Liquidity implications of reverse logistics for retailers: A Markov chain approach

The reverse logistics process can generate periodic negative cash flows that are difficult to predict and account for, but are important when managing retailer liquidity. Uncertainties surrounding reverse logistics create the possibility that the retailer may be strained in meeting short-run financial obligations or opportunities. The current research offers a Markov chain approach to modeling the expectations, risks, and potential shocks associated with cash flows stemming from retail reverse logistics activities. Managerial recommendations for avoiding liquidity problems stemming from reverse logistics activities are provided.     

基于电子商务的第三方逆向物流信息系统设计

电子商务、逆向物流正逐渐受到企业界重视,正确的逆向物流不仅能够降低逆向物流成本,而且还会提高收入。本文从电子商务环境下第三方逆向物流流程分析出发,分析第三方物流的组成要素,提出了信息系统的网络结构设计和功能设计及实现方案。     

A social media analytics-based approach to customer-centric reverse logistics management of electronic devices: A case study on notebooks

With the advancement of technology, the rate of replacement of unused electronic devices by consumers has increased. Throwing away these devices wastes the scarce natural resources used in their production and also has harmful effects on the environment. Using the concept of reverse logistics leads to the reduction of waste of electronic products such as laptops and the reuse of their parts. To implement the reverse logistics process in the production process, companies need to know which parts of their products have problems or breakdowns when used by consumers so that they can make the right decision about reusing, repairing or recycling the returned product parts. In this paper, the most effective decision-making strategies in reverse logistics based on consumer feedback are discussed. The result of using this model presented in this research is reducing costs and increasing producer productivity, which will ultimately lead to consumer satisfaction. This paper focuses on social media data to gather consumer feedback to optimize the decision-making process in reverse logistics through a data analytics approach. A case study is conducted on Twitter data regarding consumer opinions about MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. By using DEMATEL and network analysis techniques, factors affecting the improvement of the quality of MacBooks have been prioritized. The results showed that the proposed approach can help manufacturers by (a) finding effective features on consumers' behaviour and attitudes through their feedback in social networks, (b) identifying how factors influence each other (c) prioritizing factors, to establish the reverse logistics process which leads to increase consumer satisfaction and improve their performance.     

Reverse logistics: Understanding end-of-life product management

As firms respond to stricter regulations and increasing consumer expectations, reverse logistics programs to support end-of-life product management strategies have become more prevalent. Despite a growing body of theoretical literature on this topic, many firms struggle to implement efficient and effective reverse logistics systems. In this article, we identify common strategic, tactical, and operational considerations needed to design reverse logistics programs and offer industry examples to show how organizations have excelled in these areas. Through a synthesis of literature and examples, we provide key takeaways across a range of reverse logistics activities. We present ways in which managers can implement best practices in reverse logistics that not only benefit the environment but also generate societal and stakeholder value, augment and improve customer service and loyalty, and increase market share and revenue capabilities.     

逆向物流研究综述

近年来,逆向物流逐渐受到国内外学者和企业管理者的重视.在系统回顾逆向物流研究历程的基础上,总结了逆向物流概念的演变,从理论研究成果和实践技术变化两个方面,系统分析了目前国内外逆向物流研究的进展,探讨了逆向物流在网络环境下的发展趋势.     

The impact of reverse logistics process coordination on third party relationship quality: A moderated mediation model for multichannel retailers in the fashion industry

Multichannel retailing is a widely adopted strategy in the fashion industry. Companies in this industry find it a source of competitive advantage to invest in reverse logistics infrastructure. However, limited empirical studies investigate the enablers of the relationship quality between the retailers and their reverse logistics service providers. This study quantifies the impact of reverse logistics process coordination between retailers and logistics service providers on relationship quality. Moreover, it tests the mediating role of reverse logistics service quality and the moderating role of conflict frequency in this relationship. Data were collected through a survey using a purposive sample of 241 retail store managers from the fashion retail industry of Pakistan. For this purpose, a self-administered questionnaire was developed using a five-point Likert Scale to gauge the responses. Conditional process analysis was used to evaluate the moderated mediation model. The findings showed a significant positive impact of reverse logistics process coordination on the relationship quality with a logistics service provider, a significant positive mediation effect of reverse logistics service quality, and a significant moderation effect of conflict frequency on the indirect relationship. However, conflict frequency, contrary to the hypothesis in the study, strengthened the indirect relationship. Furthermore, the moderation effect of conflict frequency on the direct relationship was insignificant. This study will help managers better understand the best practices leading to effective management of reverse logistics processes, particularly product returns.     

