scholarly journals Building the E-Commerce Supply Chain of the Future: What Influences Consumer Acceptance of Alternative Places of Delivery on the Last-Mile

Logistics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 90
Author(s):  
Björn Asdecker

Background: To cope with the expected further growth in e-commerce and to be able to continue delivering at low costs, new concepts for the last-mile are needed. This paper reviews the literature and qualitatively investigates which factors influence the acceptance of four alternative place-of-delivery innovations in a business-to-consumer (B2C) context: (1) parcel lockers, (2) reception boxes, (3) trunk delivery, and (4) home access systems; Methods: The available literature was reviewed. Furthermore, 37 interviews were conducted and analyzed using the deductive category development method. In the following, abductive reasoning can derive detailed research models that may form the basis for future confirmative studies; Results: The research gains more detailed insights into how consumers perceive innovative last-mile place-of-delivery concepts. The study provides a clearer picture of what factors influence the intention to use such alternative services; Conclusions: The results can be used by logistics service providers and e-tailers through targeted communication efforts and lay the groundwork for further confirmatory research.

Author(s):  
Heleen Buldeo Rai ◽  
Sara Verlinde ◽  
Cathy Macharis ◽  
Penelope Schoutteet ◽  
Lieselot Vanhaverbeke

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify in what way logistics service providers are involved in the logistics operations of omnichannel retailers. Given the importance of logistics in omnichannel retail and the complexities that it brings forth, it is unclear if the current tendency towards logistics outsourcing continues, and how logistics service providers should adapt to remain relevant in the omnichannel retail environment. Design/methodology/approach The research draws on both desk and field research. The authors analysed the scientific information available on omnichannel retail logistics and conducted semi-structured expert interviews with food and non-food retailers that adopt an omnichannel model. Findings The research demonstrates distinct differences between food and non-food retailers. While food retailers are inclined to organise fulfilment and last mile activities in-house, non-food retailers partner closely with logistics service providers. Nonetheless, the store network of non-food retailers is attracting a growing part of logistics activities, which retailers are building themselves. To sustain their relevance in the omnichannel environment and strengthen their position for the future, the authors created a competency recommendation framework for logistics service providers, in which service differentiation is proposed as a viable direction for growth. Research limitations/implications The research is based on insights from retailers based in the Brussels-Capital Region (Belgium) and requires further and wider testing in other contexts and geographical areas. Practical implications The findings have strategic importance for retailers that are developing an omnichannel retail model and logistics service providers that (aim to) serve clients and operate activities within the retail sector. Originality/value The research provides a holistic view of logistics in omnichannel retail by identifying insourcing and outsourcing mechanisms and developing competency recommendations to fulfilment, internal transport and last mile transport in omnichannel retail.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (21) ◽  
pp. 12240
Author(s):  
Lin Zhou ◽  
Yanping Chen ◽  
Yi Jing ◽  
Youwei Jiang

As resource integration plays a significant part in improving operational efficiency in the last mile delivery industry, there is an increasing popularity for logistics service providers (LSPs) to collaborate with property service companies (PSCs). Based on the evolutionary game theory, considering the dual role of PSCs when collaborating with LSPs, a trilateral evolutionary game model between PSCs, LSPs, and customers (Cs) is established to analyze the strategic choices and explore the influencing factors on the tripartite strategy. The results show that (1) There are optimal profit allocation coefficients and cost-sharing coefficients to cause the system to reach a steady state. (2) The integration cost between LSPs and PSCs and the home delivery cost inhibit the strategic integration of the two enterprises. (3) PSCs are more sensitive to their benefits and costs than LSPs in the process of resource integration. (4) More precisely evaluating their potential loss caused by temporary integration will help the tripartite to make a more scientific choice of strategic behavior. (5) The increase of community premium income helps to improve the enthusiasm of Cs supporting strategic integration. (6) The behavior and decision-making choices of the three game players affect each other in the last mile delivery resource integration. (7) The indirect benefits, such as advertising during their integration, play a positive role. Finally, the MATLAB2020a software is applied to simulate and analyze the impact of key factors on strategy evolution, and we propose several useful suggestions to promote the development of last mile delivery resource integration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Philipp Wetzel ◽  
Erik Hofmann

