Impact of Reverse Logistics on the Future of Transportation and Logistics Management - Case Study Example

Reverse Logistics and its Impact on the Future of Transportation and Logistics Management The study mainly emphasizes upon the concept of reverse logistics within the organization. The concept is also very significant for maintaining sustainable development within the operational performance of the organization. The concept also pays focus over large numbers of process relating to sustainability of organizational performances. Apart from this, the study will also evaluate about the importance of reverse logistics for developing the operational process through including green products. The study will also highlight about large numbers of issues relating to imposition of reverse logistics within the organizational process. Besides these, the study also focuses on providing suggestions in order to improve reverse logistics and maintains sustainability with respect to logistic management. Reverse Logistics and its Impact on the Future of Transportation and Logistics Management The reuse trend of products and materials is not only prevalent in modern world, but from the advent of human civilization. This concept in the current day context is known as reverse logistics and its implication on research field is relatively new. Reverse logistics has been gaining significantly high considerations in the recent days. Many corporate companies utilize this process to increase their profit, but there are some of the corporate organizations, which have not fully realized the importance of reverse logistics. These organizations perceive that, reverse logistic as an expensive process of logistics management (DeBrito, 2003). Reverse logistics reflect a typical process of business that involves moving a product from its ‘point-of-consumption’ to the ‘point-of-origin’, to evoke assessment or ensure proper discarding. This process is one of the fastest growing as well as developing fields of business logistics, which correspondingly and continuously changing its scope and significance (DeBrito, 2003). Reverse logistics purposes to evade returns, as well as to decrease ingredients in the ‘forward system’ so that fewer materials return and to ensure the possible reuse and recycling of all the materials. It is important to ensure that such reverse logistic projects are executed in a responsible manner and thus, do not end up with causing long-term damage to people. Specifically, reverse logistics management intricate in various activities such as, the flow of goods, demand information, as well as money-flow in the opposite-direction of primary logistics. The reduction of waste materials and the management of collection, transport, disposal, and recycling all types of wastages purpose to maximize the profitability of the business (DeBrito, 2003). The main problem area is that the reverse logistics concept is poorly understood by business process. It is just the opposite of forward logistics. From the perception of majority of the corporate organizations, reverse logistics is considered as a complex process that causes various problems to it. However, it is important to note that these problems are thoroughly resolved with the help of business software. Additionally, reverse logistics assures in enriching customer satisfaction up to a large extent. The execution of reverse logistics management of any company can be utilized as the market differentiator factor that provides competitive advantages to the companies (DeBrito, 2003). Fundamentally, reverse logistics purposes to improve profit margins of a business process. This is considered as an optimization tool to reduce inventory-carrying costs for the customer, as well as support the customer’s exertions to reduce inventory-investments. This significantly reduces product returns, as well as improves customer satisfaction along with delivery of quality service. The quality service includes, improved reliability in delivery process, and upgraded efficiencies in customer receiving operations (DeBrito, 2003). The current research paper attempts to illustrate reverse logistics in a comprehensive manner and its impact on the future of transportation and logistics management. Through this current research study, reverse logistics are thoroughly discussed with its definition, differentiation with the green logistics as well as traditional logistics programme (Drake & Farrell 2015). According to the current research study, there were some similarities as well as differentiation in between the traditional logistics and reverse logistics. The study also attempts to state that the sustainability of any logistics company is related to the reverse logistic system, in today’s scenario. The current paper also attempts to focus the area of future prospects of reverse logistics and transportation system within corporate organizations with its beneficial aspects (Drake & Farrell 2015) Literature Review As per the perception of Daugherty, Chen & Valen (n. d.), reverse logistics is recognized as one of the most significant factor in modern supply chain management. Currently, most of the companies are focusing on adopting corporate social responsibilities as well as sustainability within the company’s operational process. Daugherty, Chen & Valen (n. d.) further elaborated that the modern companies are taking a range of different approaches that can be helpful in perusing the sustainability within the organization. In order to achieve the actual objective of the company the reverse logistics is consider as a vital influencer. Therefore, the development of effective reverse logistics programs is useful in expressing its potentiality to attain those goals. In this regard, Kumar & Kumar (2013) also supported the statement of Daugherty, Chen & Valen (n. d.). As per Kumar & Kumar (2013), the concept of sustainability has been introduced in large