A STUDY OF THE FUNCTIONAL OVERLAP BETWEEN LOGISTICS, PRODUCTION, AND MARKETING IN SMALL MANUFACTURING FIRMS (DISTRIBUTION, MISSISSIPPI)

The implementation of a total logistics system approach by industry is seen by most observers as necessary for achievement of efficient and effective business operations. The purpose of this research is to examine the degree to which functional overlap exists and to identify the stage of logistics system development which has been attained by small manufacturing firms.; This study was directed towards the constraints inherent in size concerning total logistics system adoption. Little has been done to study the logistical operations of the small manufacturer.; A survey approach was utilized to identify the position of the small manufacturer in the life-cycle of logistics development and the degree to which function overlap of logistic activities exists. A mail-out, mail-back questionnaire was used to supply data for analysis of the small manufacturing firm's present logistical system. The survey population for this study was defined as all wholely owned and operated Mississippi manufacturing firms that employed between 25 and 500 people. A stratified random sample by size was surveyed. The responses of 105 firms surveyed provided the data for analysis.; The statistical techniques used for study were cross-tabulation and discriminant analysis. Due to limited response to open-ended questions concerning the costs of logistical operations, size was used as the single predictor variable used for development of the discriminant function. The discriminant analysis of size yielded the finding that size was not a good predictor of an existing coordinating position.; The results of cross-tabulation variables concerning the overlap of logistics activities and size of the manufacturing firm also indicated that there was not a strong relationship between these variables.; The smaller firms included in the survey were located at Stage One of logistical development. Most of these firms are still using manual order processing systems and that their logistics activities are widely dispersed. The larger firms were characterized as having more automated order processing systems and logistics activities were beginning to be packed more tightly under only a few functional managers.; Time-series studies and case analyses would appear to provide the most valuable information concerning the best methods for implementation of a total logistics system approach by small manufacturing firms. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)...