Analysis of the Activities That Make Up the Reverse Logistics Processes and Their Importance for the Future of Logistics Networks: An Exploratory Study Using the TOPSIS Technique

Abstract

Background: The wide variety of terms that converge in reverse logistics have been more evident and discussed in the current context of the literature, such as reverse channels, reverse supply chain, closed-loop supply chain, and circular supply chain. Regarding this, this paper aimed to investigate the level of uncertainty about the activities that make up the Reverse Logistics process in the opinion of professionals working in this area in Brazil, to develop a discussion relating to the sustainable development goals proposed by the UN and their importance for the future of logistics networks. Methods: Initially, through a detailed systematic review of the literature, the activities that make up the RL processes were identified. Then, a questionnaire was elaborated on regarding such activities, and a survey was developed with professionals in the area. The data obtained were analyzed through a descriptive analysis of means, calculation of Cronbach’s Alpha, and using the multicriteria decision technique TOPSIS. Results: It is possible to see that professionals involved with RL processes in Brazil still have many doubts regarding which activities belong to the RL process. In the opinion of Brazilian professionals, 10 of these activities have generated high levels of uncertainties about their belonging or not to the RL process. On the other hand, with a low level of uncertainty, 3 activities were not considered and 3 were considered to make up the RL process. Conclusions: It is believed that this study can contribute to the generation of knowledge by comparing basic information in the scientific literature with the practical knowledge of professionals belonging to the reverse logistics sector working in the Brazilian context.

Análise do sistema logístico em uma empresa de óleo de palma situada em Tomé Açu/PA

“…A dotação de processos eficientes de logística como ferramenta de gestão nas empresas poder trazer diversos benefícios como levar à diminuição dos custos operacionais, refletindo diretamente no preço da mercadoria ou serviço, satisfazendo e fidelizando clientes, e o mais importante para uma empresa, aumentar a lucratividade e produtividade (Martins et al, 2022) Ballou ( 2006) logística é o processo de planejamento do fluxo de materiais, que tem como objetivo principal a entrega dos produtos na qualidade desejada e no tempo certo, otimizando recursos e aumentando eficiência nos serviços. Consiste em criar valor, seja para os clientes, fornecedores, ou para todos os envolvidos diretamente com a empresa.…”

Challenges of Ensuring Reverse Logistics in a Military Organization Using Outsourced Services

“…In addition, the analysis of the latest sources [41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49] also showed that the greatest attention is paid to the circular economy and civilian logistics, as well as aspects of reverse logistics in it, while such a significant aspect as the interaction of circular and reverse logistics in the military sector is almost not examined. Therefore, this gap allows us to assume and inspire further discussion at the level of scientific research.…”

A call to action: a stakeholder analysis of green logistics practices

“…Economic and financial factors are related to the impact on company profitability (Abbasi and Nilsson, 2012;Centobelli et al, 2017). The economic aspect is usually perceived as a key barrier because the financial benefits of GLPs are often achieved only in the long term, and Murphy and Poist (2000), Lieb and Lieb (2010), Martins et al (2022) Personnel training to increase awareness Murphy and Poist (2000), Lieb and Lieb (2010) companies fear short term cost increases (Colicchia et al, 2013;Perotti et al, 2022). GLPs also require significant investments, which represent important barriers when dedicated assets must be acquired by companies (Gotschol et al, 2014;Hrovatin et al, 2016).…”

“…Reflecting the importance and the urgency of the problem for practitioners, the academic literature relating to green logistics has also grown rapidly (Singh and Trivedi, 2016; Martins et al. , 2022; Meyer, 2020).…”