Introduction to logistics
Introduction
Logistics is a relatively new business discipline, the strategic importance of which is still not fully appreciated by many who work within the field, let alone their senior managers. The reason for this stems to a large degree from logistics' rapid, yet largely unpublicised evolution during the latter decades of the 20 th Century. Unlike engineering (a largely quantitative discipline), many aspects of logistics involve problematic situations, in other words, problems which require both qualitative and quantitative analysis to achieve improved outcomes. Trade-off is a term frequently associated with logistics decision making.
Textbooks in this discipline vary considerably in their treatment of the subject depending upon whether their authors are from the United States of America , the United Kingdom , Europe or Australia . This introductory chapter is designed to provide a basic understanding of the nature and scope of logistics, regardless of the country of operation, and its evolution as a modern business discipline. In doing so it will outline the strategically critical role logistics plays in turning the marketing and business objectives of both manufacturing and service enterprises into reality.
Learning objectives
After completing the work for this chapter you should be able to:
- Explain the role and scope of logistics in 21 st Century manufacturing, trading and service enterprises;
- Detail how logistics evolved to its present state;
- Review the pervasive nature of logistics in modern business; and
- Comprehend how logistics interfaces with other functions within modern business enterprises.
