Evaluation of Strategic Logistics of Rural Firms

摘要

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.