Express transportation network needs managerial innovation
Research on Innovation of Express Network Management Network Optimization, Operation Mechanism and Mode Reform
Research on Innovation of Express Network Management Network Optimization, Operation Mechanism and Mode Reform, authored by Li Pengfei, a professor from Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, clarifies the innovative reform path of an “express network + management” model, charting a new direction for e-commerce logistics’ transformation and development.
Li analyzes structural models and traffic flow within the express network, and the distribution of express network infrastructures, by establishing the express network’s topological structures. He reviews domestic and international research findings on express network structures, from three dimensions: a fully-connected express network structure, a hub-and-spoke express network structure, and a hybrid express network structure. Through this lens, Li explores the development trends and research directions of express network structures. Regarding the complexity of express networks, an ant colony algorithm and a simulated annealing algorithm are introduced to construct the express network path’s optimization model based on an intelligent algorithm.
The author tries to construct the theoretical framework of express network operation mechanisms from six dimensions: a motivation mechanism, a transmission mechanism, a delivery mechanism, organization and management mechanisms, a promotion mechanism, and a guarantee mechanism. He suggests establishing an index system to evaluate the express delivery industry’s development level, which should take into consideration macroeconomic environments, the system investment, the development of the express delivery industry, and the degree of informatization. In addition, he extracts key influencing factors through factor analysis, and analyzes express networks’ operational efficiency and total factor productivity through a three-stage Development Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method, revealing dynamic developmental changes of express delivery networks.
The author works to locate factors affecting the reform of express network management modes and seeks reform avenues based on analysis of the mode’s status quo. He proposes working simultaneously in four directions, management mechanism reform, network system reform, transportation management reform, and service reform, after analyzing the content and methods of express network management innovation, infrastructure construction, technical operation costs, and talent training. He expounds on the innovative management philosophy of express delivery networks in regard to national environments and industrial situations, establishing a platform building management model which integrates the Internet of Things and big data, a management model of network data mining plus information resource optimization, and the ecological architecture of a network system framework plus customer focus.
Wang Nengmin is a professor from the School of Management at Xi’an Jiaotong University.
Edited by YANG LANLAN