Scott J. Grawe

The relationship between strategic orientation, service innovation, and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine how a firms strategic orientation affects service innovation capability and the resulting impact on market performance.Design/methodology/approach – A survey was administered to supply chain executives. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships among the following constructs: customer orientation, competitor orientation, cost orientation, service innovation, and market performance.Findings – Although the relationship between cost orientation and service innovation is not supported, the relationships between customer orientation and competitor orientation and service innovation are supported. Additionally, the relationship between service innovation and market performance is supported.Research limitations/implications – This study is one of a limited number of studies which has empirically addressed service innovation. Additional research is needed to address the impact of a firms strategic orientation on product innovation capa...

Logistics innovation: a literature‐based conceptual framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of logistics innovation based on previous studies in the logistics literature and recommend opportunities for further research.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the following logistics journals is conducted: International Journal of Logistics Management, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, and Transportation Research: Part E. Articles for the review are selected based on their explicit relevance to logistics innovation.Findings – There has been a limited amount of theory‐based research conducted on the topic of logistics innovation. While antecedents and outcomes of logistics innovation have been identified within the leading logistics journals, very little empirical testing has been done. The diffusion of logistics innovations has also received attention in the logistics literature.Research limitations/implications – The scope of this paper is limited...

Logistics salience impact on logistics capabilities and performance

Purpose – The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the impact of logistics salience on logistics capabilities and performance. Specifically, the impact of logistics salience on logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation is measured along with logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation effect on logistics performance.Design/methodology/approach – Conclusions were drawn from survey data gathered from logistics and supply chain managers at US firms. Structural equation modelling was utilized to measure the statistical significance of the hypothesized model paths with all findings meeting the basic requirements of interpretation.Findings – The results suggest that logistics salience positively impacts both logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation. Logistics innovativeness and logistics service differentiation both positively influence logistics performance. These findings give credence to the resource based view of the firm which states that res...

A bibliometric analysis of reverse logistics research (1992-2015) and opportunities for future research

Purpose Interest in reverse logistics (RL) as a critical component of supply chain management (SCM) is gaining more traction with both practitioners and academics. Because of RL’s growing strategic importance, it is imperative to conduct a timely and comprehensive literature review and to identify associated opportunities for future research. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, the researchers conduct an extensive bibliometric analysis of published academic articles on RL for the period of 1992-2015. Specifically, the CiteSpace software is utilized to conduct document co-citation analysis and burst detection analysis on 912 selected RL articles and their 22,642 references. Findings This research identifies the most influential RL research publications/citations in each of the five periods and their research contribution. Using co-citation analysis, the authors are able to identify and illustrate major research themes, knowledge groups, and future research opportunities in the RL field. Originality/value In contrast to existing literature review studies in the logistics field, the study uses impact factor as a key article selection criterion. The influential articles identified in this process well represent the core literature and RL body of knowledge and have important implications for future research.

The past and future of supply chain collaboration: a literature synthesis and call for research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide scholarly and practical benefits by detailing the past and suggesting a future research agenda for supply chain (SC) collaboration. A literature review is utilized to examine what has been investigated prior, and what remains to be analyzed, in order to assist today’s managers and researchers. The research expands the understanding of SC collaboration from a focal firm perspective while providing boundaries for future investigation and at the same time detailing the current state of collaboration to practitioners. Design/methodology/approach The current research utilizes a systematic review of the literature to shape a proposed research agenda on the topic of SC collaboration. Findings The paper provides insights into gaps in the literature as it pertains to SC collaboration. Specifically, the paper suggests investigating SC collaboration as it relates to perceived and real performance, understanding what know-how and commitment a focal firm must make to SC collaboration, and how to successfully navigate collaboration termination. Research limitations/implications This manuscript makes four specific contributions to the literature. First, it provides the first holistic graphic depiction of the central constructs employed in extant SC collaboration research. Next it examines three specific factor areas influencing collaboration. Overlooked issues are then revealed as suggestions for future research in SC collaboration. Finally, the method employed to conduct the systematic literature review can be used as a blueprint for future researchers in performing a similar exercise. Practical implications The current research seeks to provide a research agenda which meets the needs of today’s business managers. Originality/value The paper provides a suggested research agenda for SC collaboration.

Non-response bias assessment in logistics survey research: use fewer tests?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the concepts of individual and complete statistical power used for multiple testing and shows their relevance for determining the number of statistical tests to perform when assessing non-response bias. Design/methodology/approach – A statistical power analysis of 55 survey-based research papers published in three prestigious logistics journals (International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal) over the last decade was conducted. Findings – Results show that some of the low complete power levels encountered could have been avoided if fewer tests had been used in the assessment of non-response bias. Originality/value – The research offers important recommendations to scholars engaged in survey research as they assess the effects of non-respondents on research findings. By following the recommended strategies for testing non-response bias, researchers can improve the statistical p...

The new age of customer impatience: An agenda for reawakening logistics customer service research

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the body of logistics customer service (LCS) research published in leading logistics journals from 1990 to 2017. Specifically, the paper presents a call to arms for logistics and supply chain researchers to address new and emerging issues impacting customer service in the age of omnichannel and e-commerce retailing.,The authors reviewed academic journals to identify articles focusing on LCS from 1990 through 2017. The authors noted trends in academic research activity/focus and supplemented the findings by examining more recent trends covered in trade publication articles.,The authors observed a large amount of LCS research in the early 1990s and 2000s, but noticed a substantial decline in coverage within academic journals since the late 2000s while industry continues to give customer service issues even greater attention. The difference between the level of coverage within academic journals and the increased importance firms place on customer service represents a critical gap and opportunity for scholars. This research represents a “call to arms” to address this gap. With particular emphasis on observed customer impatience and escalating requests, within omni- and e-commerce channels of distribution, we suggest greater theoretical insights into customer service strategies and their role in successfully navigating today’s changing logistics service environment are needed.,The review serves as a call for more attention to customer service issues within leading logistics journals. Suggestions for research into new and emerging topics are offered.