Title: Logistics strategic planning: current status and future prospects in Greek companies

Authors: Maria Kotsifaki, Nikos Dimitriadis, Panayiotis H. Ketikidis, Fotis Missopoulos

Addresses: CITY Liberal Studies, Affiliated Institution of the University of Sheffield, 13 Tsimiski Street, Thessaloniki, 546 24, Greece; Mellon Collection Services S.A., 66 M. Botsari Street, Thessaloniki, 546 40, Greece. ' CITY Liberal Studies, Affiliated Institution of the University of Sheffield, 13 Tsimiski Street, Thessaloniki, 546 24, Greece; Vanity Creations, 12 Egnatias Street, Thessaloniki, 546 36, Greece. ' CITY Liberal Studies, Affiliated Institution of the University of Sheffield, 13 Tsimiski Street, Thessaloniki, 546 24, Greece. ' CITY Liberal Studies, Affiliated Institution of the University of Sheffield, 13 Tsimiski Street, Thessaloniki, 546 24, Greece

Abstract: This paper|s aim is to investigate logistics strategic planning in Greek companies. Although its importance seems evident, not all companies approach logistics strategic planning with the same sensitivity. As a number of studies around the world have shown important variations in the degree of the adoption of logistics strategic planning, this study intends to examine this adoption in Greek companies. In accordance, the objectives of the paper are to: identify major logistics practices, examine the extent to which these companies use logistics as a strategic tool, and develop recommendations for the future of logistics strategic planning. It is a quantitative study. A structured questionnaire was addressed to important Greek companies with significant logistics activities. Major findings suggest that the majority of the companies use logistics as a strategic tool in a higher or an intermediary level. Implications regard planning itself, the use of information technology, outsourcing and the formation of alliances.

Keywords: 3PL; alliances; supply chain management; SCM; Greece; information technology; third party logistics; logistics strategic planning; outsourcing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2007.011409

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2007 Vol.7 No.1, pp.44 - 58

Published online: 30 Nov 2006 *

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