Information and Communication Technologies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Turkey: Human Resource Practices and New Challenges

Introduction

Developments in information and communication technology are bringing businesses closer to digital transformation every day. Businesses that offer technology-based goods and services or that inevitably must adapt to technological developments in their processes closely follow the developments in this rapidly changing field and adapt more easily. On the other hand, although businesses think that they offer traditional goods and services to the market, they must follow and apply current developments in information and communication technologies to be faster, more flexible, and competitive in various business processes (Akca & Tepe Küçükoğlu, 2021). It does not seem possible to stay out of the reflections of globalization and the new management approach, which are effective all over the world (Alacadağlı, 2019). Today's developments have created the appropriate infrastructure and conditions for the digitalization of businesses. A digital business is defined as a business that directly or indirectly supports almost all its business relationships with its suppliers, customers, and all employees. Core business processes in these businesses are supported by digital networks (Laudon & Laudon, 2020). When the sources in the field of digital transformation are examined, it is said that it is a concept that has recently emerged with the concept of Industry 4.0. Digital transformation in businesses has started with the use of various digital technologies in business processes, that is, with the digitalization process (Klein, 2019). Digital transformation is defined by Liu et al. (2011) as an organizational transformation that occurs by integrating digital technologies into business processes. However, it is not just about enabling the business to use a specific set of new technologies, it is about the ability to react and successfully use new technologies and procedures now and in the future (Herbert, 2017). Digital transformation transforms all the processes of the business by influencing the organizational structure and even the organizational culture. In digital transformation, which is a destructive and complex process, businesses need a digital transformation strategy and roadmap that covers all areas to be transformed (Klein, 2020). At this point, it is necessary to clearly determine what kind of need the business is in, and to develop strategies accordingly, and to implement them by considering business capabilities and competencies.

Digital businesses stand out when compared to traditional businesses. These businesses can adapt quickly by following the changes in the environment more closely. Thus, they can continue their activities by providing flexibility in chaotic times (Laudon & Laudon, 2020). It is important for the continuity of the business to perceive digitalization as a transformation process that needs to be adapted, not as an external environment component that should be opposed or struggled. Digitalization trends, which started because of business, have become an important component in sectoral and global competition (Çetin Gürkan, 2019).

In this chapter it is aimed to mention about technologies used in logistics and supply chain industry. In addition to that, it is discussed about industry 4.0-5.0 and digital leadership and human resource management practices in Turkey. In this context, it is aimed that the study will contribute to the literature and shed light on future studies.