Reverse Logistics in Czech Companies: Increasing Interest in Performance Measurement

Authors

ŠKAPA Radoslav KLAPALOVÁ Alena

Year of publication 2012
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Management Research Review
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Economics and Administration

Citation
Web Reverse Logistics in Czech Companies: Increasing Interest in Performance Measurement
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01409171211247686
Field Management and administrative
Keywords Reverse logistics; reverse flows; performance measurement; survey results
Description Purpose – This paper explores whether Czech companies believe that value is being generated by reverse logistics (RL), and whether (and how) they track its costs and benefits. The quality of performance measurement of RL was related to three corporate attributes. The findings were then compared to the results of an older study to describe developments over the past five years, and to evaluate the changes during this time period. Design/Methodology/Approach – This exploratory research is based on data from 102 Czech companies collected in 2009. The basic statistical tests were applied in the analysis. A part of the paper takes the form of longitudinal research. Findings – One third of Czech companies surveyed reported that RL had a positive influence on their profits. A positive relationship between the profitability of RL activities and a company’s strategic focus on RL was also identified. The level of interest by companies in performance measurement has increased; however, the companies tend to focus on the efficiency of RL while the effectiveness is neglected. Research limitations/implications – Managers must acknowledge the issue of proper measurement of RL performance, and involve RL in the planning process if they want to improve it. They should focus more on effectiveness, not just on efficiency. The analyzed data expresses the opinions of executive management, and was not accompanied by financial or production data. Originality/Value – The survey first maps the status of RL performance measurement in the Czech Republic. It finds a relationship between profitability of RL and corporate planning, and it points out that companies focus mainly on RL efficiency, and fail to consider effectiveness in their performance measurement.
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