Logistics maturity of the polish service sector - research results

Abstract

Background: The aim of the article is to demonstrate new methods for investigation of logistics maturity in service enterprises. The research assumes that logistic processes are implemented in service enterprises, which implies the possibility of developing a logistics maturity model for service enterprises in a theoretical aspect and the postulate that in economic practice there are different levels of logistics maturity of service enterprises and it is possible to identify them. The originality of the presented research results from two aspects. The first aspect is of a methodical nature and concerns the logistics model used LMM4SI, which is a proprietary tool that allows to assess the logistics maturity of a service enterprise. The second aspect is of a cognitive nature and is the scope and object of research, which are underrepresented in the literature. Some research concerns the development of a logistics maturity model and its application in the fashion industry. In Poland, similar studies are not being carried out, which a research gap is partially eliminated by the presented research. The results of the presented research concerned logistic maturity, defined as the organizational level of the enterprise, indicating the degree of use of logistics engineering in the areas of service enterprise operation. Methods: The research methods used in the presented research are surveys that allowed to obtain primary data from 2,000 Polish service enterprises, mathematical analysis to determine the level of logistics maturity, and statistical analysis to make conclusions about the logistics maturity of the Polish service sector. Results: As a result of conducted research an original logistics maturity model for the service industry (called LMM4SI) and the evaluation procedure carried out with its use. Realizing the cognitive aim of the article, the results of research on the logistics maturity of Polish service providers were presented. Conclusions: The research results showed that service enterprises do not achieve high levels of logistics maturity. It was found that the developed methods allow for an effective assessment of the logistic maturity of enterprises.