供应链中逆向物流网络系统构建分析

供应链中的每一个企业都具有双重角色,既是供应商又是消费者,这种双重身份使每一个企业都会面对逆向物流,面对原材料或产品的回收费用.生产和环境的可持续发展,要求企业通过有效实施逆向物流,从供应链的范围来构建企业的逆向物流系统,节约成本,创造利润,塑造企业形象,增强企业的竞争优势.     

PRODUCT RETURNS PROCESSING: AN EXAMINATION OF PRACTICES OF MANUFACTURERS,WHOLESALERS/DISTRIBUTORS,AND RETAILERS

Few research studies have published specific empirical data regarding the reverse logistics practices of companies. This multi‐stage study employed interviews, site visits, and a mail survey to collect responses from 230 members of the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) regarding their reverse logistics practices. Results suggest that in spite of the growing importance of reverse logistics, few executives have product return processing as their primary responsibility and often undertake this activity along with other job responsibilities. Most firms handle the product returns process themselves and typically within the same facilities that handle forward logistics. Returning items directly to stock, repackaging and returning to stock, and selling as scrap, were the three top disposition options employed by firms. Results indicate that, contrary to general understanding, the majority of retailers and wholesalers reported a recovery rate of over 75% of product cost. Several hypotheses developed from the published literature on reverse logistics were tested. In many instances, these hypotheses were formulated on anecdotal information or single case studies and had not been empirically tested prior to this research being conducted.     

浅析逆向物流系统的构建

开篇阐述了逆向物流的内涵及其产生背景,分析了逆向物流可能给企业带来经济价值和环境友好性社会价值。探讨了构建逆向物流系统"战略"和"战术"两个要素,及构建系统时,企业需考虑的问题。     

物流能力成熟度模型(LCMM)研究

物流能力是一个系统概念,不仅包括有形能力,还包括无形能力。从中国物流运作的实际出发,将物流能力成熟度分为初始级、基本级、可重复级、定量管理级、优化级,系统分析每个等级下的关键活动。结合国内某著名物流企业的服务运作业务对其物流能力成熟度进行等级确定,为其进一步发展和改善服务能力提供努力的方向和决策的依据。该物流能力成熟度模型可以进一步应用于以能力为核心的物流服务联盟的组建、运行及协调中。     

REVERSE LOGISTICS: THE IMPACT OF TIMING AND RESOURCES

Although reverse logistics has become a competitive necessity in many industries, there is a lack of agreement as to when formal reverse logistics programs should be introduced. The current research examines the issue of program introduction timing (first, early, late) in the context of the automobile aftermarket industry. The findings indicate that firms developing formal reverse logistics programs early in their industries – but not first – may be best positioned; however, there is also evidence that the timing/performance relationship can be influenced by resource commitment.     

Logistics Information System Evaluation: Assessing External Technology Integration and Supporting Organizational Learning

Firms often outsource the development and acquisition of logistics information systems (LIS) needed to improve logistics processes. Managers tasked with such outsourcing decisions often struggle to understand and balance the external technology's impact on existing logistics processes, individual stakeholders, firm strategies, and the financial and operational performance of the firm. Unfortunately, research is limited on (1) methods for evaluating the performance capabilities of systems from external sources prior to full implementation, and (2) the impact of external technology integration (ETI) on organizational behavior and learning related to a firm's logistics processes. Through the lens of organizational learning (OL) theory, this research uses a case study approach to examine the transportation division of a major U.S.‐based fuel retailer to gain insights on the management control of ETI efforts. The study builds theory to fill important literature gaps then develops a conceptual framework and supporting propositions to inform future research on logistics ETI. The findings highlight important OL implications for firms involved in ETI efforts and also provide a practically relevant management control tool that can be used by logistics practitioners.     

