This dissertation explores a new field of study in the
paradigms of logistics management and their evolution. General observations
detected the existence of large differences of logistics practices between
Europe and Japan, and that Japanese are apparently trying to tread the European
path. Comparative studies were done on European and Japanese logistics
management to find out what causes the differences and whether there can be a
universal logistics paradigm to better manage expanding supply chains across
borders.
Empirical studies were done on the perceptions of practioners in logistics. The
study showed a typical â€˜bounded rationality of logistical decision makings,
and revealed the fact that European logistics is mainly regulated by the
paradigm of logicality and fairness, while Japanese logistics is by that of
customer satisfaction and long-term relationship. The important finding was that
the people on both sides had inner yearning for the opposite paradigm as a good
catalyst for better logistics management. Therefore, there will be simultaneous
occurrence of Europeanisation of Japanese logistics management paradigm and the
Japanisation of that of the European for the time being. However, we conclude
that it is not known yet if a unified single paradigm of logistics management
can be developed or not, as long-term transition of the paradigms is subject to
the laws of evolution, which are still indecisive between a natural
selection and a habitat segregation