Brian J Gibson

The impacts of the integrated logistics systems on electronic commerce and enterprise resource planning systems

Abstract The growth of the supply chain concept has required logistics organizations to improve the flow of information both internally and externally. The increased information requirements have facilitated an integration of logistics information systems (LIS) and supply chain information systems in many companies. The increasing use of electronic commerce and enterprise resource planning and other LIS tools and techniques will shape the business process for the foreseeable future. Companies should understand their options and their impacts when making decisions to support their supply chain systems.

An analysis of the value of supply chain management periodicals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide rankings of quality of peer reviewed periodicals for faculty research use, rankings of usefuless of both peer reviewed and non‐peer reviewed periodicals for teaching and outreach purposes, and rankings of usefulness of search engines for finding articles.Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted during the Autumn Semester of 2006. 82 periodicals were identified as relevant to the Supply Chain Management field. Respondents were asked to rank their top used journals in terms of use for teaching, outreach and research.Findings – A total of 143 surveys were completed. Journal of Business Logistics, Harvard Business Review, and International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management were the top three ranked journals in the composite index. EBSCO Business Source Premier, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were the top three search engines used to find logistics and SCM articles.Research limitations/implications – A clear global cons...

Shipper‐carrier partnership issues, rankings and satisfaction

Over the past decade, there have been a number of studies that examined either shipper or carrier selection and evaluation factors. However, there has been little comparison between how these two groups perceive these factors with regard to their partners. This study examines the similarities and differences with the rankings of factors between shipper and carrier groups. Furthermore, the results highlight the various levels of satisfaction between the two groups.

Research approaches in logistics: Trends and alternative future directions

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to track the evolution of logistics research with a focus on the methods and orientation of the research from the past to the present. Specifically, this paper investigates the evolution of logistics research methodologies in an attempt to address previous calls for a paradigm discussion aimed at assessing the current direction and proposing a future direction for research in the logistics discipline.Design/methodology/approach – The authors chose a previously established framework which describes and evaluates alternative research paradigms. A content analysis of articles in selected journals allows published research of the logistics discipline to be evaluated and categorized. The categorization process uses a two‐dimensional framework which then allows the authors to classify research into cells in a matrix which represent a variety of research paradigms.Findings – The results illustrate that the methodologies employed in logistics have evolved during the perio...

Retail supply chain management : key priorities and practices

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the unique supply chain strategies employed by retailers.Design/methodology/approach – A mixed methods approach was employed involving analysis of depth interviews with 27 retail supply chain executives combined with a follow‐up survey capturing over 200 responses.Findings – In light of uncertain economic conditions, retailers appear to be developing more agile/responsive supply chain management (SCM) strategies. Additionally, retailers are putting greater emphasis on maintaining a balance of cost versus service than the cost‐centered focus found in a prior study.Research limitations/implications – This study focused on US retailers and therefore results should be cautiously extended to the retailing environment in other countries.Practical implications – Retailing is not a “one size fits all” business, and study results suggest the SCM strategies used by retailers depend greatly on the nature of each retailers model. However, the need to create agile...

Hiring practices in US third‐party logistics firms

Reports the results of a survey of 41 US third-party logistics (3PL) firm practices for hiring entry-level managers. Reveals the recruiting, selection, and compensation methods used for 96 different positions and related compensation data (e.g. mean starting salary = US

Realignment of the physical distribution process in omni-channel fulfillment

34,358). Recommends that 3PL firms use the information to benchmark current practices and offers specific ideas to improve recruiting effectiveness. Also proposes research results-driven job search strategies for individuals seeking positions with 3PL firms.

Understanding satisfaction with supply chain management careers: an exploratory study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the realignment of the physical distribution process for store-based retailers in their efforts to integrate the online channel into their business model. Multiple attributes of the physical distribution process are evaluated to identify associations with order fulfillment methods adopted by omni-channel retailers. Design/methodology/approach – A multi-method approach is used which includes qualitative evaluation of 50 interviews of supply chain executives from large retailers. Additionally, secondary data about firm size, store and distribution networks, online sales, distribution configuration, and order delivery options are used. The findings of qualitative analysis are incorporated into a quantitative classification-tree analysis to identify associations among distribution attributes, order fulfillment methods and order delivery services. Findings – Retailers are developing a consistent omni-channel physical distribution process in which stores undert...

Entry‐Level Logistics Management Hiring Issues

Purpose – Career shifts and talent shortages in supply chain management (SCM) are evident at most occupation levels and need further attention and understanding. The purpose of this paper is to present factors that shape SCM career expectations, choices, and satisfaction and to advance career theory and research that is currently absent in SCM literature.Design/methodology/approach – This study administered open‐ended surveys to individuals educated and working in SCM to elicit the satisfaction and dissatisfaction that professionals derive from various aspects of their SCM careers. Resulting data were content analyzed and categorized into major themes representing career satisfiers (likes) and dissatisfiers (dislikes).Findings – This exploratory study found evidence of traditional career components and the presences of objective and subjective components that transcend organizational boundaries. The results indicate an emergence of the boundaryless career concept in SCM, as the SCM career appears less dep...

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THE PURSUIT OF A CONSENSUS DEFINITION

Successful job placement of logistics graduates is highly beneficial to organizations offering logistics positions as well as to university logistics programs. A critical aspect of successful job placement involves understanding the preferences and perceptions of both students and employers regarding logistics positions. In this paper, we report the results of surveys of U.S. undergraduate logistics student and employer preferences and perceptions regarding logistics positions. The research results provide employers and logistics educators with information that can be used to improve job placement success.