Managing value in reverse logistics systems

This research concerns the reverse logistics systems in ferrous scrap of 12 North American manufacturing plants. It examines the role of purchasing an d other functions in the reverse logistics system, and assesses the contrib ution made by the various departments. Purchasing played a significant role in managing reverse logistics activities at the plants in the study. Volum e was found to significantly influence strategies and processes used by pla nts in their reverse logistics systems. A total of six volume-based approac hes for managing ferrous scrap reverse networks are identified. The implica tions of each are discussed using case studies to highlight differences amo ng the strategies. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.