To help advance the industry's understanding of "connective technologies"—RFID, wireless, bar codes, global positioning systems—and how they've affected logistics, the Council of Logistics Management recently issued a formal call for papers. Once it has reviewed the submissions, the group plans to publish the information in various venues, giving members an easy way to exchange ideas and information.

CLM is looking for submissions in three categories:

• Case studies one to five pages in length on a specific technology, spotlighting real-world examples of implementation. CLM requires authors to work with practitioners to document their experiences, lessons learned and benefits. The deadline for submission is Oct. 24.
• "Vision" white papers, five to 10 pages long, examining the future of a specific technology. The paper should discuss the possible or probable technology applications and the benefits to the logistics community over the next three to five years. The deadline is Nov. 21.
• Academic research papers, also due by Nov. 21, on the use of technology in logistics. CLM expects that academic papers will provide a more extensive look at logistics technology than other submissions. The papers, which must not have been submitted previously, will be evaluated through the peer review process of the Journal of Business Logistics editorial board.

The case studies and vision white papers will be reviewed by the Connective Technology Editorial Review Board. Those approved will be published on the members-only section of CLM's Web site. Academic research paper submissions and some of the other papers will be published in the journal.

To submit a paper, send a cover letter and submission(s) in MS Word on disk/CD and in a hard copy to: Connective Technology Call for Papers; Attn. Research Coordinator; Council of Logistics Management; 2805 Butterfield Road, Suite 200; Oak Brook, IL 60523-1170.

The call for papers is the start of what CLM intends to be a continuing process. To learn more about this project, please call Jessica D'Amico, research coordinator for CLM, at (630) 645-3460 or send e-mail to clmresearch@clm1.org.