Editorial: why read the articles in this issue?

Citation

Ellinger, A. (2015), "Editorial: why read the articles in this issue?", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 45 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-03-2015-0076

Editorial: why read the articles in this issue?

Article Type: Editorial From: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Volume 45, Issue 5.

The lead paper by Grimm, Knemeyer, Polyviou and Ren is an excellent reference work for researchers interested in SCM topics appearing in leading management journals. Grimm et al.’s manuscript contributes significant value to logistics/SCM scholars by extending the review of SCM topics in management journals from 1998-2003 in an earlier article (Cheng and Grimm, 2006) to the time period of 2004-2013. The authors identify the body of SCM research in the leading management journals and describe the topics, research methods and data types utilized.

This research study is a useful resource that can help inform theory development in future SCM research. As such, the extensive summary information provided should encourage strategic logistics and SCM researchers to extend the concept of SCM as a strategic philosophy and differentiator with a foundation and basis in broader strategic management literature. Strategic logistics specifically, and SCM more broadly, are increasingly recognized as strategic differentiators. Accordingly, it is important that logistics/SCM scholars are aware of studies published in management journals that can extend their knowledge of theoretical underpinnings and help them to develop studies that are influenced by research from this highly related disciplinary area. Thus, I strongly believe that Grimm et al.’s manuscript provides a noteworthy return on investment for IJPDLM readers.

In the next paper, Piecyk and Björklund address a highly relevant and timely topic that will be of increasing interest to business organizations and society in general as sustainability legislation becomes more prevalent. The authors conduct a content analysis of corporate web sites and CSR reports supplemented by statistical analysis that investigates how logistics service providers (LSPs) report their sustainability activities. The paper provides a timely and interesting overview of existing CSR policies and practices in the field of logistics. As pointed out by the authors, best practices for reporting environmental and social performance can potentially improve the long-term sustainability of the logistics sector.

The third paper by Sohn, Sohn, Klaas-Wissing and Hirsch examines a related issue that is also highly relevant to SCM practitioners and researchers: how logistics organizations’ corporate social performance (CSP) profiles influence their attractiveness for job seekers. An experimental method is employed to provide the first analysis of the relevance of CSP information for employer attractiveness in the transport and logistics industry. Sohn et al.’s research study provides insights into the relevance of CSP criteria, information provision and comparability processes from the perspective of young job seekers. The research study also stimulates future research by suggesting what firms could do to increase the importance of CSP for prospective employees. As logistics organizations struggle to attract scarce talent, perhaps future research could further examine what triggers job seekers to consider CSP over salary? For example, what is the spread between a bad CSP score and salary? And does it differ by age/gender/culture?

The final paper in this issue, authored by Mangiaracina, Song and Perego, contributes a review of literature in the area of distribution network design (DND) that also identifies the key drivers that influence network design. Mangiaracina et al. provide an overview of state-of-the-art DND, identify current knowledge gaps and present recommendations for future research. The comprehensive analysis of the extant literature followed by an identification of gaps that could be addressed in future research is highly relevant to logistics scholars and practitioners, and therefore fits well with the journal’s aim and scope.

I sincerely hope IJPDLM readers derive value from these four interesting manuscripts.

Alex Ellinger

Reference

Cheng, L.C.V. and Grimm, C.M. (2006), “The application of empirical strategic management research to supply chain management”, Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 1-55