Abstract
M.Tech. (Operations Management)
Globalization process has been recognized as an important underlying force impacting global logistic service providers because it is an essential function in the transportation and logistics system, the actions of which appear in different parts of the logistics management processes. This study explored the effect of globalization on logistics management in Nigerian multinational companies. Data used in this study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data were obtained through literature reviews of related studies while primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire which was distributed to logistics management professionals in the Nigerian logistics industry. One hundred and fifty (150) questionnaires were sent to the respondents; one hundred and six (106) questionnaires were responded to and returned for analysis. This represented a response rate of 71%. Data obtained from the research study were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings from the descriptive analysis of the level of awareness of logistics activities in Nigerian industries revealed transport logistics as most aware form of logistics activities among the respondents while awareness level of fourth party logistics (4pl) and green logistics activities is low in the Nigerian industries. The study also revealed that respondents are more aware of technologies, cultural, political, global economic growth, and reductions of trade barriers as top factors that influence globalization in Nigeria. In addition, the decrease in transport process costs, encouraging customer service quality, and the increase in the wide network of resources are the top benefits of globalization in logistics management in Nigeria. Furthermore, access to new/effective information, efficiency in logistic chains transportation modes, and improvement in technology are the most important impacts of good logistics management in Nigeria. Lastly, cost effectiveness, advancements in technology, and quality operations are the most important factors to be considered for logistics management in Nigeria to take advantage of globalization. The research recommended that for globalization to benefit logistics management in Nigeria, efficient legislation and policies should be enacted to improve transport efficiency in order to reach new customers in new markets. Also, an increase in the economies of scale to reduce transport costs, would lead to a better sustainable growth of the Nigerian logistics industry.