Olympic Logistics Centers and their Adjustment to Specific Requirementsand Distribution Applications : Comparing the Olympic SummerGames 2000-2008

Sammanfattning: Problem: Since there is not much inside information available, the problem that will be handled by this thesis is the coordination of warehousing activities within the logistics centers put to use by the Olympic Summer Games from 2000 to 2008. A special attention is given to certain requirements such as layout, capacity management, ownership and distribution applications. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is based on warehouse requirementsand their specific adjustment to the Olympic Summer Games, further emphasizing on distribution applications influencing the capacityand ownership. Theory: The theoretical section touches upon event logistics, the Olympic Games and more importantly, logistics centers as a generic termfor distribution facilities and warehouses. Further, types of warehouses, capacity management, ownership and distribution applications are examined in order to be able to compare the various Games. Method: The method for this research is based on a case study conducted by semi-structured interviews with several people involved in the logistics organization of the Games. All interviews are conducted over the telephone and analyzed accordingly. However, secondary data was of high importance due to the limited number of interview respondents. Conclusion: All analyzed features of a warehouse facility had to be more efficiently and effectively performed in order to serve the great approach for the Olympic Summer Games. The implementation of distribution applications was not sophisticated enough to benefit capacity savings. The leased ownership situation and outsourcing to third party logistics providers were advantageous, but did not further influence the planning and utilization phase of the Olympic Games.