scholarly journals Small Electric Vehicles in Commercial Transportation: Empirical Study on Acceptance, Adoption Criteria and Economic and Ecological Impact on a Company Level

2021 ◽  
pp. 69-83
Author(s):  
Tim Hettesheimer ◽  
Cornelius Moll ◽  
Kerstin Jeßberger ◽  
Saskia Franz
Keyword(s):  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
A Company ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Method Approach

AbstractSmall electric vehicles (SEVs) in commercial transportation have the potential to reduce traffic and its impacts, especially in urban areas. Companies, however, are still reluctant to implement SEVs. Therefore, the aim of this contribution is to shed light on the acceptance of motives for and obstacles to the use of SEVs in commercial transportation. Since the use of SEVs is often discussed in the context of innovative city logistics concepts, such as micro-hubs, our aim is also, to explore the acceptance, economic, and ecological potentials of SEVs in combination with micro-hubs. We use a multi-method approach and combine an online survey with in-depth interviews as well as a total cost of ownership (TCO) and CO2 calculation. Analyzing 350 responses to an online survey revealed that around half the companies surveyed have no knowledge of SEVs. This implies high unexploited potential, since 25% of these companies can imagine using them. In-depth interviews with logistics service providers (LSPs) or logistics departments from different sectors revealed that six of the 13 interviewed LSPs would be willing to implement this concept.

Family Reflections on the Foundations of Self-Determination in Early Childhood

Inclusion ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Ann Summers ◽  
Mary Jane Brotherson ◽  
Elizabeth J. Erwin ◽  
Susan P. Maude ◽  
Susan B. Palmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Choice Making ◽  
Young Children With Disabilities ◽  
Foundational Skills ◽  
Home And School ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract This study investigated families' perspectives about and strategies used to develop foundational skills (i.e., choice-making, self-regulation, and engagement) leading to the development of the self-determination of their young children with disabilities. Two research questions guided the study: (1) What do families believe is important when working with practitioners in partnership to build foundational skills leading to self-determination at home and school? (2) What do families think about providing opportunities for developing these skills, and how do they provide such opportunities? Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and an open-ended online survey. Families reported a variety of strategies used to develop choice-making, self-regulation, and engagement skills. Results can assist early education service providers to better understand how families conceptualize choice-making, self-regulation, and engagement for their children to successfully build partnerships and engage families.

The role of customer relations for innovativeness and customer satisfaction

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 254-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Bellingkrodt ◽  
Carl Marcus Wallenburg
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Customer Relations ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Number Of Customers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into commonalities and differences of service innovation across industries. The compared sectors are logistics service providers and IT service providers (SPs). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from 778 SPs via an online survey. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the empirical data. Findings – Both types of SPs benefit from close customer relations in terms of innovativeness and customer satisfaction. However, ITSPs rely more on a large number of customers to be innovative than logistics service providers (LSPs), further, LSPs can evoke a higher level of customer satisfaction when being innovative. Research limitations/implications – Empirical data were collected in a single country (Germany) and at one point in time. A confirmation of the results in different service settings is therefore encouraged. Practical implications – The results help managers with regard to their strategic decisions. The differentiating effects influencing innovativeness and customer satisfaction have been revealed. Originality/value – The research is extended by developing a model based on the knowledge of service innovation, social exchange theory and industry characteristics and by empirically testing this model.

Collaboration between designers and facility managers

Facilities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 557-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Kalantari ◽  
Mardelle M. Shepley ◽  
Zofia K. Rybkowski ◽  
John A. Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Facility Management ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The aim of this study is to focus on the perspectives of facility managers in each region and the different challenges impacting collaboration in each geographical context. This research analyzed obstacles to collaboration between facility managers and architectural designers in three international regions. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method approach was used, allowing the researchers to triangulate data from in-depth interviews and a widely distributed survey instrument. The participants included a large cross-selection of facility management professionals in each of the regions under study. The interview data were parsed to identify recurring themes, while the survey data were analyzed statistically to test specific hypotheses. Findings Significant differences were found in the culture of the facility management profession in each region. These differences created unique challenges for collaboration, especially in the context of a non-local design team. While the facility management profession was perceived as most established and professional in the UK, rates of collaboration between facility managers and designers were actually much higher in the USA. Collaborations between facility managers and designers were almost non-existent in the Middle East. Originality/value While the importance of collaboration between facility managers and designers is increasingly recognized for improving the efficiency of building operations, crucial obstacles continue to limit the scope of this engagement. There has been limited previous research analyzing obstacles to collaboration that are specific to international contexts and non-local design teams. This study helps to fill an important gap in the literature by providing a comparative analysis of collaboration challenges in three international contexts.

scholarly journals Logistics service providers and corporate social responsibility: sustainability reporting in the logistics industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Izabela Piecyk ◽  
Maria Björklund
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Reporting ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Reporting Framework ◽  
Corporate Web Sites ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
A Company

