TLSU Goals
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Main activity goals are:
to develop analytical models of strategic decision-making processes regarding logistics systems. Such models are based on benchmark analyses of the logistics of local productive systems (logistics performance parameters). In particular, we promote an innovative analysis approach of system competitiveness which are based on modern qualitative and economic parameters rather than on traditional quantitative and physical ones;
to develop normative models – also, based on best practices – aiming at identifying innovative tools and solutions to improve supply chain competitiveness and logistics systems performance (process innovation) at strategic, tactical and operational level. Solutions are related to specific supply chains (“filiere”). The elaboration of performance parameters (benchmark analysis) serves to identify competitiveness criteria (strategic positioning analysis) at spatial level and consequently makes it possible the definition of appropriate “action guides”.
Such overall goals and activities stem from the identification of main critical issues characterizing productive systems from a logistics point of view. Such issues can be summarized as follows:
1. generally speaking, the overall management of added value processes: currently it is strongly felt the need of process innovation on top of product one. There is the need of strategically re-organizing supply chains and logistics processes;
2. operational efficiency: in an environment characterized by strong international competition and/or economic stagnation, productive systems has the main goal of finding cost-saving activities within more critical and added value processes;
3. the control of end markets: as globalization develops, the control of distribution activities becomes more and more strategic as a competitiveness factor. There is then a downstream shift of added value processes.
Overall goals are attained by employing advanced tools of strategic planning of logistics and transport networks and supply chains (strategies, models, ICT, etc.), which are very often based on specialist softwares (MAP&MARKET, MAP&GUIDE, LOGWARE, SPSS, etc.). Such tools are capable of producing innovative solutions particularly in the areas of: network design, customer service, inventory and warehouse, transport.
The approach followed by the Unit is based on sound methodological rules and turns up to be relevant to practitioners. Bottom line concepts are:
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Integration the approach to logistics problems must consider a number of links and trade-offs among different economic items and activities; |
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supply chain-specific logistics and transport analysis must no longer be based on quantitative parameters only and/or on mode of transport-specific projects (rail projects, road projects, etc.). Rather, they should be based on specific productive and logistcs chains (consumer goods, durable goods, chemical products, etc.): they should be considered as “logistics markets” and a process-oriented approach should be developed and implemented; |
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multi-actors oriented analysis should identify all the actors involved in the overall decision-making processes of strategic logistics planning. |
