A REEXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF JUST-IN-TIME ON INBOUND LOGISTICS. IN: TRANSPORT LOGISTICS

Just-In-Time (JIT) is a tool being utilized by manufacturers as they attempt to improve their global competitiveness. The research reported in this paper proposes a model and develops hypotheses that describe the relationships between JIT and inbound logistics practices and outcomes. Rigorous statistical techniques were used to examine those relationship and the following findings should assist manufacturing firms as they implement or contemplate implementing JIT: JIT should be considered an organizational philosophy centered on abolishing waste and creating customer value; as a result of implementing JIT, raw materials and work-in-process inventories are reduced and the management of inventory is improved; a JIT program induces positive modifications in the firm's relationships with its suppliers and transportation suppliers, and changes in transportation operations lead to improved operational performance that eventually could enhance relationships with customers; and the implementation of JIT does not induce increases in inbound logistics costs.