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a content analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by logistics service providers (LSPs), and to analyse factors influencing the level and scope of reporting. In order to address this objective, the authors show to what extent various social and environmental categories are covered in the CSR reports. The authors also investigate whether any differences in the use of CSR indicators can be found with regard to the use of a formal reporting framework, the size of a company, location of its headquarter, and ownership structure. Design/methodology/approach – The study begins with a comprehensive literature review on the CSR policies and practices in relation to the field of logistics. A database of 350 international LSPs is compiled based on independent rankings of top logistics companies. Applying a content analysis approach, corporate web sites and CSR reports are examined in order to investigate how sustainability is reported and what CSR-related indicators are published. Statistical analysis is carried out to provide insight into whether any differences in the use of CSR indicators can be found with regard to four key factors identified in the literature review. Findings – Although aspects of sustainability are mentioned on corporate web sites of most LSPs in the database (53 per cent), only 13 per cent publish formal CSR reports. This research identifies a variety of indicators used by LSPs and shows that the use of a formal reporting framework and the size of a company are the two main factors influencing the levels of CSR reporting in the sector. Practical implications – This paper provides an insight into how transparently LSPs report on the sustainability of their performance. LSPs can compare their own CSR reporting approaches to the body of scientific literature and the findings presented in this paper, in order to adapt more general concepts and best practice evidence to their needs. Social implications – By focusing on best practice in reporting of the environmental and social performance, this research can potentially improve the long-term sustainability of the logistics sector. Originality/value – This is the first study providing a comprehensive review of the CSR reporting practice in the third party logistics sector. As such, this paper provides an important basis for CSR-related research in the field of logistics and supply chain management. Several areas for future research are also identified.

scholarly journals Are Battery-Electric Trucks for 24-Hour Delivery the Future of City Logistics?—A German Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Cornelius Moll ◽  
Patrick Plötz ◽  
Karsten Hadwich ◽  
Martin Wietschel
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
City Logistics ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
Inner Cities ◽  
Diesel Vehicles ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
High Investment

Especially in urban areas, a large proportion of air pollution can be attributed to road traffic. Thus, in many countries, bans are being discussed on diesel vehicles in inner cities. These diesel bans pose a severe threat to logistics service providers (LSPs) that are active in city logistics, since their fleets are based on diesel-powered vehicles. One solution for LSPs is to introduce battery-electric heavy-duty trucks (HDTs). However, this is rarely done at present, due to high investment costs of such trucks. In order to compensate these high investments, high mileages are required in order to benefit from such vehicles’ low operating costs. Implementing 24-hour delivery would increase the daily mileage of HDTs. Because of noise emission regulations, 24-hour delivery could only be performed using battery-electric HDTs. In this study, we explore whether using battery-electric HDTs for 24-hour delivery is economical for LSPs. We use data from a German LSP in food logistics, develop a system dynamics model, and integrate a total cost of ownership calculation along with an LSP and a retail store discrete choice model to determine whether 24-hour delivery with battery-electric HDTs is profitable for the LSP, and how it might be accepted and diffused among stores. We find that 24-hour delivery using battery-electric HDTs is immediately profitable. This is due to the almost 50% increase in the daily trip potential of battery-electric HDTs in comparison to diesel HDTs, which leads to a lower required total number of HDTs in the fleet. Lower transportation costs, increased delivery quality, and decreased risk lead to rapid adoption of 24-hour delivery among stores, while lower total costs of ownership (TCO) accelerate the adoption by the LSP. Diffusion through the fleet and stores takes only slightly longer than one HDT lifetime. Consequently, 24-hour delivery with battery-electric HDTs is a promising solution for innovative and sustainable city logistics.

Exploring urban institutional pressures on logistics service providers

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J Rose ◽  
Diane A Mollenkopf ◽  
Chad W. Autry ◽  
John E. Bell
Keyword(s):  
Urban Environment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Service ◽  
Logistics Service Providers ◽  
Starting Point

Purpose – As global populations become increasingly urbanized and urban areas grow in density and complexity, many firms seeking to operate in these areas face significant new challenges. The purpose of this paper is to identify the approaches utilized by urban logistics service providers to overcome the issues resulting from urban density and complexity. The paper also identifies potential directions for future research based on the research findings. Design/methodology/approach – The study followed a grounded theory approach (Corbin and Strauss, 2008) to uncover the approaches utilized by logistics service providers to adapt to urban environments. Findings – The urban environment exerts certain coercive and mimetic pressures on logistics service providers. To overcome these pressures, urban logistics service providers seek to manage space, resources, and legitimacy in the urban environment. Research limitations/implications – This research followed an inductive approach, and therefore, further empirical research is required to ensure statistical generalizability. Additionally, all research participants are currently employed in the USA, and so further research at the international level should be conducted. Practical implications – The framework presented will enable firms seeking to enter the urban market to more quickly adapt to the specific pressures of the urban ecology. Originality/value – While literature from several academic disciplines outline problems and solutions specific to urban areas, little qualitative, inductive research has been conducted in the field of urban logistics. The current research serves as a starting point for further urban logistics research.

scholarly journals Understanding the impacts of child marriage on the health and well-being of adolescent girls and young women residing in urban areas in Egypt

