Reverse Logistics Strategies and Their Effect on the Competitiveness of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Firms in South Africa

Mpho Sharon Makgedi Makaleng () and Progress Hove-Sibanda
Additional contact information
Mpho Sharon Makgedi Makaleng: Department of Logistics, Faculty of Business and Economic Science, South Campus, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa
Progress Hove-Sibanda: Department of Logistics, Faculty of Business and Economic Science, South Campus, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6019, South Africa

Logistics, 2022, vol. 6, issue 3, 1-26

Abstract: Background: The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector contributes significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of a country. This has therefore led to the growth in importance of reverse logistics (RL) since the FMCG sector cannot avoid RL. It is therefore important for the sector to implement RL strategies that can lead to firm competitiveness. Through the implementation of RL strategies, this sector will achieve many goals as well as lead to firm competitiveness. This study mainly sought to investigate RL strategies and their effect on firm competitiveness. Methods: A positivist research philosophy was employed. Data were collected through two close-ended questionnaires via SurveyMonkey from 418 FMCG retailers and consumers. This is because customers and employees are the greatest asset for any sector. Results: The descriptive results revealed the following RL strategies as the highly implemented ones among FMCG retailers: integration of forward logistics (FL) and RL, the implementation of new technology, the adherence to environmental policies and regulations, knowledge management, eco-compatibility and strategic alliances. The structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that RL strategies have a positive and significant influence on firm competitiveness. Conclusion: The results offer insight into the RL strategies that must be carried out to achieve firm competitiveness.

Keywords: reverse logistics (RL); fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG); retail sector; South Africa (SA); strategies; firm competitiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/6/3/56/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/6/3/56/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:6:y:2022:i:3:p:56-:d:881348

Access Statistics for this article

Logistics is currently edited by Ms. Mavis Li

More articles in Logistics from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().