An Evaluation of Drone Technology Adoption For Last Mile Logistics

With the increase in ecommerce and on-demand deliveries there has been a surge in demand for last-mile logistics. Last-mile logistics refers to the final stage in the delivery process where goods are transported from a distribution centre to their destination, typically a customer’s residence or business (Lemardelé et al., 2021)

Last Mile logistics has become increasingly complex due to a number of forces. Customers have varied delivery needs in terms of quantity and volume, and fulfilling their orders often require other specialised transportation conditions such as refrigeration. Congestion in urban environments poses considerable challenges to efficient routing, whilst customers’ expectations have increased.  There is also the challenge of remote locations and deliveries to rural areas or hard-to-reach places. This potentially adds distance and requiring specialised vehicles or strategies, which add to logistics costs (Aurambout et al., 2019).

Drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have the potential to revolutionise last-mile logistics. At present this technology is at its infancy but demonstrates potential in terms of speed, cost, accessibility, and sustainability (Garg et al., 2023).

Drone technology offers solutions to aid last mile efficiency, optimisation, and to alleviate a number of problems associated with the use of other more traditional transport modes. Efficient last-mile logistics relies on seamless integration between different software systems for warehousing, routing, tracking, and CRM.

However, there are challenges such as regulation, the willingness of supply chain actors to adopt the technology, as well as social acceptance (Jazairy, et al. 2024). Further research is required to evaluate the adoption of drone technology in last-mile logistics. There are potential various theoretical frameworks which the research could build upon. Potential approaches could include using technology adoption models such as: Technology Organisation and Environment, UTAUT (Ali et al., 2021) or Socio-technical Theories to assess key actors’ perceptions and requirements to adopt such innovative technologies. 

We welcome research proposal, with a clear aim and a critical literature review, to address the challenges on drone technology adoption and the potential ways of tackling them.

Academic Qualifications:

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in logistics and supply chain management, management, industrial engineering or related discipline with a good fundamental knowledge of technology and innovation.

 

English Language Requirement:

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each of the four components), other equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential Attributes:

·        Experience of fundamental research skills development

·        Competent in discipline-specific conceptual knowledge

·        Knowledge of logistics or technology innovation

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable Attributes:

Creativity and versatility

Personal Effectiveness

Knowledge of statistic applications (SPSS, Stata, R or Python)

Knowledge of qualitative analysis

Indicative interview date: Early December or potentially earlier for early applicants.