspect for LSPs and logistics service customers. In recent years, there has been an increase in the studies on service quality in logistics. Researchers have been trying to identify aspects of LSQ and its dimensions in order to create a measurement model that could be used in overall logistics services. However, there is still neither a unified nor agreed LSQ measurement model in the literature and researchers have been debating continuously on the proposed models. This paper targets to investigate and suggest LSQ measurement dimensions obtained from previous studies by analyzing the findings within a systematic approach and improving the findings with semi-structured interviews. In this study, systematic literature analysis has been conducted to research papers published in selected academic databases with specific keyword and keyword cluster searches to identify the related articles published within a specified period. Papers have been selected in accordance with the predefined criteria. As a result, a total of 59 articles have been determined for the search criteria and the findings obtained were analyzed. Most frequently used research trends and methods on service quality in logistics have been identified. In addition, the most frequently used LSQ dimensions and factors have been reviewed. Moreover, the most frequently used service quality approaches and measurement models have been analyzed. The results received from systematic literature review have been composed and dimensions have been identified. Semi-structured interviews with LSPs and customers of LSPs in Germany-based companies have been conducted to strengthen the findings gained from systematic literature review. 5 LSQ dimensions and 24 factors have been formed with the help of semi-structured interviews. This paper represents the basis for further research for empirical studies and can be used as a guideline for quality management practices in logistics applications and transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Engineer Military Bulletin / Muszaki Katonai Közlöny is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study outlines the importance of warehouse management and inventory management in every business or organization's success and operational performance. Germany is a global leader in logistics with its excellent infrastructure, and the World Bank rated Germany #1 three times in a row in logistics. Hence the descriptive analysis was made by taking the eight operating companies of Germany. The data was collected through a questionnaire emphasizing logistics management and its connection with cost reduction, increased efficiency and outcomes with improved market competitiveness. The study aims to acquire fresh insights into German businesses' logistics management and highlight the long-term implications of adopting suitable management techniques. This research's practical aim is to make the results accessible to domestic businesses to help improve their operations and, if necessary, build a logistics based system. The study's findings reveal that effective storage management and control may help save money on storage expenses. The placement of primary and auxiliary storage helps companies to avoid "idle time," and stock control storage helps them to prevent the possibility of losing product lifetime and incurring extra expenses due to poor storage. Moreover, the study results concluded that logistics management positively impacts the companies or businesses' performance, and it plays a vital role in increasing the efficiency of any business's operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the recent partnership between E/D/E (Einkaufsbüro Deutscher Eisenhändler GmbH), a prominent procurement and marketing association in Europe, and the French association EQIP. It emphasizes their intent to capitalize on mutual strengths and foster collaboration, especially in providing tailored support to members and suppliers beyond Germany, with a strategic focus on collaborative efforts in procurement, logistics, purchasing, and services.

Over the past decade, the blockchain technology has been actively embraced by an increasing number of companies. Blockchain has proven its effectiveness not only in the financial sector, but also in logistics and supply chain management, and has received extensive coverage in the scientific literature. At the same time, the implementation of blockchain in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) is technically difficult and requires significant financial costs. In this regard, its distribution in countries across the world is uneven. In this study, we compare the implementation of blockchain in countries with developed (Germany) and emerging (Russia) economies. Thus, our study provides new findings and information on the similarities and differences in blockchain implementation strategies in countries with developed and emerging economies. This comparative analysis reveals country peculiarities and different approaches regarding the application of blockchain technologies. The research methodology is based on the case study method. Three economic sectors are selected for the cross-country comparative analysis: the energy, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The analysis is focused on the use of blockchain along all three parts of the supply chain: upstream, production and downstream. Using theory building through case studies, our research results reveal many similarities in blockchain implementation in Germany and Russia. They show that blockchain is actively used in all three analyzed sectors by companies in both countries. Moreover, the technology proves its effectiveness in both upstream and downstream parts of the supply chain. In both Germany and Russia, blockchain is mainly used by large businesses due to its high costs. However, there are some differences regarding the implementation process of the technology in both countries. Firstly, the state support is required for some Russian blockchain projects. Secondly, none of the Russian companies has the necessary "full range" of blockchain competencies, so all Russian projects are carried out in collaboration with other parties, primarily IT partners. Thirdly, most of the Russian blockchain projects are still local in nature and relate to the use of technology in the relationship between the specific supplier and corresponding consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European integration process was undoubtedly also aimed at building a logistics space. The building of homologated transnational infrastructures has set the pace of Community construction. With an attention to these material processes, in the article the author will go through the European long 20th century to draw a parable of surprising continuity that links the work of States and agents of railway governance in the late 19th century with the dynamics that led to the affirmation of the just-in-time economy after the financial crisis of 2008. In this context, Germany plays a decisive role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the dynamic linkages among Logistics, Trade and Economic Growth for a panel of 39 countries over the period 2007-2018. In particular, we investigate