物流优化111

Logistics Network in Sparsely Populated Area - A Case of Logistics Network between Southern and Northern Parts of Norway with Narvik as Conjunction Point

Wei Deng Solvang, Hicham Hakam, Ziqiong Deng Research Group 'Industrial Engineering' Narvik University College Narvik, Norway{wds,hh,zd}@hin.no

Abstract-A logistics network is 'connective tissue' in. a comprehensive supply chain and often the decisive factor for the chain's ultimate success. Logistics networks in sparsely populated areas are facing different challenges than those that operating in relatively densely inhabited ones. This paper discusses, firstly, various critical success factors of logistics network. The challenges of operating a logistics network in sparsely populated areas are identified and discussed. A case study is being conducted in the context of a region in Northern Norway where the average population rate is 4.3 persons each square kilometer. The paper suggests that, by combining reverse with forward logistics networks in Northern Norway, economic and environmental sustainable logistics networks can be achieved. The challenges of integrating forward and reverse logistics networks in the area of Northern Norway are discussed.

longer survive by taking only economic and operational performances into consideration[3,4,5]. Economic sustainability needs to be offset by environmental sustainability in both shorter and longer terms. Harris and Startup[6] stated that all organizations attempting to provide universal geographical coverage face difficulties in supplying the populations of sparsely populated areas. Generally, the economic sustainability of a logistics network can usually easier be achieved in a densely populated area by taking advantage of economic-of-scale. In order to remedy this handicap, a logistics network needs to be extremely cost-efficient when operating in sparsely populated areas. Furthermore, the environmental sustainability has to be integrated to the performance of the logistics system in order for it to sustain in a longer perspective. This paper aims to shed light on challenges of operating logistics networks in sparsely populated areas. The authors start with an exploration on critical success factors of a logistics network which operates in sparsely. populated area. A brief review of forward and reverse logistics networks is conducted purposes to provide the theoretical background for the exploration of logistics networks in Northern Norway. Based on the analysis on current logistics systems in Northern Norway, the authors give several suggestions on how economic as well as environmental sustainability can be improved. II. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR LOGISTICS NETWORKS OPERATING IN SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS

Keywords-logistics network; sparsely populated areas I. INTRODUCTION

A logistics network refers to a set of resources which interactively connected with each other purposing of timely and cost-effective transfer of material/products to sp

ecified places. The definition itself doesn't limit the objects being transferred along the network, may it be material, products or services or even the end-of-life products which are also termed as waste. Currently, challenges to logistics networks can often be seen in the context of globalization, individualization/mass customization and needs for sustainable development. The increasing globalization purposes to take geographical advantages i.e., low-cost labor, easier access to necessary technology and local markets[1] and often places huge challenges to logistics network due to, for instance, large distance between geographically scattered resources. The individualization results in that customers are less attached to certain social institutions and freer to choose their lifestyle, identity and consumer habits as individuals[2]. This requires that logistics networks which associated to mass-customized products are also able to provide mass-customized services. The increasing public concerns on climate changes, environmental degradation and energy crisis as well as continuously strengthened international environmental and energy regulations leads to that a logistics network can no

A logistics network is a critical element for national, regional and community development, especially in a fragmented landscape with high demographic sparsity. Providing necessary level of logistics excellence in sparsely populated area prevents depopulation from the region and is extremely important for economic development of the region. Comparing with logistics networks in densely populated areas, those in sparsely populated areas are facing different strategic and operational challenges. Generally, an organization may sustain when competing with any of three advantages, namely, overall cost leadership, differentiation and focus[7]. The first factor is concerned with cost-effectiveness; the second represents the uniqueness of the

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