Future directions for logistics in Australia

Abstract

The practice of logistics management has changed from an operational concern with the elemental activities to a strategic interest in how effective logistics management can help reach corporate objectives. Recent Australian government policy has emphasized world competitiveness and Australia′s place in the Asian trade bloc. Management rubric advocates strategic alliances with customers, suppliers and even competitors. Surveys a group of 86 practising logistics managers to establish the issues which they think will be important for the future direction of their logistics operations. Examines the impact of environmental pressures, changing power relationships in the logistics channel, the use of technology, the global marketplace, uses of outsourcing and the reduction in the cycle time to market. The result is a rather inward‐looking orientation – a focus on the strategy and activities of their own organization operating in the domestic market.