A design science-based case study of retail chain delivery operations and its implications. Issue 3 (3rd December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Shong-lee Ivan; Fan, Xuemei; Shou, Yongyi
• Is Part Of: International journal of physical distribution & logistics management. Volume 51:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 235
• Publication Date: 2020-12-03
• Subjects: Cross-docking delivery operations -- Vehicle routing problem (VRP) -- Business analytics (BA) -- Sustainable logistics -- Problem-solving action research (PAR) -- Design science research (DSR); Physical distribution of goods -- Management -- Periodicals; Business logistics -- Periodicals; Materials management -- Periodicals; 658.788
• DOI: 10.1108/IJPDLM-11-2019-0352
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-0035

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The study aims to explore and develop a smart route planning system for the cross-docking delivery operations of a large supermarket chain using an action research (AR) approach and assessing through a design science research (DSR) lens. Design/methodology/approach: This study took a problem-solving AR (PAR) approach toward the delivery operational issue of the case firm. The research process has accorded with the solution incubation and the refinement phases defined by a DSR framework. An intervention-based research framework for DSR is developed to assess the validity of this study as a DSR research and derive mid-range theories. Findings: Dramatic operational and financial improvements were achieved for the case firm. Significant and unintended environmental and social benefits were also found. A design proposition (DP) and several mid-range theories are proposed as an extension of AR research to DSR research. Research limitations/implications: A problem-solving DSR research can be better assessed by the intervention-based DSR framework developed in this study. DSR studies should be encouraged for both practical and theoretical advancement purposes. Practical implications: A challenging business problem-solving study can be tackled effectively through an industry/academic collaboration taking a PAR approach to deliver substantial values and organization transformational results. Social implications: Drivers and store associates are safer with smart delivery operations in the case firm. Originality/value: There are still limited PAR design science case studies in the supply chain/logistics research literature. The research experience and findings gained from this study provide more insights toward how this type of research can be conducted and assessed.