An Evaluation of Logistics Determinants, Business Relationships and Firms Characteristics of the Greek Small and Medium Enterprises

摘要

The present study assesses the relationship between Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in various economic sectors and the entire function of logistics. It focuses on three primary factors that are essentially associated with SMEs and affect their logistics operations, namely their own perception on the way these operate, SME behaviour towards their clients and the behavior of suppliers to small and medium-sized enterprises. The research was carried out with the use of 620 questionnaire sent to specialists and employees working in executive positions in three SME categories. The research results revealed the relationships and inter-dependence among the various factors for SMEs operating in all economic sectors. SMEs operating in certain sector appear to pay more attention to specific factors and less to others. SME performance is directly associated with and affected not only by the procurement system, but also by logistics, and particularly by the general attitude and behaviour adopted by enterprises towards their customers and suppliers.