numbers of business fields such as technology, management as well as in supply chain management. Correspondingly, several scholars have highly emphasized upon the concept of reverse logistics. It has also been elaborated that the sustainable supply chain management and reverse logistics are having a close relationship with each other (Kumar & Kumar, 2013). As per the perception of Hickford & Cherrett (2007), reverse logistics is vast domain that comprises of huge range of operational process. Reverse logistics is a process of planning, implementing and controlling of inventory management, finished goods and cost effective flow of raw materials. Moreover, the reverse logistics process is also focusing on the proper disposal of products. The reverse logistics is also concentrating upon a large numbers of issues relating to sustainability as well as the integration of supply chain management. Moreover, the integrative waste management is also a vital part of the reverse logistics. According to the report of Cognizant (2014), the reverse logistics is one of the significant factors for the vast and complex operational process of retail industries. Reverse logistics is recognized as a process of waste management by receiving returned merchandise with the intention of proper disposal or recapturing of value. The report of Cognizant (2014) also highlighted logistic department as a major focal point of the retail industry. Simultaneously, many retail organizations are continuing the logistics system and processes through applying best in class transportation, but at majority of the instances the organizations fails to focus upon reverse logistics as a focal area. In order to compete within the perfect competitive market scenario the retail company should emphasize on developing new design relating to reverse logistics. Hickford & Cherrett (2007) further elaborated that currently the demand of green products has been increasing among the modern customers. In this regard, the logistics department that has been supplying the green products to the customers also needs to be more satiable in nature. However, green logistics as well as reverse logistics are quite similar, but there are little difference has been notable between the two. As per the report of Cognizant (2014), the term reverse logistics refers to the process of backward flow of goods. Specifically mentioning reverse logistics is a process that includes the movement of goods form one point of purchase as well as sending them back to the previous supply chain process. Reverse logistics is recognized as one of the most significant approaches for the recent trend of business (Cognizant, 2014). According to the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers (2008), the rise of reverse logistics is oriented from the corporate governance, corporate social responsibility along with environmental issues. These three issues have raised the concern of the companies towards their business operations. It can be stated that reverse logistics is an approach towards developing the sustainability within the organization. The report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (2008), focusing on the competitiveness of the current business process. As per the report, the revere logistics is a concept that can be helpful in reducing cost of the companies’ operational process. As per the perception of Brito, Flapper & Dekker (2002), reveres logistics is very difficult to design, which includes the operational as well as technical culture of organizations. There are numerous numbers of distinctions in reverse logistics, which can make vital impact over the company’s operational process. Commercial returns, recalls, end of life return, warranties, wrong deliveries and repairs & refurbishment are the key examples of reverse logistics (Brito, Flapper & Dekker, 2002). As per the perception of Stănciulescu (2011), green logistics is a part of the reverse logistics that can be used for developing the companies’ sustainable growth. The process of reverse logistics is relatively similar to green logistics. The process mainly focuses upon redesigning of packaging process by using less material and reducing pollution form transportation. As per the standpoint of Sundin & Dunbäck (2013), reveres logistics is also referred as a remanufacturing process in the automobile industry. The re-manufacturing or reverse logistics is also regarded as a complicating characteristic, which focuses upon the process of core acquisition. According to the Sundin & Dunbäck (2013), re-manufacturing is regarded to be ultimate form of recycling process. It is quite different from the traditional manufacturing process. This process is primarily using with the intention of protecting environment. In this process, consumers are being benefited as they are paying fewer amounts to the company in order to purchase any products (Sundin & Dunbäck, 2013). As per the perception of Schatteman (2001), the reserves logistic are a process that can be helpful in reducing the possibilities of return as well as helpful in reducing the usage of material in the manufacturing system. Schatteman (2001) also elaborated about the negative impact of the reverse logistics over the operational process of company. Return is a vital part of reverse logistics. In this regard, it has also explains that the returns of products can made a vital impact over the every channel members of supply chain management (Cognizant, 2014). (Source: Stănciulescu, G. C., 2011) As per the observation of Stănciulescu (2011), four motivators have been used for influencing companies to adopt the environment friendly products for selling and distributing to the customer. It is also notable that the increase of demand in green products among the consumers is recognizing as a key factor, which has persuaded the adoption of reverse logistics. According to the perspective of Brito, Flapper & Dekker (2002), due to excessive rate of competition and due to marketing motives has been including the reverse logistics within the organization. Stănciulescu (2011) has also identified that the reverse logistics can cause a negative impact over the profitability of the company. It has also been identified that the loss granted from reverse logistics can force companies to adopt the mislabeling process for incising more predicts. In this regard, Wal-Mart has been relating with a scandal of mislabeling of unrecyclable products with the environment friendly label. Correspondently, after being accuse for this incident Wal-Mart has been boycott by the public. Stănciulescu (2011) further elaborated about the complexities of reverse logistics. Reverse logistics is a complex as well as comprehensive system that include the disassemble-ability, reusability, serviceability, re-manufacturing ability as well as recyclability of the returned products within its logistics design (Stănciulescu, 2001). As per the report of Price Waterhouse Coopers (2008), the reverse logistics indicate the process of the returns and recalls. It also suggests that a typical reverse chain process has been included in several categories, which can be harmful for the company’s operational process. It has also been identified that the improper installation of reverse logistics in accordance to companies’ operational process techniques, which is a vital problem that restricts the organizational development. The report of Price Waterhouse Coopers (2008), suggests of the numerous types of return, which occurs during the reverse logistics process. Commercial return is also identified to be one of the most significant aspects in the Supply Chain Management process. The return may arises due to the reason of customers’ dissatisfaction, overstock as well as catalogue sales. Moreover, the repairable return is also play a vital role for increasing loss in the company’s sales (Price Waterhouse Coopers, 2008). As per the report of Cognizant (2014), reverse logistics also contributes to the increase of complexities within the operational process of organizations. The concept of reverse logistics has been creating a major scope of fraudulent returns. However, these defects can be reduced through increasing the visibility within the supply chain management of the company. Most of the retailers need to automate the critical steps of the reverse logistics process. According to the Kroon & Vrijens (1995), the practical application of reverse logistic is nothing but reusing the secondary packaging material. According to the perception of Krumwiede & Sheu (2002), the concept of reverse logistics is recognized as an essential factor within the US economy. It has also been perceived by several scholars that due to the excess amount of complexities presents within the design of reverse logistics many companies are unable to enter within the reverse logistics market. As per the viewpoint of Tseng, Taylor & Yue (2005), reverse logistics can be a complex process for the small sized companies, which does not have enough resources within the organization. It has also identified that many small sized companies are forced to adopt the approach of outsource reverse logistics operations from the third party providers (Tseng, Taylor & Yue, 2005). As per the report of Price Waterhouse Coopers (2008), the reverse logistics is having a large numbers of barriers within its successful operational as well as supply chain management process. The major problems related to reverse logistics are divided in to two segments, which include internal barriers and external barriers. The report presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers (2008), has also emphasized on elaborating about the actual problem relating to reverse logistics. The major problems include limited forecasting and plainsong process, lack in clear return policies and lack of appropriate performance management system. The scarcity of accurate return forecast is the major problem that can be able to create barrier for the operational, financial as well as strategic planning process. It is also ascertained that the actual problem related to timing, quality, quantity as well as location of return product and process. It is also eminent that sales departments and the agents are required to be more responsible during the process of commercial return. It has also been observed by Schatteman (2001) that the lack of clear returns policies has arisen due to unclear warranty conditions, which has taken back policies commercial agreements with the channel partners (Schatteman, 2001). Source: (Valle, Menezes, Reis & Rebelo, 2009) As per the perspective of Valle, Menezes, Reis & Rebelo (2009), reverse logistics is considerably related to the recycling concept of used products. It has also been elaborated that the reverse logistics is an approach that can be helpful in identifying the importance of the customers’ participation in the recycling of products. It is also notable that the reverse logistic system is complex process due to centralized disposal procedure. This centralized process can be a vital problem for the customers as they have to transport as well as deposit those recycle materials in to the drop box point. However, it has also been found that that the centralized reverse logistics is comparatively less expensive than the curb sides alternatives. In the curbsides alternatives the collection process is door-to-door process, where the collection process is very convenient to the customers, but the cost of the collection process is reasonably higher (Wright, Richey, Tokman & Palmer, 2011). According to the Dowlatshahi (2000), the reverse logistics is promoting the concept of sustainability within the organizational operational process. However, at majority of the instances the companies are not being benefited from the application of reverses logistics