Purpose

The purpose is to explore how the configurations resulting from the interplay of last mile logistics practices and firm characteristics are associated with firm performance in an omni-channel context.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on configuration theory (CT), the authors use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze data on 72 Swedish omni-channel retailers.

Findings

Four configurations are identified—store-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's), online-oriented SME's, large store-oriented retailers and large online-oriented retailers. The results show that while offering a wide range of delivery options is necessary to achieve high performance, it is not sufficient, and that returns and fulfilment should be simultaneously considered. For instance, large high-performers leverage their stores and warehouses for fulfilment and returns in an integrated way irrespective of sales channel-mix. However, SME's appear to focus on fulfilment simplicity with less-costly delivery alternatives, where store-oriented SME's leverage stores and the online-oriented counterparts leverage warehouses. Consequently, the authors develop a configurational taxonomy and discuss a set of recipes which provide insights for researchers and practitioners.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the pathways to success, and potential pitfalls, in the last mile logistics context.

Originality/value

This study applies a novel methodology in the field, namely fsQCA, to explore the paths to competitive advantage. It covers a wide range of stages in the LM including back-end fulfilment, delivery and returns. It also provides insight into the logistics practices of both SME's and large omni-channel retailers.

中文翻译：

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最后一英里物流实践的配置方法和全渠道企业竞争优势特征：模糊集定性比较分析

目的

目的是探索最后一英里物流实践和公司特征相互作用产生的配置如何与全渠道环境中的公司绩效相关联。

设计/方法/途径

借鉴配置理论 (CT)，作者使用模糊集定性比较分析 (fsQCA) 分析了 72 家瑞典全渠道零售商的数据。

发现

确定了四种配置——以商店为导向的中小型企业 (SME)、以在线为导向的 SME、以大型商店为导向的零售商和以大型在线为导向的零售商。结果表明，虽然提供广泛的交付选项对于实现高性能是必要的，但这还不够，应该同时考虑回报和履行。例如，无论销售渠道组合如何，大型高绩效企业都以综合方式利用他们的商店和仓库来履行和退货。然而，SME 似乎专注于通过成本较低的交付替代方案实现简单的履行，其中以商店为导向的 SME 利用商店，而以在线为导向的同行则利用仓库。最后，

研究局限性/影响

该研究提供了对最后一英里物流背景下成功途径和潜在陷阱的更全面理解。

原创性/价值

本研究在该领域应用了一种新颖的方法，即 fsQCA，以探索获得竞争优势的途径。它涵盖了 LM 中的广泛阶段，包括后端履行、交付和退货。它还提供了对中小企业和大型全渠道零售商的物流实践的洞察。