whether these countries exhibit the tendency to catch up, in terms of logistics performance, with the leader country, using methodologies of "convergence analysis" appropriate for the notions of stochastic convergence and ß-convergence and perform Granger-causality tests among a catching up variable (the LPI of each country relative to the LPI of Germany), trade openness and economic growth. The findings reveal rather weak evidence of catching-up effects with Germany. As far as causality is concerned, trade and economic growth further enhance the global tendency in logistics performance to catch-up with the dominant Germany while convergence in logistics is found to directly support economic growth but not trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the nature and characteristics of crowd logistics business models. Using this evaluation, a new concept for a sustainable implementation of crowd logistics services is proposed.Design/methodology/approach The Design Science process was followed to develop the proposed crowd logistics business model concept. The data are derived from expert interviews and a document-based data analysis of 13 companies.Findings Four relevant steps that companies should follow to implement sustainable crowd logistics services are identified. Open research questions are also identified and guide five research tasks, which may lead to a greater understanding of this emerging field.Research limitations/implications The present research is based on data from companies operating in Germany. The holistic approach gives a broad overview but lacks detailed descriptions.Practical implications Managers can use the four steps and the crowd logistics business model concept to plan future activities (e.g. new service provision). These steps increase the understanding, awareness and knowledge of opportunities and risks of specific crowd logistics services.Social implications This paper provides initial insights into social changes in terms of drivers for the use of crowd logistics services. However, further research is needed to capture the social implications in detail.Originality/value Crowd logistics is an emerging concept, and this paper is one of the first dealing with this topic generally and the first providing an analysis of crowd logistics business models. The developed concept includes implications for practice in the forms of common, and best practices, and science in the form of open research questions and tasks. Overall, the present research provides new insights into this emerging topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: In recent years, marketplaces in the darknet emerged where vendors and customers can exchange illicit drugs and other goods on digital platforms by using hidden internet services. The main thesis of this paper is that in an online environment, different practices for building trust and reputation emerge that stabilise market processes.Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data from a recent German project on conventional (offline) small-scale drug dealing as well as qualitative case studies on four online vendors operating on Agora market are used to explore alternative practices for building trust and reputation. They also explore the use of violence and logistics established on cryptomarkets in comparison to traditional dealing. To analyse the data we applied qualitative content analyses.Results: For conventional commercial illicit drug dealing on various kinds of markets, trust between buyer and seller is a crucial issue, often emphasized by restricting deals to well-known persons. While this typically includes face-to-face contact, the opposite is true with online drug trading. It is characteristic of cryptomarkets that the parties involved in a transaction know neither the personal identity nor the physical location of one another. This is realised by using aliases, anonymising software, and cryptocurrencies for payments. Violence typically only plays a role in traditional drug dealing, but mostly, if at all, just as a latent threat for potential rule-breakers. Processing a transaction anonymously includes escrow services for the buyers, which makes trading more reliable, although they cannot completely prevent scamming. Furthermore, online drug marketplaces usually offer a customer feedback system that allows customers to rate vendors and review products. A positive vendor feedback helps building reputation and trust in such an online environment. With regard to logistics, most conventional small-scale dealers restrict their acts of selling to private surroundings to avoid encounters with law enforcement. In cryptomarkets, the purchased drugs are delivered by traditional postal services, sometimes to false addresses or to someone else's name to conceal the identity and address of the buyer.Conclusion: On virtual drug markets practices of building trust, conflict resolution and logistics is constantly evolving. They offer improved security solutions on the one hand while on the other hand scamming and fraud seem to be widely used on both online and conventional drug markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elections take place in particular institutional contexts. In Germany, this institutional context is defined by the principles of federalism, more specifically, by those of cooperative federalism. Therefore the question arises what relative weight political factors at the federal and Land level have for citizens' electoral choices in Länder elections. This article examines this question by using a pooled dataset of Land election surveys conducted between 1990 and 2013. Logistic regressions of Land voting behaviour shows that party composition of the federal and Länder governments is an important context variable for the determination of the level-specific effects referring to both the federal and the Land level, following the logic of reward and punishment. In addition, the results show that the explanatory power of the federal and Land influence on Land voting decisions depends on the existence of a party identification, regional origin and the direction of the voting intention. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a report from a November 13-14, 2015 conference on the technological history of military and business logistics hosted by the Eisenbibliothek library of the endowment of the Georg Fischer AG company. Topics of presentations delivered included archaelogical evidence of prehistoric logistical flows, the history of the German postal service and its coding system, and tourist infrastructure in the Alps.

Considering the evolution of the Romanian-German economic relations, with their two major components (the direct foreign investments and trade), we analyzed their influence on a specific market in Romania, in this case the logistics market in Romania. After the analysis, we can conclude that the Romanian-German economic relations influenced in a positive way the development of the logistics market in Romania, both in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality, and, in addition to this, it has a significant contribution in terms of stability for the logistics market in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]