From Preface: This text has a clear European foundation and an international appeal. In line
with the globalisation of logistics we have included cases from other parts of the world than
Europe ? diverse though European logistics solutions are ? including South Africa the United
States Japan China and Australia. Accordingly we start in Part One with the strategic role
of logistics in the supply chain. We continue by developing the marketing perspective by
explaining our view of 'putting the end-customer first'. Part One finishes by exploring the
concept of value and logistics costs. In Part Two we review leveraging logistics operations in
terms of their global dimensions and of the lead-time frontier. Part Two continues by
examining the challenges of coordinating manufacturing and retail processes and the impact on
logistics of just-in-time and the agile supply chain. Part Three reviews working together
first in terms of integrating the supply chain and second in terms of sourcing and supply
management. Our book ends with Part Four in which we outline the logistics future challenge.
This text is intended for MSc students on logistics courses and as an accompanying text for
open learning courses such as global MSc degrees and virtual universities. It will also be
attractive as a management textbook and as recommended reading on MBA options in logistics and
supply chain management.
