Twenty-first century reverse logistics

Thesis (M.Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2000.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-64).Despite a growing body of information about the importance of good logistics and supply chain management, there remains a dearth of research regarding consumer-to-business reverse logistics (the collection of processes required to move individual goods from individual end-consumers to the appropriate retailer, manufacturer, or third party). Indeed, there is not a comprehensive framework to assist enterprises in understanding, evaluating, creating, implementing, or changing a consumer-to-business reverse logistics policy of program. Given the growth of e-commerce and the Internet channel, where goods are often delivered to end-consumers in quantities of one and may likely be returned in quantities of one, this absence of a framework is peculiar. This thesis seeks to fill that gap by utilizing analysis of existing literature, as well as extrapolation of recent trends and developments in reverse logistics service offerings, technology, and last mile solutions. The results are that there is enough available information on the processes and issues surrounding consumer-to-business reverse logistics that a flexible and pragmatic framework can be proposed for use in the United States. This is accomplished by synthesizing results with original analysis, thought, and context. Though the framework cannot be considered comprehensive, it does provide an initial tool for critique and improvement.by Jonathan M. Fleck.M.Eng