Evaluation of Strategic Logistics of Rural Firms
Logistics strategies and practices are essential elements for improving a company's competitiveness in domestic or global markets. Firms expanding into domestic and global markets from the Midwestern and Plains states need to employ efficient strategic logistics practices to compete. Identifying the competitive forces that affect a firm's supply chain management practices is essential for understanding each firm's competitive position and provides a basis by which a firm can develop an overall competitive position. This study focused on identifying current logistics practices in North Dakota and Minnesota firms and determining their participation in strategic logistics concepts. Logistics practices in North Dakota rural firms were compared to the practices of leading-edge Minnesota firms. The project goals were to: 1) analyze the supply chain management strategies of firms within North Dakota and Minnesota to determine if they employ a strategic logistics philosophy; and 2) establish a case study(s) to determine the cost-benefits of employing the logistics strategies and determine a method of measuring the efficiency gains achieved by participating firms. Firms selected for this study included retailers, manufacturers, and agricultural processors. Five companies from each state were selected. North Dakota firms consisted of those with revenues between $4 million and $50 million. Minnesota firms consisted of those with revenues between $600 million and $6 billion. A site visit was granted by one North Dakota company, which offered insight on how the company has increased operating efficiencies through lean principle workshops. A case study was then developed to discuss cost measurement and savings as the result of the company's implementation of lean principles. The insights gained through this study are valuable in understanding the strategic logistics activities in North Dakota and Minnesota firms.
- Record URL:
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Corporate Authors:
Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
North Dakota State University
1320 Albrecht Boulevard
Fargo, ND United States 581052 North Dakota State University
Fargo, ND United States 58108 -
Authors:
- Lofgren, Mark
- Berwick, Mark
- Publication Date: 2005-10
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Digital/other
- Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
- Pagination: 51p
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Agricultural industry; Benefit cost analysis; Businesses; Case studies; Competition; Economic efficiency; Evaluation; Industries; Logistics; Retail trade; Rural areas; Strategic planning; Supply chain management
- Uncontrolled Terms: Lean production
- Geographic Terms: Minnesota; North Dakota
- Subject Areas: Economics; Freight Transportation; Highways; Society; I10: Economics and Administration;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01010907
- Record Type: Publication
- Report/Paper Numbers: MPC Report No. 05-177
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Dec 1 2005 7:32AM