An exploration of operational excellence methodologies implementation in the logistics sectors: a global study
ISSN: 1754-2731
Article publication date: 10 January 2024
Issue publication date: 13 February 2025
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study reported in this paper was to explore the application of operational excellence methodologies in a global context.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative interview approach was used to understand the current state, benefits, challenges, success factors, tools and techniques of operational excellence methodology implementation with relevance to logistics companies worldwide. About 16 interviews were undertaken with practitioners working in leading companies and with leading academics in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia.
Findings
The findings show that operational excellence methodologies including Lean, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma and Agile can apply in logistics firms to improve operations and productivity and save costs. Top management support and involvement play an important role in the success of operational excellence projects in the logistics service.
Research limitations/implications
The findings will be of interest to top and middle managers and logistics practitioners, with a dual aim of improving logistics performance and saving costs.
Originality/value
The present study has been one of the first global study attempts to explore the implementation of operational excellence methodologies in the logistics sectors.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Since submission of this article, the following author(s) have updated their affiliation(s): Jiju Antony is at the Department of Marketing, Operations and Systems, Faculty of Business and Law, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and Guilherme Luz Tortorella is at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil and IAE Business School, Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Citation
Trakulsunti, Y., Antony, J., Garza-Reyes, J.A., Tortorella, G.L., Chuayjan, W. and Foster, M. (2025), "An exploration of operational excellence methodologies implementation in the logistics sectors: a global study", The TQM Journal, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 709-725. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-10-2023-0313
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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