The change in quality practices in logistics: 1995 versus 1991

Abstract

The research reported on in this article examines the status of quality management practices in logistics today in large US firms. The research also provides a comparison with quality practices in logistics in 1991. Data were collected in 1995 through use of a survey instrument. This instrument was similar to a questionnaire employed in 1991, thereby allowing for a meaningful comparison to be made. Based on the results, it is evident that a number of changes have occurred over the five years. For example, the primary obstacles encountered today are a lack of human and financial resources versus the lack of pressure to initiate such programmes in 1991. At the same time, a number of similarities across the two time periods is also evident. Both groups of managers reported being relatively satisfied with the results achieved to date, for example. In total, the results indicate that many firms are continuing to improve as their customers become more demanding.