Information integration efforts, such as information sharing, real time data transmission as well as synchronized replenishment along the supply chain have been highlighted as major means to improve supply chain performance. Logistics service providers are taking more responsibilities in the supply chain while other parties along the chain outsource logistics functions and focus on their key businesses. The efficient utilization of IT systems for logistics operations and the strategic exploration of new opportunities from logistics IT systems become a key competitive factor for the further supply chain development....[ Read more ]

Information integration efforts, such as information sharing, real time data transmission as well as synchronized replenishment along the supply chain have been highlighted as major means to improve supply chain performance. Logistics service providers are taking more responsibilities in the supply chain while other parties along the chain outsource logistics functions and focus on their key businesses. The efficient utilization of IT systems for logistics operations and the strategic exploration of new opportunities from logistics IT systems become a key competitive factor for the further supply chain development.

The empirical study started with the macro factors of an industry survey to catch a snapshot of logistics industry in Mainland China and Hong Kong. Data analysis based on the survey results reveals the significant association between IT adoptions and performance dimensions in both industry and firm levels. Case studies in the Pearl River Delta were conducted as the follow-up steps for the detailed investigation. Research findings in this thesis show the overwhelming influences of Iogistics IT systems on the logistics operation flows. It changed the structure of the global supply chain, the internal infrastructure of logistics service providers (LSPs) and also the logistics outsourcing policies. This thesis also provides a conceptual framework for the industry evaluation and analyzes the special cases in the developing process and explores the upcoming issues.