China-based logistics research: a review of the literature and implications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which research opportunities on China's logistics have been identified in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to fulfill the research objective, a literature-based survey was executed in eight peer-reviewed logistics and supply chain management journals during the 2001-2012 timeframe. In total, 91 articles were examined and analyzed from three perspectives: research focus, theoretical base and methodological approach. A content analysis was used to classify and assess the analytical units with selected examples from the articles surveyed.

Findings

The analysis reveals that a number of research foci have been addressed, but there are some fertile areas that researchers could explore in view of the evolution of logistics and transitional trends in present-day China. Theory applications were applied in few papers, showing a low rate of usage of theories. Different research techniques have been applied, but greater methodological rigor is expected to be achieved, given the unique research setting in China.

Research limitations/implications

While the study has consulted the major logistics journals in the logistics field in which researchers aim to pursue their publications regarding China-based logistics research, it should be noted that contributions in other journals may have been missed.

Practical implications

The study sheds new light on the research needs and opportunities for advancing China-based logistics research; for those researchers interested in China's logistics, it provides options which may lead to further, valuable research in this area.

Originality/value

This paper represents the first attempt to examine a body of literature on China-based logistics research. It provides implications for future study.

Citation

Liu, X. (2014), "China-based logistics research: a review of the literature and implications", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 44 No. 5, pp. 392-411. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2012-0225