Achieving excellence in logistics through the appropriate style of information management.
Date
1997
Authors
Franz, Peter
Journal Title
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Abstract
Logistics is a management discipline that has been spoken about for years and is
yet to deliver the full potential that it purports to bring about. Excellence in
logistics has been identified as one of the major challenges that products related
organisations currently face to ensure continued success in an increasingly
competitive, global market.
One of the key enablers to integration is the effective application of information
technology. Most managers easily accept this as fact but few are clear in
describing how this can be achieved.
Two prime works used as reference for this research are Bowersox's research into
logistics, providing a reference framework on the role of logistics in organisations,
and Cilliers's study of logistics at ISO South African companies, providing a
South African reference point,
It is the combination of the Bowersox attributes and the Cilliers qualified sample
of South African companies that provides the basis for an exciting research
initiative establishing the role of information technology in achieving logistics
excellence in South Africa
Both successful and less successful organisations were measured against a set of
attributes to determine which were most crucial in achieving logistics excellence:
It is clear from the survey that logistics excellent companies have a marked
difference in their approach to information teclmology as compared to those who
are not logistics excellent. This is mapped out in the paper in some detail and
some of the detailed responses may be somewhat of a surprise to the reader as they
challenge conventional wisdom.
The results of the survey were encapsulated into a simple model. This should act
as a quick reference to IT professionals seeking to playa leading role in driving
their company towards logistics excellence.
Information technology plays a vital role in achieving logistics excellence. This
paper provides some insight into the factors that are critical in achieving this goal.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of
Commerce,
Keywords
Management -- Data processing., Information technology -- Management., Organizational change.