Logistics Management from a Complexity Perspective

The aim of this paper is to discuss the implications a complexity perspective may have on the management of logistics. The CLM definition of logistics management is used as a base to address the implications a complexity perspective has on the logistics discipline. A framework is developed to assess the logistics complexity based on significant properties (structure, dynamics and adaptation) on three levels of resolution (individual/parts, the firm and the network). The identified emphasis of planning and controlling in logistics management are questioned and it is suggested that a change concerning the elements related to the property of adaptation is needed. This means that the process of planning and controlling has to be balanced by considerations to emergent phenomena and the processes of self-organization taking place in the flow of products and information. One conclusion is that a modified version of the definition of logistics management is called for. (Less)

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