by applying its operational process. The companies that have witnessed the process of reverse logistics include BMW, Du Point, Delphi, General Motors as well as Storage Tek. However, these organizations has also depicted that reverse logistics can reduce the scope of actual sales of the company (Wright, Richey, Tokman & Palmer, 2011). Problem Areas of Reverse Logistics As mentioned in the above paragraphs that reverse logistics is helpful to company considering its future prospects on transportation and logistics management. However, the problem arose when the companies are not able to understand the utilization of the reverse logistics management. The prime issue is that the concept of reverse logistics is not appropriately understood by most of the corporate organizations. It is far different from the forward management in various aspects, like, pricing, speed, marketing, forecasting, cost visibility, product quality, product life cycle, distribution point, product packaging, contract negotiation, routing, along with inventory management (Rogers & Tibben-Lembke, 1998). There is a clear differentiation depicted in the underneath chart. Pricing Uniform (forward logistics) Many factor (reverse logistics) Marketing Straight forward Complex Cost visibility High Low Product quality Uniform Inconsistent Product life cycle Manageable Complex Distribution point One to many Many to one Contract negotiation Straight forward Complex Inventory management Consistent Inconsistent Figure 1: Difference between forward and reverse chart The above figure clearly states the difference between the forward and reverse logistics within the transportation management of company. This vast differentiation was generated a critical problem area for the logistics management system of company. In addition, reverse logistics includes websites with disposition challenges, credit reconciliation, selection of the shipping methods, along with infrastructures. Apparently, physical process is another considerable procedure that comprises refurbish, recycle, as well as replenishment. Additionally, return process was not standardized separation of inventory and information system, in which infrastructure was essential along with value added services of company. As perception of these criteria, it is eminent that reverse logistics is exceptionally effective improving logistics system, but is costly for the companies (Rogers & Tibben-Lembke, 1998). On the other hand, recover assets; recapture value, legal disposal issues, and increase of switching costs, along with risk reduction all are under the strategic role of reverse logistics. In addition, reverse logistics is vastly different from regular Supply Chain Management process. Reverse logistics usually occurs after the completion of sales process (Rogers & Tibben-Lembke, 1998). Many companies perceive that reverse logistics are a complex and undeveloped area of logistics management department. In traditional view, it claims that reverse logistics do not add value to the supply chain during additional financial pressures. Another key issue is that most of the supply chains are specifically designed to go forward, on that basis logistics managers for instance if executes their supply chain process into the reverse logistics system, then the company experiences all possible issues related to logistics (Rogers & Tibben-Lembke, 1998). As previously, mentioned, forward logistics and reverse logistics are far different from each other. This forward logistics and reverse logistics are different from various aspects like, price of products or materials, marketing for brand awareness, cost visibility, product quality, product life cycle, distribution point of specific products and other materials, as well as contract negotiation with retailer and distributors, along with inventory management of specific company. All those factors support to differentiate clearly the forward logistics and reverse logistics system. It states that situation, when a company does not have a particular plan; it could create serious problems, where customer’s safety is majorly threatened along with company’s sustainability in forthcoming years in global market (Drake & Farrell, 2015). Based on the current study, it is notable that most of the company has been experiencing some basic problem areas due to this reverse logistics. These difficult areas are excess cycle time, loss of control and unexpected payments. Product cycle is based on some typical phases from manufacturing of products to the decline stage of the products. This cycle includes introduction or manufacturing stage, growth stage, where company increases its sales and revenues (Drake & Farrell, 2015). Correspondingly, it includes maturity stage, where companies are able to understand how to maintain market share as well as sustainability. The subsequent stage is the declining stage and is the last stage, where the market of the particular product would start to shrink. This is the basic product life cycle, but in case if reverse logistics is implemented, the product life cycle process changes. In the reverse logistics life cycle, decline stage is not the last stage of cycle. Unusable products are reconsidered and regarded through specific proceedings to make it re-usable. . Correspondingly, through all of these stages a new product is formed (Drake & Farrell, 2015). The following figure depicts the reverse logistics life cycle. Figure 2: Reverse logistics life cycle Source: (Drake & Farrel, 2015) Through this life cycle, it is prominent that this reverse logistics is useful for the product recycling. However, there is another considerable aspect, which is the time. Reverse logistic life cycle consumes long time than a normal product life cycle. In reverse logistics, product life cycle is merged with reverse life cycle as well as stretch the time in longer version (Rogers & Tibben-Lembke, 1998). This stretching