The effect of postponement on logistics flexibility : An empirical evidence of Swedish retailers

• This article investigates the impact of postponement on logistics flexibility and how logistics flexibility effects performance in a retail setting. Drawing on a representative sample of retailers in Sweden, the paper considers postponement, logistics flexibility, and firm performance in one cohesive study. In addition, the moderating roles of logistics integration and environmental uncertainty on the relationship between logistics flexibility and firm performance were investigated. The results showed that in presence of higher uncertainty, the positive relationship between logistics flexibility and firm performance is intensified. Logistics integration, however, had a different moderating effect based on the type of firm performance measure. In case of strategic performance, logistics flexibility had a positive moderating effect on the relationship between logistics flexibility and firm performance. On the contrary, if financial performance was considered, this moderating effect was negative. The contribution of this study point to the possibility of investing in competencies such as postponement to achieve higher levels of logistics flexibility which, in turn, has a strong positive effect on their performance. Also, finding a fit between environmental contingencies or logistics integration and logistics flexibility focus in relation to performance is highlighted.

Ämnesord

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Ekonomi och näringsliv -- Företagsekonomi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Economics and Business -- Business Administration (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)