Research on Urban Logistics Infrastructure: An Empirical Study of China

Changbing  Jiang; Daqiang  Chen

doi:10.4236/jssm.2009.22011

Changbing Jiang, Daqiang Chen

Abstract: Urban Logistics Infrastructure (ULI) is an important area of urban competition capability. The connotation of Urban Logistics Capability (ULC) is analyzed in this paper. Compared with the extensive research on ULC in developed world, empirical work is still rare in China. In this paper the theory of ULC is firstly overviewed. Then a new evaluation index system for ULC evaluation is set up which contains factors that reflect the market supply and demand, economic devel-opment and transportation accessibility. Secondly, an empirical study is carried out by using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to classify ULC into 3 clusters for 30 cities in Peo-ple's Republic of China. Thirdly, according to the characteristics of the 3 clusters, suggestions are proposed for im-proving their ULI. Finally, after comparing different ULC of 30 cities in People's Republic of China, this paper focuses on that different logistics infrastructure including Hub, Central Distribution Center & Cross Docking Center, Regional Distribution Center or Distribution Center should be build reasonably in order to meet the customer’s requirement in the 3 different cluster cities.

Keywords: urban logistics, performance, hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis

Cite this paper: nullC. Jiang and D. Chen, "Research on Urban Logistics Infrastructure: An Empirical Study of China," Journal of Service Science and Management, Vol. 2 No. 2, 2009, pp. 80-91. doi: 10.4236/jssm.2009.22011.

References

[1] M. Goh and C. Ling, “Logistics development in China,” International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 33(10), pp. 886-917, 2003.

[2] Shanghai Information Center, “Logistics to get boost in south China city,” People Daily, No. 1, June 5, 2003.

[3] J. Mu?uzuri, J. Larra?eta, L. Onieva, and P. Cortés, “So-lutions applicable by local administrations for urban logis-tics improvement,” Cities, 22(1), pp. 15-28, 2005.

[4] Mentzer and Konrad, “An efficiency/effectiveness ap-proach to logistics performance analysis,” Journal of Business Logistics, 12(1), pp. 33-61, 1991.

[5] B. Jiang and E. Prater, “Distribution and logistics devel-opment in China: The revolution has begun,” International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 32(9), pp. 783-798, 2002.

[6] P. Hansen and B. Jaumard, “Cluster analysis and mathe-matical programming,” Mathematical Programming, 79(1), 191-215, 1997.

[7] R. Xu and D. C. Wunsch II, “Recent advances in cluster analysis,” International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, 1(4), 484-508, 2008.

[8] J. R. Harris, “A primer of multivariate statistics (3rd Edi-tion),” Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers Press, 2001.

[9] B. Manly, “Multivariate statistical methods: A primer,” Chapman and Hall Press, 1986.

[10] R. Ram, “Composite indices of physical quality of life, basic needs fulfillment and income: A principal compo-nent representation,” Journal of Development Economics, 11(1), pp. 227–247, 1982.

[11] C.-S. Lu and C.-C. Yang, “Evaluating key logistics capa-bilities for international distribution center operators in Taiwan,” Transportation Journal, 45(4), pp. 9-27, 2006.

[12] X. D. Zhang, “Research on the theory of the location planning for logistics park,” China Logistics Publishing House, Beijing (in Chinese), 2004.

[13] S. E. Fawcett, “Developing a logistics capability to im-prove the performance of international operations,” Jour-nal of Business Logistics, 18(2), pp. 101-127, 1997.

[14] D. J. Closs, T. J. Goldsby, and S. R. Clinton, “Information technology influences on world class logistics capability,” International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 27(1), pp. 4-17, 1997.

[15] E. A. Morash, C. L. M. Droge, and S. K. Vichery, “Stra-tegic logistics capabilities for competitive advantage and firm success,” Journal of Business Logistics, 17(1), pp. 1-22, 1996.

[16] D. F. Lynch, S. B. Keller, and J. Ozment, “The effects of logistics capabilities and strategy on firm performance,” Journal of Business Logistics, 21(2), pp. 47-67, 2000.