Comparative Analysis of Selected European Cities’s Potentials to Influence the Formulation and Implementation of Logistics Strategy
Purpose: The purpose of the article is a comparative analysis of the potentials of European Union (EU) capitals in the formulation and implementation of logistics strategies using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) multiple criteria decision making method. Approach/Methodology/Design: To compare the results obtained by capital cities in EU countries the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) method – AHP was used. The basis of empirical research are the indicators used by the European Commission in Eurostat, including survey data on Urban Audit. Findings: As a result, cities were ranked based on their potential to formulate and implemente logistics strategies. Eight groups of cities with similar results emerged in the ranking. Helsinki had the highest potential while the weakest one is Athens. Research shows that cities that belong to countries that are so-called EU "old members" have higher potential in formulating and implementing logistics strategies than cities that belong to the so-called groups of "new members" of the EU. The exceptions are Athens and Lisbon. Practical Implications: The AHP method presented can significantly help local governments to formulate a logistics strategy. This method makes it possible to carry out a comparative analysis of the potentials of cities that influence logistic strategic decisions. As a result, it is possible to determine the position of a given city in comparison to others and indicate in which areas or in relation to which criteria a given city is better and which is worse. In addition, this method can be used to set priorities for urban logistics projects planned to be implemented and what is important can be done in groups. Originality/Value: The paper develops a group of criteria, which assist in analyzing the potential of the city in terms of logistics strategy formulation and implementation and in studying the results obtained with the use of multiple criteria decision making method AHP.