Logistics Management and Strategy

Citation

Harrison, A. (2007), "Logistics Management and Strategy", Strategic Direction, Vol. 23 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/sd.2007.05623cae.001

Logistics Management and Strategy

A round-up of some of the best book reviews recently published by Emerald.

Logistics Management and Strategy2nd ed.,

A. Harrison, R. Van Hoek,Pearson Education, Harlow, 2005

This text introduces the concept of logistics management by analyzing its role within an organization’s supply chain and the contribution it makes to organizational strategy. The authors explore the relationship between logistics and organizations’ other internal functions through concepts such as the value chain and subsequent effects on finance and accounting decisions. The authors also discuss the theory behind lead-time and the interlinking issues of production time and demand time. Additional chapters explore in-depth the theories of just-in-time and lean thinking via clear diagrams and worked-through examples. Organizational logistics is further broadened into the concept of international logistics and market challenges, using a number of contemporary case studies. Through these the authors analyze the additional logistical concerns faced by international organizations and provide best practice examples of flexible, responsive logistics from global key players. This Chapter would be particularly useful to university students studying international operations management and related disciplines.

The text also highlights the integrated approaches to logistics management used by complex organizations. The authors discuss the ways in which an advanced supply chain can become responsive and form collaborations with customers and suppliers, and the potential advantages and disadvantages of doing so. In conclusion, the authors propose directions for future research in logistics management by accounting for changing demands in terms of new technology, globalization, cost pressures and rising customer expectations.

The text adds to the logistics management and strategy debate by reinforcing existing theory through its application to current organizations on a global context. This text has a clear, logical structure supported by contemporary examples and coherent case studies. Its comprehensive content is equally applicable for university students, academics and management professionals who wish to develop a greater understanding of up to date logistics management and strategy within innovative organizations.

A version of this review was originally published in the International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Volume 26 Number 4, 2006.