The aim of this research was to identify quality discrepancies in the existing service offerings of logistics service providers (LSPs). A multi-sided model of service quality (SERVQUAL) highlighting existing gaps in service provision was developed. A qualitative case study approach was employed, and the data were analyzed via a pattern-matching technique. The contribution to the literature is twofold. First, the study transferred the original service quality model developed in the 1980s from a business-to-consumer context to a business-to-business context that is specific to LSPs. Second, the results provide a means of closing the identified service quality gaps arising in an LSP context. Two internal gaps were found: non-homogeneous expectations between the sales and operations departments, and a communication and knowledge gap between these two entities. The three external gaps between LSPs and customers are a loyalty and corporate brand image gap, an innovation and information technology gap and an information asymmetry gap.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2067
Author(s):  
Leonardo N. Rosenberg ◽  
Noemie Balouka ◽  
Yale T. Herer ◽  
Eglantina Dani ◽  
Paco Gasparin ◽  
...  

Last-mile logistics is both a source and cause of problems in urban areas, especially problems related to traffic congestion, unsustainable delivery modes, and limited parking availability. In this context, multiple sustainable logistics solutions have been proposed. We focus on micro-depots (MDs), which can function as a consolidation center and a collection-and-delivery point for business-to-consumer (B2C) small parcels. This paper presents a new research idea that extends the existing MD solution by introducing the concept of a shared MD network with parcel lockers. Such networks enable multiple logistics service providers (LSPs) and/or business partners to use an MD while minimizing their individual costs and optimizing the use of urban space. We present case studies of such shared MD networks operating in the cities of Helsinki and Helmond. We provide a framework for auxiliary businesses that can exploit the existing MD structure to offer services to the surrounding population. Finally, we define metrics for evaluating the success of shared MD networks while considering social, environmental and economic objectives. The case studies highlight the complexity of implementing such a solution; it requires stakeholders’ involvement and collaboration. In particular, deciding on the location for a shared MD network is a critical phase, since local authorities have their own regulations, and residents’ preferences are usually different than LSPs’ ones. Nevertheless, if these challenges are overcome, this sustainable last-mile logistics solution has a promising future.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueqin Wang ◽  
Yiik Diew Wong ◽  
Kevin X. Li ◽  
Kum Fai Yuen

PurposeE-commerce last-mile logistics is undergoing dramatic changes. By inviting consumers to participate in self-collection, they collectively form a mass crowd of resources that can be integrated into last-mile logistics. However, consumers' participation may lead to a spectrum of value outcomes from value co-creation to co-destruction. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to critically examine the value formation process focussing on micro-level practices and resource outcomes.Design/methodology/approachAnchored on practice theory and resource conservation theory, content analysis is adopted to analyse 546 practice-based experiences extracted from a leading social media platform.FindingsThe analysis reveals five sequential practices of self-collection: purchasing, delivering, notifying, receiving and confirming. Furthermore, the co-created practices are characterised by gains in material, esteem, social and energy resources of the interacting actors. Meanwhile, the co-destructed practices cause a chain of resource losses, where the interacting actors suffer primary losses which subsequently triggers consumers' coping behaviours and further destroys resources for all.Research limitations/implicationsFocussing on constituent service practices, this study zooms into the value formation process. The authors contribute to logistics literature with a service-dominant logic by stressing end-consumers' involvement in the creation and consumption of last-mile logistics.Originality/valueThis study conceptualises the sources and consequences of the nuanced service practices (value formation or destruction) of self-collection. A unified framework is thus proposed, which guides logistics service providers to channel consumers towards more constructive participation in last-mile logistics.


Author(s):  
Chatwadee Tansakul ◽  
◽  
Jirachai Buddhakulsomsiri ◽  
Thananya Wasusri ◽  
Papusson Chaiwat ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 8040
Author(s):  
Irina Dovbischuk

As a result of globalization and the growing importance of environmental and social issues, scholars have started to update the scope of logistics management and capture its complexity using different theoretical perspectives. The output of logistics services also encompasses the so-called negative by-products, which have been increased in past decades and stress the need for a standardized, comprehensive and quantitative performance measurement. The reduction of the negative by-production, e.g., decarbonization in the transport industry, is commonly associated with a higher degree of logistics performance using different capabilities. Research aims of the study are twofold: to show the decisive components for sustainability performance of a logistics service provider (LSP) and to outline internal capabilities of LSPs as indicators of its sustainability-oriented firm performance. In the first step, firm performance is sampled using the lenses of sustainability. For this purpose, general and transport-related sustainability frameworks are summarized to identify how they differ in sustainability dimensions in order to help LSPs contribute to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In the second step, decisive and evidence-based capabilities as indicators of sustainability-oriented performance are outlined using mixed methods by reviewing the literature.


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