Impact of information technology on the performance of logistics industry: the case of Hong Kong and Pearl Delta region

Abstract

Over the last decade, a number of research studies have advocated the use of information technology (IT) in different aspects of logistics and distribution operations. This study examines the current state of the use of IT and its impact on logistics service performance through a survey of 210 logistics companies in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region. A hypothetical model is also proposed in which the theories of the market-based view and the resource-based view are applied to link up the implications of IT capabilities with logistic performance. The model was tested using structural equation modelling. The findings suggested that (i) IT implementation directly enhances the service quality of the logistics companies; (ii) the impact of IT implementation improves service quality thereby creating competitiveness.

Keywords:

• logistics
• service quality
• information technology
• Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta Region

Acknowledgements

The authors are most grateful to Professor Thomas Archibald, the Editor-in-Chief, and the reviewers of Journal of Operational Research Society for their constructive and helpful comments which helped to improve the presentation of the paper considerably. In addition, the authors wish to thank the Research Office of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for supporting the project (Project Code: G-YK03).