Key Indicators of Physical Distribution of Goods: A Case Study of the Western Balkans

  • Radenko Milos Maric University of Novi Sad Faculty of Economics in Subotica
  • Dragan Đuranović University of Novi Sad Faculty of Economics in Subotica
  • Daniela Nuševa University of Novi Sad Faculty of Economics in Subotica
Keywords: road freight transport, distribution centers, physical distribution of goods, retail

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to improve the process of physical distribution of consumer goods in the Western Balkans region through defining and analyzing key indicators of physical distribution. Theoretical research identified the most important indicators that affect physical distribution, such as: transport costs, quality of delivery, condition of vehicles, customer relations, and institutional/regulatory factors. The empirical study was conducted on a sample of 166 respondents in the distribution centers and transport companies and 146 end customers. Multiple regression analysis defined the individual contribution of each of these indicators to the process of physical distribution of goods. A comparison of results between the Western Balkan countries that are EU member states and those that are non-EU countries showed statistically significant differences in the impact of these indicators. Based on the obtained results, a model of physical distribution of consumer goods was presented. The results show to managements of distribution centers and transport companies which indicators should be developed to ensure timely and complete delivery of goods according to the 7P concept and thereby create a base of satisfied and loyal end users of transport services. Recommendations for future research are provided in the paper.

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Radenko Milos Maric, University of Novi Sad Faculty of Economics in Subotica
Dr Radenko Milos Maric has specialized in logistics, supply chain and trade during his extensive career. He works as an Assistant Professor for the scientific field of logistics and trade at the Faculty of Economics in Subotica, University of Novi Sad. He authored over 70 scientific papers contributing to domestic and international literature in the field of Trade, Logistics, Business Logistics, Supply Chain, Management, etc.
Dragan Đuranović, University of Novi Sad Faculty of Economics in Subotica
Dr Dragan Đuranović has specialized in logistics and quality management. At the moment, He is working as an Assistant Professor and Chief Deputy of Department of Trade, Marketing and Logistics at Faculty of Economics in Subotica, University of Novi Sad.
Daniela Nuševa, University of Novi Sad Faculty of Economics in Subotica
Dr Daniela Nuševa has specialized in logistics and supply chain management. She works as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Trade, Marketing and Logistics at Faculty of Economics in Subotica, University of Novi Sad.

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Published
2018-06-28
How to Cite
1.
Maric RM, Đuranović D, Nuševa D. Key Indicators of Physical Distribution of Goods: A Case Study of the Western Balkans. Promet [Internet]. 2018Jun.28 [cited 2024Mar.29];30(3):311-22. Available from: http://traffic.fpz.hr/index.php/PROMTT/article/view/2483
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