Sport logistics research: reviewing and line marking of a new field

Abstract

Purpose Although logistics management is a crucial part of local and global sports events, there is no research-driven characterization of “sports logistics management”. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize a framework that allows for a more structured recognition of logistics in sports, in general, and sport event management, in particular. In addition, we conduct a systematic literature review of sports logistics management and locate opportunities for future research both for sports management and logistics management scholars. Design/methodology/approach Guided by Durach et al.’s (2017) systematic literature review approach, we identify key attributes and characteristics of sports logistics management. These are based on studies featuring at least partial aspects of logistics management in sports and sport events, and that were published between 2000 and mid-2019. Findings The study reveals that sports logistics management – meaning logistics activities in sports and sport event management – is a heavily under-researched area that provides an abundance of scientific opportunities. Based on the three sport event types of local/regional sport events, major sport events and mega sport events, the authors propose four sports logistics management pillars that are central to the proposed Sport Logistics Framework: venue logistics management, sports equipment logistics management, athletes logistics management, and fan and spectators logistics management. Practical implications By providing a conceptual framework for sports logistics, the authors progress towards informing the sport sector on relevant strategic and operational levels of logistics management and set the stage for empirical studies that are likely to advance sport logistics planning and management. Originality/value This is the first study that builds on a systematic review of literature specifically focused on the logistics aspect in sports and sport event management. It provides a conceptual framework of sports logistics management and offers an agenda of future research opportunities.

A Systematic Review of Blockchain Literature in Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Identifying Research Questions and Future Directions

“…The third step includes the retrieval of a 'baseline sample' to identify relevant articles. Following Herold et al [21], the selection for the search comprised two databases: The Elton Bryson Stephens Company (EBSCO) (Business Source complete) and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) Web of Knowledge (Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI)-Database). EBSCO, as well as SCCI-databases, comprise extensive and comprehensive repositories in business and management research [22,23].…”

An application of the sports logistics framework: the case of the Dallas Cowboys

“…Similarly, the sport logistics research space has been lacking tailored frameworks or specific sports logistics conceptual advancements that go beyond those contributions that are merely associated with event logistics (e.g., see Emery, 2010;Haugen, 2011;Schwarz, Westerbeek, Liu, Emery, & Turner, 2017;Woratschek, Horbel, & Popp, 2014). Only recently, Herold et al (2019) developed the Sport Logistics Framework (SLF) based on a systematic literature review in order to provide framing and guidance to investigate sports logistical activities of sport organizations, especially their events and gameday operations. Conceptually, the authors distinguish the SLF into four sport logistics components, namely venue logistics, fan & spectator logistics, athletes' logistics management, and equipment logistics (see Figure 1).…”

“…Sport eventsespecially major and mega eventsrequire sports managers to deal with logistics operations occurring at different levels and often in parallel (Minis, Paraschi, & Tzimourtas, 2006). Surprisingly though, despite the fact that sport management has become a thriving research field within management studies, sport logistics in general and aspect in sports event logistics in particular have received little scientific attention (Herold, Breitbarth, Schulenkorf, & Kummer, 2019).…”

“…As such, the examination of logistics functions and processes in delivering sport presents a significant research opportunity. Recently, Herold et al (2019) conducted a systematic literature review to define and structure the sport logistics domain. The authors define sports logistics management as "the planning, implementing, and controlling procedures for the efficient and effective forward and reverse flow of goods, capacity, services, and related information between the point of origin and event destination in order to meet the venue organizers and athletes requirements and enlighten, celebrate, entertain or challenge the experience of a group of people" (p. 6).…”

“…However, while their conceptualization offers an important theoretical advancement, the paper lacks empirical illustrations that, on the one hand, is of immediate practical value to sport managers, and, on the other hand, offers a testing ground for its analytical validity power. Hence, this paper embraces a case study approach to provide exploratory and illustrative insights into specific sport logistics management components against the Herold et al (2019) proposed framework.…”