Logistics Management in Practice - towards theories of complex logistics
Författare
Summary, in English
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present findings concerning what logistics managers
perceive as being difficult and challenging, and what implications this may have for further advances
in the logistics discipline.
Design/methodology/approach – The point of departure for this study was to reflect on perceived
problems, uncertainties, trends, and solutions in logistics, and how they are handled in the everyday
work. The study was exploratory, inspired by grounded theory and aimed at providing grounds for
further theory building in the area of real logistics.
Findings – The findings of this study was related to human, organizational and social aspects, i.e.
how understanding and sense-making can be accomplished in logistics efforts. A major outcome from
this research endeavor was initial, empirically derived arguments toward theories of complex logistics.
Research limitations/implications – One primary finding of importance was the identification of
understanding and sense-making of concepts, techniques and models in logistics. Thus, future
research is needed to provide insights and guidance on how human factors can be considered and
elaborated by management in logistics situations.
Practical implications – Logistics complexity needs consideration when logistics processes and
phenomena are approached to ensure increase understanding for people involved and affected, and for
the sense-making of logistics phenomena.
Originality/value – This paper contributes to knowledge and understanding of uncertainty and
challenges in logistics with focus on human aspects and perception. Previously, most research has
focused on structural aspects and quantitative factors.
perceive as being difficult and challenging, and what implications this may have for further advances
in the logistics discipline.
Design/methodology/approach – The point of departure for this study was to reflect on perceived
problems, uncertainties, trends, and solutions in logistics, and how they are handled in the everyday
work. The study was exploratory, inspired by grounded theory and aimed at providing grounds for
further theory building in the area of real logistics.
Findings – The findings of this study was related to human, organizational and social aspects, i.e.
how understanding and sense-making can be accomplished in logistics efforts. A major outcome from
this research endeavor was initial, empirically derived arguments toward theories of complex logistics.
Research limitations/implications – One primary finding of importance was the identification of
understanding and sense-making of concepts, techniques and models in logistics. Thus, future
research is needed to provide insights and guidance on how human factors can be considered and
elaborated by management in logistics situations.
Practical implications – Logistics complexity needs consideration when logistics processes and
phenomena are approached to ensure increase understanding for people involved and affected, and for
the sense-making of logistics phenomena.
Originality/value – This paper contributes to knowledge and understanding of uncertainty and
challenges in logistics with focus on human aspects and perception. Previously, most research has
focused on structural aspects and quantitative factors.
Avdelning/ar
Publiceringsår
2006
Språk
Engelska
Sidor
38-54
Publikation/Tidskrift/Serie
International Journal of Logistics Management
Volym
17
Issue
1
Fulltext
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Länkar
Dokumenttyp
Artikel i tidskrift
Förlag
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Ämne
- Other Mechanical Engineering
Nyckelord
- Distribution management
- Management research
- Uncertainty management
- Packaging logistics
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Övrigt
- ISSN: 0957-4093