| dc.description.abstract |
Enterprises around the world are employing reverse supply chain practices to generate profit making opportunities while meeting new regulations . As a result of the rapid progress in technology the product lifecycles are shrinking faster than ever . In the face of global competition , heightened environmental regulations and a wealth of additional profits and improved corporate image opportunities , performing the reverse supply chain operations at a world class level is becoming quintessential . These factors in addition to the inherent complexity of reverse supply chains due to the uncertainties associated with the quantity , quality , and timing of returns make returns management very complicated . Existing literature on reverse supply chains focuses on how organizations are effectively using reverse logistics practices to sustain competition and how to optimize the overall reverse supply chain , but there is little investigation into how organizations are able to evaluate their reverse supply chain operations . This research spotlights this particular problem from a consumer electronics industry perspective , as it poses some of the greatest challenges in handling returns due to the presence of high clock speed products and greater return volume and variability .
In this dissertation , a quantitative methodology called PEARL - Performance Evaluation Analytic for Reverse Logistics is developed to facilitate decision making from the perspective of an enterprise engaged in reverse logistics . It explores the various reverse logistics functions and product lifecycle stages . It also develops some key business strategies and performance metrics that can be employed to be successful in returns handling . The various relationships between these attributes are assessed using Analytical Network Process and Fuzzy Logic to generate an overall performance score called as the Reverse Logistics Overall Performance Index , indicating the organizations returns management process compared to best in class practices .
Deployment of the PEARL methodology in organizations provides a real world assessment of what strategies , reverse logistics functions , product lifecycle stages , or key performance indicators impact the Reverse Logistics Overall Performance Index , thereby allowing organizations to continuously improve their returns management capabilities . |
en_US |