Reverse logistics in the Chinese auto-parts firms: implementation framework development through multiple case studies

Abstract

In recent years, the implementation of reverse logistics (RL) in automobile manufacturing has drawn extensive interest from the Chinese government that has launched relevant take-back and environmental regulations and pilot projects. This study focuses on RL implementation issues in Chinese auto-parts manufacturing sector. Based on comprehensive literature review and multiple case studies in the Chinese auto-parts firms, this paper proposes a conceptual RL framework and highlights the major implementation issues. The purpose of this paper is to draw an overall picture of RL in the Chinese context, highlighting implementation issues in the auto-parts sector. Our study suggests that Chinese RL implementation requires close government monitoring mechanism and incentives, top management commitment within firms, technology and human capabilities support.

Keywords:

• reverse logistics
• implementation issues
• Chinese auto-parts manufacturers

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Ningbo Science and Technology Bureau, under the Innovation Team Project (Grant No. 2011B1006), for sponsoring this research. The authors are also grateful to the special issue editors and the anonymous reviewers for their critical and very insightful comments that have helped in improving the quality of this paper.