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shatha Elnakib ◽  
May Elsallab ◽  
Maha Abdel Wanis ◽  
Shadia Elshiwy ◽  
Nishan Prasana Krishnapalan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Pregnancy Termination ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Child Marriage ◽  
Reproductive Health Services ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Estimate Prevalence ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Egypt has made progress in delaying age at marriage, but child marriage continues to be practiced in many places across the country. This study investigates the impacts of child marriage on the health and wellbeing of girls residing in urban Egypt using a multi-method approach. Methods The quantitative component leveraged data from the 2014 Egypt Demographic and Health Survey and focused on (1) reproductive health, (2) maternal health and (3) social outcomes among a subsample of ever-married urban women ages 20–24 (N = 1041). Simple and multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate prevalence odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between child marriage and the three sets of outcomes. The qualitative component drew from 11 focus groups, 23 in-depth interviews, and 13 key informant interviews conducted in three urban sites in Egypt. The data was thematically analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive coding. Results The prevalence of marriage under age 18 was 13.22%. Child marriage was significantly associated with ever use of contraception (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 2.95 95% CI 1.67–5.19), multiple births (AOR 12.93 95% CI 5.45–30.72), rapid repeat childbirth (AOR 2.20 95% CI 1.34–3.63), and pregnancy termination (AOR 1.89 95% CI 1.11–3.23). Many of these associations disappeared after adjusting for marriage duration. Girls married under age 18 had larger spousal age gaps (AOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.24–3.41) and higher odds of FGM (AOR 2.14; 95% CI 1.11–4.13). They were significantly more likely to report receiving no ANC care (AOR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.80), and less likely to deliver through C-section (AOR: 0.53; 95% CI 0.34–0.83). Consequences emerging from the qualitative data centered around five themes: (1) Access to and use of sexual and reproductive health services; (2) exposure to FGM; (3) marriage and birth registration; (4) marital relations; and (5) relationship with in-laws. Conclusion Findings provide important insights into the practice of child marriage in urban areas in Egypt and illustrate a range of adverse consequences associated with the practice.

scholarly journals Estimating the national logistics outsourcing market size: a multi-method approach and an application to the Italian context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Bruno Prataviera ◽  
Elena Tappia ◽  
Sara Perotti ◽  
Alessandro Perego
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Market Size ◽  
Logistics Outsourcing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Reporting Data

PurposeToday logistics is an ever-growing multi-billion-dollar business, and logistics operations have been increasingly outsourced to specialised players. The intended aim of this paper is to offer a multi-method approach for estimating the size of the national logistics outsourcing market by building upon financial-reporting data of logistics service providers (LSPs).Design/methodology/approachThe proposed approach is structured into four steps, clustered around two main stages: framework setting and data collection, and processing. A combination of methods is offered, including a review of academic literature and secondary sources, focus groups, interviews and data extractions from national databases.FindingsThe proposed approach is meant to be replicable in different countries, thus allowing for comparison amongst markets. With reference to a specific country and year, the following outputs are provided: market size in terms of the number of players and generated turnover – total and split by LSPs type – and market concentration measures. A practical application of the proposed approach to a specific context, i.e. Italy is finally offered.Originality/valueThe study focusses on the logistics outsourcing market and considers financial-reporting data from LSPs, avoiding the need for introducing assumptions about the value of logistics operations for shippers. The proposed approach can contribute to strengthening the accuracy of LSPs' market analyses, and supporting the development of national policies by local governments. The adoption of multiple methods brings rigour and reliability to the study. Finally, high flexibility is ensured, as the method may be adaptable over time to cope with future changes in the logistics landscape.

scholarly journals Ecological impact and cost-effectiveness of wildlife crossings in a highly fragmented landscape: a multi-method approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1701-1720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frans J. Sijtsma ◽  
Eelke van der Veen ◽  
Arjen van Hinsberg ◽  
Rogier Pouwels ◽  
Renée Bekker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Fragmented Landscape ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach

scholarly journals Small Electric Vehicles—Benefits and Drawbacks for Sustainable Urban Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-15
Author(s):  
Amelie Ewert ◽  
Mascha Brost ◽  
Stephan Schmid
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Electric Vehicles ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Passenger Cars ◽  
Urban Quality Of Life ◽  
The One

AbstractSmall electric vehicles (SEVs) have the potential to contribute to climate protection, efficient land use, and mitigation of air pollution in cities. Even though, they show many benefits that could enhance urban quality of life, they are not yet widely used. In this paper, benefits as well as drawbacks for these vehicles are discussed by combining literature research and outcomes of a mixed-method approach with expert interviews and an online survey. Resulting from these arguments, a vision for SEVs in urban areas is drawn showing them integrated in a mix of various transport modes. Environmental benefits are derived, for example, from their lower weight and low maximum speed making them a more energy-efficient transport option than heavier cars. Additionally, the small vehicle size lowers land use for SEVs and, e.g., allows for less parking areas needed. However, they also hold constraints that need to be dealt with in different ways. On the one hand, the lower safety compared to passenger cars is an issue that is further worsened by current traffic regulations. On the other hand, costs in terms of purchase prices seem to be an issue for SEVs.

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