Elements for European logistics policy - A discussion paper

Following a Finnish initiative the European Commission is preparing a communication on logistics in 2006. To support the preparations Finland arranged the so called EULOC-process in which logistics experts from different countries were invited to participate. First, an industry foresight of European logistics in 2015 was created. Next, the mission, vision and policy priorities of the European logistics policy were discussed. The mission for European logistics policy was created from the viewpoint of citizens, companies, states and Europe. Seven vision elements were created. The driving visions are “Seamless systems” and “Intelligent regulation”. The guiding and enabling visions are “Resources” and “Cost efficiency”. The outcome visions are “Europe’s competitiveness”, “Equal business opportunity” and “Sustainability”. According to the experts’ views the priority areas of European logistics policy are Infrastructure – Seamless systems require investments Research, development and training – Strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union Enterprises – The reinforcement of logistic industry Regulation – Innovative and intelligent Cost Efficiency – Effective logistics Sustainability – From environmental, social and economic viewpoint, a must in modern logistics Co-Operation – A strategic issue in network society Public-Private Partnership – Agile solutions for investments

Design of reverse supply chains: centralized or decentralized structure

Contents: List of Authors Preface Part 1 - Supply Chain Strategy Chapter 1. Design of Reverse Supply Chains 2. Implications of Supply Chain Monitoring 3.Failing to Measure SCM Maturity 4. Safeguarding Specific Investments in Global Buyer-Supplier-Relationships 5. Relationship Development and Manufacturing Performance Part II - Supply Chain Execution 6. Research in Logistics Service Providing - A Meta-Analysis 7. Endogenous Choice of Procurement Contracts in a Supply Chain 8. Plans and Rules 9. Agent Technology Supports Inter-Organizational Planning in the Port 10. Retailer's Sensitivity to Time-window Policies Endnote

Supply chain management on the crossroad to sustainability: a blessing or a curse?

The implications of environmental sustainability and social responsibility transcend the actual ownership of the particular product; up-stream the supply chain to consider behaviour of suppliers, and down-stream to consider the impact of the product-in-use, and ultimately, its disposal. These concerns are frequently conceptualised as an extension to current theoretical approaches and practices in supply chain management (SCM). This paper raises the question of how SCM is actually addressing these issues. In particular, it is argued that SCM can be seen as amongst the causes of the problem rather than a viable solution. To clarify this challenge, three generic strategies are developed as a response: (1) enhancing the use of current SCM approaches, (2) aligning SCM with social and environmental concerns and (3) rejecting SCM in its current fashion to address environmental and social concerns and suggesting a replacement strategy. <br/