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Sustainable logistics: in search of solutions for a challenging new problem

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Logistics Research

Abstract

In order to establish a sound basis for discussing the notion of ‘sustainability’, the article starts by proposing a clear and unambiguous definition that can serve as an anchor for further research as well as for discussions with and among scientists, managers and politicians, ideally across different disciplines. The basic assumption behind the developed approach is the conviction that in order to make logistics sustainable, we will have to reinvent larger parts of it. The author argues that this cannot be achieved if logistics remains in a position where it only has to ensue the presettings of other department’s means (especially those of marketing) thus neglecting fundamental interdependencies. The interdependency highlighted here is the effect of an uncontrolled product proliferation on sustainability that can only be understood when looking at a formerly hidden multilevel chain of cause and effects crossing the borders between the functional departments of a company. As a consequence the author argues that within companies striving seriously for sustainability the status of logistics must (and consequently will) be enhanced. Among the drivers of change, a special attention is given to the future role of transportation costs.

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Notes

  1. Insofar this author disagrees with Mentzer and Flint’s [4] recommendation that ‘scientific’ research should be confined to the testing of theories that are ‘derived from observations of the real word’. Within the philosophy of science especially Popper [5] has brought forward serious doubts concerning the idea that theories can be generated by generalising observations. Important inventions in the field of logistics, like the just-in-time-concept, would never have been found through empirical research, simply because before they did not exist prior to their conception.

  2. For a detailed discussion of other aspects see Bretzke and Barkawi [18]!

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  1. Jentgesallee 9, 47799, Krefeld, Germany

    Wolf-Rüdiger Bretzke

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  1. Wolf-Rüdiger Bretzke
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Bretzke, WR. Sustainable logistics: in search of solutions for a challenging new problem. Logist. Res. 3, 179–189 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12159-011-0059-4

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