The Hierarchy of Motivations Turning Manufacturers’ Attention to Reverse Logistics

Abstract

The aim of this study is to outline the motivatingfactors hierarchically, which turn the manufacturingfirms’ attention to reverse logistics. Effective reverselogistics management provides many advantagessuch as reducing operational costs, increasingcustomer satisfaction, boosting brand value,and meeting the requirements of environmentalregulations. Since reverse logistics helps firmsto accomplish wide range of goals, this researchsearches for the fundamental motivation ofTurkish manufacturers to give emphasis on reverselogistics. To this end, this study examines thereverse logistics processes of the Turkish giantmanufacturing company, Vestel, for its electricelectronicproduct groups. The nominal grouptechnique is applied with the participation ofVestel managers, which provides the data onhow the goals aimed to accomplish via reverselogistics interrelate. Then, interpretative structuremodelling is used to establish the hierarchy ofreverse logistics motivation factors. This hierarchyshows the fundamental motivations through whichit is possible to accomplish many goals together.Hence, the results of this study give guidance toboth policy makers and managers in formulatingtheir product return policies and strategies.Keywords: reverse logistics, interpretativestructure modelling, recycling, waste management,product recovery management, closed-loop supplychain management.