A Study on the Factors Affecting E-logistics Systems in the Chinese Logistics Industry

With the rapid growth of e-logistics in the global logistics industry, it is important to gain further insight into this growing segment of Chinese logistics industry. The current situation in China consists of many small and medium-sized logistics firms. Furthermore, e-logistics is still relatively undeveloped in the majority of the Chinese logistics companies and presently there are still many problems unresolved. This paper attempted to review the concepts and theoretical background of e-logistics systems from previous studies. After acknowledging the essential issues related to e-logistics systems, a research model based on the theory acceptance model was designed and tested. The key factors to the e-logistics system (reliability, maintainability, software, facility and transportation) were validated through the modeling and testing process. Included in the modelling and testing process are other related factors of e-logistics process, logistics information system and added value as dependent variables in this model. The results of this study confirm that the e-logistics Process is affected by transportation, while maintainability and software factors influence logistics information system. reliability, maintainability, facility and transportation are significant factors associated with added value. This research aimed to provide theoretical and practical contribution to Chinese logistics companies and to give some insights into e-logistics system as a whole. The paper also provided some useful theoretical implication and practical guidelines for the development of e-logistics system in the chinese logistics industry.