Overview of Distribution and Logistics Distribution and logistics management constitutes a major undertaking for any contemporary business organization. Very few aspects of business operations affect the organization the same way that logistics and distribution does. For instance, service level performance impacts on, among others, consumer satisfaction. On their part, the revenues generated by the firm are influenced by delivery expenses. It is also noted that income statements are affected by carrier costs and labor. In addition, funding of warehouse and rolling of stock impact on the firm’s balance sheet. Consequently, logistics and distribution influences the organizational performance of any enterprise. Chopra and Meindl (22) provide a working definition of the logistics concept. Chopra and Meindl refer to it as “the process of planning, executing, and controlling efficient and effective storage and flow of goods and services” p. 22). In addition, the process enhances the flow of related information from the point of origin to the consumption node. The aim of such a flow is to meet the requirements of customers and address prevailing trends in the market. With regards to Ocean Beauty Center, logistics and distribution is important as it determines the location and quality of services offered by the company. The management of this process (logistics and distribution) is aimed at ensuring that the organization provides high quality services. It is also expected that effective management will lead to the reduction of operational costs. In addition, logistics and distribution functions will facilitate flexibility in relation to the constant changes recorded in the market within which the organization is operating from. As already indicated in this paper, it is apparent that logistics and distribution affect many activities and procedures in organizations. The management at Ocean Beauty Center is aware of this fact. Ineffective and poor regulation of this process may lead to increased operational costs. It may also result in a decrease in the quality of services offered to customers. According to Christopher (44), the activities involved in logistics and distribution can be classified into two broad categories. The two include core and supporting activities. The former cluster of activities is evident in every aspect of the supply channel. Core activities include customer service, transportation, inventory management, and flow of information. Logistics supporting activities vary from one company to the other. They include handling of materials, warehousing, and purchasing. Consequently, logistics and distribution in Ocean Beauty Center is regarded as a continuation of the marketing process. The activities cannot be isolated from the core undertakings of the organization. They affect the whole process of marketing adopted in the firm. To this end, logistics will determine customer satisfaction, firm profits, and coordination of efforts. The figure below illustrates how flow of material is influenced by logistics: Figure 1: The link between logistics and flow of material. Source: Christopher (53). Channel Members for Ocean Beauty Center Services Logistics and distribution focuses on the network that brings together all participants and stakeholders involved in the supply chain. Such parties are