HelpFeedback
Supply Chain Logistics Mgt.
Information Center
TOC
About the Authors
Preface
Features
Sample Chapter
Errata


Student Edition
Instructor Edition
Supply Chain Logistics Management, 4/e

Donald J. Bowersox, Michigan State University - East Lansing
David J. Closs, Michigan State University - East Lansing
M. Bixby Cooper, Michigan State University - East Lansing
John C. Bowersox, Kohler Company

ISBN: 0078024056
Copyright year: 2013

Preface



Over the last eight decades, the discipline of business logistics has advanced from the warehouse and transportation dock to the boardroom of leading global enterprises. We have had the opportunity to be actively involved in this evolution through research, education, and advising. Supply Chain Logistics Management encompasses the development and fundamentals of the logistics discipline within a supply chain structure. It also presents our vision of the future of business logistics and supply chain management and their role in enterprise competitiveness.

Although individually and collectively the three authors have written extensively on various aspects of logistics, the decision to initially write and subsequently revise Supply Chain Logistics Management represents the synthesis of many years of research, augmenting and, in many ways, supplanting earlier works of the authors published by McGraw-Hill. The union of ideas presented in this text provides an integrated supply chain framework for the study of logistics, serves to expand the treatment of supply chain management by placing it firmly in the context of integrated business strategy, and highlights the increasing importance of logistics in the supply chains supporting a global economy.

Logistics includes all the activities required to move product and information to, from, and between members of a supply chain. The supply chain provides the framework for businesses and their suppliers to jointly deliver goods, services, and information efficiently, effectively, relevantly, and in a sustainable manner to customers. Supply Chain Logistics Management presents the mission, business processes, and strategies needed to achieve integrated logistical management. We hope the text achieves three fundamental objectives: (1) presents a comprehensive description of existing logistical practices in a global economy, (2) describes ways and means to apply logistics principles to achieve competitive advantage, and (3) provides a conceptual approach for integrating logistics as a core competency within enterprise supply chain strategy.

For their specific suggestions regarding the manuscript, our appreciation goes to Eduardo Davila, Arizona State University – Tempe; Richard Hoffman, Pennsylvania State University; Jeff Miller, University of Maryland – College Park; Anthony S. Roath, University of Oklahoma; Dmitriy Shaltayev, Christopher Newport University; Marjorie Smith, Mountain State University; Alvin J. Williams, University of South Alabama; and Zachary Williams, Central Michigan University, all of whom provided detailed reviews and offered numerous suggestions for improving the presentation.

We also wanted to acknowledge the staff at McGraw-Hill/Irwin for their guidance and efforts on behalf of the book: Richard Hercher, Executive Editor; Danielle Andries, Editorial Coordinator; Lisa Bruflodt, Project Manager; and Jaime Halteman, Marketing Manager.

As active members of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, we have been the fortunate recipients of contributions by many council members to the development of this manuscript. In particular, we wish to acknowledge the assistance of Rick Blasyen, President and CEO of the council of supply chain Management Professionals and the CSCMP staff who maintain an open door to the academic community.

Over the past 48 years, the business executives who have attended the annual Michigan State University Logistics Management Executive Development Seminar have been exposed to the basic concepts presented in the text and have given freely of their time and experience. We also acknowledge the long-standing support to Michigan State logistics, through the funding of the endowed chairs, provided by the late John H. McConnell, founder of Worthington Industries.

The number of individuals involved in teaching logistics around the world expands daily. To this group in general, and in particular to our colleagues at Michigan State University, whose advice and assistance made it possible to complete and enhance this text, we express our sincere appreciation.

Teachers receive continuous inspiration from students over the years, and in many ways the day of judgment in an academic career comes in the seminar or classroom. We have been fortunate to have the counsel of many outstanding young scholars who currently are making substantial impact on the academic and business worlds. In particular, we appreciate the input of students who have used this text in manuscript form and made suggestions for improvement. We also acknowledge the contributions of current and former doctoral students, particularly Drs. Judith Whipple and Thomas Goldsby, who participated extensively in case development and editorial support.

We wish to acknowledge the contributions of Felicia Kramer and Pamela Kingsbury, for manuscript preparation on several earlier versions of this text. Cheryl Lundeen, who prepared many drafts of the manuscripts. Without Felicia, Pam, and Cheryl, this long published text in its many variations would not be a reality.

With so much able assistance, is it difficult to offer excuses for any shortcomings that might appear. Any faults are solely our responsibility.

Donald J. Bowersox
David J. Closs
M. Bixby Cooper
John C. Bowersox


Instructors: To experience this product firsthand, contact your McGraw-Hill Education Learning Technology Specialist.