Search results

Presents the results of an empirical investigation into the current state of logistics in Korea. Discusses the status of logistics within an organization, organizational characteristics, responsiveness of logistics, outsourcing and partnership, improvement action, customer service, technology adoption and use, and cost effectiveness. Notes the following promising developments. First, the interest of top executives in logistics is considerable. Second, some of the major logistical cost components, particularly transportation and warehousing costs, are well controlled. Third, heavy investments have been made in technology, particularly among large firms. However, there are some problems yet to be solved. The major problem is the lack of appreciation of the integrative logistics concept. Another is that the present goal of logistics is limited to only cost reduction, disregarding logistics contribution to service improvements. Finally, the level of partnership with suppliers and distributors is low. Concludes that, in the future, Korean companies need to place more emphasis on customer service, develop strategic partnership, and further integrate their supply chain.

Focusses on three constructs that we believe are the primary determinants of the future usage of third party logistics services. These constructs are: extent of use of the third party logistics services; decision making process for choosing contract logistics services provider; and impact of the usage of contract logistics services on the organisation. An empirical research was carried out in Singapore to study the impact of these three factors on the future usage of third party logistics services in Singapore. Results based on an analysis of data relating to 126 Singapore‐based firms indicate that most users of these services are satisfied with their providers and believe that this has led to positive developments within the organisation. With a high current level of satisfaction, a large number of these firms are likely to increase their usage of contract logistics services moderately or substantially.