Assessing the effects of logistics performance on export and competitiveness using SEM methodology: evidence from firm-level data
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 18 June 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to determine the importance of trade logistics in export intensification and competitiveness on the level of individual companies. Within the framework of logistics performance, the influences of customs efficiency and physical trade infrastructure quality were tested on export while the contribution to improving competitiveness was analyzed through logistics services and the Logistics 4.0 component. In addition, the influence of competitiveness on companies’ exports was examined.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted based on a survey intended for the management of export-oriented companies which was distributed through the system of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia. A total of 298 responses were collected and provided the basis for the application of structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.
Findings
The physical trade infrastructure was found to be a significant factor in stimulating exports, while the quality of logistics services has a statistically significant impact on the level of competitiveness. The results also indicate that improving the competitiveness of companies gives positive results in stimulating their exports.
Originality/value
Studies that analyze the impact of trade logistics using primary data from surveys are rare. In this paper, for the first time, the SEM methodology was applied in the assessment of logistics performance effects on export and competitiveness of individual companies. Also, the impact of the logistics 4.0 concept on selected companies’ performance was empirically tested for the first time.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia for the great cooperation and help in the companies’ selection and questionnaire distribution.
Citation
Bugarčić, F.Ž., Stanišić, N. and Marinković, V. (2024), "Assessing the effects of logistics performance on export and competitiveness using SEM methodology: evidence from firm-level data", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-07-2023-0289
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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