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Special feature reverse logistics
Keywords
Reverse logistics, Supply-chain management, Retailing
Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts forward and reverse logistics in a retail environment, with the focus on the reverse flow of product. Many differences between forward and reverse flows of logistics systems are presented. The impact of these factors depends to some extent on the supply chain position of a firm. Unlike much reverse logistics research, which is written from the perspective of the firm which will remanufacture or refurbish the product in the reverse flow, we consider the issues from the perspective of the firm generating the reverse flow.
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Introduction
Recently, much has been written in the logistics press (e.g. Jedd, 1999, 2000; Ross, 1998) and in the research literature (e.g. Dowlatshahi, 2000; Fleishmann et al., 1997) about reverse logistics. A body of knowledge is beginning to develop around the reverse logistics field. It is clear that reverse logistics as a field of study is unique enough to undergo specialized research. While reverse logistics is different from forward logistics, to date there has been little discussion of the differences between forward and reverse logistics. In order to better frame future conversations about reverse logistics, this paper presents an overview of the ways in which forward and reverse logistics differ.
Logistics has been defined as that part of the supply chain process that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective flow and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point-oforigin to the point-of-consumption in order to meet customers' requirements (CLM, 1999). Reverse logistics has been defined as the movement of product or materials in the opposite direction for the purpose of creating or recapturing value, or for proper disposal (Rogers and Tibben-Lembke, 1999, 2001). The reverse flow may consist of both product and packaging, and both have been studied in the literature.
Carter and Ellram (1998) give an overview of the literature on reverse logistics. Although it is a new and emerging field of research, much has been written. The following is a list meant to be...