The impact of logistics strategy and logistics information technology processes on service performance

In the 21st Century, using information technology more efficiently in connection with firm strategies is one way to achieve the objectives of cost containment and improved service. In addition to information technology and firm strategy, managers need to assess the impact of firm structure and processes on effectively achieving desired performance outcomes. Research is needed to determine how strategy, structure, and information technology-related processes interact, along with their impact on performance. Management literature has established the strategy-structure-process-performance (SSPP) paradigm as a means to assess direction of the relationships and their interactions. The objective of this research is to expand on the established paradigm by testing the relationships within the context of logistics strategy and logistics information technology processes.; Logistics is becoming increasingly important to firms around the globe. In the past, the logistics function was often viewed as a cost center, i.e., a function that had to be done to carry out business. Today, managers are elevating logistics to a strategic role in the company. In this context, logistics information technology processes are those processes using information technology to solve logistics related problems. As logistics becomes increasingly important to the firm's performance, more research is needed to understand the impact of logistics on management concepts. The dissertation research will evaluate the generalizability of the SSPP framework and improve understanding of information technology's role in logistics.; The research is designed to answer the following question: (1) What is the affect of strategy, structure, and logistics information technology processes on performance? (2) What are relevant considerations for the logistics information technology processes conceptualization? (3) How robust is the strategy-structure-process-performance framework in a logistics setting?; Data were collected from senior level managers selected from the Council of Logistics Management membership roster. A total of 137 responses were available for analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM). The analysis of the data should generate answers to the above questions, which will facilitate the development of guidelines for managers regarding selection and implementation of information technology “solutions” within the firm.