This manuscript aims to disentangle the conceptual ambiguity around the notion of logistics centre. It proposes an overarching framework that categorizes different types of maritime-related infrastructure and identifies their distinctive components. The lack of a sound conceptualization of logistics centres originates from the variety in temporal and spatial approaches. In transportation chains, path-breaking trends in market needs, technological innovations and institutional changes, as well as the place specificity of logistics centres embedded in various national contexts inevitably led to a substantial theoretical ambiguity. This study consolidates prior fragmented works and identifies suitable criteria for classifying logistics centres. The functional criterion is proposed as a cornerstone for building a sound conceptualization of these infrastructures. By capturing the distinctive characteristics of each type of logistics centre, the paper proposes an original and comprehensive taxonomy, which emphasizes commonalities and specificities of various infrastructures. The paper provides a substantial contribution to literature, sketching out a trustworthy conceptualization of logistics centres. In addition, the outcomes bring insightful implications for researchers, policy makers and practitioners.

Logistics centres in maritime supply chains: a critical review and conceptualization

PAROLA, FRANCESCO;SATTA, GIOVANNI;
2015-01-01

Abstract

This manuscript aims to disentangle the conceptual ambiguity around the notion of logistics centre. It proposes an overarching framework that categorizes different types of maritime-related infrastructure and identifies their distinctive components. The lack of a sound conceptualization of logistics centres originates from the variety in temporal and spatial approaches. In transportation chains, path-breaking trends in market needs, technological innovations and institutional changes, as well as the place specificity of logistics centres embedded in various national contexts inevitably led to a substantial theoretical ambiguity. This study consolidates prior fragmented works and identifies suitable criteria for classifying logistics centres. The functional criterion is proposed as a cornerstone for building a sound conceptualization of these infrastructures. By capturing the distinctive characteristics of each type of logistics centre, the paper proposes an original and comprehensive taxonomy, which emphasizes commonalities and specificities of various infrastructures. The paper provides a substantial contribution to literature, sketching out a trustworthy conceptualization of logistics centres. In addition, the outcomes bring insightful implications for researchers, policy makers and practitioners.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11567/850780
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