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Order lead-time of grocery retailers in the UK and Greek markets

Menachof, David A.; Bourlakis, Michael A.; Makios, Thrasyvoulos

Authors

David A. Menachof

Michael A. Bourlakis

Thrasyvoulos Makios



Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to report the results of a comparative study of order lead times for firms operating in the UK and Greek food retail markets with the UK one being regarded at the forefront in terms of logistics efficiency. Design/methodology/approach - The main research instrument is a survey of managers employed by the major food multiple retailers operating in the UK and Greece. Statistical analysis is employed to illustrate the variances and differences between these retailers. Findings - The study illustrates that total lead-time is longer than the sum of the components. This implies that there are non-value-added time delays that are occurring between the components and there is still room for improvement. It is also shown that any differences in lead-time between Greek and UK grocery retailers have been effectively eliminated as the entrance of retail multinationals in Greece has forced domestic retailers to improve their logistics systems. Originality/value - There is a scarcity of papers in the logistics field that cross-examines the logistics performance of national grocery supply chains. This is addressed via the current paper that reports the results of a comparative study of order lead times for firms operating in two European food retail markets, the UK and Greece. The paper will be beneficial to the strategic thinking of retail logistics managers and will support further empirical research work in that academic field of study.

Citation

Menachof, D. A., Bourlakis, M. A., & Makios, T. (2009). Order lead-time of grocery retailers in the UK and Greek markets. Supply chain management, 14(5), 349-358. https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540910980260

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 1, 2009
Publication Date Aug 7, 2009
Deposit Date Nov 13, 2014
Journal Supply Chain Management-An International Journal
Print ISSN 1359-8546
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 14
Issue 5
Pages 349-358
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/13598540910980260
Keywords Food industry; Distribution management; Retail trade; United Kingdom; Cross-cultural studies; Greece food-industry
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/464211
Publisher URL https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/full/10.1108/13598540910980260
Contract Date Nov 13, 2014