of time, sometimes generate negative aspect for the company. Not all types of companies could cope up with that trend of time flexibility or stretching. As a result of that companies experiences multiple disorders with its manufacturing units, quality of the product, cost of the products and after all customer satisfaction level. This adverse situation can be more devastating, if company could not able to control the stages (Rogers & Tibben-Lembke, 1998). Another situation of problem is loss of control. In the process of reverse logistics, there are many chances to create conflict between retailer and manufacturer. It is clearly mentioned that reverse logistics procedures are too much dependent on the stakeholders, as well as the processes are too much lengthier than normal life cycle. Based on such fact, inefficiencies could originate within the process and that might lengthen the time of processing returns as well. This particular situation could effects the conditions of the product, its value, and proper responses (Steele & Rodriguez, 2008). In addition, there is another problem evolved through this return procedure of product that is lack of information about the actual process of reverse logistics, measurement as well as management problem can be raised. These logistics programs are all about the return procedure, in this process poor data collection leads to uncertainty about return causes; an unimproved return process increases the cost of productivity as well as cost of product. At instances, if the processes are not properly tracked, then the management cannot able to see the defective product, and unable to trace the return issues as well (Steele & Rodriguez, 2008). For reverse logistics implementation within any company, the government authentication is always needed. This situation clarifies that companies are always under the pressure of various environmental agencies as well as government regulations for reactive responses. Apparently, it has not been possible for any company to justify a large investment in improving reverse logistics systems along with capabilities. According to this several unavoidable situations are generated within the logistics management system, such as, maximize the return of defective products in reverse logistics mechanism cycle, decreases the basic quality of productivity of particular products. Along with some legal issues, agreement difficulties between retailers, distributers and customers and this whole process sometimes adversely affects the customer service (Steele & Rodriguez, 2008). Reverse logistics system is a very vast process including legal procedures and investment issues. As previously mentioned, legal issues evolved due to authentication from government and other environmental agencies along with warranty issues from customer’s sides (Gattorna, 2003). In addition, one of the most challenging situations is that the companies that experiences troubles in making decisions, when the rules of related processes are not properly disclosed or understood by the management as well as the other related authorities. This respective issues are often generates significant confusions along with complexities within the company during the implementation of the reverse logistics system. This situation clearly states the condition of ‘loss of control’ within the company (Gattorna, 2003). Considering the two situations, which include excess cycle time and loss of control, it is eminent that both the conditions are expensive for the companies. In absence of proper capital management, the companies cannot afford to avoid losses (Gattorna, 2003). The extra cycle time of product life with the reverse logistics system is comparatively expensive for the companies. Companies have to implement expensive logistics systems along with machines in its existing for updating those declined products, furbishing for reuse. Apparently, this increasing cost of productivity can also increases the cost of particular product for end users. Ultimately, it has a negative effect on productivity, as well as employees of the company along with customers of the products (Gattorna, 2003). Some basic symptoms indicate that the company has been experiencing reverse logistics problems. These basic criteria inwards when returns of the particular company arrive earlier than the processing of the reverse logistics or specifically disposal of the product. Huge amount of return inventory is detained in the warehouse of the company, along with unauthorized and illegal returns in company (Gattorna, 2003). It lengthens the processing time of productivity, and indefinite total cost of the return process of company, along with customers’ dissatisfaction in terms of losing confidence in the repair process of reverse logistics system within the company (Steele & Rodriguez, 2008). Supply chain executives of companies must find the way to resolve these problem areas to overcome the complication of reverse logistics (Gattorna, 2003). Recommendation Based on the overall study its can be knowledgeable that the reverse logistics is having a mixed approach over the business process of the company. It has also identified that after the imposition of globalization within the business as well as economy the importance of supply chain management has been raised among the large numbers of multinational companies. The sustainable supply chain management is also related to the concept of reverse logistics. However, the concept of reverse logistics is beneficial for maintaining sustainable development of the companies. The actual problem is related with the improper measurement of the accurate return forecast. In this regard, the companies can also reduce these barriers through imposing few new innovative strategies within the organizational policies. Suggestively, thus the company can bring improvisation in its operational activities as well as in the development