Importance of the Stakeholders’ Interaction: Comparative, Longitudinal Study of Two City Logistics Initiatives

Abstract

The main purpose of the paper is to explore the importance of stakeholders’ interaction in the different stages of the implementation process of city logistics initiatives and to assess the extent to which interaction may vary between two apparently similar initiatives. A comparative, longitudinal study, with data from two Swedish city logistics initiatives is conducted. The findings highlight the multiple stakeholders’ interaction and suggest that various degrees of such interaction can be beneficial for sustainable city logistics initiatives. The study demonstrates that although the interactions can be considered broadly similar, there are differences that have an impact on the implementation and development of such initiatives over time. It also highlights the relevance of integrating initiatives with existing networks to provide longer-term viability in the implementation process.

City Logistics Measures and Environmental Sustainability: An Evidence from Ghana

“…The priorities of each of these stakeholders with respect to urban logistics are different. They have a significant part in city logistics measures (Katsela and Browne, 2019); for instance, administrators are primarily concerned with improving road traffic safety and reducing congestion and environmental pollution (Benjelloun et al, 2010, Pimentela & Alvelos, 2018. Shippers, on the other hand, are solely interested in optimizing service efficiency in terms of cost and transport reliability (Carbone et al, 2017).…”

“…Environmental sustainability has become a notable subject of concern for policymakers and city planners in both developed and developing economies. That said, (Katsela andBrowne, 2019, Van Duin et al, 2019) environmental sustainability goals can be embrace through indicators which are often contradictory and produce outcomes that are dependent on the acknowledgment of stakeholder groups along with external influences. In this context, organizations worldwide highlight the essence for caring for the environment as a vital precondition for sustainable development (Schaltegger et al, 2012).…”

Using the Delphi Method to Evaluate the Appropriateness of Urban Freight Transport Solutions

“…Engaging stakeholders in transportation planning fosters social acceptance and facilitates solutions implementation, as increasing diversity extends problem definition and innovation and strengthens conclusiveness [12]. Especially in city logistics, where conflicting objectives are commonplace, engaging stakeholders and sharing power to all involved parties is a one-way road towards achieving sustainability [13]. According to the European Platform on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, the selection process of a set of UFT solutions can be seen in two phases; the first is relevant to the identification of suitable UFT solutions for implementation, and the second is the evaluation of this set by the city's stakeholders to select the most effective one [14].…”

Investigating the Effects of City Logistics Measures on the Economy of the City

“…Importantly, sustainable development objectives can be pursued by means of measures that are sometimes conflicting, and generate impacts that depend on the acceptance of stakeholders as well as external factors (Gatta et al [20], Holguín-Veras et al [21], Kaszubowski [22], Katsela and Browne [23], Stathopoulos et al [24], Vidal Viera et al [25], Van Duin et al [26]). For example, local government (e.g., public authorities and planners) seeks to reduce transport impacts to ensure cities are more attractive for end consumers (e.g., residents and visitors) alike (mainly environmental and social sustainability, entailing a reduction in congestion, pollutants, and accidents), while retailers (or producers) and private companies (e.g., carriers) seek to deliver and pick up goods at the lowest cost, performing high-quality transport operations and achieving short lead-times in order to fulfill user expectations (mainly economic sustainability).…”