Flexibility in logistics: a literature review Online publication date: Fri, 15-Sep-2023
by Kalyana C. Chejarla; Omkarprasad S. Vaidya; Sushil Kumar
International Journal of Services and Operations Management (IJSOM), Vol. 46, No. 1, 2023
Abstract: This paper aims to review and analyse the literature on logistics flexibility in a structured framework. A systematic hybrid-narrative literature review of more than 120 research articles on logistics flexibility is performed, and findings are presented in a broad logistics framework. The study identifies five themes of logistics flexibility, namely: 1) flexibility in purchasing; 2) flexibility in in-house logistics; 3) flexibility in distribution network infrastructure; 4) flexibility in the fulfilment process; 5) flexibility in logistics services. We further classify these main themes into 16 sub-themes. The research presents state-of-art research in each sub-theme to benefit practicing managers and identifies extensions for future research. Logistics flexibility is an important tool in practitioners' hands to guard against disruptions, and this paper helps them choose the right logistics flexibility components and their respective levels.
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Services and Operations Management (IJSOM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:
Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.
If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com
Our Blog 
Follow us on Twitter 
Visit us on Facebook