Abstract

There are more problems in distributing agricultural and special products than industrial products because they have such restrictions as seasonal fluctuation in the quantity, indeterminate and diverse shapes, many farm households, a small amount of shipment, and mandatory guide and maintenance. However, with social atmosphere called well-being, there are increasing concerns about inorganic agricultural products and direct trade with farmers. It is therefore urgent to stabilize the price of agricultural and special products and to correctly grasp and improve logistics activities for those dealing with agricultural and special products in order to supply fresh ones. This study aimed at examining logistics activities and the information technology level for agricultural and special products, determining how these factors affect logistics performance, and eventually suggesting a scheme to improve the logistics achievements for agricultural and special products. For this purpose, it selected information technology and logistics activity levels as independent variables and logistics performance as a dependent variable. The information technology level was measured for utility, holding level, and concern, respectively, and the logistics activity level was tested for the level of using the logistics information system in those companies concerned. From the above-mentioned findings, it is urgent to enhance distribution technology and its level immediately since distribution of agricultural and special products is poor in Korea and good distribution can contribute to a reduction of logistics costs or improvement of customer service.