论农村逆向物流及其网络模型设计

文章指出,发展农村逆向物流不仅是新农村建设的需要,有利于农村循环经济及绿色物流的发展,还能使农村居民获得潜在的社会效益和经济效益,提高农村居民对商品的满意度。文章提出,农村逆向物流有别于一般的逆向物流,具有自己特殊的网络结构和模式。发展农村逆向物流关键在于物流网络的结构设计,一个适合农村逆向物流的网络结构应该能模拟出农村的逆向物流网络运行状况。     

Characteristics of a Logistics-Based Business Model

In companies where excellence in logistics is decisive for the outperformance of competitors and logistics has an outspoken role for the strategy of the firm, there is present what we refer to here as a “logistics-based business model.” Based on a multiple case study of three Nordic retail companies, the purpose of this article is to explore the characteristics of such a logistics-based business model. As such, this research helps to provide structure to logistics-based business models and identifies a way forward for companies for whom logistics and distribution are a major concern for the overall strategy of the firm.     

加速循环经济中的企业逆向物流建设

本文认为,逆向物流发展的新趋势是采用租赁形式,从供应链的范围构建企业逆向物流系统,实施逆向物流回收物品导向以及组成战略联盟。文章提出,我国逆向物流的发展,最根本的是从制造企业自身做起。第一,从企业生产的源头控制,注重再生资源产生,增加回收品种,回收包装物;第二,更新企业逆向物流观念,加强环保理念,外包逆向物流;第三,扩展企业逆向物流网络,正向物流网络和逆向物流网络相结合,使制造商尽量挖掘回收物空间。     

绩效导向的物流组织结构设计模型——以权变理论为基础

物流组织结构在一定程度上反映了企业计划、组织和控制物流活动的指导思想,决定了企业物流活动的具体运作方式,而这种运作方式与组织内外环境要求的匹配程度对企业的物流绩效会产生直接影响,进而影响企业的整体绩效。通过以权变理论为基础,整合与企业物流组织结构相关的自变量、中间变量和因变量,构建企业物流组织结构设计的权变模型,可以为企业物流组织结构的选择提供一种整体思路。     

连锁零售企业逆向物流成本、战略价值分析及体系构建

不论是企业自愿、竞争压力还是政府强制,连锁零售企业的逆向物流确是不可避免的,而多数企业都把逆向物流当作负担消极对待。但是通过对逆向物流构成和环节分析,揭示逆向物流不仅给企业带来成本,也给企业带来战略价值。并从逆向物流体系构建方面提出降低成本和提升价值的对策。     

论商业企业物流模式的选择

本文在分析了商业企业物流模式四种类型的基础上,重点探讨了商业企业选择自营物流还是外购物流服务的依据。既从物流在企业中所占地位和企业物流能力等定性方面进行分析,又用规模经济的理论,借鉴量本利分析的模型,来解释商业企业是采用自营物流还是采用外包物流。     

家电制造企业逆向物流研究

本文提出了家电制造企业逆向物流概念;论述了家电制造业逆行物流特点、分类;提出了我国家电制造企业根据不同的逆向物流类型选择不同经营模式,以求为我国家电制造企业在实施逆向物流时提供行之有效的思路和方法。     

谈物流企业文化构建

现代物流是一种观念上的革命。纵观中国的市场和物流企业的发展,可以发现,缺少良好的物流文化。物流企业文化的建设需要精心地设计,有耐心、有眼光地培育。笔者认为在现实中,物流过程是"实"的,物流文化是"虚"的,虚实结合才能真正发挥出物流企业的作用,促进经济的良好发展。本文从理论和实践两方面分别进行论述。