The first essay, Chapter 2, describes and analyzes the key characteristics of
academic research within the realm of the field of reverse logistics. Because the field is
relatively young and the topic has relevance in several different fields, there has been
little academic research surrounding the topic. Most research is anecdotal or based on
specific case studies of firms. This varied list of disciplines and perspectives from which
reverse logistics research arises complicate the efforts of those seeking to develop a
comprehensive understanding of the subject.