Reverse Logistics Disposition Decision-Making Developing A Decision Framework Via Content Analysis

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to identify the critical components of the reverse logistics (RL) disposition decision-making process and suggest a decision framework that may guide future investigation and practice..Design/methodology/approach - The authors utilized a problem-driven content analysis methodology. RL literature from 2000 through 2010. was content analyzed to determine which components may impact a firm's RL disposition decision.Findings - The authors extrapolated seven RI. disposition decision components from a compilation of 60 variables identified. in the literature. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are offered, and a RL disposition decision-making framework is presented.Research limitations/implications - Although methodological techniques were carefully followed, the nature of a content analysis may be subject to author bias. Future investigation and use of the framework presented will verify the findings presented here.Practical implications - This study identifies seven components that should be considered when deciding Which RL disposition alternative should be adopted and integrates these components into a decision-making framework. Supply chain professionals who refer to this framework during the decision process will benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of potential RL disposition alternatives.Originality/value - Congruent with recent assertions suggesting that RL, research is evolving from an. operational-level focus to a holistic business process approach for maximizing value recovery, this study synthesizes operational-level research to develop a practical framework for RL disposition decision-making.