Overview

This research aimed to quantify the economic benefits of affordable digitalisation for logistics SMEs. By addressing the slow digital adoption in this sector - caused by high upfront costs, limited technological awareness, and uncertainty regarding benefits - the thesis demonstrates that low-cost digital solutions can significantly improve operational decision-making and reduce costs, ultimately enhancing competitiveness.

Methodology

The study was executed in two stages. The first stage identifies and prioritizes digital solution areas relevant to UK logistics SMEs through comprehensive desk research and quantitative surveys. The second stage develops a novel analytical framework to quantify the ex-ante economic impact of the highest-priority digital solution. This approach combined cost modelling, queueing theory, and case study analysis to establish a clear link between improved operational performance and economic gains.

PhD Student

Jaime Eduardo Macias Aguayo

Supervisor

Prof. Duncan McFarlane

Sponsor

GS1