Presents the results of a recent survey of logistics executives concerning their perceptions regarding integrated logistics. Focuses discussion on an assessment of the current level of implementation of the integrated logistics concept among US firms and provides support for a relationship...

Functional areas within a firm must effectively interact and work together to plan, coordinate, and implement strategic initiatives. Interfunctional integration is believed to be directly related to a firm's competitiveness and profitability. The current research was undertaken to gain a greater...

Just‐in‐time (JIT) systems have evolved from a few selected implementations in the automobile industry into a widespread business practice. Early understanding of JIT models indicated that JIT can reduce inventory in the production system through the elimination of wasteful activities. This...

Explores how firms can use time‐based strategies within their distribution operations. Exploratory results are presented detailing strategic distribution responses employed to meet competitive challenges and gain competitive advantages. These firms have proactively worked to make their...

In recent years, more firms have chosen to use outside service vendors to provide at least a portion of their logistical support requirements. The analysis presents projected usage trends for selected services as identified by logistics executives. Differences in anticipated usage levels of...

Fast and flexible low‐cost data processing and information systems have transformed business operations. Reductions in production setup times, lot sizes and inventory levels have yielded substantial improvements in productivity and profitability. The continuing changes sweeping American...

It has been proposed that the just‐in‐time (JIT) philosophy can be effectively integrated systemwide to yield increased efficiencies and excellence throughout an organization. Greater understanding is needed as to what this entails. The researchers empirically test and attempt to validate a...

Posits that, in recent years, more firms have chosen to use outside service vendors to provide at least a portion of their logistical support requirements. Presents projected usage trends for selected services as identified by logistics executives. Discovered differences in anticipated usage...

Successful manufacturing applications of the Just‐in‐time (JIT) management philosophy have been well documented in the literature. Utilisation of JIT techniques within manufacturing offers the potential for significant operational improvements beyond inventory reduction. JIT‐related...