of an accurate return forecast system. Through developing an accurate return policy, the companies will also be able to determine the optimal return policies through the proper utilization of the assets. Another major problem is that the uncertainty related with the returns of product form the customers. In this regard, the company can also emphasize over implementing numerous strategies for creating more awareness related to product return. It has also been found that imposition of proper marketing strategies will reduce the uncertainty related to return products. To maintain the flexibility within the organization the adequate resources should allocate the reverse logistics. It has also been identified that the allocation of proper adequate resources to the reverse logistics can make a positive impact over the financial position of the companies (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2008). As the reverse logistics is less expensive in nature in this regard, the proper investment in the reverse logistics will provide the several positive results to the company. The company should also undertake the support from government in order to maintain the practice of reverse logistics within the organization. The collaboration with the government will reduce the threat of government regulation (Shaharudin, Zailani. & Ismail, 2014). Moreover, the company should also promote the positive and accurate information relating to reverse logistics as well as recycling of the products. Apart from these, in the reverse logistics products the product life cycle system is considering as one of the major concern. In order to maintain the product life cycle the company should properly use the waste products and correspondingly refine it in a proper manner (Shaharudin, Zailani. & Ismail, 2014). Conclusion As a very precise form, reverse logistic is the process of moving goods from their typical final destination for capturing value as well as proper disposal of products. Through this current research study, it is eminent that reverse logistics have been placed in front position within the manufacturing companies implementation list. Reverse logistics are related to the green logistics with some differentiation as well. Moreover, it is far different from the forward logistics of the company. The current research study recognized the confusion phase of the reverse logistics and green logistics along with forward logistics. Through the course of the current study, it is also eminent that many companies yet have not recognized the strategic probability of effective reverse logistics, for some basic understanding problem related to the reverse logistics within the company. The current research study also reflects a specific market tendency that majority of the companies are more interested in reverse logistics in present day context in comparison to the business environment in decades back. Manufacturing companies have seriously started to invest more on reverse logistics system within the company for business sustainability as well as to step up with the recent trends of market. Through the course of the study, it is notable that the critical areas of reverse logistics management within companies include conflict of manufacture and retailer, excess time schedule of the reverse logistics life cycle, extra charges along with productivity issues leading to customer’s dissatisfaction. These problem areas were raised through the inefficiencies, multiple disorders with its manufacturing units, quality of the product, and cost of the products. In addition, the return procedure of product within the company is sometimes conducted with lack of information about the actual process of reverses logistics. This correspondingly leads to the rise of issues related to measurements and managements of logistics. These logistics programs are all about the return procedure, in this process poor data collection leads to uncertainty in return. This eventually causes an unimproved return process, which increases the cost of productivity as well as cost of product. Along with these, legal procedures are also maintained through the company, which is using this reverse logistics. Through retaining these criteria, company could be able to control quality, limit waste generation, remanufacturing, green initiatives, and with improve economic scale for reuse, recycle, along with appropriate disposal. These researches enlightened the effect of sustainability impact of the company within this global market area with the proper safety as well as the retained value of the product cycle. In addition, the current study also highlights the factors of asset recovery recycling programs, processes of return merchandises with value reclamations. Ultimately, these processes of reverse logistics are cooperative for those companies, which have effectively implemented this reverse logistics within their existing logistic system. Therefore, from the course of the study, it can be concluded that in upcoming future era, the companies would have far better prospects with reverse logistics system. References Autry, C. W., Daugherty, P. J. & Richey, R. G. (2001). The challenge of reverse logistics in catalog retailing. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 31(1), 26-37. Brito, M. P., Flapper, S. D. P. & Dekker, R., 2002. Reverse logistics: a review of case studies. University Rotterdam, 1-32. Cognizant. (2014). Reverse logistics: the way forward. Insights Whitepapers, 1-4. Cullen, J., Bernon, M. & Gorst, J. (2010). Tools to manage reverse logistics. Research Executive Summaries Series, 6(3), 1-8. Dowlatshahi, S. (2013). Developing a theory of reverse logistics. Interfaces, 30(3), 143-155. Daugherty, P. J., Chen, H. & Valen, A. V. (n.d.). Reverse logistics capabilities: relationship to corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives. 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