China-based logistics research: a review of the literature and implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which research opportunities on China's logistics have been identified in the field. Design/methodology/approach – In order to fulfill the research objective, a literature-based survey was executed in eight peer-reviewed logistics and supply chain management journals during the 2001-2012 timeframe. In total, 91 articles were examined and analyzed from three perspectives: research focus, theoretical base and methodological approach. A content analysis was used to classify and assess the analytical units with selected examples from the articles surveyed. Findings – The analysis reveals that a number of research foci have been addressed, but there are some fertile areas that researchers could explore in view of the evolution of logistics and transitional trends in present-day China. Theory applications were applied in few papers, showing a low rate of usage of theories. Different research techniques have been applied, but greater methodological rigor is expected to be achieved, given the unique research setting in China. Research limitations/implications – While the study has consulted the major logistics journals in the logistics field in which researchers aim to pursue their publications regarding China-based logistics research, it should be noted that contributions in other journals may have been missed. Practical implications – The study sheds new light on the research needs and opportunities for advancing China-based logistics research; for those researchers interested in China's logistics, it provides options which may lead to further, valuable research in this area. Originality/value – This paper represents the first attempt to examine a body of literature on China-based logistics research. It provides implications for future study.