Resilienz der KEP-Logistik von internationalen Handelsunternehmen im E-Commerce-Bereich am Beispiel der dm drogerie markt GmbH

Abstract

In recent years, disruptive events such as the pandemic, natural disasters and geopolitical conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains. CEP logistics was particularly affected by the pandemic, which resulted in a huge increase in shipment volumes and longer delivery times. Consequently, this event led to a decline in service quality for international retail companies in e-commerce. This thesis therefore addresses the question of how international retail companies in the e-commerce sector can improve their resilience in CEP logistics, using dm as an example. To address this issue, this thesis draws on scientific sources and current studies, as well as an empirical survey in the form of five expert interviews. The bachelor's thesis is divided into five chapters. The introduction sets out the research question and the relevance of the topic and is followed by two chapters on the theoretical foundations. Chapter two deals with the core topic of supply chain resilience. It examines the definition of resilience, the phases of a resilient supply chain in the event of disruption, and proactive and reactive success factors and strategies that can significantly increase resilience. Chapter three examines the CEP logistics of international retail companies in the e-commerce sector. As well as defining CEP logistics and its delivery strategies, this chapter addresses current challenges, such as rising customer expectations and sustainability issues, and trends in CEP logistics that influence resilience, such as parcel stations. Chapter four explores strategies that international retail companies in the e-commerce sector can implement to enhance their resilience in CEP logistics, thereby improving customer satisfaction during disruptive events. This chapter also includes a case study from dm on the implementation of a multi-CEP strategy. This strategy is key to increasing resilience in the CEP logistics of international retail companies in the e-commerce sector. The results of the bachelor's thesis demonstrate that there is no single universal strategy for enhancing resilience; rather, a combination of proactive and reactive strategies is necessary to mitigate the impact of disruptive events. Proactive strategies, such as a multi-CEP strategy and AIsupported network planning, as well as reactive strategies, such as contingency plans and effective collaboration between international retailers and CEP service providers, can contribute to a holistic approach to improving resilience in the CEP logistics sector of international retailers in the e-commerce sector.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Patrick Aichinger (Supervisor)