Qualitative Methods And Approaches In Logistics : part 2

Description

Qualitative methods and approaches in logistics: part 2This issue of IJPDLM represents the second special issue on qualitativemethods and approaches in logistics. The first special issue appeared earlierthis year as No. 6. Additional papers that did not meet the deadline for these issues will appearin subsequent regular issues. Similar to the first issue on this topic, two of thearticles that appear in this issue relate to supply chain management (SCM).The first article by Rahman, ‘‘The theory of constraints’ thinking processapproach to developing strategies in supply chains’’, describes an application ofa systems approach, the thinking process of the theory of constraints, tounderstand the important elements of SCM and their interrelationships.Holweg and Miemczyk, in ‘‘Logistics in the ‘three-day car’ age’’, assess theresponsiveness of vehicle distribution logistics in the UK. The authors utilize avariety of approaches mixing quantitative with qualitative methods. Based onfindings from the 3DayCar research program conducted over a three-yearperiod, the authors examine the ‘‘build-to-order’’ approach employed in theautomotive sector. In ‘‘The impact of e-commerce on supply chain relationships’’ by Golicic,Davis, McCarthy and Mentzer, the authors analyze data from eight companiesto develop grounded theory of the impact of e-commerce on managing supplychain relationships. Several important e-commerce impacts affecting supplychain members are discussed. The final article in this issue, ‘‘I don’t know much about art but I know whatI like; measuring and managing supply quality in a publishing company’’, byDonaldson-Briggs, Peters and Whitfield, presents an interesting view of thepublishing industry and the elements associated with measuring andmanaging highly subjective factors relating to performance. Suggestions areprovided by the authors regarding areas of needed research in this area andsteps that one publishing company has taken to make the ‘‘intangible’’ more‘‘tangible’’. IJPDLM believes that you will enjoy the articles in this issue. In combinationwith the previous special issue on this same topic, readers will be presentedwith a pot-pourri of qualitative methods and approaches directed towardsvarious logistics topics. The editorial team remains committed to publishing high quality, timelyarticles on a wide range of logistics-related topics, both in regular and specialissues of the journal. When submitting manuscripts, prospective authorsshould contact the editor or one of the regional editors. Your submissions areboth encouraged and welcomed. James R. Stock Previously published in: International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Volume 32, Number 10, 2002