Towards a strategic mindset for logisticians - the challenge of complexity
Author
Summary, in English
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to provide insights into, and perspectives on, the transformation of mindsets for logisticians. We argue that by exploring paradoxes inherent in the efficiency-focused paradigm of today, a strategic mindset can emerge in which central logistics management issues can be addressed, understood, and dealt with in order to enhance supply chain effectiveness and innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a complexity theoretical perspective the paper challenges assumptions inherit in the logistics discipline which is argued to be needed in order to deal with contemporary logistics issues such as sustainable development.
Findings
Four propositions for further research and practise have been suggested, each dealing with insights and understanding for logisticians in making their mindset more strategically oriented i.e. making logistics managers prepared for increased efforts on effectiveness, innovation and other complex issues such as sustainable development.
Research limitations/implications
The four propositions suggested provide a ground for future research that can improve the frameworks and methods in developing strategic mindsets for logisticians.
Practical implications
The growing strategic role of logistics and supply chain management requires managers to develop strategic capabilities as well as novel approaches and business models, all of which is rather new to the discipline. The paper presents insights for logistics managers in developing strategic capabilities and a mindset that can deal with the complexity of today.
Originality/value
In order to reflect the strategic dimensions of logistics this paper deals with the development of logisticians’ mindset. By challenging common reductionistic and mechanical assumptions inherit in the logistics discipline and instead putting emphasis on the dialectic character of the complexity logisticians are exposed to, this paper provides insights into, and understanding of, how effectiveness and innovation can increase in logistics.
The aim of this paper is to provide insights into, and perspectives on, the transformation of mindsets for logisticians. We argue that by exploring paradoxes inherent in the efficiency-focused paradigm of today, a strategic mindset can emerge in which central logistics management issues can be addressed, understood, and dealt with in order to enhance supply chain effectiveness and innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a complexity theoretical perspective the paper challenges assumptions inherit in the logistics discipline which is argued to be needed in order to deal with contemporary logistics issues such as sustainable development.
Findings
Four propositions for further research and practise have been suggested, each dealing with insights and understanding for logisticians in making their mindset more strategically oriented i.e. making logistics managers prepared for increased efforts on effectiveness, innovation and other complex issues such as sustainable development.
Research limitations/implications
The four propositions suggested provide a ground for future research that can improve the frameworks and methods in developing strategic mindsets for logisticians.
Practical implications
The growing strategic role of logistics and supply chain management requires managers to develop strategic capabilities as well as novel approaches and business models, all of which is rather new to the discipline. The paper presents insights for logistics managers in developing strategic capabilities and a mindset that can deal with the complexity of today.
Originality/value
In order to reflect the strategic dimensions of logistics this paper deals with the development of logisticians’ mindset. By challenging common reductionistic and mechanical assumptions inherit in the logistics discipline and instead putting emphasis on the dialectic character of the complexity logisticians are exposed to, this paper provides insights into, and understanding of, how effectiveness and innovation can increase in logistics.
Department/s
Publishing year
2012
Language
English
Publication/Series
NOFOMA proceedings
Document type
Conference paper
Topic
- Other Mechanical Engineering
Keywords
- effectiveness
- Paradigm
- complexity theory
- innovation
- packaging logistics
Conference name
24th Annual NOFOMA Conference, 2012
Conference date
2012-06-07 - 2012-06-08
Conference place
Turku, Finland
Status
Submitted