Modelling Structural Linkages Among Last Mile Logistics Barriers: Interpretive Structuring Modelling (ISM) Approach

The present study recognises and analyses the barriers hindering implementation of sustainable practices in last mile logistics (LML) using Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM). The review of literature and interviews with experts result in five barriers namely, user resistance, budgetary limitations, political and legal obstacles, infrastructure constraints and technical difficulties. The model reveals that user resistance serves as the primary driver among the barriers, followed by budgetary limitations and legal obstacles, which share equal significance. Infrastructure constraints came next in the hierarchy. Followed by ISM, the barriers were subjected to MICMAC analysis which classified them into linkage, autonomous, dependent and driver barriers. User resistance is the driver barrier whose presence leads to other barriers in the model, whereas, constraints due to infrastructure and technical difficulties are the dependent barriers. The result of the analysis from this study offers valuable guidance for industry stakeholders and policymakers alike, emphasizing the importance of strategic interventions aimed at overcoming these barriers.