The design of a spatial distribution structure is of strategic importance for companies, to meet required customer service levels and to keep logistics costs as low as possible. Spatial distribution structure decisions concern distribution channel layout – i.e. the spatial layout of the transport and storage system – as well as distribution centre location(s). This paper examines the importance of seven main factors and 33 sub-factors that determine these decisions. The Best-Worst Method (BWM) was used to identify the factor weights, with pairwise comparison data being collected through a survey. The results indicate that the main factor is logistics costs. Logistics experts and decision makers respectively identify customer demand and service level as second most important factor. Important sub-factors are demand volatility, delivery time and perishability. This is the first study that quantifies the weights of the factors behind spatial distribution structure decisions. The factors and weights facilitate managerial decision-making with regard to spatial distribution structures for companies that ship a broad range of products with different characteristics. Public policy-makers can use the results to support the development of land use plans that provide facilities and services for a mix of industries.
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Research statementOur study analyses the factors that drive decision-making on distribution structures, including the layout of distribution channels and the locations of distribution centres. Distribution is a primary firm activity, which strongly influences logistics costs and logistics performance. Distribution is a challenging activity as customer demand is often volatile and unpredictable. Consumers continuously expect higher service related to distribution, e.g., same day delivery and more flexibility in delivery locations. Therefore, it is of strategic importance to shippers and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) to decide which distribution channel layout to use and, accordingly, plan distribution centre location(s). Distribution structure selection concerns the number and locations of distribution centres, as part of the larger corporate planning process. The main questions we strive to answer in this paper are: (1) what are the main criteria that determine the spatial layout of distribution structures? and (2) how important are these criteria, relative to each other?Methodology The literature on distribution channel design mostly revolves around optimization methods; we are not aware of literature that takes a descriptive approach. We therefore develop a descriptive conceptual model that includes these factors, developed from the contextual literature around this decision. The second part of the study concerns the measurement of the relative importance of these factors. We implemented an elaborate survey and used the Best-Worst Method (BWM) to identify these weights. The survey considers different experts (e.g., logistics managers versus logistics professors) and population segments (e.g., in-house versus outsourced distribution).Data and resultsCurrently we are completing the survey dedicated to evaluating the above factors. We have received sufficient response to estimate a first model. These first estimations already provide useful results. Final estimations will be completed and reported in June 2017. At the I-NUF conference we will be able to present the results and analysis of all factors when comparing respondents and parameters.Preliminary conclusionsBased on literature review, eight main factors – divided into 33 sub factors – are included in our research: 1) Demand factors, 2) Service level factors, 3) Product Characteristics factors, 4) Logistics costs factors, 5) Proximity-related location factors, 6) Accessibility-related location factors, 7) Resources-related location factors and 8) Institutional factors. A number of hypotheses were built from the literature analysis relating, for example, to the relative importance of service- and cost- related factors within different industries. We will revisit these hypotheses and provide the quantitative results of the importance of the individual factors in our paper and at the conference.
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PURPOSE: To study the preliminary effects and feasibility of the “Traffic Light Method for somatic screening and lifestyle” (TLM) in patients with severe mental illness. DESIGN AND METHODS: A pilot study using a quasi-experimental mixed method design with additional content analyses of lifestyle plans and logbooks. FINDINGS: Significant improvements were found in body weight and waist circumference. Positive trends were found in patients’ subjective evaluations of the TLM. The implementation of the TLM was considered feasible. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The TLM may contribute to a higher quality of care regarding somatic screening and lifestyle training.
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