Schulte, Tom (2019) Closing distribution centers: impact analysis based on economic characteristics. Bachelor thesis.
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Abstract
This thesis conduct information about dynamics of the logistics sector and the potential risks involved for a municipality when a distribution center is closing. This research consists of two parts: a quantitative part and a qualitative part. First of all, the literature review provides information about how diversity and specialization relate to economic growth and the absorption of economic shocks. Literature shows that a certain degree of diversity leads to economic growth and diversity inside a geographical unit is important to absorb economic shocks. Moreover, complementary industries inside a cluster is important for knowledge spillovers and growth. The characteristics of a logistics cluster are discussed, a logistics cluster is described as an example of a public-private partnership in which the success of the cluster depends on this partnership. The first part provides information on National scale. On the basis of secondary register data, the decline and growth of the logistics sector is made clear within municipalities in the Netherlands. Also, the diversity and specialization of municipalities are measured based on the location quotient (LQ) and the relative diversity index (RDI). The mean values calculated through these measurements, are compared between municipalities that decreased and municipalities that increased in logistics activity between 2012 and 2017. Furthermore, the average size and representation of the logistics sector are compared between the two groups of municipalities. A quantitative data analysis showed that the decreasing municipalities are relatively diverse, underrepresented in logistics activity and small in terms of the total amount of jobs within the municipality. The second part of this research consists of a single case study. The case study focuses on the municipality Haaksbergen where in 2020, a distribution center will close. With two in-depth interviews, possible risks must become clear. A qualitative data analysis made clear that the disappearance of employment and positive externalities can have an impact on the municipality. However, the diverse economy in the municipality Haaksbergen can limit the risks and provide possibilities.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Human Geography and Planning |
| Supervisor: | Daams, M.N. |
| Date Deposited: | 12 Jun 2020 08:05 |
| Last Modified: | 12 Jun 2020 08:05 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3200 |
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