A framework for prioritising practices to overcome cost-related problems in reverse logistics

Reverse logistics has gained increasing attention in recent years. One of the biggest problems for organisations and supply chains is reducing cost in reverse logistics. This study attempted to gain a better understanding of reverse logistics and the costs associated with it. A literature study was conducted to identify the cost problems in reverse logistics and possible practices to overcome them. Following that, a survey was conducted to determine whether the practices identified in literature are perceived to be important in South Africa and if they are viable to implement. This was done by means of a gap and opportunity analysis. Results indicated that most practices are important, but some may be difficult to implement. The framework developed in this study provides a guideline for organisations to consider, adapt and adopt the most important implementable practices to overcome cost problems in reverse logistics. The limitation of this study is that only ten respondents participated in the survey. The approach followed in this study can be used as a foundation for future studies in reverse logistics.